Unwrapping His Grace - Latest Comments

Re: More Surgery for our little Michael

Theresa — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:38:56 -0000

Mary Joy, I will be praying for Michael's surgery and for you as you wait. You are in my thoughts and prayers often. <3

Re: New Series: Becoming F.I.T.by Faith!

Stephanie — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 15:34:47 -0000

I didn't get to finish my post, as my device messed up and also didn't get to check and make corrections for spelling, etc. What I meant to say in my last sentence was that I think if most healthy people had to deal with what a sick person has to deal with on a daily basis, they couldn't physically stand it. I feel very judged - like when I do push beyond where my physical limitations will allow me to go, that they judge me and even though they ask if you are ok - there is this notion when you hear others talking of, "yeah, I was sick that day also, but I just pushed on thru and I was there". Folks don't understand that pushing thru is what we do on a daily basis healthwise. This is not to say that I feel my burdens or afflictions are any worse or greater than anyone else's. I am blessed beyond measure. I am just saying how I feel around healthy people lots of times. Like I have to push to keep up or like they feel I am lazy, especially Iif they see me being slow , etc and don't know about my issues. I don't want people to think badly of me, so I feel the need to explain so I won't appear lazy (I am the least lazy person you will ever meet - always the last to leave helping clean up, etc), but if I explain - feeling like I look crazy because no one wants to stand around listening to someone talk about their sickness and then you take the risk of them thinking you are a hypochondriac. Lol!!! Can you tell I am a worrier and people pleaser? Lol
My husband and I married when he was 18 and I was 16. We are still together 21 years later and my health issues have always caused an issue between us.
Thank you so much for posting and making me feel I could share my experience with another human being. I will be watching for updates and praying for you daily. Can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do. He is sooo good!!!!!

Re: New Series: Becoming F.I.T.by Faith!

Stephanie — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 15:13:25 -0000

Oh my goodness! So blessed to find this through Unwrapping His Grace. I could have written your story almost word for word - only my name is different (Stephanie) - Lol! The short version is that I too am a mother (38 yrs old) of two children (8 yr old girl & 2 1/2 yr old boy). I have numerous health conditions (female problems from a pre teen age for which I have now had a complete hysterectomy, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis causing ankylosing spondylitis, fibromayalgia and a blood clotting disorder that led to pulmonary embolism (several) in my lungs a few yrs back which almost resulted in death). Due to the autoimmune issues, I take immunosuppressant drugs - which make my body susceptible to every germ and infection I come near and frequently lands me in the hospital.
I have battled my weight all my life. I have lost 110 lbs twice (once with herbal supplements, strict diet and tons of exercise when I was in my 20's - pre kids & once with a lap band procedure - lap band has a hole now and insurance won't cover to fix - in my early 30's). I have also recently lost 70, gained 60, gained 20, lost 10, etc, etc. This doesn't count all the times in my life I have lost 10, gained 20 and vice versa. Due to my clotting disorder, I have to take a daily regimen of coumadin blood thinner - which leaves me unable to take any type of ibuprofen or anti inflammatory drug for my arthritis condition. I have to rely on steroids for inflammation reduction and this (does not
control), but adds to my weight loss struggless.
I, like you, keep a packed out - full calendar. We attend church and work in church on a regular basis, own our own business, our daughter is on a competitive cheer and gymnastics team (which requires a great deal of travel for our family on weekends and during summer), my husband frequently travels out of town for our business for long intervals (so the business day to day operations and all childcare and home needs are mine when he is gone), I was room mother for my daughter's class and the list goes on and on.
I don't know if I have ever come across anyone who faces the same challenges as myself. I knew I was not the only person, have just never met anyone with the same kind of struggles at my age.
I try very hard not to let others see I am exhausted and hurting because I do not want to be judged for or known by that. I want to be known for who I am and Whose I am - not defined by my health issues. Yet, lately, I feel as though it affects every facet of my life and it does follow me like a cloud. I don't want my daughter to feel that her mom is less than anyone else's because she is "sick". Yet there have been times at gymnastics meets or school parties where pain has been so severe from spondylitis I thought I would have to get the medics to carry me out of the arena on a stretcher or crawl out or times where I have traveled so sick with septic staph, I had to call another mom to help me with my daughter and could not make it to the actual meet. I could only manage to stay in hotel room running high temp and vomiting. This resulted in one of my very long hospital stays. Regardless of how hard you try, people still label you as the "sick" one. I hear mama's make comments about how they manage to make meets "sick" also. This is how I know folks don't understand - when you have severe health issues, you know what pain and sickness is and become tolerant and used to it. However, you also know what SICKNESS AND PAIN is and when you can no longer push those limits. I feel that sickness and most small aches and pains for a normal person is what people with health issues deal with on a daily basis. I think it most folks bad to deal with what we did on a bad day, they would not be able to physically stand it.

Re: New Series: Becoming F.I.T.by Faith!

Mary Joy Pershing — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 13:31:07 -0000

Oh sweet sister! I respect you so much and your openness as you share your struggle with these areas inspires me so much. I have also been giving into the seduction of food being there when I am depressed, hurting, exhausted, or frustrated...any mood seems to draw me closer food instead of letting go of that and pouring myself into things that draw me closer to the Lord and become healthier. having my exercising abilities limited so much since the accident. Thank you for challenging us get back on track. Thank you for being so vulnerable and allowing God to shine through your face, your story and allow us to see how He is strong when you feel weak. I am praying for you on this journey and would appreciate your prayers for me as I take this journey up again too. I have gained 20 lbs since the accident after doing the work to lose it before that time. Thanks for reminding me there is so much more to life...and together we can do it!

You can do this with the Lord's help! We can do this! All glory to God!!

Love you, sis!

Mary Joy

Re: New Series: Becoming F.I.T.by Faith!

Wanda — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:39:44 -0000

I understand. I will be praying for you and you pray for me. As Marla said, I can't afford the "correct" food either which makes it hard. I have got to learn to fully trust in the Lord with this.

Re: New Series: Becoming F.I.T.by Faith!

Marla — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 04:36:43 -0000

I totally understand. I have yo-yo dieted all my life. I can't afford to buy the "correct food". Pasta is cheap...and we eat it because we have to. I want to be thin and pain free, again. Will pray for you, Gina Marie. : )

Re: Parenting isn’t Easy…But We Don’t Do it Alone

Mary Joy Pershing — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:15:41 -0000

Thanks, Nan! Great point! I am beginning to re-read some of the posts I write when I need reminding of how God is faithful.

Thanks for sharing your own experience too. I am so glad things worked out and you are feeling good enough to be off of your pain medication. I know it has to be hard to not be able to have the strength and endurance you want to have. I will be praying for you. Thanks for all of your encouraging words and for hosting Making your Home Sing Monday. I always enjoy your articles and link-ups!

Blessings!

Mary Joy

Re: New Beginnings…Our Daughter Graduates from High School

Mary Joy Pershing — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:12:46 -0000

Thank you so much for your encouraging comment, Faith! She is doing so well. I loved that she stood up for her faith and how God has helped her through everything and how they shouldn't forget that He is going with them into the world. Yay! It was really neat that she was so protective of him. I respected her and their relationship so much when I saw that. Priceless love between a teenage daughter and her Daddy. How neat that you are a Daddy's girl too! She is a momma's girl and a daddy's girl. It is so wonderful that she had a close relationship with both of them...and me too! :D I feel so honored and blessed to have a special place in her life. I am so glad you enjoyed sharing our special moment. Thanks for taking the time to comment! You are a blessing!

Blessings!

Mary Joy

Re: Desperately Seeking Daisies…a devotion for the anxious and weary

Mary Joy Pershing — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:08:56 -0000

Jennie,

That has to be so hard. Thank you for sharing your story with me. You made me feel like I am not so alone. I appreciate your prayers too! I will be praying for you too, friend.I love your idea of bringing pictures of Will to share them with my relatives. That will make it a little easier too. God bless you so much for your wonderful advise from your experience.

Blessings!

Mary Joy

Re: Desperately Seeking Daisies…a devotion for the anxious and weary

Jennie — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 02:00:03 -0000

You are not alone! I know there are many out there! I don't like croweds or big groups, I get nervis and stumic problems that turn into gas, not fun. I even get this way at church, I shy away from big groups and thing I use to do, I have a big family so holidays are tuff I sit back in the corner and pick at food, worried that will make me sick or gassy because of nervis. I will pray for you. What a blessing you to share thank you! God is leading your way befor you even get there! What a blessing that is. Bring pictures of Will so you can show them to your family, and he will still be by your side and leaves with you when you are ready.. I know I would be crying wile I showed or talked about him. Praying for you!

Re: Our Big Celebration Begins with a special “One Word Art” Giveaway!!!

kizi friv — Fri, 31 May 2013 00:56:13 -0000

i follow on Twitter for my friends.

Re: Mondays with Mary Joy…I need your thoughts

Mary Joy Pershing — Wed, 29 May 2013 11:57:45 -0000

Jennifer,

Thank you so much for your comment! I am glad you like the ideas. I have to admit...Little People can do Big Things too is one of my favorites too. I have been wanting to do this series and you just confirmed it for me! Doing the series will help me to remember to work on it in our lives every week not just once in a while. God bless you and your family!

Blessings!

Mary Joy

Re: Mondays with Mary Joy…I need your thoughts

Jennifer Cain Morris — Wed, 29 May 2013 02:40:15 -0000

I like every single one of these ideas. I think they would all be wonderful. I must say the idea of Little People can do Big Things Too series is amazing. I don't think anything like this exists on any of the blogs or websites I follow. I would love to read this. I'll keep you in my prayers as you determine which path to take. I look forward to whichever topic you write about.

Re: Taking the time to remember – the Legacy of William Pershing

Gina Marie — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:20:30 -0000

Yes, I know he was a great big brother to you, your sister, and your brother. Thank you so much for reminding me, Jennifer. <3

Re: Taking the time to remember – the Legacy of William Pershing

Gina Marie — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:18:23 -0000

Oh, Jennifer! You are SO right! I went ahead and put that in for you and your family too - - he was your parents' son, a great brother to you, your sister, and David, and then a great uncle to his nieces and nephews.

Such an honor to have you leave a comment. Much love to you Jennifer. <3

Gina Marie

Re: Taking the time to remember – the Legacy of William Pershing

Jennifer Pershing — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:15:15 -0000

Thank u he was also a very good big brudder .

Re: Introducing our New Series for May: The Forgotten Mothers – Hearts that Grieve

Kelly Nugent Keating — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:20:50 -0000

Thanks for covering us in prayers, Gina. It's been a tough few days.

Re: New Beginnings…Our Daughter Graduates from High School

Faith @ Artistic31Mama — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:21:20 -0000

Wow! Congrats Annie!! What a beautiful speech she made full of wisdom. How great that she was able to speak about God and share His scripture at a public event. God has truly blessed your family. I pray you all continue to grow even stronger in your relationships. God is so good. I love how protective she was of her father when you and Will were courting. I am a Daddy's girl too. :-) Thanks for sharing such a special event.

Re: New Series – Mothers with Grieving Hearts Giveaway Details….

Gina Marie — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:56:07 -0000

Thank you!

Re: New Series – Mothers with Grieving Hearts Giveaway Details….

Gina Marie — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:55:48 -0000

Praise GOD!

Re: New Series – Mothers with Grieving Hearts Giveaway Details….

Gina Marie — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:52:59 -0000

Thank you!

Re: New Series – Mothers with Grieving Hearts Giveaway Details….

Gina Marie — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:52:37 -0000

Thank you for sharing this with me - - - I am so sorry that you lost both a son and a daughter. God has really blessed you - - but even in thanking God for the blessings of your children here on Earth, it's normal and OK to miss the ones in heaven with God.

I am grateful and blessed to hear of your newest little one - - I will be praying that God will continue to be with you on this journey. What a testimony of God's love and care as He blesses you with daily joy and in seeing how He can redeem the bitter to the sweet.

You have blessed my heart in your comments,

Gina Marie

Re: New Series – Mothers with Grieving Hearts Giveaway Details….

Gina Marie — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:49:12 -0000

Oh (Vivian) - what a blessing to hear from you and learn of your sweet daughter, Esther. Thank you for letting me know that this series has touched your heart and helped you in your life as a mom.

I am praying for you.

Gina Marie

Re: New Series – Mothers with Grieving Hearts Giveaway Details….

vivian mcwhiney — Sun, 12 May 2013 06:46:36 -0000

Gina I want you to know I did not wanted to read this series in the beginning , I try to no loos ground , but is bless me , and has help sow seeds in my heart, I have being afraid during this pregnancy because of what happened last year , Losing Esther . Thanks for taking the time to share .

Re: New Series – Mothers with Grieving Hearts Giveaway Details….

vivian mcwhiney — Sun, 12 May 2013 06:39:36 -0000

I have being so bless we list out son 13 years ago the doctor said I would not be able to have children , here I am 13 years later I have 6 beautiful baby's from 11 to 2 years old ,but wen we lest expected last year I wen to premature labor and lost a little girl,I think the hart part of grieving is to feel I have no right because of the blessing we already have, I had allot of gilt ,etc... But it was the beginning of our family's journey to surrender , wen I as God what what was her name He said Esther , as I study I understood why she came and why she left .... She came to seek out evil so (anything against Gods plan for us) so He can make us a safe place, a home of hope. Today I am 28 weeks pregnant with a little boy , everyday I think about her and how brave she was , every day I surrender my future to God , and every day my morning changes to joy more and more, I now understand how out of the bitter things the sweeter thing comes out.