THRIVING THURSDAY

My entire life, I have searched for something to believe in. Sure, I believed in God, but I always kept Him at an arms distance. I grew up with a mother who had nothing nice to say about God, so I was left very confused.

Even when I grew into a woman....I always felt so lost. I really had no one to guide and shape me, into who I was to become. The path I walked, was my own....or so I thought.....

I felt I had no purpose.....

When one searches for their purpose, they must search beyond themselves to find it. That was a hard lesson...and one that took a long time to learn...and re-learn...and re-learn. But when I figured it out, it was so plain to see, I found it hard to believe I kept missing the message God was trying so hard to fill me with.

Everyone has a purpose. Finding it, is really not difficult. You have to go to God and ask Him. Wait for His answer. He will show you the way.

So what is MY purpose? I live it everyday. I see my purpose in my children's eyes. I see it when my family is gathered around the dinner table. God has blessed me so much. He has chosen ME to take care of His precious children.

One of my favorite Proverbs is 19:21 it says "Many are the plans in a man's heart; but it's the Lord's purpose that prevails."

This makes me feel so good. I know that I am not a mistake. We all have our purpose and we all are the same in His eyes. We can go our own way, and get lost, while we search for the right roads to take.....But I'd rather be doing more productive things.

With regards to living with NF. I know I was chosen for that too. Maybe it's to make a lasting impression on those around me, who see me struggling with such a cruel and nasty disease. OR Maybe I am here to touch the hearts of those who are struggling so much, that they would never ask for help. Whatever the reason, for NF being a part of my life...I embrace it.

That's what 'THRIVING' with NF means to me. It's accepting what IS....and making the most out of it.

WEBSTERS defines 'THRIVING' as:

A VERB

1. to prosper; to be fortunate or successful.
2. to grow or develop vigorously; flourish

And this is what I am choosing. Staying in the light of our God, makes me so happy. I am lucky to be here....able to fight, able to survive. Having NF, means this......It makes me choose happier, live fuller and THRIVE in everything I do.

So, today, my dear friends....choose. Choose to THRIVE throughout your day. I know we all have "things" in our life that pull and weigh us down, but we can choose the upwards climb. You will not be alone in your journey....God is there cheering you on. And as you get closer to Him.....Your purpose will become clear.

WACKY WEDNESDAY!

I'm hoping 'Wacky Wednesday' will be a day for fun jokes or stories...if you have any suggestions, please let me know :)

A few yrs ago, The Last Comic Standing had a fellow on the show who had a 'disability'. I fell in love with this guys personality. He was confident, but not cocky.....He had a way of laughing at himself, without making it seem over the top.

Check him out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OHVGgk1Qg0&NR=1

Sometimes, we just need to step back from the reality that life throws at us, and focus on the funny stuff. Everyone knows that laughter feels good....Smiling and laughing can be also, very healing.

I refuse to let this NF control me. It's not my life....it's just part of who I am. Now we just need some folks to come up with some good NF jokes and we're set!

Although -- I have told my kids that I was going as bubble wrap this year for Halloween.

Enjoy your WACKY WEDNESDAY....Go make someone laugh! Do something FUN.

TURN IT AROUND TUESDAY!!

Nothing like getting back into the swing of things. The time away was great....but now reality has taken hold of me, and I must come down from my high....

This week is FILLED with appointments. Our first one was to the Ear, Nose and Throat Doc., for Bailey. A few months ago, she had quite an ear infection, that ended up busting her ear drum. *ouch* Poor girl! We had to see a specialist, because it was not healing very well.

While in the waiting room, I noticed an older woman, sitting by herself, next to the window. I didn't stare, but I did notice some bumps, along her neck and down her arms. She was wearing long sleeves, that were pushed up to her elbows. Her eyes were dark, and sunk in a bit. Her mouth was drawn and tight. She looked worn and tired. I saw "NF" all over her....even though what was visual, was just a few bumps.

I casually made my way over to her, by placing a magazine on the table that was next to where she was sitting. We made eye contact and smiled at each other. It was an instant connection. She made a comment about the girls, and how good they were being (even tho they were running the walls and driving me bananas) She asked the ages, and was shocked to hear I had two more kids at home. :)

Several minutes of light hearted conversation went by....in my head were spinning thoughts about how I could mention NF, without making her feel bad. I didn't want her to think that her NF was very noticeable, because it honestly wasn't. I only saw, what I see on me. NFers can almost "sniff it out"...LOL

So, I just said it, I asked if she knew about NF. The look on her face was that of shock. She smiled and told me "YES!" A few years ago I never EVER would have acknowledged NF in myself, let alone, asked about it in another person.

She was a delightful woman, and we exchanged e-mail addresses. I shook her hand and told her that she was a beautiful woman....that the only reason I saw her NF, was because I had it too. It seems she felt the world get a little bit smaller.

It's hard going through life, with a disease (God I hate that word...makes it sound like I'm infected with the plague) that no one knows about, and few deal with.. on a personal basis. So, I am making a point to go outside my little BOX...anytime I see an opportunity.........THE TURN AROUND TUESDAY....is doing something you wouldn't normally do. Go above and beyond the call of duty, and surprise yourself.....you may just make a new friend...or leave quite the impression on someone.

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

Do you set limitations on your dreams or goals? Are your challenges keeping you from dreaming bigger?

Sometimes the challenge, can be other people. They can stand in your way of achieving your goals. Knock you down and tell you lies. This can be very damaging.

If there is one thing I have learned from having to deal with NF, it's that there are some things you have to fight hard for. Keeping a positive outlook, when the future seems bleak, is not easy. It's a fight for your life, and I am determined to fight to the death.

A favorite saying I have heard is "I have NF, NF does not have me". This can be true for any number of things you are dealing with. If you let whatever it is you are dealing with, beat you, the game is over.

I know that God put me here for a reason. I embrace the NF, and thank God everyday, that I get to be here. I am blessed with a wonderful family.

Whatever it is, that you may be dealing with....an illness, a physical limitation, the loss of a loved one; you have to fight, to keep your spirit alive. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up.

~*~THIS TOO SHALL PASS~*~
written by
HELEN STEINER RICE

If I Can Endure For This Minute
Whatever Is Happening To Me,
No Matter How Heavy My Heart Is
Or How Dark The Moment May Be~~
If I Can Remain Calm And Quiet
With All The World Crashing About Me,
Secure In The Knowledge God Loves Me
When Everyone Else Seems To Doubt Me~~
If I Can But Keep On Believing
What I Know In My Heart To Be True,
That Darkness Will Fade With The Morning
And That This Will Pass Away,Too~~

Starting something NEW!

It seems I have A LOT of people who stop by and read this blog, then fade away. Let me see if I can change this! I want my readers to come back....and stay. I want to inspire and uplift.

Please if you read this blog....select the FOLLOW button, so I know you are out there!

Starting this MONDAY MONDAY MONDAY!!!!!! I will be starting something new! Each day of the week will have something for you to look fwd to! It could be a personal story, an inspirational event, something funny, something sad, something 'freaky', or it may be a call for help. Even the most positive of people, get lost in fear and pain. I want my readers to feel like they belong here.....feel like they are not alone.

The struggles NF puts in front of us, doesn't have to be scary. We can face the unknown, with strength and knowledge.

So, my friends.....here's what I would like to do:

Start EVERY Monday with something motivational....."MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY" :)

Every Tuesday will be something to turn your thoughts around to something good...."TURN AROUND TUESDAY"

Wednesdays will be something just for ME.....(you) When you are battling a disease like this, it gets exhausting....for the people suffering, and for the care givers. Wednesday will have a little break, from all that stress! "WHAT ABOUT ME WEDNESDAY".

Thursdays will be what this blog is all about. THRIVING! Everyday we make choices. Good ones, bad ones.....THRIVING with NF is a choice I make everyday....let's make that choice together! THRIVING THURSDAY!!

and just for fun....

FREAKY FRIDAY! Will be jokes, funny stuff....whatever I feel like---to lighten the spirit!

I hope you will enjoy these changes!!

God Bless you all!

Please leave any feedback as a comment!

TTFN