Being Made Holy

“By one sacrifice, he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 9:14).

It is difficult for me to understand that God sees me now as the perfect creation I will be in eternity. Yet because of Christ’s sacrifice, my eternal perfection has already been accomplished. Now, in this earthly life, I am being made holy. I would much rather be made perfect now and be made holy in the future, but that is not God’s plan.

The definition of holy is “to be consecrated, set apart, dedicated or devoted to the service of God’. The world is not too concerned about holiness. Many people do not even understand that concept. How can I grow in holiness as I live with health problems? Do I believe that God is using these physical challenges to increase my holiness? Scripture says I am being made holy now– it is an ongoing process in this life. Whatever God is allowing in my life must be working toward that end.

There are opportunities to increase my dedication and devotion to God even while facing health challenges. Christian music, movies, and books are all wonderful ways to promote spiritual growth and draw me closer to God. Limited abilities have the potential of changing my perspective on what is truly important in this life. Participation in any activities, regardless of how small or sporadic, provide opportunities for developing a more grateful and thankful heart. Enduring and growing in my commitment to the Lord while suffering may be examples of perseverance and strength to others, possibly spurring them on to greater dedication and faith.

Striving for holiness is an actual act of worship in which we can participate daily, even with our limitations (Romans 12:1). God uses different means in all believers– lives to change them into His likeness. Our illnesses and pains may well be the tools He is using to bring about the holiness that He desires in us. Let us allow them to finish their work, so we may be mature and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:4).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me a heart that desires holiness. Help me to accept whatever methods you choose to conform me to Your image. Amen.

About the Author:

Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com and contact her at spindler@cox.net.

[Via http://chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com]

Just another stab in the dark -OR- potential effective drug?

Date rape drug or potential pain cure?

If you are like me, you have heard of about the drug GHB or gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid in the news.  In the past decade or so, it has gotten a lot of media attention because of its purpose.  GHB is a “Date Rape” drug.  Along with drugs like Rohypnol and Ketamine, GHB has been used as a way to anesthetize a victim before a sexual assault or rape.  It is known as well for being a negative part of the “rave” culture, being nicknamed “liquid Ecstasy”…. So it is not surprising that almost EVERYONE who has heard of it has negative feelings towards it.  It is the drug that you warn your friends and family about.  It is why you tell your children not to leave their drink unattended when they are out with friends.  It is a drug that has the ability to destroy and potentially end lives.

What I didn’t KNOW is that GHB is a legitimate drug!  It was widely used at one point in Europe as a sleep aid as well as an anesthetic during child-birth.  It has also been used for treating narcolepsy and severe alcoholism.  I believe that this drug has been replaced by other safer drugs for these medical conditions because of the risks involved and its addictive nature, but it is definitely still being used throughout the world.

GHB is not just a date-rape drug, although it is widely known as such, and also for the other non-medicinal uses it carries.

GHB Not just a date rape drug!

I read an interesting article today, and it led me to do a little investigation of my own.  GHB is actually being studied as a potential treatment for Chronic Pain, specifically Fibromyalgia, CFIDS, and ME.

Psychology Today ran an article this past October about this.  It poses the question: GHB Rave or Relief?

Dr. Podell, a doctor from New Jersey also has an article on his website about the potential benefits of GHB in regards to treating Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia-symptoms.org, has GHB listed under “Fibromyalgia Medications”.

Is this another stab in the dark as far as treatments are concerned? -Or- is this drug potentially the next miracle treatment for people like us?

Are we just guinea pigs?  -Or- are these trial studies going to lead us to a better life, and maybe a cure?

I don’t know about you, but hearing about drugs like this as a potential treatment of chronic pain makes me NERVOUS.

At best we’ve already had many drugs thrown at us that have less than stellar side effects.  The drugs that we currently take for the treatment of this illness are usually combined with other medications, don’t have high success rates as far as pain control is concerned, and some of them can cause other problems with our health.

Don’t get me wrong, I am SO excited to know that trials and studies are being done for Fibro research!! That means that potentially we will all be led out of suffering and into the light when better treatments are found!  What makes me nervous is that this drug in particular is a very dangerous drug, and one that has an insane list of side-effects and warnings.  If drugs such as this one become approved for the treatment of this illness, what does that mean for our whole community?

Do we become guinea pigs?

Do we then have to live with even more nasty side-effects? (respiratory arrest CAN be an effect by the way)?

Does this compound the stigma of Chronic Pain patients being drug addicts?

If this drug becomes FDA approved for the treatment of Fibromyalgia, how will this change the accessibility to GHB for people who are looking to abuse it, or use it to sexually assault their victims?

The whole thing seems a little scary to me, and I thought I would share what I found.  I needed to do a little thinking out loud

What do you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments section!! **If you are reading this anywhere other than www.gracefulagony.wordpress.com it is because this post has been stolen.  Please click on the link provided to return to the site of origin

[Via http://gracefulagony.wordpress.com]

Why are auto immune diseases running amok?

Over the last couple of years, as I have integrated more and more chemical, hormonal and internal balance work with my physical practice, I have had the opportunity to work with an increased amount of clients presenting with autoimmune disorders. Some examples are:

• Chronic fatigue

• Fibromyalgia

• Chron’s disease

• Lupus

So what exactly is an auto immune disease? When the immune system becomes overactive the body fails to recognise a part of the body and literally turns on itself. Recently a clients’ wife was diagnosed with lupus, one of the first tests that I decided to run was a gastro-intestinal panel to determine the health of the digestive system.

The findings were as follows:

• Multiple parasite overgrowth

• Bacterial and fungal overgrowth

• Reduced digestive enzyme output

• Antibody or allergic responses to gluten

The medical practitioner’s course of action was to recommend a course of steroids, which one of many side effects is the suppression of the adrenal glands. The lab test that I ran was effectively ignored. The problem…… that all these potential pathogens or disease causing microbes were causing an immune system reaction. When the body identifies an antigen or foreign body that it doesn’t like, it starts to go to work with the production of antibodies.

A vicious cycle often ensues, for many people are often in a state of adrenal fatigue. The adrenal glands control a host of major functions, one of these is the regulation of cortisol, cortisol is produced to help regulate many things from waking up, blood sugar regulation and control anti inflammatory reactions. Too much cortisol produced through long term stress can not only suppress the immune system but over time exhaust the adrenal glands and a decreased amount of cortisol is readily available and its anti inflammatory properties.

Once this occurs, an overproduction of antibodies and other natural defences can often elevate and perceive parts of the body as a threat and sees friend as foe, the attack or auto immune response occurs. Like most medical conditions symptom suppression rather than causative investigation is sought.

Here’s some top tips to help avoid autoimmune disease and to help recover. Removal of

• Environmental toxins, from perfume, to mould and other household substances

• Exposure to daily foods which cause inflammation, such as flour

• Exposure to drugs, contraception, pain killers etc

• Emotional stress

Testing or identifying these factors is a relatively simple process and is a step in the right direction when treating any autoimmune issue

[Via http://balancedbodymind.wordpress.com]

And the forecast is....a cold flash coming on

I don’t know about most people with fibro but I have cold flashes on occasion. Not often, but when they do happen I can’t seem to get warm. And no, it’s not just that I live in the cold, frigid north, but I really do feel the cold more than those around me. For instance, tonight, all-of-a-sudden, a cold front moved in and around my body. My feet were the first body part to notice the creeping cold. Then my legs and then the rest of me joined in.

I’m sitting on the couch feeling the cold air all around me. I have two afghans on my legs with a pillow on top of them, a third afghan around my shoulders and I even changed my t-shirt to a thicker knit top. And I’m still cold. My nose is cold too. I don’t know how long this will last but I’d at least like to come to room temperature. Maybe I’ll thaw out during the night as I sleep.

One odd thing is that the rest of my family is just fine. They think I’m the one that’s nuts. I’m about ready to break out the 3 king-sized heating pads.

Think spring. Think spring.

[Via http://ladybug45.wordpress.com]

Walking In The Right Direction

“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance” (II Thessalonians 3:5).

For the past three months, I have been dealing with ongoing ear pain. I recently learned that there is no cause or solution to this pain and I must learn to live with it. I began going in my usual directions of frustration, anger, and discouragement. Then I read this verse.

If I am directed into God’s love, I accept the truth that God loves me beyond my comprehension. He proved this love by sacrificing His only Son for me, and by giving me the indwelling comfort of His Holy Spirit. Enabling me to go through this new trial is one way God shows His love and faithfulness to me. He has not failed me yet, and I can release my doubts and discouragements, having total trust in His decisions for my life – even my pain.

What of directing my heart into Christ’s perseverance? Jesus left His heavenly home, enduring the pain and discomforts of this earthly life. He did not give up in frustration or anger when the very ones He came to save rejected or misunderstood Him. Even knowing what lay ahead at Calvary, He continued on to His death – “Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). That is the kind of perseverance God is working in me – “after you have suffered a little while (He) will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast” (I Peter 5:10). This pain is another opportunity to draw me closer to Jesus, and His power will enable me to bear it.

In my own strength, I cannot possibly understand the depth of God’s love, nor can I remain as steadfast as Christ. But if my heart’s desire is to reach these goals, God’s power is strong enough to accomplish it. Then when the intense times of discouragement, pain, or hopelessness come, I will go in the right direction of meditating on these truths. There I will find my victory.

Prayer: My Savior and my God, use my trials to move me in the direction of drawing closer to You, rather than farther from You. Amen.

About the Author:

Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com and contact her at spindler@cox.net.

[Via http://chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com]

Dancing With Daughters

Last night I committed a sin, a major sin, according to my 15 and a half year old daughter. She didn’t tell me in words; she didn’t have to. I was in the bedroom listening to music that I like, feeling happy and I started to dance. Alone. It was just one of those moments when I felt energetic enough to do some minor dancing by myself, Ellen Degeneres style.  Having Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an auto-immune disease, and Fibromyalgia, I don’t feel this way all too often. Methotrexate, one of the drugs I am taking twice a week is also a total kill joy. That night, however, I was given a break and I celebrated. I felt good!

On the way out of my daughter’s room she passed me, stopped, and gave me the dirtiest look I have received to date, complete with the eye roll upwards and “the look.” You know which look I mean, moms and dads, the look of hate and utter disgust.  Why? I guess because I am a “mom” and therefore  I embarassed her. To quote my daughter:” it was weird.” Why?  It’s NOT as if all my daughter’s friends were over or that we were in public. I was in my soft, pretty white nightgown that had petite fir- green flowers printed on it (probably the first major mistake) and happily swaying to the music from The Black Eyed Peas. I wasn’t EVEN listening to John Denver or Josh Groban, this was a bona fide group that I think she likes.

Yet this afternoon when my daughter was asked to go to a movie this evening with her friend, she trudged into my room asking me to give her a few reasons (hint hint, I don’t want to go) why I wouldn’t “allow” her to go. I suggested a few things which did not suit her, and then she suddenly looks happier and says “I know! I’ll tell her you’re really annoying and that you are freaking out about all the snow we are getting.”  Mission accomplished, glad I could be of help, dear. “You’re welcome” I shouted and she glanced back at me all golden blonde hair swinging down her back, brilliant blue eyes and Forever 21 outfit and replies somewhat sheepishly: “thanks.” No problem.

I know, I know, hormones mixed with the emotional turmoil of having an embarrassing mom (didn’t we all have one of those?”) combined with the separation process. I get it. I understand it on a rational and psychological level. It doesn’t mean I have to like it (and I don’t) but I accept it (face it, what choice do I have?).

The next time my illness or the dreaded Methotrexate medicine gives me a reprieve, I will continue to dance to the music that makes me happy. And when I do, I will wear my 1970’s  faded neon orange T shirt that my husband gave me and my flannel pink and rose flowered pajama pants. And the door will be wide open and my voice will be loud and clear and proud.

[Via http://hibernationnow.wordpress.com]

Fibromyalgia Tanning Bed Treatment

Techniques for pain relief are a dime a dozen, kind of like fad diets and fashion. One moment you’ll hear about a new drug that can help you lose weight while increasing your brain capacity, and the next it’ll be that same drug that could be the cure for fibromyalgia. It takes truly trained professionals to know what techniques will actually make a difference for you, and which ones are just another passing fad.

Speaking of fibromyalgia and passing fads, have you heard the one about using a tanning bed to heal your fibromyalgia pain? A physician from Wake Forest University has been prescribing tanning bed treatments to his patients who suffer from extreme fibromyalgia pain. He claims that he has seen results from patients who use this pain relief technique for six weeks and more.

The problem with this treatment is obvious, just ask any dermatologist. Spending time in a tanning bed can increase your risk for melanoma by up to 75 percent. The physician from Wake Forest, who happens to be a dermatologist, has found that sun exposure releases endorphins, which can lighten a patient’s mood and ease some of the pain caused by fibromyalgia.

The report on these findings were originally published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine by Steven R. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Center for Dermatology Research at Wake Forest Baptist. So, is this just a fad? According to Dr. Feldman, there are so little treatments for fibromyalgia pain that it was time to find something new and innovative.

“We decided to look at fibromyalgia patients because there is such a big need for treatment,” Feldman said. “We knew from the tanning addiction study that the UV light was doing something for participants beyond the obvious.”

While it is a proven fact that sunlight exposure does help to release endorphins within the body, and these endorphins can lighten your mood and help you to relax, the fibromyalgia tanning bed technique is still a bit controversial. But, according to Dr. Feldman, when these endorphins are released at such a level due to the tanning bed, increased relaxation eases muscle tension and relieves fibromyalgia pain.

For more information on this pain relief technique, be sure to speak with your physician or one of our pain consultants over at http://www.ThePainCenter.com.

[Via http://thepaincenter.wordpress.com]