Peace in Surrender

Today I want to share a little short story I wrote a few years ago, as a result of my own journey from despair to surrender to hope. 

Surrender

For once, there was nothing she could do about it. Her body had betrayed her. No more serving others. No more pushing through the pain. She barely had strength to breathe.

“Katelyn?” Her husband roused her. “Time for another doctor’s appointment.”

She nodded. He carried her to the car. Her life seemed blurry, like the trees flashing by the window.

Out of the car. Into the clinic.

“…no idea what’s wrong…try these pills….”

Out of the clinic. Into the car. How long could this go on?

Home again. Sleep. Eat. Sleep. Pray. Yes, time to pray.

“God, I’ve served you for years. What are you doing to me?”

Silence.

“I’ve always helped others. Why isn’t there help for me?”

No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

“Lord, what kind of answer is that? How can this be good?” Tears trickled down her face. “Please, Jesus. Help me believe it. If this is your good plan for me, help me accept it. Your will, not mine.”

The peace of surrender settled on her soul. Whatever happened, she was in His hands.

Days dragged by. No change.

Those who trust in me will not be disappointed.

“Yes, Lord. I’ll trust you.”

The doorbell rang. A cheerful, suntanned face appeared.

“Darcy?” Her sister, the jungle doctor, here?

“Yes, sister dear! Don’t worry.” She hugged Katelyn gently. “I’m here to take care of you. I don’t care what those doctors say. I know you’re fixable.”

Her sister’s joyful confidence gave her the gift of hope.

Fixable?

Katelyn smiled. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Darcy kissed her cheek. “You rest while I unpack.”

Katelyn gazed upward. “Thank you, Father – for Darcy, for whatever your plan is, for your peace. I trust you.”

She closed her eyes and slept. 

Having been through years of terrible suffering, I know the doubts and questions that assail us. Yet after all I've experienced and seen, I believe that most of us are indeed "fixable." That's why I keep going with this blog. I want to give you all the help, information, and encouragement I can. There is so much we can do to recover good health!

And for those who are, for different reasons, unable to experience recovery, God still gives hope. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, He gives us the promise of eternal life with Him - where there will be no more sickness, pain or tears.

I thank God that through surrender, we find peace, and receive the gift of hope.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. -Revelation 21:4

Dangers of Aspartame

This week my mom was telling me about a news program she saw that was warning of the dangers of aspartame. In spite of the fact that aspartame has been proven to be toxic to humans, it's still legal and used widely. So even if you've heard this warning about aspartame before, I wanted to bring it up again. 

Dr. Mercola has an excellent article that breaks down the three ingredients of aspartame (aspartic acid, phenylalanine & methanol) and the specific ways they poison the body - resulting in many serious conditions including seizures, neurological disorders, brain tumors, depression, cancer, retinal damage, and much more.

If that's not enough, aspartame is also highly addictive and more likely to lead to weight gain - which of course defeats the purpose of consuming so-called "diet" foods and drinks that contain aspartame.

When I read the facts about aspartame it boggles my mind that anyone would willingly put such poison in their body! Yet many people are simply unaware. Aspartame is used in over 6,000 products. If you aren't alert to watch for it, you could be unknowingly consuming it yourself. 

Here's a list of some of the main products aspartame is used in:

diet sodas

yogurts

chewing gum

flavored water

cereals

sugar-free products (like jellos, mixes, etc.)

drink powders

cooking sauces 

and of course, artificial sweeteners like NutraSweet & equal

(you can read more about this list here)

Aspartame is everywhere, and it's not going away any time soon. So PLEASE make a habit of reading every label of food and drinks you consume. Take responsibility for your health. Don't assume that if it's sold in stores it's safe. 

If you're already very careful to avoid aspartame, then please pass this warning along to others. One of the simplest things we can do for our health is to just stop ingesting poisons that are wrongly considered "safe." 

Let's press on toward good health!

Time To Make Some Changes

The start of a new year is a great time to pause and evaluate. 

What have I been doing for my health? 

How well is it working? 

What changes could I make? 

If what you've been doing is working well and you're seeing improvement, then rejoice and keep up the good work! =) 

If what you've been doing isn't working, then maybe consider trying some new things. 

If you know what to do but haven't been doing it, then make a plan to help put your knowledge into action. Remember, start somewhere and do what you can. 

I know setting goals can be tricky with chronic illness. But I do think it's good to consider what positive changes we can possibly make.

I plan to continue with most of what I've been doing (lymphatic massage, detox baths, grounding, exercise, etc.). However, I'm also planning to read a new health book and try a new supplement this month. 

Progress requires knowledge and action. So,  

*What will you do this year to keep learning about health? 

(Here's a good ebook my mom read recently by a man who shares how he overcame chronic illness. Also, HEAL is a great organization with tons of information and a very informative newsletter.)

*Is there anything you can do to further detoxify your home? 

(Perhaps it's time to switch to stainless steel pots & pans and get rid of toxic teflon ones. Or replace dangerous mercury lightbulbs---CFL's--with regular filament ones.)

*What is the most important thing you can do for your health this year?

(Maybe work with a new health consultant, try the DNRS brain retraining program, or finally start practicing a weekly "Sabbath".

*Who can you ask to help motivate and encourage you in your health journey? 

(If you don't have anyone, I'd be happy to pray for you! Just leave a comment or send me an email.)

I love the start of a new year! So many possibilities ahead! I hope and pray this will be a year of much healing and progress for us all. 

Keep fighting the good fight. 

P.S. Since only two people commented on last week's post and Giveaway, I decided to send them both an ebook copy of Grace In Time Of Need. Enjoy! =) 

Favorite Posts of 2013 and Giveaway

It's hard to believe 2013 is coming to a close. It's been a good year for me, (considering what the last decade has been like, that's saying a lot).

As this year ends, I like to look back and reflect...

I'm so grateful to my awesome God for all He's taught me, done through me, healed in me, and provided for me! I'm thankful for the new friends He's given me, the fun I've had, and the things He's accomplished. I see His beautiful fingerprints all over my life this past year. 

I hope you can also reflect on God's blessings to you in 2013. Even when they're hard to see, I know they're still there. As I read back through the many posts I've written this year, I was reminded of even more blessings that I had already forgotten. I'm so thankful God never fails in His kindness to us, even when we so quickly forget. 

I enjoyed reading the old posts again so much that I decided to list a few of my favorites today - and also offer a little post-Christmas giveaway. =) (details below)

Some of my favorite posts from 2013:

Hope

Worship

Perspective from Pain

Got Parasites?

How to Express Love & Support to Those with Chronic Illness

I Hear What I Say...

I Can Party!

Giveaway - Your turn! Leave a comment on this post telling us which is your favorite Super EI Girl blog post of 2013 and why it's your favorite. I'll randomly pick a winner to receive a copy of my book "Grace In Time Of Need." (a paperback copy for USA residents, ebook for anyone outside the USA) Be sure to leave your comment by the end of the day on December 31st. I'll announce the winner in next week's blog post.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! =)

A Not So Merry Christmas

I think it's safe to say that the first Christmas was not much fun. Amazing, yes. Miraculous, yes. Fun, no. 

Joseph and Mary must have been exhausted from their journey. The only place for them to take shelter was a stable with smelly livestock. No central heat. No warm, soft beds. No family or friends to help Mary with her first birth. 

What a difficult night that must have been!

I imagine it wasn't much fun for Jesus either. Not only the trauma of being born, but the completely foreign experience of being a helpless baby. Jesus, the eternal Son of God - who spoke the world into existence - became an infant. He entered a dark, cold, smelly world - after the glories of heaven. 

Definitely not fun. 

I'm not sure where the phrase "Merry Christmas" came from, but I don't think it was from that first Christmas. The first Christmas was very REAL. It was a long, hard night, with pain and tears, cold and wet, exhaustion and hunger. 

It wasn't anything like Christmas is today. Even during my worst years of illness, I still had food to eat and a place to sleep. I had friends and family who loved me and prayed for me. Though I sometimes lost sight of my many blessings, they were still there.

Now that I'm healthier and able to enjoy the "fun" parts of Christmas again, I'm reminded that the first Christmas also had something we often don't have today. It had wonder and worship. 

I'm sure that mixed in with tears of pain were tears of unspeakable joy! The arrival of God's promised Messiah, the fulfillment of thousands of years of waiting, the miracle of God becoming flesh.... I can't even imagine how Mary and Joseph must have celebrated in their hearts!  

Then all of heaven sang out declaring the good news! Shepherds rushed to the stable and knelt in worship. And a glorious star shone brighter than ever before. 

Ah, the wonder of that night! 

No, that first Christmas wasn't fun. But it was profound. And as we celebrate it year after year, we can explore more of the depths of its meaning. We can be reminded of what an awesome God we have!

So whether your Christmas is merry and fun, or not-so-merry and not-so-fun, I pray you'll be filled anew with the wonder and worship of that first Christmas. I pray you'll see the harsh realities of that night (and of your own life) in the light of its glorious significance!

A blessed Christmas to you,

-Joanna

Some Christmas Cheer

In the midst of the busyness, stress, and emotional challenges of this holiday season, keeping a sense of humor is very helpful. Don't forget to take time to laugh and to find the joy in even little things. 

So here are a few funnies to make you smile today. =)

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A father watched his daughter select a very expensive wedding gown for her Christmas wedding. He was overheard to say: 

"I don't mind giving you away, but must I gift wrap you, too?" 

(from: http://www.clean-jokes-and-humor.com/clean-christmas-jokes.html)

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You do know what would have happened if it had been three wise WOMEN instead of men, don't you? They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and brought disposable diapers as gifts!

(from: http://jokes.christiansunite.com/Christmas/The_Three_Wise_Women.shtml)

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Last Christmas, grandpa was feeling his age, and found that shopping for Christmas gifts had become too difficult. So he decided to send checks to everyone instead. 

In each card he wrote, "Buy your own present!" and mailed them early. 

He enjoyed the usual flurry of family festivities, and it was only after the holiday that he noticed that he had receiving very few cards in return. Puzzled over this, he went into his study, intending to write a couple of his relatives and ask what had happened. It was then, as he cleared off his cluttered desk that he got his answer. Under a stack of papers, he was horrified to find the gift checks which he had forgotten to enclose with the cards.

(from:http://www.Christian-Jokes.net/Jokes/Christmas-Jokes/229-Christmas-gift-checks.aspx)

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Christmas is just plain weird. What other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree in your living room eating candy and snacks out of your socks. 

On the Sunday before Christmas Reverend Billy Graham was walking down Highland street in Mt Holly, North Carolina on his way to see a parishioner. However, he wanted to post a parcel urgently so he asked a young boy where he could find the post office. When the boy had directed him, Reverend Graham thanked him and said, 'If you'll come to the Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to heaven.' 

The boy replied, 'I think I'll give your sermon a miss. If you don't even know your way to the post office, how will you lead me to heaven?' 

(from: http://www.you-can-be-funny.com/CleanChristmasJokes.html)

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Here are two of my favorite humorous Christmas posts from years past:

The EI Christmas Album

You Know You're An EI At Christmas Time When...

And finally, a little story to remind us of the true reason for the season:

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Who Started Christmas?

This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children.  After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids. 

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.  

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."  

From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified him." 

For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.  

Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

(from: http://keepingchristinchristmas.com/humor.htm)

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Merry Christmas!

Personalized Exercise

Experts agree that exercise is key to maintaining good health. And in most situations it's an important key for recovering good health. 

I've mentioned before that there are times when exercise is not the best thing for your body. If you're dealing with severe adrenal or thyroid issues for example, then exercising can actually do more harm than good. It's helpful to have a trusted health provider who can advise you if/when you should not exercise for a period of time. 

If exercise is not the best thing for you right now, then be sure you're keeping up with lymphatic massage (since without exercise the lymphatic system won't keep moving properly). Also do deep breathing and stretches as regularly as possible. 

But in general, exercise is a great tool for healing. Dr. Mercola has an excellent article about the valuable and life-saving benefits of exercise. The important thing is to personalize exercise to what works best for your body. 

There is no one exercise program that works for everyone. And what your body needs will change, especially if you're recovering from years of illness. If you don't have a trusted health provider to give you guidance, then start small with whatever method seems best for you. 

Here are some basic exercise options:

1) Walking - Make sure you have good shoes to support your feet and legs. Try not to walk on busy streets or anywhere you'd be breathing toxic fumes. 

2) Exercise bike - This is a good indoor option. A bike is especially helpful if you lack strength to stand for long. Set the tension at the lowest setting to start.

3) Aerobic exercise - Again, make sure you have good shoes. Always start slowly, allowing the body to warm up, then cool down afterward with slow movements and then stretches. There are many good aerobic videos that you can follow.

4) Core strengthening exercises - These include things like planks, bridges, leg lifts, etc. A strong core is important for overall health and the strain of daily tasks. Here's a good article about these exercises and instructions for some of them. Just remember to keep your current condition in mind and don't start with aanything too hard. (My physical therapist said I could start with wall push-ups - leaning against the wall to do push-ups. Then I'll work up to incline push-ups, and later to regular floor push-ups.) 

There are a lot of exercise programs out there to follow. Just remember to always start slow and listen to your body. If you can only handle 2 minutes at first, that's fine - start there. Gradually increase as you're able. Pay attention to your body and learn when to push it ever so slightly, and when to back down if necessary.  It's vital to stay within your "training zone," as it's sometimes called. Remember my motto - "Start somewhere and do what you can." =) 

I started exercising a few years ago with about three minutes on an exercise bike. Then I had to stop for a while as my thyroid went through a healing process. Later I began again with about four minutes of (very low-impact) aerobics. I've gradually increased, and now I'm able to do 9-10 minutes of aerobics 4 days a week. I'm also adding in some core strengthening exercises. I spent most of the last 9 years lying in bed, so now that I'm actually upright most of the day I really need to build up my core muscles. 

I'm very thankful that it actually feels good to exercise now! I hope you find a personalized exercise program that works for you. Let me know how it goes. =)