|
Joyce Dalton:
I have had Lupus since I was 33 years old. I am 61 now. I have had a rough time with this horrible
disease. But, in so many ways it has helped me be an example of faith to others. I accept that this sickness is
in me but it is not me. I am God's child and I am a glorious being.
..................................................
Netagene: Greetings! I am 61. I am considered handicapped, but I consider
what I have to be more of an inconvenience, where I have had to learn to compensate. Driving to work, December, 1998, my left
eye suddenly went dark; October, 2003, my right eye messed up - retinas detached. Total of 15 operations, with my right eye
now having a good bit of usable vision. I am one of the lucky 90% of legally blind who has some usable vision. . My favorite
chapter in the Bible is Romans 12. A couple of other verses come to mind though when I'm down. David did not say "I
stop and spend time alone in the valley". He said, "I walk though the valley. fearing nothing, because God is with
me!" - to paraphrase part of Psalm 23. "Because Jesus lives, I CAN face anything!"
..................................................
Laurieann
(La for short) Reagan. After 3 surgeries, intense chemo, 6 wks of daily
radiation & ongoing daily medicine to slow the spread - i am still living with stage IIIa breast cancer. But, i
also still find many reasons to smile each day and maintain an "attitude of gratitude"! In fact, even though i
feel i've led a pretty full life, it seems the Lord has more work for me to do! i'm also struggling with osteo &
rheum. arthritis, & fibromyalgia - all of which have been made much worse due to chemo & daily meds i am taking.
..................................................
|
| Kathy, daughter Becky, & "Yonder" |
Kathy
M.: I have Severe, lifelong scoliosis with degenerative disk disease
(none left!), arthritis, fibromyalgia and more. I am 53 y/old, with one adult daughter (Becky) who lives nearby in another
town-she is the best daughter anyone could ask for! She shares many of the diseases I have, and at age 28, does well
with dealing with it all. I have used a service dog for about 10 years; he recently passed away from cancer, but
my new dog, "Yonder," arrived (see picture). I can still walk, but use a power wheelchair, too.
I am slowly losing the ability to walk; my overstretched nerves are not talking with my muscles much anymore, so it
is hard to keep moving. I recently began to have lots of nerve pain and the neurologist says it will only get worse
and can not get better. I will likely need to move to a nursing home sooner rather than later.
..............................................
Leslie (Watson) Flad. I was diagnosed in April of 1992 with Hodgkins Disease, I was 29. I have a very rare disease called Celiac Sprue.
It's an intolerance to gluten (which is in wheat, rye, barley and so much more). My God has blessed me with two awesome
children, a wonderful husband and parents who showed me true sacrifice. I have been blessed to help other women who have been
diagnosed with diseases, and been able to pray for them and lend help in times of trial.
..............................................
Yanni:
I am 46. In 2002 I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an invisible chronic illness.
..............................................
Susan: As we say in the healthcare
field...I am 6 months status post major trauma. Husband of 16 years up and left suddenly. God is taking good care
of me. This is a busy and stressful season of life; I know it will pass. Missed out on a whole lot of mothering because my Mom had early Alzheimer's. I search for mothering
where I can find good sources (usually my sisters in Christ). Migraines, arthritis, history of neck injuries,
just plain pain and fatigue all over sometimes that keeps me from participating fully in all the things I'd like to do.
History of multiple miscarriages and no successful pregnancies and then total infertility. Endometriosis, hysterectomy
in early 30's and resulting sudden menopause. So from that there are all those milestones that remind you your not
a mother and won't be a grandmother. Ever. Hypothyroid - that's pretty common and I take thyroid replacement.
And then my husband suddenly left after 16 years. He did take the usual vows, but apparently changed his mind.
It was not according to God's pattern, and now we're both not eligible to ever marry in the future. Wow
this sounds like I'm really complaining and I hate that. God bless y'all!
.................................................
Sonja: My cartilage seems to be cracking/disintegrating in every
joint - cervical and lumbar spine, one hip, both knees, ankles, feet, etc. - and I have arthritis, chronic tendonitis, and
chronic bursitis in several spots, neuroma in one foot, and some other weird auto-immune conditions - but no difinitive diagnosis
and no magic cure. I finally begged my neurosurgeon to order MRIs to prove what I knew (what I could plainly FEEL) was happening
with the catilage/soft tissue, and the photos proved that I was right on every count. Thank God for Christian friends, especially my WOMEN friends, who have helped me with prayers, cards, phone
calls, meals, cookies!, rides, visits, overnight stays, and even by loaning out their teenage boys to carry stuff in and out.
It's not as if they have no problems of their own - many have less money, unbelieving or nominal husbands, problems with
kids, difficulties at work, sick parents, and don't feel any too great themselves, but they carry my burdens along with
their own. I am not alone.
..................................................
Donna
Allen: I was diagnosed with diabetes in June of 1970, two weeks before my 16th birthday. I fell in love
with a schoolmate in high school and a year after we graduated, we were married. We were overjoyed to have a son within a
year of our marriage and his father was very devoted to him. Then life began its twists and turns....Joe was accidentally
killed right in front of me when our son was only 10 wks old! To survive and take care of our son, I had to move in with my
mother and stepfather for a while. ~ When I finally went back to work, I now know the Lord answered my prayers and I
met my husband of 30 yrs, Sam. In getting to know each other, we found out we were BOTH diabetics! We had a daughter 10 months
after we married...a beautiful little baby girl...who only lived two days. This was 1977 and the use of steroids to help babies'
lungs develop quickly at the 8th month wasn't heard of then. Sam began to have health problems due to his diabetes
within two years after we married. He didn't really take his condition seriously enough until he woke up blind in his
right eye one morning. Thru prayer and God's mercy, the 15 laser treatments he had on both eyes kept him from being blind.
Once we were thru that trauma, we had a few good years, but he never had the stamina that a young man his age should. Then,
in 1993, he went into kidney failure and had to be on dialysis for 6 months. He didn't handle that well at all and his
brother, John, donated one of his kidneys in May, 1994. I have had most of my large intestine removed due to colon polyps
and have to go for checkups every six months. Sam is now on disability for his vision due to scar tissue forming from the
laser treatments many years ago. He had triple bypass heart surgery in 1998. He has broken all the bones in both feet,
yet still has his feet. We are blessed in so many ways that anyone with good health would never begin to understand. Lately,
I have developed celiac sprue and diabetic gastric paresis (stomach paralysis) Your vagus doesn't push food thru your
stomach in a timely manner, it either dumps it thru whole or lets it just sit there. ~ Currently we are living in Rapid
City, SD in an absolutely gorgeous setting in the Black Hills which would be just close to perfect if our son and his family
lived a little closer. Our son, Matt Allen, is the minister at Brownsburg church of Christ in Indiana and we are blessed with
a wonderful daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, Emilea and Zack. We have had many valleys to cross but many magnificent
views from the mountain tops we have crossed.
..................................................
Kimberly: I am 41 yrs.old. I am a "two time" cancer survivior. In 1989, I was diagnosed with advanced
Hodgkin's lymphoma. I was treated aggressively with chemo and radiation for 14 months and am still in remission. In
2004, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, caused by the radiation I received in '89. I had a double mastectomy last July
15th. "I cried out to the Lord and He healed me...The Lord has turned my mourning into dancing and clothed me with gladness!(Ps.30)
"Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed
Thy Hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me." (hymn)
..............................................
|
| Alma |
Alma Norman.
I'm 59 years old. My husband and I, our two sons, their wives and our five grandchildre are all members of the Water Valley
Church of Christ. For a number of years I've taught bible classes for children of all ages and have spoken for ladies
day functions. ~ I've endured chronic leg and back pain since my pregnancy with my now 31 year old son. Being my second
pregnancy, I knew something wasn't right from almost the very beginning. I had pressure and pain very low in my abdomen,
pressure in my pelvis and on my kidneys. Sometimes the stabbing nerve pains were almost unbearable in my pelvis which radiated
down my leg. My doctor had no explanations for my discomfort and this was during times when no tests were available to know
about the position of the baby, etc. I'm sure that he was resting on my pelvic nerve, which has caused me to still have
some nerve damage to this day. Also this baby rearranged my ovaries pushing them to the end of my tailbone where they were
found after having a complicated exploratory hysterectomy. ~ My uterus had fallen and was resting on my bladder after giving
birth to a 9 lb and a 8 lb 7 oz baby making me feel like I was carrying twins when I wasn't even pregnant. After 30 plus
years as my leg and back pain continue, along with having lots of tests and various treatments, bulging disks and one ruptured,
I had my first back surgery on Sept 2004, a spinal fusion. Sometimes my leg pain is some better; but, still have to deal daily
with the metal bars, screws and sometimes greater back pain than I had before my surgery. ~ Over the last 4 or 5 years, I
became acquainted with computers and have loved meeting and encouraging other Christians online. I now have my on Christian
group for women and have written numerous poems and devotionals. I hope to someday have them published. Studying the bible
and sharing his word with others has brought me much pleasure even during some of my most trying times.
..................................................
JENNIFER: I was in a car accident over 14 years that resulted
in severe neck trauma. We later found that I also had FMS [fibromyalgia syndrome], which made healing almost impossible. I
have had pain every day since then, and it is so difficult to know where to turn when most don't understand at all. Recently,
I have experienced things from the caregiver's perspective, as I watched my once healthy husband gradually get sicker
and sicker... he has now been paralyzed for 4 months from some unknown infection. The doctors call it ideopathic transverse
myelitis... but they have no treatment and no encouragement to offer. We only are getting through because of the grace given
to us from our heavenly Father. ..................................................
Debbie: I too have lost children. One as a toddler and the last one was 25. Since
I was very young when the first one died, I knew there would be more babies and there were. Being older this last time
was very hard on me, my husband and daughter. Her first words to me were "I don't want to be an only child."
In a few days it will be a year since our loss and I am still praying for strength to help my daughter and husband.
I too suffer with a disease, MS. Through the last few months everyone has been so kind and patient, but the best part
is that my health has been the best it has been in the last five years. God truly takes care of his children, we just
have to let go. My only job from now on is working to reunite with my sons and God. The day we buried our first
son, we found out we were having the one who died at 25. Both were lost as the result of an accident, so there is not
time to prepare and pray for the strength you need. ..................................................
Pauline Torrence: I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in February of
2002. Since that time, I have acquired Osteoarthritis, Asthma, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Chronic Pain Syndrome, and Disk Disease.
I am blessed with a family of my own. I have four sons(one who is married)and their ages are 30, 27, 24, and 20. They have
been extremely supportive of my illness. My illness has humbled me in so many ways that I've learned to look upon
it as a blessing because I lean upon the strength of our Lord more than ever. I want to uplift others while being encouraged
and uplifted as well.
..................................................
Robin Huggard: Disabled from car accident, shattered both legs, 2 and half years in wheelchair, many,
many operations, and some complications. After finally being up for 13 months, back on crutches from another opperation. Information:
Two grown kids, going on 5 grandchild in June. Very very abusive marriage, but divorced after many years and years of pain.Trying
to start business from home on computer, very excited, but also scared to death at all the new things, but know the only reason
am alive today is the grace of God, and know in my heart He will see to it I will be just fine. Have had hard life, and made
very bad mistakes, but with the love of kids who not only took care of me when crashed, but always stood by me, and the love
of grandkids, and most of all love of God I will always be the richest person alive. ..................................................
May G.: I'm taking alternative medications for PMS & 'short-circuit' in the brain
which can be the cause of all kinds of mental conditions. Information: My PMS is past history, as I had the H surgery
around 50 but stayed on the natural hormonal therapy. My 3 children were born from Walterboro, S.C. to Cincinatti,
Ohio to Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. We lived 7 years in El Centro, CA before moving to the N.W. in '90. In
all these places (plus Utica, OH & Corpus Christi, TX) we met women of God with chronic illnesses who, after striving
with the 'whys', took their life-style in stride & good humor and were in fact a blessing to me, then, and to
this day in remembering them. I already love those of you who are sharing and caring. ..................................................
Linda Sherman: Illness: fibromyalgia,sleep apnea, neuropathy, etc. My childhood
had been abusive and so was my marriage at the time. I became a Christian when I was thirteen but left the Church three
years later. I started growing spiritually when I met the Christians in South Carolina. I often look back and
thank my Lord and Savior for my Brothers and Sisters at Woodland Church of Christ. It was there that I learned I could
find strength in God's Word. Strength to overcome past abuse; strength to deal with the abusive marriage.
Since then, I have divorced my first husband for adultery. I have married a Christian man who has helped me raise my
two children from my previous marriage. They are both Christians. My husband and I have been happily married 11
years. ..................................................
Rose Lyles:
I'm 55 years old and a retired school teacher. I teach part time now. I've been married for 34 years, and we have
one child and one grandchild (6 months old)--the light of our eyes. I've been a member of the church of Christ for 40
years. My husband is a deacon in the Baptist Church. We've been through some hard times with our religious differences,
but we have survived and I remain a faithful Christian. My husband is one of the finest men you will ever meet, but has little
tolerance for my religion. But, thanks to my church family I persevere. Our daughter is also a member of the church of Christ,
and for that I count my blessings. She could have gone either way. I am so excited about this newsletter. Thanks for the good
work. --Houston, MS ..................................................
Regina: Hello! A
very dear sister in Christ gave me this website address as a source of encouragment and I am looking forward to getting to
know everyone. My story is a long one. At 17 years old (junior in high school) my doctor discovered that I had
a very rare tumor that originated in the appendix and cancer cells had begun to migrate to the lower colon. Three years
later I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, an autoimmune disease that attacks the digestive system. It causes me
to be hospitalized about once a year with less serious flares throughout the rest of the year. About three years ago
I began having neurological symptoms. I was originally diagnosed with CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy).
However, in December of 2006 lesions showed up on my MRI. Diagnosis has moved towards MS.
I married
my high school sweetheart. We had been good friends before my cancer diagnosis. When I was released from the hospital
after my first surgery we began dating, and he has never left my side. I don't know where I would be without him.
He steps in and takes care of me and the household when I can't. We have two beautiful girls. One is
a freshman in college. The other is a freshman in high school. They are both faithful Christians.
I
am 38 years old and have struggled with illness my entire adult life. Not only have I dealt with the "but you look
so good" comments but also the "but you are so young." I am looking forward to getting to know other
Christians who have similar struggles. I know I will receive a tremendous amount of encouragment from your examples.
..................................................
Evelyn Breland:
I live in Universal City, TX and attend the Cresway Church of
Christ (San Antonio). Starting a year ago I have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, IBS, fibromyalgia,
asthma, heart disease and sleep apnea. Talk about silent diseases! And now the doctors think my UC is going into
Crohn's. Before I got sick I had potlucks, bible studies, singings and barbecues at my house at least once a month, how
I pray I could get back to that! I have been a member of the Lord's church for 30 years thanks to my wonderful husband
and his family. I know the Lord will take care of me if I am faithful, and I know He never gives us more than we can
handle, but some days I feel like my cup is REALLY overflowing! Sometimes my biggest problems are in dealing with brothers
and sisters who do not understand why I miss services. They don't seem to understand how much I truly want to be
there and how alone I feel because I'm not there! I am currently going through a period in which I have missed services
for the last 4 weeks. (I finally feel well enough to attend tomorrow!) I found your site through BOL and feel strengthened
already!! Thank you for your encouragement!
 Evelyn
and family
From left to right - My husband, David, our daughter Erica, our daughter-in-law Missy, our
grandson Dylan, our son Chris, and me, the munchkin!
..................................................
Moon: Hi.
My name is Moon. I just want you to know that my husband and I have a severely autistic daughter. She is
now 28 years old and lives at home with us. She is also on an additive free diet, so most things must be made from scratch.
I know how challenging this job can be, and how it changes everything you do, and your entire life. If I can be
of any help to anyone, please let me know.
..................................................
SHARON: I'm originally from Tennessee, lived in NC
for three years and now in SC. My husband is not a Christian. We have three children. Two in college and one who is in LA,
an engineer for Lockheed Martin.
..................................................
Amee Eastman: Hi! I just wanted to
say "Thank Y'all" for having this website! I found out about this website from our preacher, Kent Heaton. I'm
soooo glad he gave it to me. I have shared it with other family and friends. I look forward to seeing it in my inbox!!
I attend the Trenton church of Christ in Trenton, Florida.
I have Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. So
almost every day is some kind of struggle, but it's amazing what you can do with God's strength!!
Thank
y'all again for taking time to do this!!!
In Christian Love,
Amee Eastman
 |
Lesley:
Hello! My name is Lesley. I'm 35 and I currently live in Ogden, Utah with my husband, Stephen
and my son, Brian. I have had CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy), a cousin to MS since 1999.
I spent about 2 years as a quadriplegic and then the subsequent years slowly recovering function. I agree with all of
you who subscribe to the Pollyanna philosophy of life. I find it amazing how a chronic and debilitating illness can
illuminate what is truly important in life.
..............................................
|
| Deb (middle) & family |
Deb Griffin:
Hi, I'm 50 and my husband, Joe, has been preaching for 31 years! We have 2 son's Gregg 29 with wife
Jenny 27 & Kaylie 8 months, Chuck 27 with wife Holly 24 & Presley 7 months! I've had 4 back surgeries so
I do so much of my personal work online. Working with people has been one of my greatest loves in this life! God
has blessed me with many abilities and I work hard to keep those abilities in His Kingdom. There is nothing more important
to me than the spiritual well being of our family and all those we come in contact with.
..................................................
Judy Williams: My name is Judy and we live in IA - moved here from CA. We attend
the Church of Christ in Des Moines and have for 13 years. I teach in the Bible Lab--students from reading age until they outgrow
us. I am disabled with very painful Peripheral Neuropathy--not the crippling kind. I am numb from my knees down
and my hands. I am going through Chemo to see if it will kill the inflammation and help with the pain. I have had this
for seven years now. My husband, Don, preaches every chance he gets. He is a wonderful husband and father. We have two
daughters, Shawna and Sheri, both not married, and a son, Shane. Shane and his wife have our two grandchildren. Shane
is the preacher for the church of Christ in Ilbourne, MO.
..................................................
Carolyn Sammons:
I have been a faithful Christian for about 20 years, but was baptized when I was 8 years old. My husband and I are now meeting
with the Covington church of Christ. Striving each day to do God's will.
..................................................
Margaret: I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June. I have had a
lumpectomy and have had my first chemotherapy. The next one is Aug. 21. I just want to be free of cancer.
..................................................
Arlena Gay: I became a Christian about 2 years ago. I've been in church my whole life just not the right one. Now I
can proudly say I've seen the light, which is GOD'S word. I'm married now for a little over 25 years, we have
3 sons and I am 44 yrs. old and feel like I am trapped in a 100 yr old body that is nothing but pain 24 hrs
a day. I go to pain groups monthly which helps because it lets me know that I'm not the only one in pain. There
are so many of us that look great on the outside and are judged by people that way. I always say, if only you knew the
pain I suffer through. But I keep going no matter how bad the pain is. I have had 2 lower back surgeries with
fusions, 3 neck surgeries with fusions and both hands have had bone removed from them, and that's just the beginning. I
have had problems in my stomach which still continue. I live with severe headaches and my body is so filled with pain I
just wonder what's gonna be next. But I pray and cry and pray and cry because that's about all I can do.
I'm on so many different medicines, which includes antidepressives and still the pain exist. My neck and back pain will
never get better so I just take it one second at a time. Our church is in Trenton, FL which, of course, is the church
of Christ. I will end for now. Each and everyone of you will be in my daily prayers and may God bless you and help you
with your pain. God bless, Arlena Gay ..................................................
|
| Pat, Ron, E.Y., Doris (seated on left) with Mother (Vesta) |
Doris Welsh Fry: My
name is Doris and I am 70 years young. I have been married to my loving husband for 51 years (E.Y.). We have 4 children, 9
grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. I grew up in Miami and was blessed to be raised in a Christian home. As it is close
to Mother's Day, I would like to take this opportunity to say what a blessing and example my mother was to me and to those
all around her. She lived to be 92 and each day I spent with her was precious. You couldn't ask for anyone to be more
agreeable and loving. My sister (Pat) and brother-in-law (Ron) were the primary caregivers, and I owe them so much.
............................................................... Erin Walker: I am 35,
been married 13 years, have 2 beautiful children: Holly, age 10 and Richard, age 7. My husband will receive his
Master's degree in History and is currently a hospice nurse. He suffered a major car accident 3 years ago this Thanksgiving
where he broke 7 vertebrae and numerous other bones. We thank God through our Lord Jesus Christ that he not only lived, but
is not paralyzed. He functions mostly normal with constant pain. He can no longer work in the hospital scene and is
hoping to earn a PhD in history and teach at the college level. We are exceedingly blessed in every way. I pray
I can be of support, encouragement, and sympathy for every woman who reads this wonderful website. May God bless all
of you.
..................................................................
Jan
Sublett: I am 48 years old and have been married for 28 years. My husband turned his back on God in
our first year of marriage. We live in Bakersfield, CA and I worship at the Rosedale church of Christ. We have one child,
a daughter who is faithful to the Lord and married a faithful man; they have given us three grandchildren. I began working
part-time sixteen years ago for a non-profit agency providing assistance to domestic violence and sexual assault victims.
My husband was disabled several years ago because of a back injury and even though he has had several surgeries he is in constant
pain. I became the sole supporter of our family and accepted the position as director of the agency I worked for.
I took this responsibility very seriously - truly thousands of victims in Kern County were depending upon me to do my job
well. For many years I thought I was balancing God, family, and my job. My wake-up call came in January 2005 when
my mother was diagnosed in the advanced stages of a rare bone marrow cancer; she died less than six weeks later. I knew
then that my life was not balanced and I began to ask God to show me how I could earn the money my family needed yet still
have the time I needed and wanted for Him and my family. I thought I had it all figured out and in January 2006 I resigned
my job; my last day was to be April 10th. On March 24th I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have had a mastectomy
and today is my sixth day following my first chemo treatment. I see my cancer as an answer to my prayer; I am now temporarily
disabled and have plenty of time for God and family. My cancer is at Stage IIIC and I am HER-2 positive; against many
odds my cancer has not moved to other parts of my body - again I feel that God has answered my prayer. Psalms 4:4-5
and 118:24 are my constant meditation. I ask for prayers so that there will be a perfect result from my cancer - that
I will handle this trial in a way that will glorify God and bring others to Him (especially my husband). I very much want
to live longer but I figure this is where the "rubber meets the road" - either I believe in God's promise that
physical death is only the beginning of my new life or not. I chose to BELIEVE!
.........................................................
Florida Gal:
Well, I am a wife to a registered sex offender, a step-mother to his daughter,
and a mother to our son. I am the daughter to two very disappointed parents, and the only sister to 4 brothers. I work full
time in a job I have been with for almost 2 years. I have been a Christian all my live with the exception of back-sliding
once, and coming back to Jesus and growing in His word. If you met my family of four you would never known the trials we had
been through. My list is long, but I tell you, this any life is full of trials, and I know that I am way better off than many
others out there. ..................................................
Margaret:
I was baptized into the Lord in 1989. Six years later my husband was baptized. We worship at the Knocklyon church of Christ,
in Dublin, Ireland. Our marriage has grown stronger and stronger with the help of the Lord. We have been married for 36 years.
I care full time for our son, who is 29 years old. I suffered two miscarriages before he was born. He was fine and healthy
until he was 6 years old. He is now in a wheelchair and needs fulltime care. His medical history is long and complicated and
would need a full book to write it. Without the Lord I know I would not be able to carry on. He has seen us through so many
indescribable hardships and the comfort of knowing He is always there, no matter what is happening, keeps me going. Ps.107.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
..................................................
Alicia: I am a newly divorced mother of 4 young children, ages 7, 5,
3 and 2. I was raised in the church of Christ and was baptized as a young teenager. Thanks to the many friends
here in our new congregation and my family, I am moving on with my children. I pray my children will follow in my steps
following God's will to the best of my ability. I, unfortunately, have scriptural grounds for my divorce and have
just been through the hardest year I could possibly imagine! I struggle daily in forgiveness of those who have hurt
me and want to love again. Meanwhile, I am working 2 jobs to have the same schedule as my daughters who are in school.
I never thought I would become a "lunch lady" or the "bus driver"! Prayers for me and my children
would be greatly appreciated as well as some advice from those who can relate. God bless you, Lynn, for telling me about this
site!!!
..................................................
Keela Vaughn: I am 51 years
old. I have been married to my husband for 33 years. We have 3 children and 4 grandchildren, who are the lights of my
life. We have had many struggles through the years. My husband has had a lot of health issues and had to take
an early retirement. This has caused a lot of stress, but the good Lord has always taken care of us and I know that
He will in the future. My husband use to preach part-time in small congregations. It has been hard for him because of
his health, to not be able to proclaim the gospel. He started a website to share the Lords' work in a different
way. These days, e-mails reach so many people. If you would like to visit our site, go to www.keelight.com.
..................................................
Martha Hollingsworth:
Hello, I am a member of the Ellis church of Christ in Dugger, Indiana. My mother died of breast cancer when she
was 40 years old. I just turned 40 this past July, so I have struggled with worries in this area. I want to glean
advice and ideas from this site in order to help those in our congregation and in my family. We have one lady who is
in the early stages of Alzheimers and I am looking for ways to help her in any way I can without being pushy. I appreciate
this site and all the effort that goes into it.
..................................................
Carol: I just
want to write to say a big thank you for this monthly publication. I REALLY look forward to each month's issue.
I get so VERY much from this. I have been copying it and mailing it to my mother who lives hundreds of miles away.
She suffered a severe stroke and is now living with dementia. I wish I could be closer to interact with her daily,
but must rely on daily phone calls and a monthly visit. I have passed this site address on to others who thank me and
report that they, too, are enjoying and learning from it. I pray for all the authors who give so much of themselves
to help us. Thank you from my heart. Keep up the good work!!!
..................................................
Connie: I became
a Christian Dec. 26th, 2004 - THE most wonderful day of my life!! I am 45 years old, mother of two, grandmother of two. My
husband and I have been married for 27 years. I am the only Christian in my immediate family at this time - but I am still
praying for my family!! GOD has filled my life with joy unlike any I have ever felt before, or ever will again until we all
see HIM face to FACE!!! I am also bi-polar, which GOD has helped me through some VERY rough times! My favorite verse Hebrews
13:5. Whenever I am feeling not quite right, I repeat that verse over and over, and it helps tremendously! I praise GOD everyday!!
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Lisa Pyche: Hello, My 18yr old son, Phillip (PJ) Combs was murdered
by a drunk driver June 12, 2004 @ 10:23am 3 miles from our home. The trial lasted almost 2 yrs. PJ graduated from High School
on May 23, 2004 and had his whole future ahead of him. PJ's brother, Travis, is graduating from High School this
year, and he has been very strong through all of this. I am having a hard time believing this has happened. I miss PJ
more each day. The pain I live with everyday, is the worst pain I have ever been through. Thank you for your time, Lisa, PJ's
mom
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Joanne:
I lost my youngest daughter 3 years ago. She was 37 when she died. The memory of her moment of death haunts me daily.
I am able to get through the day but sometimes the nights are hard. I moved back to Ct to be with my other children, especially
my older daughter. However, my children have pulled away from me, my husband, and my disabled son. No matter how much I tell
them the importance of family, they have not responded. My heart is broken but I have come to terms with the fact that they
have made their choice and it doesn't include us. My faith is my salvation.
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Bette Baxter: Hi, I am sixty eight years old and have been widowed
for one and one half years. My husband, a retired super cop for Phx. Az. died of leukemia. We had four children. Our second
oldest daughter at 42 yr. died suddenly of cardiac arrest. She was a middle school teacher. I can relate to the person who
said playing the glad game (Pollyanna) works for her. I find it's a big waste of time to lament over losses and live in
the past. It's much better to focus on today's blessings and there are more than you know if you will just let yourself
go there. Of course, I have my meltdowns but thanks to my family, both church and physical, I have a fantastic support group.
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Patti
Pennock. I am 47 years old, married to a wonderful Christian. We have been married
for 12 1/2 years. We have 2 beautiful daughters Emily 10 years old and Rebekah 9 years old. We attend services
at Woodlawn Hills Church of Christ in San Antonio, Tx. I really like looking at things like this on the internet. I
got this link from Peggy Neff. Thank you for letting me post on here.
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Sharon: I just
received the link to your sight from a sister in Christ. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading the articles that were in this
month's issue of your periodical. What blessings we have in one another. Thanks to all who contribute articles. They touch
people who they will never meet, this side of heaven. I have a lot more people to pray for now. :)
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Claudette: A dear friend from our church who is
also the wife of one of our elders told my husband one night after services about this web site. I am unable to attend
services very often due to health problems. Reading about others with their health problems inspires me to keep on keeping
on. Love your web site - very uplifting.
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Claudette:
In 1990 I was diagnosed with spurs on my lower spine. Then in 1998 the spurs had worn away and
had ruptured discs. In 2001 went to one of the top spine surgeons in Houston Medical Center who after some very harsh
testing would not operate on me because I was missing 3 discs with many more going bad. Tried pain management for 3
or 4 years then grew tired of being foggy a lot of the time. Long story shortened, I am now missing more discs and have
gone back to the pain management specialist. Having this website to read and see that others are suffering in other
ways too has helped me to be more patient and kind with others. I recently began going back to the pain management doctor
who immediately changed me to stronger pain meds and started me on antidepressants again. Thanks to him I am now feeling
like going out of the house again. I had grown so tired of staying home so much, missing worship services because by
the time I would get dressed to go I was given out and needed to rest. This website has been wonderfully uplifting to me making
me see that others are handling worse than I have. They live their lives the best they can within their limitations.
So I have decided to live life the very best I can also. Felt so good to go back to worship services. We worship
with the Broadway Church of Christ in La Porte, TX. Small close congregation, wonderfully supportive and helpful.
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MELODY:
I am thirty-eight years old and have been married for sixteen years. We have a son who will be eight years old in October.
Our son is very intelligent but struggles with Attention Deficit Disorder.
My Dad is nearly seventy-three
years old and has moderate dementia. My Mom is nearly seventy-four years old and has kidney disease and lupus. I
am grateful that they are still able to live independently. They have been married nearly fifty-six years.
My family attends church services at the same congregation as my parents. We are very close to them and grateful for
their presence in our lives.
I work fulltime outside the home which is challenging but also allows me to
let my light shine in the workplace. I enjoy writing poetry and spiritual articles. I have taught Sunday School
since I was eighteen, having obeyed the Gospel shortly before my thirteenth birthday.
My husband was raised in
the Weslyan faith, and my father-in-law is a minister in that faith.
I love the Lord, and that's about all
I have to say about me :)
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| Barb and Casey |
Barb Martinek: I am a 66 year
old retired nurse who is presently undergoing testing regarding myasthenia gravis. I have had a number of health challenges
in the past 7 years. I remain active in needlework...am concerned about oncoming eye weakness. I would appreciate
support and info from women who would share with me in prayer and other communication.
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