Accept the Diognosis, But Do NOT Accept the Verdict That Comes With It

     What is a "chronic" illness?  Many people believe it is all in the mind of the other person, and because they can't actually see signs like you can with someone who perhaps has cancer.  There are still many people and even a few doctors still think "It's all in your head."  That is so NOT a true statement.
      A chronic condition has been defined as something that "is prolonged, doesn't resolve spontaneously, and is rarely ever cured completely."   When you say you are doing well, that doesn't mean you are cured; instead it refers to your ability to cope and make needed adjustments.  It's learning to live 'In spite of" your chronic condition. They may not be something "curable" (unless God provides you with complete healing), but they are also not deadly. 
     So what are some "chronic" illness's???  Well there are a few that
are most "common," such as; Arthritis, Asthma, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Sleep Disorders, COPD, and more.  A "chronic disease is not contagious, and no the person may not "look" sick at all.  That does not mean that they are not sick, or in pain, or depressed about this "new you that you have had to become."  They do, however, have real feelings, still are in pain, and when family and friends act like they are "faking it" or psycho about having a chronic illness, it hurts in such a way that it makes the person who is suffering to either pull away, or go to the opposite extreme, overdoing things and pretending for the sake of others who don't believe them, that nothing is wrong, even when it truly is!!!
     So what do you do?  You hang on to hope, keep having faith, and concentrate on what you are able to do.  You learn how to turn your life over to God's loving care and seek HIS comfort, strength and healing.  You are not fibromyalgia!  You are not lupus!  You are not chronic fatigue!  When you say these things, you aren't recognizing your God-given talents, skills, personalities, and characteristics.  You need to separate your illness from whom you really are!!  Remember when you attempt to hide your situation from others, in a sense you're letting them control your life and who you are at that very moment.

To read more on "Chronic Illnesses," read the book "Coping with Chronic Illness" by H. Norman Wright & Lynn Ellis
    
    
      

Be a RESPONSIBLE Pet Owner

Having recently gotten 3 Persian kittens (my 2 males just turned 5 months old on St. Patrick's Day & the little girl is only 10 weeks), I am compelled to encourage everyone, unless you are a clean, professional dog or cat breeder, to be a RESPONSIBLE pet owner.  How many, many times do we have a pet that was so "cute" as a baby, but the newness and excitement has worn off?  Maybe you are running late to an appt., or to work, and figure, "Oh well I'll feed them when I get home."  Well you get home, you are hungry yourself, tired and want to just sit, relax and watch a little TV before bed.  That's "okay" you tell yourself. "I'll feed them in the morning."  Well the morning is hectic, you're running late, and once again you say, "When I get home..."  And never mind the fact that your pet has had no water for what...Two, Three, or Four days now.  Plus, the fact it rained yesterday and your dog was on its chain with no chance to get any shelter, or get away from the thunder and lightning that it's something that scares the stuffing out of your pet!!!!  But that is what I am hoping to make a point about.  These are supposed to be your pets!  

These "pets" deserve to have the same things that YOU need to survive!  That is food, water, shelter and most of all...LOVE!!  Take care of them, feed them, get them their rabies shots and other vaccines. and get them SPAYED and/or NEUTERED!!   If there is even the slightest chance that you won't have time, money, and patience for that "cute" little kitten or puppy, PLEASE, DON'T GET IT!  There are hundreds, upon hundreds of thousands of neglected and abused "pets" out there!  Let's work together to be responsible pet owners!!  And if you see or know of any abused animals out there, call someone and turn them in!  Love yourself enough to love your pet just as much as they unconditionally love YOU!

In the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, there is a wonderful, inexpensive place called The Leid Spay/Neuter Clinic that is actually on the property of the NE Humane Society in Omaha.  They will neuter your cat for $30, and Spay your cat for $40, and for your dogs it is $55 to neuter your male, & $65 for your female to be spayed.  Set up an appt. today!!!!  
                                                (402)905-3490