There are times when I get very discouraged not only about getting the memoir published, but about life in general. Dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and more illnesses is discouraging. There are days when I can barely walk around, I don’t have any energy, and have pain. Then I take the pain killers and that makes me even more tired. CFS causes exhaustion which cannot be helped by resting or taking a nap. Fortunately, I read a lot, write some, make crafts and sew. Some of these activities I do even lying down. I also always feel fortunate that I am a Christian. Nothing can separate us from God’s love and help and also we have a Savior. I have a relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. All three are comforting to me. Also, God leads me and Ron in many ways and we follow.
What encourages me is the beauty of the earth. I go out on our large porch and swing on the swing. There are many birds around which are usually singing and making noise. We have starlings, robins, sparrows, doves, and even hummingbirds. A humming bird comes to our petunias hanging on our porch. Sometimes I see it from the living room. I also am very very creative. I am making original origami designs: birds, flowers and more. I am considering doing a book or at least a magazine article. I make 3D cards, beaded hangings and more items using origami figures.
Right now I am sewing a purple satin dress for Lisa for Michelle’s wedding. It is a challenge, but I enjoy sewing and so far my sewing machine and I are friends. I am also working on a dress and possibly jacket for myself. I have also been making some clothes for myself from some of my mom’s clothing. My mom made many of her dresses, blouses and skirts. I am redesigning some of them so I can wear them. The fabric is still very nice so I can use it in my clothing and/or quilts.
I get great satisfaction making crafts and also baking occasionally. I am also de-cluttering. I am going through bags of mail, magazines, books, etc that have accumulated around the house. It is like going back in time. Most of it, I am recycling, but I am finding letters, cards, designs, and some money. It takes time and is tedious, but I am making a difference.
Ron and I help each other not to be discouraged. Usually when one of us is down, the other one is up and can help. We also laugh everyday so that helps. I have been reading three books by the same author. They are Jesus Lives, Jesus Calling and Jesus Today. They are devotional books with Bible verses. You can read one or more a day. The author has written about her life and her Christian walk in the beginning of each book. These writings are very powerful. She is a gifted writer. We also like Daily Guideposts and Guideposts Magazine as well.
I also like to watch funny TV shows and movies. I especially like Doris Day movies and Meg Ryan movies like You’ve Got Mail. I watch meTV because they show That Girl, Carol Burnett shows, Love Boat and other good shows from the past. I remember watching these shows with Mom and Jeannette when we were growing up. They are good memories. I am including some Bible verses with this blog that are encouraging also.
Isaiah 41: 10 So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you, I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all you anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Ron’s Perspective
I believe discouragement is part of life. No one lives a happy life only happy moments. As Crystal vaguely points out, what you focus on gets bigger. She doesn’t spend her days saying woe is me. She does what she can, and does it well. She is seldom discouraged for any length of time. Neither am I.
In our marriage, Crystal plays the flower and I am the bee. Even though retired, I seldom stay in one place, but am constantly busy. I could complain about doing more work around the house, running errands, or the stress continually making and breaking plans based on Crystal’s health. Instead, for the most part (believe me, not always), I am grateful that God has put us together and made me the healthy one. I don’t really mind taking care of Crystal because I am the lucky one. Besides, marriage isn’t about keeping score, it’s about helping each other.
Yesterday we took a three hundred mile round trip to a national quilt exhibit at the Dairy Barn (no cows, just a name) in Athens, Ohio. It is an art quilt show called Quilt National which happens every other year and Crystal, as an art quilter, wanted to see it. She enjoyed the show and I drove around exploring and taking pictures. We stopped at a new Mexican restaurant on the way home and talked about various topics on the trip. It was a great day.
Another source of encouragement which could otherwise discourage us is our book. It is really very good. Someday, in God’s time, it will be published. Our next post will be the 87th on this web site. It is an update on our progress. Until then remember, how you feel about your life depends on what you focus on. As much as possible, focus on the positive. Also, each day, go out of your way to help encourage someone else.
This is the roof of the Dairy Barn. I just thought it was interesting.