Another one????

Okay, reaching out in a fibromyalgia related question - anyone else with fibro get rashes out of the blue? Chest,neck, a few on the face and back. Not the sensitivity to temperature rash. It's like pimples but just red and itchy. It's similar to a rash from say a detergent allergy. I changed detergents, cut out caffeine, and cinnamon (tested allergic to those years ago). Even hair products! It seems like it is going away and then it flares up again with a vengeance. Any anecdotes? Tried polysporin for rash itch but doesn't relieve it for long.

Christmas is almost here again! I love this season! It's not always great for people that are feeling depressed or have depression or a sickness or disease. The added stress can take out even the most physically and mentally healthy people.  So do what ya gotta do to minimize or eliminate the stress.

We all feel some kind of obligation or pressure to spend, give, dress up, shop, entertain, attend events. But you have a choice to let those pressures consume you or to let your mind rest in peace and your body to rest in health. It reminds me of the verse that says God has put before us life and death, blessings and curses. He urges us to choose life!

Make Christmas enjoyable! A few tips to remember when you are making mindful decisions about where to spend your time, money, physical, mental and emotional energy:
1) make a list, or 2, or 3. What you will buy, who you will buy for, where you will go, where you will not go. 
You can say NO! Even if you can do something, doesn't mean you should.  
2) every morning ask God for strength for the day.  He has healed you already!  In the mean time, while your body is being restored (be patient),  pick and choose the important things and people to spend your time and energy on.
3) set a budget. If you can't or don't want to spend money on gifts and entertaining, or you don't have the energy to face the shopping crowd and host a party, make gifts for those that will appreciate them.  (you can find all kinds of ideas if you google it!) and invite friends over 1 at a time for coffee and quality 1 on 1 time. 
4) do something for someone else. Doesn't have to be money! You can decide to find something to compliment in everyone you meet in a day. You bless them and your are blessed in the giving.

So give yourself a break. We are often our worst critics and judges. 

And thank you for being patient while my thoughts run willy-nilly across the page.  

One of my favorite bed time verses is "I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you, Lord alone make me dwell in confident safety and trust".

I bid you all a good night and a very merry christmas.

Just when you think you know it all...

As I'm trying to watch my daughter play baseball I feel a dizzy sensation. Not the first time - I've felt it frequently in spring or fall when watching outdoor events and there is a cool or cold breeZe on my face.

Finally it clicks - I do have a skin reaction of welts and itching when my skin is exposed to cooler air. This can happen inside as well as outdoors. But I did not consider the dizziness was a symptom so I looked it up. Yup, it's
another.

I've also been experiencing severely dry mouth which I had not previously. Guess what? Yup that's a symptom too.

So although I stand in faith on the promise of healing, I am momentarily feeling like a victim: like what next; not more symptoms!

But then I remember the bazillion things I have to be thankful for and I am no longer brought low. I know I can persevere. I have the God given grace to do it. I choose not to be a victim. I choose to reach out and help someone else.

It always works. When you think you can't bear another symptom, reach out and help someone else. It doesn't have to be physical help. It can be a phone call, an email, a listening ear. It may not make the pain or symptom go away, but it will release good chemicals in your mind and body that will help and it will get your mind off of the symptoms.

Teenage Depression

Not a lot of people know this statistic - 30% of teenagers suffer from teenage depression! Seems hard to believe. The problem is most parents don't think it's possible for their seemingly normal teen to suffer from depression.

We're not talking moody or depressed over some things that are going on. Or the ups and downs of relationships and hormones. Those things are a part of life. If those things send your child into a downward spiral most often you will recognize it. I mean depression - the kind that your child may not be able to explain. There is no particular reason for it. There are things going on in their minds that don't make sense or make them think or feel like they are going "crazy".

And sometimes the teen does ask for help or mentions things they feel but as parents often do, we tell them it's just a phase, no big deal, it'll pass, there's nothing wrong.

You know how they find out it is a big deal? They end up in the hospital because their teen has been cutting, or worse, they've attempted suicide and failed or succeeded.

I'm not trying to scare anyone. I just want to make parents and teens aware of this fact. So parents while you're talking to your child ask straight forward questions. Ask them if they've ever had thoughts of suicide or tried to commit suicide. Or if they have intentionally hurt themselves. Thoughts of suicide include things like feeling or thinking they are worthless or a waste of space; feeling like the world would be a better place without them. Don't be afraid to ask and don't be afraid of their answers. Depression does not have to be a death sentence. There is a way out.

And kids, if you reach out to someone and they don't take you seriously or they brush it off, reach out to someone else. Teachers, principals, pastors, doctors, your friend's parents, the suicide hotline - these are all possible avenues to get help. Don't give up. Talk about it. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed. You are loved and wanted. Someone wants to help you. And God loves you no matter what. There is nothing you can do or say or think that would make Him stop loving you.

Some people try to cope by drinking or smoking or doing drugs. You don't have to do that either. It is possible to cope and move through this without those things.

So let's not make this subject off limits. Ignorance is not always bliss. Sometimes it can be deadly.