What you need to know

What you need to know is that Lupus is not a fun disease. Many don't even know what it is. So I am here to tell you what you need to know.

I come across people daily that think that Lupus is some "thing" or not a big deal or they won't have any idea what it is. Well I am here to tell you all what you really need to know. Since lupus is not easily diagnosed and not as well known like other diseases such as cancer or HIV, it often goes unnoticed and unknown. Let me give you some awareness, that I hope you will share with everyone you know. Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

• Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life.
• Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot "catch" lupus from someone or "give" lupus to someone.
• Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnormal tissues that grow rapidly and spread into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, as described above.
• Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive.
• Research estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there have been no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus.
• It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus.
• Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too.
• Women of color are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus.
• People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.
• More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country.

I am here to tell you what you need to know. If you are a friend or family member of a person that has lupus your support is very much needed. Lupus is a very serious disease that can be fatal. It is not an easy disease to deal with. One day you can be feeling well the next day you can be unable to walk. Your body can literally turn on itself to the point where your vital organs cannot function properly. It is treated with drugs, but realize there has not been a specific lupus drug in over 50 years.

What you need to know is lupus can destroy a person's body, mind and soul. I beg that you make sure that you are not minimizing a person's pain because you are not well educated about this disease. If one does not have the support of family and friends it can really make it that more difficult for the lupus survivor to handle the disease. It is not a joke, there are people dying daily of this horrendous disease and those who are survivors are truly blessed to be able to tell their story and help another.

What you need to know is that a lupus survivor does not want to be treated differently, we don't want to be felt sorry for, we just want to be understood. When we can't get out of bed or when we can't walk as fast as we used to, when we don't sound or act like the person you once knew, when we sound tired, aggravated or upset, know that it is not you. It is the disease and if you could only understand that, life would be that much easier.

What you need to know is lupus is serious, as serious as any other disease you have heard of. There is no cure, you can't just change your eating habits and be ok or just take a supplement and be the epitome of health or just stop working and find tomorrow you are disease free. It is a life change that can be managed but is a struggle from day to day for every lupus survivor.

Today I ask that you take the time to really understand the disease and educate another.


Someone you know has lupus, it is me. Help me today by understanding & respecting me by educating your self and others about this disease.

Spread Lupus Awareness your way, Just Spread it TODAY!

If you have lupus, contact me today, let's keep our support uplifting and inspiring for one another.
Racquel
Be Blessed, Be Encouraged & Be a Blessing
"I have lupus, lupus does NOT have me!"
http://www.lupusincolor.com

Dear Lupus

My dearest lupus,


It has not been that long since I have seen your face.I just want to say that you are getting on my last nerve. You are all up in my face right now and I really need my space.

So I am asking you politely to vacate my body before I get down right nasty.

Don't say a word just get to steppin!

Sincerely,
Me

Random Thoughts & Rants

Random Thoughts & Rants of the day

I have so many thoughts in my head so I thought I would share them. You can chime in at anytime, I surely won't mind :-)

Random Thought: Why are so many people counting down the days until President Obama is out of office? Like they are imprisoned in an Obama jail. Give me a break stop counting down and start helping out. It starts at home. Stop training your children to believe that a countdown will make it all better in their lives. Why not take a moment to pray that God work through the leadership to lead the country with wisdom, understanding and love. Start the countdown to the coming of Christ, because time is short. Do not countdown what you believe is the fall of a man. Just an FYI President Obama is a man like any other. He puts his pants on one leg at a time like all of us. He is not perfect and he is not free of fault. None of us are and we need to teach our children this. We will never have the "perfect" president. Just because a president does not do things the way you want to see them done does not mean that it will not be done. Just because someone believes in doing things differently does not mean that they are the one that will take something down. Off to another subject....

Directed Thought: Haiti... If you haven't donated, Please do, but make sure it is to a reputable corporation. So many will be out there to try and get rich off of others misfortune and pain so just make sure that you are sending your money to a place that will really give the money to the Haitian people. It is such a sad situation and if you are unable to send money please be sure to send up a prayer for Haiti. It was so reassuring to me to know that God is still in the midst of the Haitian people as they prayed and sang in unison in their time of need. Hallelujah

Rant: I can't stand people who think that everything has to be done their way or the highway. It drives me nuts. I guess sometimes I can be that way, well a lot of times. So at times I can't stand my own faults and pray daily for God to continue working on me.

Rant: Women just because it fits you don't have to wear it. You look like boo boo the clown walking around with a skirt too small and too tight. What is the point? I mean if you are looking for a man you won't find one that is thinking of you as a intelligent human being dressed like that. If it doesn't fit don't wear it.

Rant: Men stop wishing your woman is a Michelle Obama or a Laura Bush. She is who God made her to be and if she is your woman you need to be sure to let her know you love her for her. Don't keep comparing your boo to another. Be happy with what you have and always cherish your relationship with her. Couples be sure to realize that a relationship is a partnership and in a partnership communication is the key.

Rant: I wish these bill collectors would stop calling. I have blocked your numbers so if you are reading this stop. I already set up a plan to pay you now let the time come so I can pay you. Sheesh stop calling me every day asking if we are still on for the plan we set up. You aren't my friend I don't need to hear from you every day.

Lastly... Lupus I QUIT YOU, KICK ROCKS, I don't want anything to do with you anymore. You make me sick and I can't stand your ugly face. The next time I see you I am going to give you a flying kick dead in the teeth and bust out all of your fronts. So, be ready, if you plan on coming around anytime soon I am going to beat you senseless. Love Me!

Be Blessed, Be Encouraged & Always Be a Blessing

Racquel

a.k.a

Mrs. Understood

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

What are your new year resolutions?

Resolutions for the New Year
By Yvona Fast

Most of us see the New Year as a time for change. It’s a time to set new goals and make new plans, to reflect on the past and look to the future. Consider these ideas a guide for making 2010 a healthier, happier year for yourself, your family, and your community.


Think Positively – Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."


In 2010, I will have a more positive outlook. Have you ever spent a day with a truly negative person? Do you know someone who doesn’t like anything and complains about everything? Dwelling on the negative can lead to depression and an unbalanced view of life. On the other hand, cultivating a positive attitude can help us see joy in the little things. View the struggles and hardships life brings as challenges to produce personal growth and change.



Have Fun – Ecclesiastes 3 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: ..."
In 2010, I will balance work, leisure, and spiritual activities.Do you come home from work unable to interact with the family? Are your evenings spent
with the TV rather than playing with the kids or sharing with your spouse?
As adults, we often become work-centered and lose sight of the importance of leisure activities. Play refreshes body and mind, enabling you to return to work and see life from a fresh perspective. There is a time to work, but we must also take time to play.




Fitness Counts! – 1 Corinthians 3:16 "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?";

6:19 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"

In 2010, I will begin and maintain an exercise program. Is your idea of sports and recreation watching a game on television? We now know that
regular exercise is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Exercise can also do wonders for the spirit. Relieve stress and reduce tension by exercising it away.

Chill Out – Phillipians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

In 2010, I will take time to relax and enjoy the simple things in life.As you walk, do you stop to smell the flowers? Or do thoughts and worries of work and family crowd in? Learn to turn off your nervous tension that drains your energy, resulting in exhaustion. Inability to deal with stress can use up nutrients, deplete the body’s strength, and leave the nervous system turned on.



Get Involved – Galatians 5:13 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

In 2010, I will become actively involved in ministry at my church and reach out to others in my community. Every Christian should be involved in some area of ministry in her local church. If you are not involved, contact your leaders. They will be happy to help you find a place of ministry in your church body. Everyone needs a ministry, instead of allowing a few to do everything. After finding your place of ministry in the church body, be a responsible citizen in the community. Once you create a positive lifestyle and improve the quality of life for your family, you will become aware of the needs of others. Jesus, our model, came to earth as a servant. By getting involved in your church, community, nation and world, you can make a difference. Use your skills to help those who are less fortunate. The opportunities are endless and are all around you. Seek them out and get involved!



This article originally appeared in the January/February 2003 issue of Woman’s Touch magazine. Reprinted with permission of the author.

Happy New Year God Knows!

God knows



Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Today will mark the last day of 2009. All I can say is what a year! This year, for many, has had its highs and lows. It has been a rough year for some and for others a year of progression and personal successes. Today we will reflect on all that has happened and wish 2009 away quickly. We will look to tomorrow for a new year and new things in 2010. We will write resolutions and make promises to ourselves as to what we will accomplish in the new year. We will live in the now and excitedly look forward to our new year with our family and friends.

As you sit and reflect with your family and friends, do not focus on your failures, but if you must remember that the failure created a success of learning in you. Try to reflect on your successes as they will build a bridge for you to move forward and give to another.

Many have said "I can't wait for 2009 to end." Please remember those who were unable to take the journey into 2010. Although you may have had a difficult year there is someone that has not seen the end of the year with you. Take the focus off of the negatives of 2009 and look to God for your plans in 2010. The plans we make for ourselves may or may not come to fruition, but God knows the plans he has for each of us. As we go into this new year remember no matter what you went through in 2009, 2010 is already set for you. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." The Lord sees you as you are and He also sees you as what you can become. He has written out the plans for you to progress and prosper. If you give it all to Him, your mind, body and spirit He will be able to work His plans for you.

Joyce Meyer said it best in this excerpt from The Everyday Bible, "God has a plan for each of us, a plan that should give us great hope for our future. It is our destiny. But that plan is a possibility, not a positively. This is because it cannot and will not come to pass if we choose to refuse to cooperate with God or to stray away from His will.

God does have a plan for our lives, but we have to participate in that plan for it to come true. God is not likely to do anything in our lives without our cooperation.

We need to cooperate with God every single day of our lives in order for our potential to be developed. Every day we ought to learn something. Every day we ought to grow. Every day we ought to discover something. Every day we ought to be a bit further along than we were the day before. We should be "lifetime learners."

We must understand that no other human being on the face of the earth can develop our potential for us. We must each discover our own God-given gifts and talents, what we are truly capable of, and then put ourselves to the task of developing those gifts, talents, and capabilities to their fullest extent.

God has a plan for each of us. It is a good plan, an uncommon plan, a great plan; it is not an average, mediocre plan. I encourage you to seek that plan and cooperate with God so that it will be wonderfully fulfilled in your life." (Joyce Meyer- The Everyday Bible pg. 1193)

Today make the commitment to be cooperative in God. Allow God to work through you in this new year. Don't allow your own personal issues or situations to remove you from the spirit of God in 2010. Remove the defeatist attitude for 2010 and realize and channel into the power that God has in store for you. God knows the plans He has for you. Now all you need to do is walk in His plan!

Happy New Year, God has great things in store for each of you if you walk in His plan!


Be Blessed, Be Encouraged & Be a Blessing
Racquel

Lupus & Me

So, I hosted a lupus chat tonight on my network site for women who are lupus survivors. You know each day carries such a battle for the lupus survivor. It can really wreak havoc in the lives of people from young to old.

Sometimes I feel like I am the only person around that suffers and then I talk with other lupus survivors and realize I am not alone. What a blessing it is to be able to speak with men and women all over the country in the comfort of my home about things that many do not understand.



Since being diagnosed with Systemic Lupus I have found that life is too short to believe in fairies and good luck charms. I have come to realize that each life is precious and should be lived to the fullest extent. Just when you think your story is the story to beat all stories, there is someone that humbles you to realize that your battle is not lost. It makes you realize that you have a lot more work to do to get the word about this horrid & sometimes deadly invisible disease. It makes you realize that you have a civic duty to do all that you can to make sure you and your fellow lupus survivors are represented properly in the health fields with proper drug production faster than 50 years.

I take time today to say thank you to all of my fellow lupus survivors. We must be sure to always pick each other up when we are down. To be the listening ear when no one else around us has offered their ear to hear. We have to be sure to be that shoulder to cry on when times in our lives we are riddled with pain. Although Lupus has been a thorn in my side, I must say it is a blessing because I am able to get to know some of the strongest individuals I know. I get to communicate with them on a constant basis. I get to be a part of their lives and help pick them up when they are down and laugh with them when they are happy. What a true blessing it is to be able to do this through a venue that was only a dream in a person's mind.

Today I take time to salute each lupus survivor and I say to you all "You have lupus, lupus does NOT have you!" This disease will not run and ruin your life, you will ruin it and run it out of your life.

Be Blessed, Be Encouraged and Be a Blessing

All Clear, Enjoy Your Ride

Over the summer, I visited an amusement park with my son and had a great time. We rode the biggest, craziest and fastest rides in the park. Each time, we boarded the ride, strapped ourselves in, was checked by a worker and given the thumbs up to launch. Right before each ride the ride operator would say "All Clear, Enjoy Your Ride." Each ride was a new adventure and each time the operator stated "All Clear, Enjoy Your Ride."

When you sit back and think, our lives are like an amusement park. We have so many rides and so many different aspects of our park. We have the roller coasters, when our lives are a bit topsy turvy, curvy and bumpy. We have our Ferris wheels when we feel like we are moving in slow motion in circles and jumping off at the right time. We also have our 4D movie theater rides when we feel like everything is shooting directly at us and moving us all about. Sometimes we even have the times in our amusement park life when we simply stand still and just watch all of the rides from the sidelines.

The difference between our amusement park life and a traditional amusement park is that before each and every ride of life we don't say the powerful words "All Clear, Enjoy Your Ride." Think about it, no matter how crazy the ride is, the ride operator always states, "All Clear, Enjoy Your Ride." Providing the thumbs up for a successful fun ride.

I look at those words as power for our lives. If we were to state to ourselves "All Clear" that gives us power to know that no matter what it's all good. The path is clear to face all issues all trials, all twists and turns that may come our way. We are all clear, why? Because we know who is for us so we are cleared to realize that nothing can be against us. At the point of us realizing that we are All Clear we can then "Enjoy Your Ride." If you have the go from the beginning the best part of the amusement park is to enjoy the ride. If I am clearing myself, giving myself permission to move forward in life, then I can do nothing else but enjoy the ride.

What an awesome amount of power we would possess day to day if each day we faced it with "All Clear, Enjoy Your Ride" attitude. Just as a roller coaster shoots out on a track and returns to its original point safely, we can do the same in our life. Imagine walking out of your door and before stepping out into your life's amusement park you screamed, "All Clear, Enjoy Your Ride!" Yes your neighbors may look at you a little crazy, but you will release any and all stressed areas of the day before they even begin. That scream of positive and permissive words to move ahead in your day through every spin, every fall, every movement with the thoughts that it will be a great day and that you are going to enjoy the ride and return to your destination in one piece. WOW!

How do you usually feel when you return from a ride in an amusement park? I feel excited, adrenaline running ready to get on the next ride. I know on the next ride I am going to hear "All Clear, Enjoy Your Ride." I look forward to the next ride because I have enjoyed the last. Take this attitude in life. Be excited for the Amusement Park of Life. It is the best amusement park there is. There are so many rides to get on and as the operator of your park make sure you say daily to yourself.....

"ALL CLEAR, ENJOY YOUR RIDE!"

Thought of the day: I will say to myself that my day will be "All Clear" No matter what roller coasters may come my way, no matter what twists and turns I will face them each with excitement and "Enjoy My Ride". I will look to the next ride as an adventure and be sure to give myself the thumbs up to enjoy it!