tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27357801506283444692024-03-13T00:08:49.074-04:00Chronicals of a chronically random girlTheology and Disability, and life served Randomly!Reformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-38198393007693934662011-11-16T18:44:00.001-05:002011-11-16T18:45:17.816-05:00Flare squaredThis is the third day of a particulary bad flare and I'm finding it hard to cope and hold on to hope. Last night I was having the worst Thunderclap headache attacks (kindof like clusters but usually are singular) and today I was/am afraid to move too much incase they come back.
I just got up to make an omelette and now I'm exhausted again. I don't know how I can survive many more days like this. At least when I lived with other people , I'd occasionally see another person. I don't know where I'm going with this, I just find it's sometimes good to get things out into the world, sometimes it makes things better to write them out.
How do you deal with a flare when you are stuck in bed with way too much and fatigue?
I guess one thing that is good is that I have a lot of time to pray.
Soli Deo Gloria
REformed girlflaresReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-61227587607804391152011-10-09T19:49:00.001-04:002011-10-09T19:50:10.205-04:00RIP Alexa Simmons, real friend.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have been blindsided by the death of a very good friend. Now some might not consider Alexa to be my "real" friend as I knew her only on the Internet but I feel her loss just as much as if she lived down the street from me. She was an amazing light in this world, she was so very positive even when her situation seemed impossibly difficult. Alexei had a rare illness called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. There needs to be more research into EDS so that beautiful, wonderful, joyful, sarcastic, love to laugh girls that are only aged 22 don't die. PERIOD!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Alexa Simmons you will be missed by many many many friends and family members who will keep a little piece of you in their hearts for the rest of their lives, allowing you to live on through each of us since you were taken so young.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God must have needed you, but it's hard to accept that and not ask why.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Soli Deo Gloria</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">reformed girl</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Reformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-75535471077731274182011-10-03T14:35:00.003-04:002011-10-03T14:48:07.596-04:00Modest MondayI thought on this modest Monday, as I'm trying to get back into the swing of blogging,that I would explain to you why I choose to wear modest clothes. Why I choose modesty.<br />I feel better when I'm covered. End of statement. when I see people having to pull up shirts that are riding low or pants that are riding low for that matter, I feel comfortable in what I wear. Having sensory issues means that I wear a lot of dresses, skirts, jumpers which make me feel more feminine but which mostly I wear because I hate pants.<br />A second good reason why I choose to wear modest clothes is because I believe it's my responsibility to my brothers in Christ that I not tempt them into lustful thoughts. I don't claim to be any great beauty! I am definitely not! But I feel like it's my duty to protect the minds and hearts of my brothers and hope that they would do the same for me.<br />I feel good when I'm covered. You can still wear pretty clothes and have pretty things and be modest. Putting a tank top under a low cut shirt or making sure that your undergarments don't show are little things that I choose to do to make modern clothes more modest.<br />I'm sure that there are other reasons, which I will talk live on another modest Monday! Thanks for letting me back into the blogging world and I hope to continue blogging.<br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed GirlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-33479290419094942492011-10-03T13:32:00.003-04:002011-10-03T14:34:41.630-04:00moving, moving , movingI've been moving around a lot. I don't mean physically, bodily moving around. I mean physically 1000 boxes, rental vans moving around.<br />at the beginning of May, I made the hard decisions that I needed to move and that I needed to move away from the town I had been living in for the past 10 years because for me, living there and not being able to work, was starting to make me really feel like I didn't have any worth. Plus my best friend at the time was mad at me, I'm not really sure why still but I think it worked out for the best. God was working in my life.<br />I found a new place, it seemed to be perfect, it was a basement apartment that was very low ceiling and it was set up perfectly for a little person like myself. The landlord even put the shelves on top of each other instead of overt top of the counter so that I could reach all the cupboard space. It was within walking distance of the grocery store, the pharmacy, my new dentist and my new church. I thought things were perfect. Well I had been looking for this place I had been trying to get into my Aunt's building, but there had been no vacancies. Unfortunately, I'm sure you picked it up by all the past tense, the apartment wasn't as perfect as I thought it was. There was flooding, one of the two postmarks sized windows had to be covered at all times so I had very little light, and there were several types of mold and a white crystalline from fungus in the closet. The first time it flooded was because I had moved the plywood off of the second window because I did not know why it was there. The landlord tried to tell me he did not know that there was going to be a flooding issue and that it hadn't flooded in the spring but I find that hard to believe because how else would he'd known to have blocked the window. He promised to fix it, but nothing is getting done.<br />At a doctor's appointment, I had mentioned that there was mold in my environment, and my doctor told me I should not live in an environment like that with my compromised immune system and the fact that I only have one and a half long capacity instead of the average two. So I called my landlord and gave my notice. It was very hard for me to do that because I don't like feeling like I'm letting people down.<br />I was away for two weeks and when I came back the apartment had flooded again even with the board being left on the window! My mattress is ruined but hopefully the landlord is taken care of that! He promised that he would now I'm just having to be patient and wait for him to get back to me.<br />The good news in all this kerfuffle is that I put in an application to my Aunt's buildingand got a beautiful bachelor's apartment on the ninth floor. I guess you can say I'm on cloud nine. If I weren't so exhausted! I am slowly unpacking and hope to have my first visitors this weekend as it is Canadian Thanksgiving.<br />In God's timing, things worked out perfectly, I believe he gave me this experience so that I can trust in him more deeply that He will take care of me and all my needs and I pray that I can be a blessing to someone in this building.<br />so this Thanksgiving I'm thankful to be in the house that doesn't leak! And I think my cats are too!<br />Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?<br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed GirlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-62062191232540010212011-10-03T13:19:00.003-04:002011-10-03T13:32:12.497-04:00freedomI've recently been on a journey. On a journey with a good friend of mine, a person I call my sister whom I've known for a very long time. I have been helping her with an exciting journey although I times it has been scary, seemed like it was never going to end, tence, and frightening.<br />My friend has an illness named Crohn's disease, Crohn's is an autoimmune condition where your body essentially attacks your intestines/colon causing embarrassing symptoms like excess gas and diarrhea. My friend was essentially trapped in her bathroom, and she couldn't go out, couldn't do any errands or things that most people take for granted that you're going to be able to do. Having a chronic illness myself I can understand how she feels but I feel I've had more freedom than she has had.<br />But that has all changed.<br />I recently went and spent two weeks in hospital with my friend, slept at her side. It was a strange occurrence to be in the hospital but not IN the hospital. I was glad I could offer comfort, distraction and entertainment in equal portions. I was stalwartly waiting with herfor her to be free. <br />My friend had surgery on September 17 aafter every other option to treat the Crohn's had failed. During the surgery I helped take to her stuffed animal named Ginger and cried quite a few tears and prayed quite a few prayers that she would come through the surgery and be offered the freedom that we hoped would happen from this surgery.<br />When you're chronically ill, sometimes it's fun to name your mobility aids, wheelchair, catheter, ileostomy or colostomy bag.<br />Meet Rebecca, she is my friend's new partner in crime, partner in freedom. Rebecca and her purse ( my friend"s ileostomy) are beginning to offer my friend freedom.<br />It's hard to put into words how this freedom affects me, how it affects my heart, how it affects how we'll be able to be together, and all the things it affects in her life. Rebecca brought hope. Rebecca brought freedom. Rebecca brought a new sense of one's self of one's body and ownership of that body.<br />I am on a journey. We are on a journey. Hopefully it's a long one filled with hope and freedom from bondage. My heart is light when I think of how much this is changing my best friend's life and how brave she is, and how wonderful she is, and how strong she is. She is my inspiration, my partner in crime, the person who knows me better than I know myself, my worst enemy *smiles* and my best ally.<br />I love U. sissy, thank you for letting me be a part of your freedom and thank you for letting me write about it here to share your freedom with others.<br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed girlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-17583924298736955242011-04-13T16:56:00.003-04:002011-04-13T17:02:33.426-04:00'nuff saidHello Friends!<br />I nhave been away on holiday, visiting friends, its been very busy but I hope to be able to post more details in the coming week. I just felt like I should share this verse for some reason and I sincerely hope that this verse will be soothing balm to the hurting heart of a person with chronic or dabilitating illness. We have all been there. Reach out! You aren't alone. We're not alone.<br /><br /> In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1Peter 1:6-9 ESV STUDY BIBLE.<br /><br />'nuff said. <br />In Christ's love,<br />REformed girlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-55308470175790712902011-04-04T18:20:00.002-04:002011-04-04T18:22:24.435-04:00Fibro...a pain in the...EVERYWHERE!FIBROMYALGIA<br /><br />Fog<br />Irritable bowel syndrome<br />Balance <br />Restlessness<br />Oppressive<br />Muscle spasms<br />Yawning<br />Agitation<br />Lack of appetite<br />Grieving<br />Incessant pain<br />Anxiety<br /><br />Sincere<br />Understanding<br />Resourceful<br />Valiant<br />Inspirational<br />Versatile <br />Outstanding<br />Remarkable<br /><br />For all the fierce fibro fighters!<br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed GirlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-10855075716103568692011-04-03T20:46:00.004-04:002011-04-03T21:20:35.345-04:00Is help a four letter word?This is my entry for the <a href="http://patientsforamoment.blogspot.com/">PFAM</a> blog Carnival that is hosted this time by the good folks at <a href="http://www.possibilism.org/">Possibilism</a>. The subject is "Is help a four letter word?" which is a really good thought provoking topic that I've thought about for several days. This mess below is what I came up with! Sorry if it's a little choppy! I'm having a wicked bad week with cognitive functioning.<br /><br />asking for help.<br /><br />I have a hard time asking for help, in previous years I found this task inconceivably hard. My parents have raised me since birth to act, behave and look like a "normal" person. I wasn't given an IEP (individualized education plan) for my vision or learning disabilities, it was not discussed. I was raised to be secretive and ashamed of having a chronic illness or disability. I do not blame my parents, they did the best they could with the limited educational/financial/spiritual resources they had. they raised me to be fiercely independent, to climb on things to reach since I was so short. If it took me 45 minutes to make my bed, that was ok because I was doing it myself. If my siblings BEGGED to help me with it so that we could all go onto bigger and better things like swimming or shopping. The answer was always no, that I had to do it myself because my brother and sister weren't going to move in with me when I was older to do it for me. it was independence at all costs.<br /><br />no wonder why I feel so stricken to have to ask for help. It's like all my families conditioning, all their expectations of me is being let down because I have failed at being a completely independent woman.<br /><br />I love to help people, it's my joy to help others and I feel like that is a major reason why God created me. It fills me with such joy. It makes me sad that I can't do as much helping as I used to be able to.<br /><br />When I was lamenting to a wise friend of mine about how nice it would be to be able to ask and receive help but that I couldn't bring myself to do it. <br /><br />She said I was robbing someone of the chance to be a blessing to me.<br /><br />At first when she said it, I got very defensive but the more I thought and prayed about it, I knew she was right. I was preventing someone from having that same feeling by helping me.<br /><br />Someone once said I was "God with skin on" when I helped them and that phrase has stuck in my head ever since. We are the hands and feet of God and everything we do should be for the Glory of God. <br /><br />here is a poem about the subject of being the hands and feet of Christ...<br /><br />a prayer of St.Teresa of Avila<br />Christ has no body now but yours,<br />No hands, no feet, on earth but yours.<br />Your are the eyes through which He looks<br />Compassion on this world<br />Yours are the feet<br />With which He walks to do good.<br />Your are the hands<br />With which He blesses all the world<br />Yours are the hands, yours are the feet.<br />Yours are the eyes, you are His body.<br />Christ has no body now but yours,<br />No hands, no feet on earth but yours<br />Yours are the eyes, through which He Looks<br />compassion on the world.<br />Christ has no body now on earth but yours.<br /><br />So my dear brothers and sisters with chronic illness/pain, when you need help, please do not feel ashamed or embarrassed. You are allowing God to bless you and show His love to you.<br /><br />SO is help a four letter word? yep, you bet! but LOVE is also...<br /><br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed girlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-82671505547756704802011-03-26T14:53:00.002-04:002011-03-26T15:22:59.935-04:00Things that bug me when I'm out and aboutI just thought I'd vent for a moment to myself and any poor human who comes across this, about how people (strangers) treat me when I'm out and about. Like a lot of spoonies, I don't leave my house as much as I did before I got sick. I tend to compile a list of things I have to do and make a battle plan like I'm invading France of what order of stores to go in, what can be at the bottom of the list incase I run out of steam, where to stop and rest, bathroom & snack breaks. When people are being annoying it can turn my proud moment of being out into a dreaded day of social torture.<br /><br />Here are some examples:<br />-when people cross the street so they don't have to walk by you (especially when using a mobility aide!<br />- when random people ask "what's wrong with you?" gruffly as if it is their right to have full disclosure of my medical needs! I do not mind when people ask questions when they are respectful.<br />-telling your kids not to stare when you have been staring harder then they have<br />-grabbing your children from my path when I'm like 8 feet away! Like I would "sully" your child with my gimptastic germs and make them into a gimp too!!! I wonder how you act around gay people!! *eyeroll* I generally don't make a habit of running into people, especially children but I may be tempted by you, watch it!<br />-when people are patronizing because of my height (which is a massive 4'11"!!) or using me as a leaning post because I'm below your elbow, apart from being incredibly annoying, it hurts so much that I think really evil thoughts of you at that moment.<br />- I don't mind people reaching up on shelves to get me something and I have no problems with asking people passing by for a hand, but you my super zealous friend, who follows after me down every aisle to be helpful,( honestly it's creepy not helpful) and practically (as well as occasionally for real) knock me over in your exuberance to help. I really appreciate it but I can talk and ask for help if I need it. Also to that person, please don't get offended when you offer to help and I say no, im gonna use the professional breakup letdown, it's not you, it's me! Sometimes I just want to reclaim some independence I have lost, or know I CAN do it. So much gets taken out of my hands with this illness, sometimes I just need the control of doing it myself. <br />- staring when I get up because you didn't know I was disabled (I'm sorry! I must have left my neon "HEY! I'M A DISABLED CHICK WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS" in my other jeans!!<br />-being told I'm too young/pretty/nice/creative to have an illness will not make it go away.<br />- I actually had someone ask if my crutches were real or just a fashion statement.....seriously? 'nuf said!<br />Whew I feel better! I always try to remember that people just want to help or they haven't met anyone with a disability in their life.Reformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-58845022302616497422011-03-25T23:24:00.003-04:002011-03-25T23:30:24.470-04:00Lupus loveThis is my lupus poem for all my Lupie friends. I don't have lupus but I know many awesome peeps who do!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">L</span>ovable<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">U</span>nbeatable<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">P</span>henomenal<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">U</span>nited<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">S</span>isters<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">F</span>earless<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I</span>ndestructible<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">G</span>entle<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">H</span>elpful<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">T</span>ough<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">E</span>ducated<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">R</span>are<br /><br />Love y'all!<br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed girlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-66429348745869894942011-03-21T01:08:00.001-04:002011-03-21T01:10:15.564-04:00Fighting flameI just wrote this poem tonight, it kinda raw but I thought I'd post it and if it helps one person then I will be very happy.<br /><br />Like hungry flames<br />pain laps at my soul<br />Not to be tamed<br />Inextinguishable <br /><br />I lay curled and alone<br />In my silent hell<br />Answers unknown<br />Torture I can't quell<br /><br />There is such anger<br />Never there before<br />Sadness will linger<br />My willpower's tore <br /><br />I don't know how many<br />Tears I have cried<br />Pleaded for any<br />Treatments I'd try<br /><br />Pain gets worse <br />When you are alone<br />Stuck with this curse<br />With my cries and moans<br /><br />I'm not who I used to be<br />And I never will be again<br />It's so crushing to see<br />The loss of a friend<br /><br />I miss the old me<br />I smiled, I laughed<br />The ability to be carefree<br />And not feel so trapped<br /><br />The pain is a bully<br />Scaring friends away<br />Who don't understand fully<br />That I have to stay<br /><br />I have no choice<br />I cannot leave<br />I have no voice<br />And no reprieve<br /><br />I can't think through pain<br />And feel so stupid<br />Acting insane <br />Looking so vapid<br /><br />It's like a dense fog<br />Has captured my essence<br />Mired in a bog<br />Permanent convalescents <br /><br />The good thing about a fire<br />Is it dies itself out<br />But not on this pyre<br />It's not it's route<br /><br />It sears and burns<br />Licking ravenously<br />For freedom I yearn<br />From blazing ceaselessly<br /><br />How will I go on<br />What will I do<br />Most friends are gone<br />Any boyfriends are too<br /><br />Who would want this<br />To live in this inferno<br />To jump into the abyss<br />To burn eternal<br /><br />If I had the decision<br />To stay here or run<br />From a caregiver's mission<br />Or having some fun<br /><br />I wouldn't choose me<br />So I don't blame them<br />I'd follow the lead<br />Of self saving men<br /><br />Maybe some day<br />I'll figure this out<br />There may be a way<br />My mind's cluttered with doubt<br /><br />If we find a way<br />To conquer this flame<br />We'll have a lot to say<br />And never be the same.<br /><br />Now I curl inward<br />And wait for sleep<br />Pray to the Lord<br />Its my only release<br /><br />In dreams I can move<br />Outside of the flames<br />Grace to prove<br />And thoughts of fame<br /><br />I can flit and fly<br />And dance quiet sweetly<br />In the alabaster sky<br />Looping tightly<br /><br />I feel so free<br />In dreams like these<br />I feel like me<br />No monster to appease <br /><br />But my eyes flutter open<br />I'm back again<br />To the land of hoping<br />For an end to pain<br /><br />Like hungry flames<br />pain laps at my soul<br />Not to be tamed<br />Inextinguishable <br /><br />Written by me on march 20th 2011 from 11pm-1amReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-7774664262432696222011-03-08T21:35:00.003-05:002011-03-08T21:57:10.357-05:00I told you I was bad at this blogging thing!hello friends!<br />I'm sorry that I've failed epically about writing my blog but I'm hoping to get back into it.<br />According to my day plan it's TECHY TUESDAY!! So I'm to share about a website I like or a gadget I love or want to try out.<br />Today I'd like to talk about my iPad! I really really REALLY like my iPad!! The things I find useful about it is that the keyboard on the touchscreen requires very little pressure which is good when my hands are sore. There are some awesome health apps (applications) that I use:<br /> mymedical is a medical archiving app where you can store everything from current and past medications, test results, manage scheduling for docs appts, document allergies and unsuccessful meds<br /><br />pillboxie which is for meds and gives you an alarm to remind you to take your meds, normally I don't need this because I'm used to taking meds since I've been taking many of them since I was 12 (20 years ago, man I feel old!) but I am really really REALLY bad at taking my nighty injection (which is weird since I've taken it from age 4-16 and then 28 to now so you'd think I'd remember) so it's been a great reminder. it's very easy to use and was developed by a RN.<br /><br />Relaxing Ambiance lite is a free app that has relaxing music but the function I like best is there is a mixer soundboard where you can create your own version of ambient music, my fav combo is thunderstorm, rain and wind chimes and it has a timer so my ipad isn't running all night.<br /><br />As far as games go I have lots of drawing apps, two fav music apps are smule magic piano which lets you play piano with people from around the world or just by yourself and Soundrop which is a cool app where this ball drops and you create lines and when the ball hits the lines it makes different notes, ok that one is hard to explain but I think if you look there is a free version to try called Soundrop lite.<br /><br />I love my kindle app because I love reading and I love that you can make the font very large and make it white writing on black which is really helpful with my learning disability. <br /><br />I also enjoy listening to audiobooks on my iPad and have downloaded a few movies when they were on sale for $4.99 like Annie and RENT.<br /><br />So that's my techy tuesday, I know there are more benefits of my iPad but I can't think of anymore at this time!! Brainfooooog! I need a lighthouse! If I think of anymore I will put them in the comments!<br />God bless you!<br />ChroniclyRandomReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-47753573238583968282010-10-04T17:09:00.003-04:002010-10-04T17:14:26.255-04:00my absence, October 04th, 2010Sorry I've not been posting, my housemate and one of my best friends was getting ready for major surgery today and I was spending the weekend with her. She just got out of surgery, she was in from 9am to 4pm and is now in her room. Hearing her voice was the best gift ever!<br />Praise God, You are so very good! Thank you for guiding her to very talented and patient, hard working doctors, Thank You for the skills you have given them!<br />I've been bawling and worried and emotional and going on 1/2 hour sleep last night, so it's safe to say I'm a bit unworried about daily posting, I will, however, try to post backlogs now that the crisis is over.<br />Please continue to pray that she does well and that the staff are filled with compassion, grace, care and strength. Give her comfort Lord, I just cannot praise You enough! <br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed girlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-46362455082870400252010-10-01T22:30:00.003-04:002010-10-01T22:42:08.485-04:00October 1st, 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6KvbJ6BCYhg/TKaZlU1dJOI/AAAAAAAAAF8/evLT5Mv99Y4/s1600/tasha%27s+bday+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6KvbJ6BCYhg/TKaZlU1dJOI/AAAAAAAAAF8/evLT5Mv99Y4/s320/tasha%27s+bday+012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523270859543618786" /></a><br /><br />Fiesta Chicken (or Tofu)<br />1 teaspoon olive oil<br />2 boneless skinless chicken breast (or firm cubed tofu, or you could use steak)cubed<br />1 green or red pepper, diced<br />3 green onions, chopped<br />1 can of tomato soup and 1 can water (you can use canned diced tomatoes if tomato soup has gluten in it and you are GF)<br />1 cup salsa (I like mild Pace brand salsa)<br />1 can corn<br />cooked rice<br />shredded old white cheddar (or other cheese) to taste<br /><br />1) saute chicken, peppers and onions in olive oil in a large skillet until cooked<br />2) add salsa and tomato soup with water and canned corn, simmer for 10 minutes<br />3) put some rice in a shallow bowl, add fiesta chicken on top<br />4) add as much or as little cheese on top as you'd like!<br />5) enjoy the party in your mouth! FIESTA!!<br /><br />Happy eating!<br />God you are so good to nourish our souls and give us strength, joy and love. Thank you so much much for our farmers and our food! <br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed GirlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-51378007091096662222010-09-30T15:57:00.003-04:002010-09-30T16:10:15.179-04:00Sept 30th, 2010Hello dear readers,<br />First of all, I'd like to ask you once again to pray with me, my friend Christopher is moving today, I hope that his move goes well and everything goes smoothly, I hope God gives him and his former roomate grace as they say goodbye. I pray that the family who is welcoming Christopher is warm, gracious and welcoming!<br /><br />Thankful Thursday!<br />It just occurred to me that I don't have to write everything I'm thankful for, that would take a very long time to write, and for you to read!!<br />- I'm thankful for modern medical science, for the meds who keep me going, or mostly going!! lol<br />- for being a creative person, having a creative outlet<br /><br />This is a creative pic of my meds that I take in a week, using my two things I'm thankful about together today! :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6KvbJ6BCYhg/TKTuK9TJorI/AAAAAAAAAF0/foFalZPsD_Y/s1600/tasha%27s+bday+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6KvbJ6BCYhg/TKTuK9TJorI/AAAAAAAAAF0/foFalZPsD_Y/s320/tasha%27s+bday+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522800915084059314" /></a><br /><br />What are you thankful for?<br />Have a thankful day!<br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed GirlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-33013259587126345962010-09-29T22:07:00.002-04:002010-09-29T22:16:46.719-04:00Sept 29th, 2010today's post for "weakling Wednesday" is going to be a short one as I am stressed up to my EYEBALLS!<br />- I am being audited by the federal government because of my medical claims in the past year because this is the first year I have claimed my medical expenses. I just didn't know I could up til last year. so all my time is currently towards that, getting letters and documents from doctors, and they (the government) only gives you a MONTH to send in your receipts! Do they NOT know that doctors NEVER work that quickly. I wrote the letters for my General Practitioner as I have been asking for a letter to claim the patient conventions I do to since last spring!<br />- I have a docs appt tomorrow and my OT is coming with me, she (the OT) doesn't understand that I feel like crap most of the time and she's been harping on me to "get out of the house" more often, easier said than frikken done! I look fine therefore I must feel fine, I wish it worked like that! *sigh* she wants me to go back to work as a volunteer but I know that is codewords for "we wanna send your butt back to work since you've been off for almost a year" but nothing has changed since last year. I still have WILDLY unregulated sleep schedules, pain and fatigue. If I could go back to work, I would! I'd gladly trade this stoopid body and jump back in. My heart hurts, I miss it so much!<br />- my housemate is having surgery (to remove a throat tumour)on Monday in the city near here, but it's far enough away that I will probably have to stay home and won't know how she is doing. I'm beyond anxious about it!! I'd rather have surgeries than watch someone else! please pray for her, the doc and me and her daughter!<br /><br />ok back to work on taxes!!<br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed girlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-15383381143399883672010-09-28T19:30:00.002-04:002010-09-28T19:32:22.066-04:00Techy Tuesday, Sept 28/10dearest friends,<br />I'm not feeling so great today so I'll just leave this nugget of wisdom with you! lol! This website www.vat19.com never fails to make me giggle. Happy Shopping!<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HBa458RoLpw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HBa458RoLpw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed girlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-4016128804604749742010-09-28T01:33:00.004-04:002010-09-28T01:47:54.810-04:00ways to help challengeI have a blog post I am going to write about how I feel about big faceless businesses profiting from breast cancer awareness month by selling their wares and donating minimal profits.<br />What I would like is an idea of ways we can support our sisters (and brothers)who have or had breast cancer, please add yours in the comments and I'll put them in the blog post!<br /><br />I have a few in mind<br />- donate to local breast cancer group<br />- make a meal or several frozen meals to take over<br />- hug a survivor and tell them how important they are<br />- volunteer to drive patients to their appointments<br />- send a card, knowing people care, helps<br /><br />I also would like you all to comment on some of the most wacked out Pinktober products you've seen! I bought MUSHROOMS the other day in a pink container with ribbons on it, kinda rediculous! they didn't taste any better!<br /><br />so help me add the lists (ways to help and wacky products) and I'll write the completed blogpost address in the end of the comments when I am finished writing said article, probably next week or two since I want as many people to participate as possible!<br /><br />Thanks<br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed girlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-83158618999899934652010-09-27T10:00:00.001-04:002010-09-27T15:50:40.224-04:00Modest Monday (sept 27th, 2010)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6KvbJ6BCYhg/TKD1ZKCq5KI/AAAAAAAAAFs/OxdVybCc-Qc/s1600/rogue+hair+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6KvbJ6BCYhg/TKD1ZKCq5KI/AAAAAAAAAFs/OxdVybCc-Qc/s320/rogue+hair+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521682955697317026" /></a><br />Welcome to modest monday September the 27th of 2010!<br />First of all I'd like to explain what my version of modesty is because it seems like everyone's view on this subject is different. If I know I'm going to be in mixed company (boys and girls) then I tend to dress a bit more conservatively. If I am at home, I don't really have any modesty rules, as long as I'm planning to stay in the house, I wear what is comfortable, especially in hot weather. When going out I follow these simple guidelines:<br />- Skirts, dresses, pants and shorts all reach my knee or longer, I have one skirt that is a bit shorter but I wear legging capris with it. I generally wear bicycle shorts or capri tights underneath dresses and skirts because you never know when you are going to get "Marilyn Monroe"d by the wind<br />- If in mixed company or going to church, shirts need to have sleeves. Not be lowcut/revealing, elsewear I feel comfortable wearing wide strapped tank tops.<br />- Shirts are thankfully longer styles these days but I don't wear anything that can reveal my midrif (hee hee it's full of wholes from my injections so no one wants to see it anyway!)<br />- If I can't breathe, I don't wear it! I hate tight clothing!!<br />So this red dress is a new one I got from a store called Dynamite, it's made of super comfortable jogging suit type material but has a nice shape to it. I don't mind things that show a bit of my form as long as it's not too tight. I really like this dress and I'm glad I bought it, it's a bit more expensive then I would normally buy, it was $42. I always look for a new dress for Christmas time and I think I've found it early!!<br />The neck is called a cowl neck, I like it much better than turtlenecks!<br />Have a great monday!!<br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed girlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-57834082644088775002010-09-26T17:52:00.002-04:002010-09-26T18:03:02.619-04:00Welcome to the first Sacred Sunday!Hi dearest friends and readers,<br />Welcome to the very first Sacred Sunday of my blog! Today I'm just going to put up a verse for you to read and think about, it's a popular one that many of you will know. Over the next few Sundays I will be doing something kindof unique with this bible verse, it's something we used to do at my old church. Breaking apart the parable and making a story about what it was like from the point of view of several different people within the story.<br /><br />I would also ask my dear brothers and sisters who pray if you would pray for some of the following with me, if you can only spare a moment and pick one, that would be great, I know many of you have busy schedules!<br />I would like help to pray for the following:<br />- for my many lovely friends who have chronic illness and pain, that God would give them Grace to sustain them, strength to fortify them, joy, peace and love as their backbone<br />- for my friend Christopher who is moving house under stressful and unique circumstances, that God would give him patience, strength and help him to find a new church family.<br />- for Christopher's friend Tim who is very ill at the moment and ask that God be also with his wife and 4 children<br />- for all the refugees of the world who are displaced and without a home, that God would help them find joy in the rubble and help to lighten the load of burden they are carrying<br />- for strength of will to follow God's path, even where it may separate from my own path<br /><br />here is the story of the Prodigal Son Luke 15: 11-31 ESV study bible<br /><br />The Parable of the Prodigal Son<br /><br />11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to [2] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.<br /><br />17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ [3] 22 But the father said to his servants, [4] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.<br /><br />25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”<br /><br />Thanks be to God!<br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed girlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-28649407942943035342010-09-25T18:59:00.000-04:002010-09-25T19:01:31.387-04:00Welcome to the first sinful Saturday!Well so today is Sinful Saturday, a day where I speak about something I need to change in my life or that I don't like about the world. It's easy for me to start by nitpicking about the world. It's easier to not admit my brokenness and imperfections but how will that help me to grow?
<br />
<br />I know I'm not perfect, far from it, have been reminded of it daily from myself or others. I grew up being told I was a burden, a nothing, it's hard to not let those thoughts stick.
<br />So the thing I would like to confess is that I swear, not a lot but more than I need to. IT's unladylike, uncouth and brass. In some situations there is no other word that will work like letting out the F bomb but I'm gonna try to do it less.
<br />Do you still consider it swearing if you use another word? like one of my favorites is bullpoopie
<br />Now please don't get me wrong, I am doing this personally for myself and don't expect or request that anyone else stop swearing, this is a no judgement zone!
<br />Thank you for listening.
<br />Soli Deo Gloria
<br />REformed girl
<br />Reformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-78417879504516548742010-09-24T10:00:00.001-04:002010-09-24T18:03:51.213-04:00Welcome to the first Foodie Friday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6KvbJ6BCYhg/TJwVoSBTNbI/AAAAAAAAAFc/7hk_8VlAvHk/s1600/rogue+hair+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6KvbJ6BCYhg/TJwVoSBTNbI/AAAAAAAAAFc/7hk_8VlAvHk/s200/rogue+hair+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520311025025627570" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I love spinach!! I love veggies! I don't really have to force myself to eat it but when I read Tiffany and Lupus' <a href="http://hersilverlining.blogspot.com/2010/08/toottoot-lets-battle-lupus-fatigue.html">blog</a> then it just made it that much more enticing! So here is my favorite salad!!<br /><br />2 cups baby Spinach<br />(TIP: if you buy the plastic containers of spinach where water tends to condensate on the container and make your spinach go bad, just put a folded papertowel or cotton cloth in on the top and wipe down the sides when the water builds up)<br />1 teaspoon (or more to taste) honeydijon salad dressing (I use president's choice but I think craft makes one too)<br />2 green onions, sliced<br />4-5 medium mushrooms (or canned if you prefer), washed and sliced<br />1 chicken breast (you can substitute or add real bacon bits instead)<br />1/2 teaspoon of olive (or other) oil<br /><br />1) saute the onions and mushrooms in the oil in a medium frying pan<br />2) grill (or fry) the chicken breast until cooked (I like to use my George Foreman grill) diced<br />3) mix the spinach and the dressing and put it in a shallow bowl, add the sauted veggies and chicken on top and enjoy!<br /><br />Happy Eating!!<br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed Girl<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6KvbJ6BCYhg/TJwWNEErRTI/AAAAAAAAAFk/bSuK-dG4OfA/s1600/rogue+hair+008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6KvbJ6BCYhg/TJwWNEErRTI/AAAAAAAAAFk/bSuK-dG4OfA/s320/rogue+hair+008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520311656936850738" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WARNING:</span> If you have an anti-coagulating disorder and/or take coumadin or warfarin, please talk to your doc before eating any veggies with Vitamin K!Reformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-1902421493129046202010-09-23T22:14:00.002-04:002010-09-23T22:38:10.384-04:00Welcome to the first Thankful Thursday!hello dearest readers!<br />Did you think I forgot? Today was a bit of an off kilter kind of day, I slept through my alarm and missed a meeting this morning, I didn't wake up til noon so my meds were WAY off all day and I can't get out of bed until I've had my meds in my system for 1 hour so I didn't get out of bed til one and so it kindof threw me off. but anyway...TODAY is THANKFUL thursday!!<br />I'm thankful for:<br />- new hair styles and wearing makeup just because I feel like it, even though I'm not going anywhere<br />- family and friends, especially my interwebs friends who support me so well even though they don't know me in "real life"<br />- being stuck in my kitten's cute rays<br />- GLee!<br />- I'm excited for a BIG production for Christmas called 4 tickets to Christmas where we get to dress up in period costumes from the early 1900s!!<br />- updating my blog, feeling really accomplished about it, I hope I'll be able to keep it up!<br />- comfy clothes<br />- pretty things<br />- cool breezes playing over my face in the night when I'm in bed<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;" class="verse-num" id="v51003012-1">12 </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="verse-num" id="v51003013-1">13 </span><span style="font-style: italic;">bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="verse-num" id="v51003014-1">14 </span><span style="font-style: italic;">And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="verse-num" id="v51003015-1">15 </span><span style="font-style: italic;">And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="verse-num" id="v51003016-1">16 </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="verse-num" id="v51003017-1">17 </span><span style="font-style: italic;">And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Colossians 3:12-17<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">What are you thankful for?<br /><br />Soli Deo Gloria<br />REformed Girl</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>Reformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-24800880129047333562010-09-22T17:44:00.002-04:002010-09-22T17:58:15.770-04:00Welcome to the first Weakling Wednesday!I know none of us are weaklings but we need to have a place to talk about things that have happened in the past week. I hope that you will join me by posting in the comments, I really do hate to complain but sometimes I think it's ok if there are supportive people around who "Get it", that's one of the reasons this blog is anon so I can feel free without worrying about retribution from "friends" and family that aren't as supportive.<br />ok here goes!<br />* I'm being audited by the federal government because of what I claimed on my medical expenses last year which means I have to get letters from two docs and I have to do it all in less than 30 days.<br />* I feel like my threshold for pain keeps lowering, bad days are leaving me in tears, wearing down my resistance, I am taking more pain meds than ever before with less effect.<br />* I'm nervous about my docs appt at the end of the month, my OT is coming with me but she's trying to get me to go back to work, part time volunteering and I didn't expect that. my life has no pattern, I cannot predict from one day to the next how the next day is going to be<br />* I have a whole bunch of phone calls to make but I usually remember to make them after the businesses have closed for the day<br />* the big cahoona from my work wants to meet with me to talk about in what ways I can be involved with work people while being on medical leave, most of the people on medical leave from my profession are on medical leave because they are burnt out and stressed, I am not those things, I love what I do and WANT to be involved, I'm just at the mercy of my body when it comes to planning things. and if I DON'T listen to my body then I pay BIG TIME<br />*I'm very tired and have to go to choir practice and I KNOW I'm gonna get upset if the choir mistress gives me a hard time for missing Sunday, I just couldn't move Sunday morning! Sometimes I wonder whether it would be better for me to quit but I really do enjoy it and some weeks it's my only outings on Wed night for practice and (most) Sundays for church.<br /><br />That's all I have to say at the moment :)<br />What about you?<br /><br />Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the Glory)<br />REformed girlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735780150628344469.post-85396169672517628062010-09-21T17:36:00.003-04:002010-09-21T17:41:15.942-04:00Welcome to the first technical Tuesday!Ok I have to, have to, have to share my all time favorite chronic illness website! I know many of you will know it but I have to write it because there might be someone who doesn't know about it yet!<br /><a href="www.bydls.com">www.butyoudontlooksick.com</a>! Please take a moment to read the "spoon theory" which was one young lady's (her name is Christine Miserandino Donato) way of explaining to her healthy friend what it is like to live day-in day-out with a chronic illness.<br />There are also forums at the website that is a community where people can "meet" other people with the same or similiar conditions, it's really great to reach out to my other rare disease friends!<br />Have a great Tuesday and see ya tomorrow!<br />God bless you and keep you<br />REformed girlReformed Anon. Girl in Painhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201298388653367530noreply@blogger.com2