My Story: A Beautiful Journey with {Chronic Disease}

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I've been blogging for over 2 years and what a 

huge blessing it has been for me! 

If you've ever clicked the "About" tab at the top of the page, you may have read the little blurb I tacked on the end mentioning 

that I've had some health issues, and that this blog was created to give me motivation to keep doing what I love.

That is really all I've ever said about it, until now.

There is comfort in numbers and community and I have found

 the blog community to be one of tremendous

 encouragement and support.

I've watched other bloggers put their stories out there and share their deepest struggles, health issues they have or that their family members have.

I also know that prayer is a powerful thing,

so I am sharing today.

The photo above is not of me, but it could be.

Living with chronic pain is of course, painful.

Many days there are tears. I usually save them for when I can be alone

and no one will see or hear, which is most often in the shower.

But there are more days with smiles!

I am alive, by the grace of God and can still enjoy lots of things.

I laugh, I sing, and sometimes dance {gasp}.

I, of course like to create, decorate, cook and make our house 

a home for my hubby and our 2 teenagers.

I've been battling this autoimmune disease 

called Rheumatoid Arthritis for 9 years now. 

This thing called RA has changed my life.

How has IT changed my life? Let me count the ways:

*I never know what a day will have in store. *

Will I be sore and if so, how sore? Will I be able to keep the plans

 I made for the day? Will I be stuck at home?

I used to be a big planner. I still make plans, but I have come to understand that my written plans may not "come to be" 

on that given day.

 I don't think I was ever a "control freak",

but now I certainly don't stress over things not getting done

 like I used to.

"Oh look, there's a dust bunny under the table"...

I'll think to myself.

Yes, I still see all kinds of things, I just don't always have the energy to do anything about it.

It's a little freeing! 

*I have so much to be thankful for* 

Keeping my mind in a place of gratefulness is so much healthier,

especially on those hard days.

I have found new joys, too. 

I've become a bird watcher in my old age.

Laughter is good medicine, so I'm always looking

 for funny videos on YouTube or Vine.

Music has always touched my soul.

 I play music a lot during the day.

It just makes me happy!

Food, glorious food has grown into a real passion too.

Oh, I'm thankful for yummy food!

*I have kept an open mind about medical treatments*

For 42 years I was rarely sick. I was a Kindergarten teacher for 11 years, and didn't use many sick days. 

So when I began having symptoms that I couldn't ignore, 

I did exactly what the doctors told me.

My body and liver didn't like the medicines I was offered,

so I had to look for alternative treatments. 

I'm pleased with my healing progress.

Managing all my supplements, etc. is a part-time job in itself.

*I understand what physical pain is*

Since I was rarely sick, I'm embarrassed to admit that

 I never had much patience for

people who complained about being in pain. 

How bad could it be, is what I would think. 

Now I know! It can be bad!

 If you suffer with pain, I understand. 

I'd love to hear your story too.

*I believe suffering is never wasted*

Through all the pain, and I have a lot of days where I barely feel any pain at all (those are the days I have to celebrate because you never know how many you'll get in a row)

I know that God is still using me some way, some how.

My kids were 6 and 7 when this disease hit me. They barely remember me before, when I had energy that never died. (And yes, I was THAT Mom who stayed up till the wee hours sewing an Easter dress or Halloween costumes for my kids)

My kids have watched me go from being strong and healthy to having to help me get up out of a chair. 

Some days, they see me struggling to walk around.

My husband has had to step in many times to make/pick up dinner, or make an unexpected run to the store, 

because I couldn't make it happen that day.

My family has had to pick up the pieces. I trust that ALL of those hardships on them will make them better people,

 more compassionate toward others, a better friend,

and maybe less selfish. I am so thankful for them!

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*Hope is a beautiful thing*

Over this 9 year journey, I have seen improvements. 

I've seen swollen joints

go back to normal and be nearly painfree.

I hang on to hope. I look back to remember how bad things have been and how I've seen them get better. 

I've seen the flare ups grow further apart.

When I'm tempted to be discouraged, 

I remind myself of the UPs on this long journey.

I remember the recent days of being able to hop out of a chair, without thinking about my knee, or wearing a little heel without hurting. I remember and I hope.

*I trust God with my life*

Because I am a Christ follower, I know how much Jesus loves me.

He died for me, so that I could spend eternity with Him...

so He thinks I'm pretty special.

(FYI, He feels the same about you too!)

Why wouldn't I trust Him with my life,

 if He cares about me that much?

In this world, we were never promised it would be

 all roses and rainbows.

There will be trials, and battling chronic disease and pain definitely qualifies.

I don't know if I will be physically healed on this side of heaven, 

but that's what I'm asking for.

I pray for healing! And I believe God hears my prayers.

I also believe His Word,...

 "He is able to do immeasurably more than I could ever

 ask or imagine."

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If you live with pain, I'm reaching out to you. You are not alone!

I understand your daily struggles and I will pray for you.

Thank you for reading my story.

You, my faithful readers and friends have been such an encouragement to me. THANK YOU for being here!

Your kind comments keep me motivated

 to continue to create and share.

You are a blessing to me!

xoxo