Lessons

"If you learn from your suffering, and really come to understand the lesson you were taught, you might be able to help someone else who's now in the phase you may have just completed. Maybe that's what it's all about after all...."

I got this off the local celiac website. Celiac disease can be a pretty serious disease, and I had it for many years before finally being diagnosed by a naturalpathic doctor! After a number of years of going to doctors to try to figure out what was wrong with me, and starting to think I was maybe as nuts as a couple of the doctors had said I was, it was a relief to have a diagnoses, although the diagnoses was not great. I am finally starting to feel a little bit better after following this diet for two years. I have many food allergies, dairy, eggs, garlic, and peanuts, along with celiac disease-no wheat, rye, barley and processed oats. Some days I feel like it's a battle that cannot be won but I know it's something that has to be done. Some days it's tough, but lately I've been able to help a couple people who are having to deal with the same type of food allergies/intolerances and it feels good to be able to help them.

There is a lot of suffering going on with a lot of my friends and relatives-cancer, serious health issues, loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, financial difficulties, marriage problems, and at times it seems pretty dark and we all wonder how we will make it through. It always helps when friends come alongside and offer support, love, and care. It helps to get phone calls, text messages, and emails throughout the week to know that someone is there and available to talk to or pray with you when you need it. If you are going through difficulties, let your friends and loved ones know so they can help you. If you've been through a tough life lesson, some type of suffering, and you made it through, give back to those who may be struggling and need someone to reach out and help them or support them. Don't waste the experience, but use it to help someone else.

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. We suffer in the hope that you will be comforted and saved. And because we are comforted, you will also be comforted, as you patiently endure suffering like ours.
2 Corinthians 1:3-6