I am so excited to share a BIG secret that I have been keeping!!
My new book, "Path of Hope (Daily Reflections on Hope from the Psalms
for the Lyme Disease Journey" will
be released on May 1st!!
This book, "Path of Hope", is the first and only Lyme patient specific book that focuses on finding hope from scripture in the Lyme Disease Journey. There are 31 topics covered in this book to match the days of the months of the year. Each days devotion has a portion of scripture from the book of Psalms, a reflection, a prayer, an inspiring quote, and highlights a specifically chosen song that relates to this reflection. "Path of Hope" can be used as simple encouragement to those who feel hopeless in this journey or as a guided daily devotional. Either way, "Path of Hope" will provide spiritual encouragement and offer hope to thos who feel hopeless in this journey.
It has been a ton of hard work and thousands of hours and it has been the Lord's grace and goodness each step of the way to see this project coming to fruition. Even as I am sitting here writing this I am humbly thanking the Lord for His strength in helping me complete this project. This was a book that resonated deep in my heart and was written out of a love for those struggling to find hope in their battle with Lyme Disease and this journey of walking this difficult and painful path. I started writing this book over a year and a half ago ... writing on slips of paper, napkins, medication bags, etc... and in a variety of different places... in hospitals, doctors offices, treatment sessions, etc.
The timing of finalizing things with this book release and
finishing up last minute items with this book has not been lost on me. The journey through this disease
has brought a myriad of different emotions: excitement at the progress of
healing that I am slowly experiencing, joy at finding a wonderful and
experienced medical team to help me, anger over the lack of understanding and
support in the political arena of Lyme, discouragement at the extreme lack of
energy I have and the way that fighting Lyme Disease prohibits me from living
life fully the way that I wish I could, and sometimes hopeless at feeling this
journey will never end.
This past week alone brought some news that was completely unexpected to me and another delay in this long road of healing. My heart was broken and I have cried more tears, found myself discouraged again, and have laid out my broken heart once again to the One who loves me more than life.
But this past week in many ways is once again reflective of the entire journey. I have found that there are so many emotions and issues that accompany this journey in fighting Lyme Disease, and yet there is incredible hope to be found in the book of Psalms for the different experiences that we face as Lyme Warriors.
On this journey with Lyme Disease patients may experience all of the emotions I listed and more, including feeling hopeless about the present and the future, but our God of Hope quietly and tenderly reminds us to hope even when everything feels hopeless. Our greatest hope lies in the fact that death is not the ultimate answer and that we have a full and perfect life, with no pain, no brokenness, and no Lyme Disease in Heaven. This hope- this beautiful and living hope (I Peter 1:3-4) is for the future but gives us hope for our present. I have always found great comfort in the Psalms, but none so much as since this journey began. As I approach another anniversary of when this season began and everything was shattered, I look back on the now tattered pages of the book of Psalms in my Bible with a smile. These 150 chapters have provided much comfort and hope, especially on days where I felt I could do nothing but cry.
My prayer with this little book is that it will encourage anyone who reads it, lead them to scripture, remind them that they are not alone in this fight, and gently remind them that the God of hope is very present and active in this often hopeless feeling journey.
May the Lord bless you abundantly dear friends and give you strength for the journey's before you and may we find everlasting hope in our ever present and faithful Savior.
“Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you
will hear their cries and comfort them.”
I am so excited to share that the shop has an exciting new look!! Etsy announced to its shop owners several weeks ago that in April the shop look would be changing and it was so exciting to have the opportunity to re-design the shop. I LOVE the new look! In anticipation for the change I also was excited to work on lots of new goodies for the shop so make sure to head on over and check it out! You can click HERE to easily go to the shop!
Thank you again for all of your support of my shop! A portion of all proceeds goes to charity and the rest of the proceeds go to help cover my necessary medical treatment and medical bills. Thank you again for all of your support!
I hope that you are having a wonderful week!
One new section that I have added to the shop are the "altered planners". These custom and pre-made altered planners were inspired by the sweet love and encouragement I received after sharing about my personal altered calendar from last year.
Y'all know how I love making things pretty and this is one exciting way to do that and encourage joy in our everyday lives! You can click HERE to check out this new section and keep your eyes out as there are some great deals going on in that section and new items will be added to it in the upcoming days and weeks! You can also order a custom order for an altered planner which could make a wonderful graduation gift!
Y'all know that one of December Caravan's main staples is the buntings that the shop offers and I am so excited to share that there have been lots of adorable birthday buntings that have been added to the shop!
These adorable buntings are an affordable way to decorate for a loved ones birthday or to simply send as a little present to someone!
There are different options with the birthday buntings that range from gender specific to options that are available that would work well for anyone.
And there are also some wonderful new altered journals that have come to the shop!
There has also been many other items added to the shop! Thank you so much for your continued support of my shop! All proceeds go to help me cover medical bills and treatment costs in the fight for my health!
Happy Wednesday sweet friends!
Today, Saturday, April 2nd I am joining together with thousands of others across the world to #lightitupblue in honor of raising awareness for Autism. World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is observed on April 2nd and was adopted by the United Nations in 2007 to shine a light and bring awareness as a growing global health priority. Across the United States and around the world there will be thousands of famous iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses, public buildings, etc. across the globe uniting to shine a bright blue light in honor of the millions of individuals who are affected by autism and in honor of their families.
Today I am excited to bring awareness to this important health issue to the blog.
I originally created this altered album as part of a collaborative project with other bloggers. For my project I desired to create an item that would help parents spread the word of what they wish people would say to them as an encouragement to them in their journey with having an autistic child. After researching and talking with different parents of autistic children I created a "hope filled album" of 10 things that these parents wish that they would hear as encouragement.
To create this album I started by cutting off the front and back of a light blue photo album that I found at the store. I loved the light blue color but didn't want the whole album so I simply used an x-acto knife to cut the front and back apart from the original photo album.
After doing this I punched holes in both the front and back of the album after covering the "rough edges" with the beautiful blue ribbon from May Arts. I attached this ribbon simply using double-sided acid free tape. On the cover I removed the picture that came with the original album and added in a blue doily. On the front of the cover I added an additional blue doily and added the word "hope" with the letter "A" that I had altered by adding some of my favorite ribbon that I had used inside the album.
As I mentioned I had researched and talked with several parents of autistic children and had wanted to create tags with the top 10 things that these parents wish that they heard from their families, friends, and loved ones.
For my inside pages I used some "cotton fabric book pages" as my base and then hand-stitched several different combinations of blue ribbons on the five cotton fabric book pages.
I then attached two blue doilies to the pages and then spent time altering 10 tags that i was going to use with ribbon that matched the hand-stitching on the book pages.
Some people love using their machines to sew the ribbons into their projects which I love, but many times I take the extra time to hand-stitch so that it gives my project a little added "altered" look.
I love how the final project came out and truly learned a LOT through my conversations and my research. While my extended family has walked the journey of autism I didn't know as much as I should. Taking the time to research this and create this album has truly taught me a lot. I hope that in the future I can support those who have autistic children and encourage them in their journey.
I hope that through this global campaign and awareness of autism that we as a community can better encourage and honor those with autism and their families and remind them they are not alone and are not forgotten.
Looking for hope-filled and encouraging things to say? Here are just a few of the things that I included in the album:
1. "Wow! I can't believe how far he/she has come!"
2. "He/She is so good at ______________!"
3. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
4. "He/She feels so much doesn't he/she?"
5. "He/She is fascinating!"
6. "He/She really loves you!"
and many more!
If you are interested in me creating a special album for you for autism or a different disease I am happy to collaborate with you on a project! You can check out my Etsy shop (by clicking HERE!) or contact me via email!
Happy Saturday friends! Go #lightitupblue today and encourage someone!
And sometimes... well sometimes life is a mixture of both.
And for me, that is what this fourth spring on this journey feels like. It is the fourth spring since I have moved home to my parents house suspecting that I was dealing with more than "just" CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia. It is the fourth spring since my entire digestive system started to crash and I needed IV nutrients. It is the fourth spring since I gave up my independence, moved back home into my parents home, and then eventually (in the winter) became unable to walk with no explanation. It is the fourth spring away from the job that I loved (teaching). It is the fourth spring that I have experienced extreme illness and pain. It is the fourth spring that I am completely reliant on my parents, family, and friends for help in a variety of ways (including financial resources).
And for me, that is what this fourth spring on this journey feels like. It is the fourth spring since I have moved home to my parents house suspecting that I was dealing with more than "just" CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia. It is the fourth spring since my entire digestive system started to crash and I needed IV nutrients. It is the fourth spring since I gave up my independence, moved back home into my parents home, and then eventually (in the winter) became unable to walk with no explanation. It is the fourth spring away from the job that I loved (teaching). It is the fourth spring that I have experienced extreme illness and pain. It is the fourth spring that I am completely reliant on my parents, family, and friends for help in a variety of ways (including financial resources).
It is the fourth spring that many people would classify as a time that has been horrendous and as one person said to me yesterday, "I bet you will be glad to say goodbye to this chapter on of your life". Hmmm... yes and no. You see... something has continued to develop in my heart. When I wrote that post about delighting in the ordinary a couple of years ago I meant what I said. There had been a "change in the wind" throughout these years in my heart. Instead of saying "I want this to end... (or) I want this time to be over" I find myself tearfully surrendering and begging the Lord for healing and asking for continued wisdom -specifically in how He would use me right now. I struggle but tearfully surrender to wishing for the past and accepting the present and the future. I pray for strength to rest in the truth of the verse "Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain". I found myself wrestling with the Lord in prayer in new ways- and learning to trust in new ways.
It is the fourth spring of spending hundreds of hours with the Lord in prayer in bed because sometimes I am to weak to even sit up. It is the fourth spring of seeing the Lord provide for me daily on this journey - emotionally, physically, spiritually. It is the fourth spring of being overwhelmed by the love and kindness of family and strangers alike in this journey. It is the fourth spring of learning who I am in Christ in a whole new way. It is the fourth spring of this fight... a fight that still has a while to go.
These years have been painful, long, and quite difficult. And yet, this is the battle. The battle to get well and to fight to beat these diseases. I well up with tears though at the goodness of the Lord. I have a wonderful doctor and medical team and they are fighting this journey with me. I have amazing parents who lavish love and encouragement on me. I have a lovely grandmother who spends hours upon hours in prayer for me. I have sweet friends who have never walked away and have supported me whole-heartedly in this journey. One day at a time friends (and sometimes one minute at a time) we will take this fight. The Lord is with me. He continues to provide wisdom and direction- even as recently as the end of the last week as blood work came in and we learned some new news. Surprising to me but not to the Lord. He is NEVER surprised by any of this. And friends, "There will be a lovely ending to this story of frustration, something worth all it has cost." (Amy Carmichael)
So I continue on one day at a time as I face each new day in this fourth spring. A spring that has been filled with different plans then I originally thought and filled with a new battle of looking to find grace in the hard, but a quiet confidence that He will yet show up again. A spring that I know the Lord will provide for me again- in miraculous ways. A spring of trusting the Lord who knows my heart and knows the way I will go. A spring filled with days of falling more in love with my Savior.
As I continue on in this fourth spring I cling to these beautiful verses in Jeremiah:
"The people who survived the wars have found favor in the desert. The LORD appeared to me in a faraway place and said, “I love you with an everlasting love. So I will continue to show you my kindness. Once again I will build you up, and you will be rebuilt, my dear people Israel. Once again you will take your tambourines, and you will go dancing with happy people. Once again you will plant..."
-Jeremiah 31:2-5-
Once again dear friends... once again I am starting the fourth spring looking to the Lord and His love and knowing that He will have the best in mind. What a good and amazing God He is. Thank you so much for all of your continued prayers for me on this journey. Every single day I see the answers to each of them in a thousand different ways.
For the past couple of weeks I have had Rend Collective's song, "broken bread" on repeat. The words have become the cry of my heart. I was so inspired by Kara Tippetts post and video (shown yesterday in her post on Mundane Faithfulness) that I had to make my own video. I know that you will please forgive me if you were uninentionally left out... there are SO many people that have been so gracious, so giving, and so loving.
Thank you dear ones. Thank you for loving me so well during this long journey. You continue to speak and show God's grace in so many ways. So many of you have sacrificed SO much... from missed weddings to financial gifts to continued messages of love. I am overwhelmed and I cried throughout the making of this video as each picture from these past four years reminds me gently and lovingly that just as in the days of the past God will continue to graciously and lovingly meet the small and the big. How do you say thank you to so many of you who have lovingly showed up and shown God's clear light in the darkness? My heart can only beg the Lord to bless you. Thank you dear ones for lovingly and preciously loving my heart through this journey. You have made a huge difference and have been used greatly by the Lord.
For the past couple of weeks I have had Rend Collective's song, "broken bread" on repeat. The words have become the cry of my heart. I was so inspired by Kara Tippetts post and video (shown yesterday in her post on Mundane Faithfulness) that I had to make my own video. I know that you will please forgive me if you were uninentionally left out... there are SO many people that have been so gracious, so giving, and so loving.
Thank you dear ones. Thank you for loving me so well during this long journey. You continue to speak and show God's grace in so many ways. So many of you have sacrificed SO much... from missed weddings to financial gifts to continued messages of love. I am overwhelmed and I cried throughout the making of this video as each picture from these past four years reminds me gently and lovingly that just as in the days of the past God will continue to graciously and lovingly meet the small and the big. How do you say thank you to so many of you who have lovingly showed up and shown God's clear light in the darkness? My heart can only beg the Lord to bless you. Thank you dear ones for lovingly and preciously loving my heart through this journey. You have made a huge difference and have been used greatly by the Lord.
With lots of love friends,
Happy Wednesday friends! I am excited to link up with Mel, Shaeffer, and Shay for the "What's Up Wednesday" Link up! I have so enjoyed reading these ladies posts and am excited to join in! It is so fun to connect with so many other ladies who are doing this each month!
What We're Eating this Week...
After so many years of having stomach issues due to Lyme Disease I am so excited to be eating a more "well-rounded" diet, specifically in regards to raw vegetables. I shared on instagram over a year ago that there was a point in this journey that I had a GI specialist share that "there was nothing more that he could do, I would never get healthy or be able to eat raw food again and that I should accept my lot". For days, weeks, and years I stared out my bedroom window wondering if his words were true and yet begging the Lord for healing. And slowly SLOWLY SLOWLY I started to heal and am still slowly healing but am now able to eat raw foods, including my 6 cups of greens (literally) that I eat everyday to help my body full heal. Healing takes place one day at a time in the small and big steps and every time I look at raw food I remember how far the Lord has brought me.
What I'm Reminiscing About...
My beautiful sister's quick visit earlier this month! So much happened since the day that we escaped to the cabin in the woods that I am blessed remembering the joy of that time!
What I'm Loving...
Facetime!! I shared yesterday on my facebook page that this is truly a beautiful invention. I know, I know. Some of you are shaking your heads at why it took so long to discover this but it is truly wonderful! Yesterday I had the opportunity to catch up with this beautiful lady and it was such a beautiful encouragement to my heart!
What I've Been Up To...
If you follow me on instagram than you know that this past month has been a whirlwind in so many different ways. I continue to ask for prayer for all of the things that I mentioned in my last "Notes from the Porch" personal health update. Thank you so so so much!
What I'm Dreading...
Let's be honest... getting a port. I would welcome any encouragement that anyone has heard or experienced? Thanks friends! I appreciate your prayers for all of this!
What I'm Working on...
Lots and lots of new items for the shop and a couple of exciting surprises that I will be sharing in the next few weeks! I can't wait to share with y'all!!
What I'm Excited About...
As I shared on Monday, I am so honored and humbled to be apart of the International Wholistic Missions Conference in May this year! You can read more about this by clicking HERE! I also can't wait to share some exciting new projects that I have been working on with y'all in the upcoming days and weeks ahead!
What I'm Watching/Reading...
I have an entire post coming out this week about this book, but as I shared on instagram, this book, "And it was Beautiful" is absolutely wonderful. Words fail me at the impact it has had on my life. It is absolutely amazing.
What I'm Listening to...
I shared this several months ago but if you haven't had the chance to listen to this beautiful song, "Jesus I am resting" yet, take the three minutes and do it right now. I promise you will be incredibly blessed! (Want to find out more about the Wissmann Family and check out more of their music? You can find their website HERE!)
What I'm Wearing...
This scarf from ASOS is amazing. Y'all know my love of scarves and this one for this chilly winter in the north has been something I wear pretty much wear every.single.day. It is amazingly soft and warm, I love the pop of red color, is great to dress up or dress down and is a great transition piece for the winter to spring months!
What I'm looking Forward to Next Month...
Seeing how the Lord has answered the prayer request that I mentioned HERE! It is so exciting to place our unknown future days in the hands of the One who guides and lovingly leads us.
My Best Spring Cleaning Tip...
I actually just saw this on a friends facebook page and LOVED it. Basically for the year of 2016 she has committed to giving away, selling, or donating 2016 items from her home. I saw this and immediately was like "DONE"! Y'all know how much I love being organized and yet still can't believe all of the things that I have. I am jumping on this tip! Can't wait to share with y'all the progress in the upcoming months!
I would love to know your answers to these questions friends! Share your thoughts below in the comments!! *smiles* Happy Wednesday!
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Australia is a huge country with a variety of different landmarks and numerous places to see. It has to offer so much you certainly have to visit it one day! Don't worry about money – with Discountrue coupons you will be able to get amazing discounts on the flights and lodging thanks to Hotels.com offers, as well as shop for all the equipment or clothing you need to purchase on a budget at Kohl's.
The thing you should actually be thinking about is which of the many exciting activities you should take part in first! Read on to learn more about some of the best destinations Down Under:
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1. The Great Barrier Reef
Located off the Queensland coast, The Great Barrier Reef is a must see for any Australian tourist. The reef is a visual feast and one of Mother Nature's most wondrous creations. All you need in order to enjoy the dazzling array of caverns, channels, lagoons, coral cays and islands is a mask, a snorkel and your lungs. The aforementioned areas are filled with an astonishing variety of colorful marine life and the only problem you'll have is finally pulling yourself away from it all!
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2. Bondi
Widely known as the most famous beach in all of Australia, this is where tourists and Sydney residents alike head to when they are ready to shed their clothes and their inhibitions. If you'd like to catch a glimpse of the local workout groups, be sure to head to Bondi's beachfront cafes for breakfast and stick around afterward for a quality swimming session or a surfing lesson, for those who feel so inclined.
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3. Great Ocean Road
Travelers who are in search of Australia's most beautiful natural wonders would do well to head to Great Ocean Road, an astonishing 150 mile stretch of road that is certainly not for the faint of heart. This is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, because it has to be seen to be believed. This road takes visitors along the continent's hemline and while it can be frightening to some, it is also incredibly beautiful and highly recommended.
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4. Sydney Harbour Bridge
This bridge offers visitors a chance to enjoy a panoramic view of the harbour by taking a BridgeClimb all the way to the top. Once the climb has been completed, tourists can partake in a 360 degree view of one of the world's most beautiful bodies of water. Truly adventurous types are able to strap on a harness, communication gear and a bridgesuit, which allows them to ascend the arch of the bridge and catch a glimpse of the city from 440 feet above sea level.
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5. Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk
A top notch option for those who wish to learn more about the nation's indigenous cultures, the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk is operated by Australia's Aborigine community and offers visitors a new perspective on the local rain forests. The Kuku Yalanji people rely on this area for spiritual sustenance, as well as food and medicine, making for a profound experience!
Have you been to Australia? What is your favorite spot to visit? P.S. Are you looking to take a trip to Australia (or another country)? Check out my shop for Altered Country Travel Journals that are a perfect take along for your next adventure!
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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all of the thoughts I agree with and match the tone of my blog and beliefs of my blog.
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