Thursday, January 17, 2008

encouragement



Pardon my absence...I have been dragging since Christmas and I'm still catching up on regaining my energy supply. I have been very sick, but by grace have avoided the hospital. I have caught myself day dreaming a lot and taking stock of my life as I welcome in 2008.

I proudly and purposely didn't make any lists for the new year, but I did purchase a very "Me" day~timer to better record what I eat, do or not do, any weather changes and how it all directly affects me. I know it is such a cliche, but I really want to listen to my body and do a better job of respecting it.

People living with chronic illnesses have tendencies to abuse themselves when a good health day rolls along. I am extremely guilty of this and have decided to become a student of myself. One message that has been coming in loud and clear is:

"Don't Give Up On Your Hopes & Dreams"

I figured that if I have been needing to hear this, maybe you need to hear it too. The dreams that we have either been born with, or acquired over time are gifts given to us with no intentions of being revoked. Give each dream some room to grow and be nurtured. Each One is like a small child that needs attention in order to flourish.

And never give up on hope.
Hope surprises us with precious miracles, especially when we least expect it. Hope is a necessary ingredient to faith... and faith believes that nothing is impossible.

I am imagining that you feel encouraged...I know I do!

16 Comments:

Blogger Silvia said...

I do too! I'm glad to read your words again. I've missed you! But you, your body, your health and hopes and dreams are so much more important than blogging :)

Sending you some sparkling energy and hugs.

love you,

xox silvia

12:16 PM  
Blogger Jack K. said...

Glad to learn you are feeling well enough to get back to us. Your message of taking care of self is very important.

Perhaps as you focus on your hopes and dreams you will be better able to cope with your chronic companion. I wish there were some way to make it disappear.

My best to you and yours.

12:47 PM  
Blogger Wanda said...

Seeing that smile across your sweet face encourages me big time!!!

Yes, we can never give up on those hopes and dreams and we can never give up on each other!

We are family whether near or far!!

Love and Hugs...can we go to lunch soon??
Wanda Mom

6:34 PM  
Blogger Yolanda said...

So glad you posted. I have been missing you posts but totally understand.
hugs to you,
yolanda

10:10 PM  
Blogger Shaz said...

I am glad that you are taking not to over do it I know what you mean about the good days.
Thinking of you always and this was just what I wanted to hear xxx

3:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Beautiful post.
Thank you.

4:55 AM  
Blogger Michelle O'Neil said...

Just watched a great film yesterday it is Louise Hay's Story, I think the Title was You Can Heal Your Life.

Very uplifting! It talked about self-talk and it's ability to hurt or heal us, emotionally and physically.

Glad you are full of hope.

BTW...beautiful picture Darlene!You are one hot mama!

11:14 AM  
Blogger Mary Timme said...

I think learning to listen to the body is cruical in dealing with chronic illness and it tests our discipline as well. You'd think chronic illness would do that enough, but I'm learning you can't stop listening to the body, no matter what. I've been having fits with my eyes because I have to take a decongestant for my ears. Now where, I ask, is the fairness in that, and then I realize others have it so much worse. So, I'm trying to consider this 'down' time as time to remember where I've been and it will pass. I so agree not to give up on your hopes and dreams!

12:50 PM  
Blogger nancygrayce said...

We all need to take care of ourselves so we can care for those around us! Nice to visit your blog.

7:43 PM  
Blogger JP (mom) said...

Wonderful pic of you! Sounds like you're baby-stepping your way to feeling better - one foot in front of the other, my dear. Love your words on hopes and dreams ... I'm a true believer in the power of faith and prayer. Saying a prayer for you, xx, JP/deb

9:22 PM  
Blogger LEstes65 said...

My goodness, if that's what you look like after being so sick, sign me UP! I kid. I know you've been through hell. But you look so gorgeous. I sure do adore you! Welcome back!

9:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hope you are feeling better Darlene and still dreaming. Keep steady to yourself and things will happen.

9:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was gonna comment on this post, but then saw I already had!

I hope that kind of forgetfulness can be forgiven.

Hugs.

4:59 AM  
Blogger Trish Ryan said...

It's amazing what God will tell us about ourselves when we tune in to listen. Bless your tuning!!!

2:01 PM  
Blogger AMY said...

Hope is a beautiful thing...
Romans 5:1-5 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

9:33 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

It is 4:40 Sunday morning and I found your blog via Yolanda,, she had left a comment on my blog... anyway.. just wanted to say thanks for the encouraging words this morning... someday I am just overwhelmed with it all.... someday just do not have the energy to fight... I think that is when the Father God uses the body of Christ to gently lift us by their words and our spirit man is strengthened..... You have strengthened me this morning.........

2:43 AM  

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