I am thankful today for the abundance of gifts in my life. Not the least of these are my natural abilities and aptitudes. Whether I have many or just a few of these, I make sure to put them into service. It brings me joy to use my natural talents.

Each day, I have an opportunity to do something at which I am innately good. I see every one of these situations as a blessing. Not only do I get to feel good about myself and my abilities, but I get to offer the fruits of those gifts to others.

Perhaps I am good at organization, and my neighbor is frustrated over her lack of skill in this area. I can certainly be helpful there.

Or maybe I paint or sing well and can offer the results of my artistic abilities to others.

Perhaps the thing I do best is cook. Surely someone I know could use a hand with this! I feel good each time I have a chance to help.

Also, doing the things I am good at helps me connect with people who value those skills. Whether they have...

Lupus and Women’s Health: A Christian Perspective

Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, presents unique challenges for Christian women. It causes pain, fatigue, and inflammation throughout the body, making it an “invisible illness.”  Living with lupus can be a daunting journey, both physically and emotionally, especially when viewed through the lens of faith.

Diagnosis

Lupus can be hard to diagnose since its symptoms are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases.

A rheumatologist can diagnose lupus.

• A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in painful conditions affecting the body's joints, muscles, or connective tissues, such as lupus.

There is no one test for lupus. But your doctor will most likely:

• Discuss your symptoms.
• Do physical exams.
• Take X-rays.
• Run lab tests.

How is lupus managed?

There is a lot that women can do to manage lupus.

Women with lupus can have a typical lifespan and a high quality of life. They can...

I approach each new day with enthusiasm and an open mind. Even if I am faced with the unexpected, I handle it without complaining. I agree with the timing of experiences in my life.

I welcome the new path before me. Instead of feeling down about things taking time to happen, I make the most, here and now. Each moment I get to live is a chance to live well.

I have goals that are crucial to me, yet I am patient in going after them. I look at delays in my journey as opportunities to prepare myself for better success.

My academic path is different from my friends', but I am okay with getting my degree later than planned. I made space for other experiences. And those experiences shaped the future that is just right for me.

Each moment I get to live is a chance to live well. I applied it to my advantage and came out well in the end. This attitude allows me to accept my situation.

My attention is on making the most of all that life puts before me. I...

What it is

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), often just called lupus, is:

• An autoimmune disease. This means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its healthy cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and damage in organs or systems.
• A long-term (chronic) disease that affects many different parts of the body.

There are many signs and symptoms of lupus.

• This can make it hard for doctors to diagnose.
• Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.

There is no cure for lupus, but it can be treated.

• The earlier you can diagnose lupus, the better you can treat and manage it.

Types of Lupus

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus. It can affect a person's joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. This form of lupus is more likely to occur in people from racial and ethnic minority groups than in non-Hispanic White people.
• Cutaneous lupus is a skin disease that affects people with or without SLE in the form of a rash or...

My life is filled with love and peace.

I feel love the most when I love others. I am free of the need for perfection in others. I embrace human weaknesses. Love has a quality of loyalty that exists through good and bad times.

Just as flowers need the sun to survive, I require love to survive. My life is overflowing with love. I have every abundance I could ever need. I keep true love in my heart.

I spread love everywhere I go. Everyone that comes into contact with me leaves happier. I choose love because hate is too burdensome to bear.

Love is the thing that makes life worthwhile. A life without love lacks soul and meaning. I give the emotion of love the attention it deserves in my life. I ask myself how I can be more loving to those around me.

Kindness can be viewed as loving someone more than necessary. I value kindness in my life and seek out compassion from others. Kind words result in confidence. Kind thoughts create love.

My life is peaceful...

Each year on May 10, the world comes together to recognize Lupus Awareness Day, shedding light on the struggles and remarkable resilience of those with lupus. For many women, lupus is a daily challenge, affecting their health, energy, and ability to engage in life as they once did. As Christians, our hope is in God’s promises, even in the face of chronic illness. On this day of awareness and support, we lean into the strength and peace in the Word of God, encouraging those walking through the lupus trials.

What Is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and damage to various organs. It predominantly affects women and can cause fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and, in more severe cases, organ complications. Living with lupus requires daily management, perseverance, and great inner strength.

As we acknowledge the realities of lupus, we must also reflect on the...

I am pleased that every day of my life, I experience happiness. I focus on finding joy at some point during the day. My reality is wonderful because I encounter so many things that bring about happiness.

Each morning, I awaken with feelings of refreshment and wonder. I think about what my day might bring. Perhaps I can see an old friend today. Maybe this is the day that the love of my life surprises me with something special. As the sun rises, my joy is just beginning.

Even though some things that make me happy are momentary, I know I have lots of incentives to be happy. I work to keep those reasons fresh in my mind each day.

My husband's affection, the pleasure of watching my nieces and nephews grow, the fascination with my work, and the unknown factors to come into my life all make me feel happy.

My delight of the day keeps my spirits high. I smile to myself because I feel appreciation for my life and this day. The joy I feel this second reminds me of...

When we are little girls, it seems all we can think about is growing up and becoming independent adults—being independent means being in charge of your own life and making your own decisions. But as you grow, you might tend to become a bit fearful of becoming an adult. These fears are common, and nearly everyone has felt them at some time or another in their lives.

There are five aspects of this fear of adulthood and independence.

1. You are breaking away from parents and other relationships that have been comforting and secure. You may feel that things have changed and can never go back to the way things were. This is a normal and healthy change as you build your own identity as an adult and decide where your life leads. New relationships will form as you find people you have things in common with, and old relationships may fall away as you move in a new and different direction.
2. The experience of leaving childhood comfort is a powerful pull to stick with the...

May is Lupus Awareness Month

It is a time when we rally together to shine a spotlight on this often misunderstood and invisible disease. Let’s dive into what Lupus Awareness Month is about and how you can get involved!

1. What Is Lupus Awareness Month?

   • Lupus Awareness Month, observed throughout May in the United States, is a dedicated time to increase understanding and knowledge about lupus, an autoimmune disease. This month, various events, campaigns, and initiatives are organized to educate communities, dispel myths, and advocate for individuals impacted by lupus. The goal is to raise awareness about the symptoms, treatments, and challenges of living with lupus and to promote support and research efforts to improve the lives of those affected by this complex and often misunderstood condition.
   • Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can impact various organs and systems in the body. While its symptoms are not always visible outside, they can wreak havoc internally,...

I believe my life is a precious gift. Every day brings me a fresh opportunity to accomplish my dreams and appreciate the beauty surrounding me.

Routine physical activities and good quality nutrition keep my body in shape and strong. Keeping myself in top shape provides me the ability to honor God’s temple and my life.

Logic exercises sharpen my reasoning skills.

Spiritual practices add to my insight and resolve to make good choices.

Forming priorities permits me to drive my life to the results I want. I focus my hard work on what I know is meaningful.

Spending moments with family and friends gives me a sense of love and connection. Dedicating my talents to meaningful work helps me to build self-esteem while I contribute to society.

The more I consider my surroundings, the more treasures I discover.

I believe education is a lifelong process. I delight in learning.

I travel to meet others and get a renewed perspective on my...