My thoughts for today!

Hello my Lupus Warriors. have read posts of some of you in Lupus Flares. I assure you THINGS DO GET BETTER. I was diagnosed in 1975. I experienced the weight gain, falls, rash, everything possible that Lupus can do and more. BUT THINGS DID GET BETTER. My Lupus went into inactive in July 2003. I was on prednisone 28+ years. There were many good days that outweighed my bad days - getting married in 1981, having my son in 1984, attending his sports events, etc. Although I hurt, I hurt doing the things I love. I recommend you do what you can and that's it. Of course I pushed myself on many occasions and yes I paid for it. BUT I ENJOYED MYSELF. At one point in my life I would go to 8 a.m. mass and THEN sleep all day to recouperate so I could go to work the following week. I can truly say that through it all I was a SURVIVOR. Of course there were things I could have down without, as a result of Lupus: lupus kidney disease, hysterectomy, bunionectomy, knee repair of cartilege, colon cancer, open heart surgery (aorta valve replacement), dialysis, etc. But I do keep my focus on the good things around me: my husband, son, daughter in love, 6 grand-children, my job, groups I belong to, church, family and friends, THIS IS WHAT KEEPS ME GOING. I retired from my job after 28 years because the start of dialysis took a toll on me. But now that I am doing home hemo (mon-fri @ night), I am working part time at the local community college as a math tutor, and I tutor on the weekends. I LOVE TUTORING. Find something you love and do it as your body lets you. Sometimes I do cancel sessions, because my body says NO. I am in tune with my body and know when to stop, know when to argue with docs about my health, know when to just sleep and not feel guilty. ahahahahahahha Yes you have to deal with ignorant (only because they do not understand) people, but do not let them pull you into guilt and depression. Do what you have to doin spite of them. KEEP MAY COPIES OF LUPUS LITERATURE. PASS IT OUT TO EVERYONE YOU MEET, ESPECIALLY TO YOIUR FAMILY WHEN THEY SAY STUPID STUFF. AHAHAHAHAHA Gotta laugh at them and keep going. Well I'm off my high horse. HAVEA LOVELY DAY LUPUS WARRIORS.

THANKSGIVING FOR TODAY, DECEMBER 26, 2015 - THANK GOD FOR TEACHERS!!!!!

ATTENTION TEACHERS - You make a difference in the lives of your students!  Whether you intend to or not, you make a difference.  It can be positive or negative!

I grew up in a lower class family.  That lower class family was two single-parent homes.  I being an African-American girl had all the statistics against me when trying to become a success.  But because of caring, intuitive, and compassionate teachers I was pushed beyond my capabilities (intellectually, academically, spiritually, etc.).  My love of Math almost died during my 5th grade year - Texas' (South Park School District) first step of integrating schools.  My elementary was closed and I was bused across town to another school - my one year of integrated education.  But my 6th grade Math teacher, Mr. James, saw my potential and encouraged me.  I was in the 6D track.  He moved me to the 6B classes for Math.  They were the best Math students at Booker T. Washington Elementary.  My junior high and high school Math teachers (Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Simmons) got me involved in the interscholastic math competitions.  I love Math.  These competitions enhanced my love for Math.  While in high school we had to write a paper on what we wanted to be when we grew up, i.e. graduate and on our own.  I had my topic.  I wanted to be a Math teach all my life.  My dad use to introduce us by what we wanted to be.  I was Janice the future Math teacher.  Well my eyes were opened by a teacher, Mrs. Davenport.  She asked me to research being an engineer.  I had no idea what an engineer was or what they did.  The only engineers I was aware of were those that operated a train. ahahahahah  But being obedient I researched being an engineer.  During those days you respected your teachers, or else your mom would come to the school and embarrass you.  I was shocked to find out about engineers and that there were so many different kinds of engineers.  My research lead me to want to be a chemical engineer.  In comes another teacher, Mrs. Adair - Texas' (Beaumont Independent School District) second attempt at integration - integrate the teachers instead of the children.  She helped me fill out my application to college.  My counselor, Ms. Joseph help me fill out the PSAT (11th grade) and SAT I (12th grade) applications.  I was set to attempt a run at college.  The I found some information, through my counselors, about Washington University.  I am so thankful for my teachers.  I am so happy that I had a chance to experience the Washington University-St. Louis (WASHU) life.  I met so many people from so many countries.  I still have 6 friends that are deeply close to my heart in my life.  They really help me through college socially and spiritually.  I was diagnosed with Lupus my freshman year, and they really supported me, until this day.  I met my husband at WASHU.  He has been a rock and a blessing to me THROUGH IT ALL.

Where would I have been if those teachers had not taken the time to help out a latch-key kid.  Did not know I was a latch key kid until I attended college.  WOW HUH?  

ATTENTION TEACHERS - You make a difference in the lives of young people!  Whether you intend to or not, you make a difference.  It can be positive or negative.

THANKSGIVING FOR TODAY: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015.

I am so thankful for all the THANKSGIVING DAYS I have had in my life.  I love eating sweet potato pies @ Big Momma's house.  I love eating Turkey @ Grandma & Grandma's house.  My Grandpa actually grew his on potatoes, onion, etc.  I missed the desserts made by my Aunt Thelma (my rock)!  My Thanksgivings in Beaumont TX were great:  food, football games on TV, the women arguing with the men about the game.  Yes the ladies in my family know a lot about sports.  Irv was shocked to hear my mom and aunt school my uncles about football. ahhahahaha  HAHAHAHAHA  ROTFL  LOL  

I truly miss my friends from WashU who had a Thanksgiving Day with my in the dorm.  We all (19) did not have the money to go home for Thanksgiving, so we cooked the food in the dorm and celebrated together!  Actually had a full kitchen downstairs!  

I remember eating Thanksgiving dinner with my sisters in St. Louis & University City.  Our three families ate together for years.  Irv cooked the meats.  Julie always made her Broccoli and Rice casserole.  Jeanette always made the mac and cheese and all the desserts.  I was the corn bread dressing queen!  

I have truly enjoyed Thanksgiving in Huntsville & now in West Limestone County (Athens).   But the best Thanksgiving dinners ever have been at my son and daughter-in-law's house.  All we had to do was cook the Turkey since that don't eat meat. HAHAHAHHAHAHA  It was great!  Loved it!  

I have so much for which to be Thankful!

In February 1975 I thought I would be dead by 1985.  All the literature said I would not have lived past 10 years.  So I thought I would not get married.  The literature also said I would not have a child.  Gruesome things to know at 18 years old.  BUT GOD, sent a wonderful man, gave me a healthy baby, let me see 59 years old, and gave me a beautiful daughter-in-law and 6 wonderful Boobies.

THANK YOU JESUS!  I AM SO THANKFUL!  (me singing and all saying shut up!)

I feel like going on. Energized, reinvigorate, refreshed, renewed, empowered, electrified, motivated, strengthened, enable and I'm running!

THANKSGIVINGS FOR TODAY, NOV 23, 2015

I am thankful for every second, minute, hour, day, week, year I am able to live and do the Lord's will for my life!  Can't take for granite since I may have not made it this far!  I am thankful for the people God placed in my life.  Sometimes later than sooner I realize why they are/were placed in my life.  Thank you Jesus!

THANKSGIVING FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

I am so thankful that I have a husband who is truly concerned about me.  To most, when your husband ask about how was your day, you respond about the job or the errands you ran.  For me he is truly trying to gather how was my health for that day.  He knows I don't complain when I don't feel well.  It is a blessing to have a husband who is a R.N. and can help with communication with my doctors.  He helps me with dialysis, etc.  I can be truly exhausted with the biggest smile on my face, but he'd see right through.  I have found it is easier to say "LOVELY, LOVELY" instead of how I REALLY feel.  But thank God for imparting wisdom into my husband to ensure I do approach my limits.  I am passionate about education.  I feel the future of our children is bleak without more than adequate education.  It is not good to be good enough.  They must soar and not give up.  Each success must spiral them into a higher destiny over and over and over again.  So I am so thankful of the successes I read about involving our future generations.  I believe they will be no nonsense people and will serve in our government to restore pride for America.  I am so thankful for friends and family who give back to the community as instilled by our ancestors.  I am thankful America has come to realize the destruction instilled on generations by private prisons.  I am so thankful that common core was adopted to teach our children analytical skills beyond rote memory.  So I guess my thankfulness gift basket is over flowing.  IJS  :-) 

THANKSGIVING FOR TODAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015.

You go through life with angst and fears.  But your faith is always refueled by the people God has placed in your life for a reason or a season.  I am so thankful to have the experiences I have had in my life.  My life has been rich.  Meeting knew people is a pastime of mine.  I love learning about people and their lives.  I love particularly meeting people from other cultures.  I am truly rich by knowing them.  They add a zest to my life.  Not sure why, but I love it!  I enter each phase of my life expecting great things to happen.  I anticipate GREATNESS each day.  What does it hold?  I am never disappointed.  Intrigue is a daily thing in my life.  I am able to get a huge and much needed laugh each and everyday.  Really keeps me going!  I am loving the plans God has for me.  Keeps me going and looking forward to the next thing.  When you know their are great things to come, you do not worry.  You know they are on the way and will be right on time.  THANK YOU JESUS FOR THE EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE!

THANKSGIVING FOR TODAY!

 Thank you Lord for itty bitty things:  good tires on my truck, electricity in my home, ability to walk, ability to tutor, the strength to mow the lawn, strength to comb my hair, fresh air to breath, in my right mind, answers to my prayers, encouragement by the Holy Spirit, healing of my body, rest, peace, love, calming spirit, ability to bathe myself, food to eat, socks for my feet!  THANK U JESUS!

THANKSGIVING FOR TODAY, SEPT 7, 2015

FEARS:  Have you ever let your fears overtake you?  I have, but prayed for the strength.  The Lord has come to my aid EVERY TIME!  I am still afraid of heights.  But I manage it every time with the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  I THANK THE LORD FOR HELPING ME OVERCOME MY FEARS!

I purposely took a job in 1980 that was 100% travel.  The job required me to purposely go to heights beyond my imagination.  I was about 600 feet above the ground performing environmental tests.  I learned to control me fears and enjoy the beautiful views.  Most of my assignments were in the Midwest and on the East coast at utility companies, paper & pulp mills, and coal mines.  I saw some amazing views.  

When I had my son I took him to the fair.  He was afraid to ride the ferris wheel.  Deep down inside, so was I.  But I prayed silently and took him on the ferris wheel so he would not be afraid of heights.  Every time we were at the top of the run I would tell him "Isn't this view great?"   Lord knows I was scared, but I overcame my fears to ensure a successful ride for my son.  THANK U JESUS!

As crazy as it seems I love mowing the lawn on the riding mower.  Once I was on the mower and saw a large animal run out of the tall grass.  I just knew it was a gigantic rat.  But my son said it was most likely a gopher.  Yeah right!!!!  I would not get make on that mower for months.  But I had open heart surgery and had time on my hand to think.  I said I have to get back on that mower.  I must conquer my fear.  So I asked my husband to help me on and off the mower.  Everyone thought I was crazy!  But, it was something I had to do for myself.  Guess what?  I overcame my fear and am meeting Jesus weekly on that mover!  

What fears do you have in your innermost being?  You must overcome that fear.  You cannot let your fears conquer you.  Pray to the Lord for strength and execute with determination.  

PS 23:4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

PS 27:1  The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

2 TIM 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

GLORY!  Let the Lord use you in the midst of fear!

THANKSGIVING FOR FRI., AUGUST 14, 2015.

Biographies and autobiographies are the books I like to read.  Have a ton of them.  I read about the struggles that the person has gone through to reach their destinations.  Each time its perseverance and going beyond.  I am encouraged by each.  Each person has a different road assignment to them and they walked it out.  They felt discouraged on numerous occasions.  But picked themselves up, dusted off, and walked it out.  I am thankful that through everything I have gone through, the Lord has directed me to a book to see how someone else survived under insurmountable conditions but made it through.  I was super encouraged each time.  I thought if/she can do it, so can I.  When life get so hard and we feel we can't go, that's the time to ramp things up.  My praise gets real radical.  SELAH! The Holy Spirit directs me to the appropriate songs, scriptures, etc.  Then my resolves grows, exponentially.  I AM SO THANKFUL FOR A RIGHT ON TIME GOD!  Just when I need him the most, he sends the Holy Spirit to comfort me!  GLORY!

WHAT "MUST" WE DO TO IMPROVE OUR COMMUNITIES?

Some people are busting their humps to improve our community.  Some just complain.  Others don't care.  We MUST get involved for "OUR" future.

Whether you have kids or not, you should help.

1.  Volunteer to welcome our students into the schools and encourage them to their best.

2.  Volunteer to tutor in the schools.

3.  Develop tutoring programs in our churches or provide snacks for those who do attend.

4.  Present career workshops (interviewing skills, filling out a job applications, appropriate dress, etc.)

5.  Provide after school activities for kids who cannot afford daycare.

6.  Develop community activities to engage out children.

7.  Buy books, needed supplies, etc. for a local school.

8.  Present career fairs at your local church, schools etc.  Give the students something to shoot for as a career.

9.  Introduce the students to the arts (music lessons, theatre visits, etc...)

I implore each person reading this to get INVOLVED & ENGAGED.

(C) 2015

@PastorJan2014

THANKSGIVING FOR SAT., AUGUST 1, 2015

I am so thankful!  Turned 59 on this past Thursday.  This is a big deal for me!  I have been cutting the yard.  Lord have mercy.  As soon as I get it all cut, its time to start over.  But, I am so thankful.  That's my time to talk to the Lord for strength.  I have conquered 3 hills on the property.  I conquered the steep ditches.  I learned how to go down the ditch slowly and then go up.  It was so great!  I was so proud of myself.  I was so thankful to the Lord for showing me how to do it.  I have accomplished another Summer Enrichment Program.  It was great seeing the light come on for the kids.  I am so thankful for the parents and friends who volunteered to work with the kids.  It was awesome to see them in action.  Totally in charge and getting it done!  I am thankful because my friend has allowed me to use her building for an adult literacy program.  My goal is to get it going the first weekend of September. 

THANKSGIVING FOR JUNE 24, 2015

THANKSGIVING FOR JUNE 24, 2015

Have you ever been angry inside. I mean so angry that your entire being is turned upside down.  I have been there.  Only one thing draws me out.  I have to go deep in prayer, praise and worship! I mean forsake all unnecessary activities and focus on the Lord.  I thank him for being/existing. I thank him for bringing me out.  I thank him for holding my hand through the tough and rough journeys.  I thank him from removing all the stinking thinking from my thoughts.  I thank for easing my heart. I thank the Lord for taking control of my body and leading me in the direction he has ordained for me to travel.  But most of all I thank him for removing anger that can literally kill me!  THANK YOU LORD, JESUS AND HOLY GHOST FOR THE ROLES YOU PLAY IN MY LIFE!!!!

THANKSGIVING FOR JUNE 14, 2015.

I am so thankful for peace of mind!  I was somewhat of a worrier.  I fought daily to turn all problems over to the Lord. I am now at peace and things are looking great!  God is still in the blessing business and I am truly blessed.  Thinking about how I worried about "everything".  I now wait for the Lord to tell me what to do so I won't act wrongly.  This has taken a conscious effort on my part to turn things over to God.  The hardest part was waiting.  OOOOOOOOOO did I agonize while I wait.  But God began giving me victory in small things and it was up from there.  Glory!  How I love him.  I thank him daily for the strength to persevere.  But I feel so relieved to know I do not have make things happen.  I only move when directed by the Lord.  The Holy Spirit has gone before me on numerous occasions. FAVOR!  It is a good feeling to know it will be alright.  My history has shown me that he can pick me up time and time again.  But I truly thank him for FORGIVENESS.  Time after time after.  I have had to suffer the consequences of my actions.  I came out of each storm stronger and trusting of the Lord even more.  THANK YOU JESUS FOR PEACE OF MIND!  A set of tapes by Joyce Meyers, THINK ON THESE THINGS, got me started in the right direction.  My son was 4 years old and I really needed to hear this message.  My illnesses were consuming my life, even though I kept the face with a smile.  I truly knew 

God would make things work out.  But DOUBT would set in and cripple my thoughts.  But I listened to those tapes over and over again (at home, in the car, etc.).  THANK YOU JESUS FOR PEACE OF MIND! 

GLORY!

The Lord is drawing his people to himself.  You are his people.  When Jesus left he assured us that we would not be alone.  He left the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us. But we are subconsciously probably stuck in the mode that Jesus returned to his father.  We really have not grasped that the comforter is here with us everyday:  whispering in our ears, drying our eyes, healing our sores, mentally restoring us minute by minute, day by day, month by month, year by year, decade by decade, etc., trying to guide us if we would only listen.  Sometimes its a whisper and sometimes its banging symbols.  We must get into our quiet places and listen.  Sometimes to get our minds on the Lord we must use Praise and Worship to redirect us back to him with open heart and listening ears (Phase one of Prayer).  Now phase two of our prayer begins.  We lament (a passionate expression of grief or sorrow) over our sins and repent.  Phase 3 is the sending up our petitions to the Lord.  Tell the Lord how much you love him.  Thank him!  Walk through how you feel.  Ask him for want you want, and anointed plans to accomplished what your want.

Through prayer we have that one-on-one relationship with the Lord.  Your true friends love you no matter what and are forgiving.  That is how our Lord is with us.  His Love has NO conditions.  Let him love on you!  You are worthy to be loes.  You are forgiven.  

Once we are comforted by the Holy Spirit we can boldly face our fears and reach out through prayer to the Lord with humble and contrite (feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt.) hearts.   

After you have prayed truly walk it out.  You are confident.  You are royalty so walk, talk, and act like a Prince/Princes.  

@PastorJan2014

THANKSGIVING FOR MAY 29, 2015:

I am so thankful for FAVOR.  God comes in and works things out in a way that you KNOW that it was God's Favor.  I remember times of Hopelessness when the Holy Spirit went ahead on my behalf and pleaded my case - FAVOR!  I remember reaching for the highest heights and at the last step felt my strength had waned.  BUT the Holy Spirit came in and strengthen my resolve.  I am so thankful for his comfort in quiet times and raging times.  I am so thankful for FAVOR that comes out of NO WHERE!  Thank you Lord for Favor in spite of me!!!

GLORY!   ALLELUIA!   JESUS! HOLD MY MULE WHILE I PRAISE HIM!  In Starbucks tutoring, but I love my QUIET PRAISE FESTS!  Enjoying me some time with him!

THANKSGIVING FOR FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 (WEAR PURPLE DAY, LUPUS AWARENESS)

I remember and am so thankful for INFLUENCES from my childhood.  I remember and am thankful for the teachers who encouraged me to be the best that I can.  I can remember and am thankful for the Sunday school/BTU teachers who imparted the word of God into my life.  I can remember and am thankful for the coaches who pushed me beyond a self-imposed limit to higher heights.  I can remember and am thankful for the friends who held me accountable for both my actions and academic endeavors.  I can remember and am thankful for my teachers who set the bar high in the classroom with a NO EXCUSES ATTITUDE.  I can remember and am thankful for my brothers and sisters who went through everything with me.  I can remember and am thankful for my parents and their I AM YOUR PARENT, NOT YOUR FRIEND, NO NON-SENSE ATTITUDE in regard to discipline.  You either did what you were told or you didn't.  I was taught RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.  I can remember and am thankful for my mom going to the school and telling my teachers to take of business if I get out of line.  I can remember and am thankful for my husband being my best friend in college.  I can remember and am thankful for my son, daughter-in-law and Boobies for their support and unconditional love.  I can remember and am thankful for God keeping my body and healing me time after time after time - ever present in my life.  I have so much to be thankful for that I can't tell it all!  GLORY!  THANK U JESUS! ALLELULIA!  HE'S BEEN GOOD TO ME!  I SHALL NEVER FORGET!

THANKSGIVING FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015.

Since my diagnosis of SLE in February 1975,  I wake up expecting a miracle every day.  I am looking for miracle.  I love that song by the Clark Sisters.  I truly look everyday for a miracle.  God has not failed.  I think we sometimes get hyped in expecting only BIG AND MIRACULOUS things from God on a rare basis.  But there are SMALL MIRACULOUS things going on around us everyday, every hour, and every minute.  We just have to open up our eyes, ears and hearts to recognize and appreciate the miracles in our lives.  Receiving favor against all odds is a MIRACLE!  Call it what it is!  I tell you I am so THANKFUL for God for all the MIRACULOUS things he has done in my life, my family members' lives, my friends' lives, and in the lives of total strangers.  If we pay attending, there are people thanking God everyday for MIRACULOUS things in their lives.  This is how we are encourage to not just go on, but the THRIVE, RUN, APPRECIATE, & CELEBRATE THE MIRACLES OF GOD!  Saints I tell you, I have to calm myself down as to not look crazy everyday.  I have so many things to thank God for that I am in an eternal JOYOUS CELEBRATION IN MY MIND!  But to everything there is order.  I am thankful to Lord for wisdom to see his MIRACLES everyday, whether in my life or in the lives of others.  I thank you Jesus for the comfort of the HOLY SPIRIT!

Pastor Jan

@PastorJan2014