What If... Day 3 - #Cryoglobulinemia Awareness

What if you don't get your healing and true relief from symptoms never comes? And you feel so alone...

Day 3 - #Cryoglobulinemia Awareness

I think this video says it all...

Learn more:
CryoglobulinemiaVasculitis.org

Author: Diane Dike, Ph.D., founder of Second Chance with Saving Grace, Inc., an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope and help to those in need.

She is the author of The Adventures of Gracie and Diane book series for children and animal lovers of all ages. All proceeds from the sale of The Adventures of Gracie and Diane book series and Gracie merchandise go to support the outreach work of Second Chance with Saving Grace, Inc., whose mission is to encourage individuals of all ages to overcome even the most daunting of life’s challenges with God’s help.

A gifted teacher, singer, mother and speaker, Diane lives in the Vail Valley of Colorado with her husband Paul, fourteen-year-old service dog Gracie and SIX adopted children and foster children as they need her.

#Cryoglobulinemia - Day 2 Awareness Month 2017

It began with a broken woman and a broken dog... they saved each other.

This is the story of Gracie, Diane, Second Chance with Saving Grace and its medical outreach - the Cryoglobulinemia Vasculitis Organization (CVO).

Day 2 - Cryoglobulinemia Awareness Day 2017.

Learn more:
CryoglobulinemiaVasculitis.org
Author: Diane Dike, Ph.D., founder of Second Chance with Saving Grace, Inc., an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope and help to those in need.
She is the author of The Adventures of Gracie and Diane book series for children and animal lovers of all ages. All proceeds from the sale of The Adventures of Gracie and Diane book series and Gracie merchandise go to support the outreach work of Second Chance with Saving Grace, Inc., whose mission is to encourage individuals of all ages to overcome even the most daunting of life’s challenges with God’s help.

A gifted teacher, singer, mother and speaker, Diane lives in the Vail Valley of Colorado with her husband Paul, fourteen-year-old service dog Gracie and SIX adopted children and foster children as they need her.

Coping with Cryoglobulinemia Vasculitis Flare Ups, Dr. Diane Dike

Coping with Cryoglobulinemia Flare-ups 

                                                    by Dr. Diane Dike

Have you ever run a marathon?

I use to be a runner. I did biathlons and triathlons. As runner, biker, hiker, skier, swimmer, hang glider, coach... I planned to be active all my life. But when cryoglobulinemia began terrorizing me 25 years ago, the life I knew slipped away. 

Now I feel that same soreness I use to feel from exercise for the simplest things like getting out of bed, taking a shower, walking or other activities that a 47 year old woman shouldn't need to lay down to catch her breath about. Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful to still be alive. 

Cryoglobulinemia (kri-oh-glob-u-lih-NE-me-uh) is a rare blood disease that develops when the presence of high levels of abnormal proteins, called cryoglobulins, are found in the blood. The name literally means “cold antibody in the blood”. 

In stress and cold temperatures, these protein antibodies precipitate clumping together forming a thick, gel-like glob which blocks blood vessels, potentially causing a wide range of complications. There are three types of cryoglobulinemia, based on the type of abnormal protein found in the blood.

Cryoglobulinemics have flare-ups. What are flare-ups and what can be done about them? A flare-up is a period when symptoms are more intense. An occasion where pain, swelling, discoloration, itching, burning, tingling, nausea, abdominal pain, hemorrhoids, headaches and a feeling of un-wellness intensifies. 

Many patients with cryoglobulinemia experience flare ups which can lead to depression, irritability, weakness, bloody or black extremities, amputation, gangrene, days of non refreshing sleep, exhaustion and death. 

Sometimes cryo patients can identify what triggers  a flare-up and can then lessen symptoms. At times, a patient can do everything just right and still have painful flare ups. For me flare ups were intensified during my menstrual cycle, so in my early thirties I had a full hysterectomy. It helped.

What causes flare-ups?

1. Eating cold foods.
2. Exposure to cold in the form of drafts, air conditioners, fans, or any temperature fluctuations causing a disruption in homeostasis.
3. Processed, packaged and sugary foods that lower or stress the immune system or cause constipation or IBS can possibly contribute.
4. A stressful day or event.
5. Overexertion, too much activity even positive events.
6. Poor sleep.
7. Standing too long or sitting with your feet dangling. Wearing pantyhose.
8. Chemical sensitivities, food allergies, nutritional deficiencies, heavy metal or mold exposure can also possibly contribute because it causes stress on the body. Generally, it's an issue with dropping temperatures but many patients have even noticed a flare up upon catching a flu, cold or a flare up of other overlapping medical conditions. 

How can you recuperate from a flare-up?

a. Soak in a hot tub or take a warm bath for at least 20 minutes with dead sea salts or Epsom salts. Along with lavender and other essential oils could be helpful.
b. Use coconut oil to sooth skin after and get into a warm bed with lots of blankets to rest (read a favorite book, watch a relaxing movie, listen to soothing music, snuggling with your warm dog).
c. Try different natural products to see what works best for you: A healthy smoothie, acai juice, a cup of relaxing tea, a piece of dark chocolate, magnesium, vitamin D, MSM, healthy fats, and cannabis has many medicinal qualities that can calm an overactive immune system. 

Hopefully you'll sleep better after any of the above because sleep is SO important.

d. A specifically trained service dog can save your life, alert you to trouble before you have a life-threatening problem, help you participate in life more safely, retrieve things for you when you are unable to, provide you emotional comfort, they can be trained to stay on your person creating life-saving and consistent heat, and support and help you do what you couldn't have done.

Remember to take care of yourself. Listen to your body when it is telling you something. Usually the flare-ups will calm down quicker and clear up faster if you take precautions and act quickly. 

Always bring an emergency kit. It should include the above listed items along with a sleeping bag, microwave able hot packs, and an identification card listing your conditions along with the direction NOT to apply anything COLD in the case you should black out and be unable to express yourself. Also include an emergency phone number for a loved one who understands your condition.

Stay connected with a support group that understands your rare condition and challenges. One that you can bounce questions around for ideas, strategies and to just simply remember you are not alone! 

No matter your health challenge, don't give up! Everyone needs encouragement from time to time because we feel discouraged or feel like no one cares, needs or wants us anymore. This disease causes us to feel so broken, misunderstood, confused, and we feel our life is slipping away but I'm here to tell you that your brokenness can become the place where your mess becomes your message and your test your testimony! 

It's never too late if you don't give up! You have more to offer than you know especially while you persevere through the tough days not only surviving but thriving. You can overcome your challenges to live a life of impact, purpose and victory!

Facebook support group for cryoglobulinemics, those who love them or want to learn more.

Tissue from the kidneys and skin should be examined for ultra structural abnormalities. Skin biopsy is less invasive than renal biopsy and should be performed first. Kidney biopsy most often provides the diagnosis if it is not established by skin biopsy. Pictured is an electron micrograph of a kidney biopsy specimen from a patient with cryoglobulinemia. The kidneys filter wastes and extra fluid from the blood and direct them to the bladder as urine. Cryo patients often have:

• hematuria, which is blood in the urine

• proteinuria, which is excessive protein in the urine

• impaired kidney function, which causes excessive waste products in the blood

Common symptoms of cryoglobulinemia include fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, difficulty breathing, skin ulceration and death of large patches of skin cells. These symptoms are quite general and can develop regardless of the specific organ or organs involved. Kidney disease and liver disease are relatively common consequences. 

These organs are the most likely to be affected by levels of blood cryoglobulins because they are the bodies filtering system. PREVENTION is key to not only surviving this complicated, confusing and overwhelming disease. According to most research available more than 90% of cryo cases are associated with Hepatitis C infections. Hepatitis C is acquired by tainted blood products, injection drug use (needle sharing), and possibly sexual transmission. Treatment of the underlying hepatitis may be put cryo into remission. 

I do not have Hepatitis C. I have the orphan cryo. Doctors have no idea why I have it but watch for some type of cancer that is possibly "hibernating" until it decides to appear. My mother died from Multiple Myeloma (a rare blood cancer) which is closely associated with cryo.

Stay Strong and Courageous! 
Diane 

Learn more

Meet Kaden Behan ~ Teen Volunteer Extraordinaire

I stumbled upon an excellent organization, Second Chance with Saving Grace, that I now have the pleasure of volunteering with to help hurting people and animals. My name is Kaden Behan and as a volunteer for my local hospital, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, I quickly fell in love with volunteering and was inspired to seek out more opportunities. Being limited physically as to where I could volunteer, I searched for opportunities virtually using volunteermatch.org. That is where I found many outstanding possibilities with Second Chance and immediately began transforming lives using my gifts and talents several months ago. 

I discovered a loving supportive family of dedicated individuals working towards a noble cause. Initially, I designed banners, thank-you cards, fliers, and other works that involved graphic design. However, through the support and encouragement of Dr. Diane Dike (the founder and president), Mary Owen (communications team leader), and other wonderful members, I decided to become even more involved as a Second Chance advocate.

Therefore, in collaboration with my school, The Academy of Allied Health and Science, and Jersey Shore Medical Center, I have organized an event at the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in which students, like myself, will serve as Ambassadors of Love. As ambassadors, we will deliver Love Kits and provide comfort to the children residing in the Hospital. Through the guidance of Second Chance, I hope to experience the success of this event and plan to continue being actively involved in volunteering for this remarkable organization. 

Today's Devotional

Brought to you by Dream Team member Bobbi Heffel

I Need Thee Every Hour

1.     I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

     Refrain:
     I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
     Every hour I need Thee;
     Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
     I come to Thee.

2.     I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.

3.     I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

4.     I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

5.     I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

Annie S. Hawks, 1872
ref. by Robert Lowry, 1872

Copyright: Public Domain

 

Main subject: Supplication

Scripture: Hebrews 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Republished from Timeless Truths Publications (timelesstruths.org), licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.

The refrain of this song just keeps playing in my mind. I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; Oh bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee. How true and sweet are these words. Right now I cannot think of one circumstance or life situation where these words don’t ring true. I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee.

Annie Hawks wrote:
“One day as a young wife and mo­ther of 37 years of age, I was bu­sy with my reg­u­lar house­hold tasks. Sud­den­ly, I be­came so filled with the sense of near­ness to the Mast­er that, won­der­ing how one could live with­out Him, ei­ther in joy or pain, these words, “I Need Thee Ev­e­ry Hour,” were ush­ered in­to my mind, the thought at once tak­ing full pos­sess­ion of me.

I did not un­der­stand at first why this hymn had touched the great throb­bing heart of hu­man­i­ty. It was not un­til long af­ter, when the sha­dow fell over my way, the sha­dow of a great loss, that I un­der­stood some­thing of the com­fort­ing pow­er in the words which I had been per­mit­ted to give out to others in my hour of sweet se­ren­i­ty and peace.” Via http://www.cyberhymnal.org

I had no idea where this song originated until I began jotting down this devotional. What an incredible Godly lady!  When she brought some songs to her pastor, Robert Lowery (also a songwriter) he recognized a talent in Annie and struck a bargain. Annie, “If you write the words, I’ll write the music.” Annie Sherwood Hawks is credited with writing 4oo hymns in her lifetime. Most songs were for Sunday school use. Her songs were published in Bright Jewels, Brightest and Best, Pure Gold, Royal Diadem, Temple Anthems, Tidal Wave, and other Sunday school song books.

In November 1872, the new hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour” was used at the National Baptist Sunday School Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, where it was sung by 3000 people. Ira Sankey used it two years later in London leading to its regular use in large Moody evangelistic campaigns. This made it popular in the US as well as Great Britain, and it was translated into many languages and sang throughout the world. It was even featured in the Chicago World’s Fair.

Sixteen years after writing “I Need Thee Every Hour” Annie’s husband died, and she finally understood why the hymn had touched so many people. In her loss she found comfort in this hymn she had penned so many years earlier.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the testimony of Annie Hawks. She is another wonderful example of how you can use us where we are to bring great honor and glory to yourself. Truly we need you every hour. Amen

A special thank you to Gary Chapman on A Hymn a Week posted to youtube. You started me on the wonderful journey of learning about Annie Hawks and her amazing story.

Sources:

http://bereanbibleheritage.org/hymns/i_need_thee.php   - by Pastor Clinton Macomber

http://bereanbibleheritage.org/extraordinary/hawks_annie.php -by Pastor Clinton Macomber

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/h/a/w/hawks_as.htm

http://www.widowschristianplace.com/2011/01/widows-story-annie-s-hawks.html

Biblegateway.com

Today's Devotional brought to you by prayer warrior Michelle Simpson

Genesis 2:24

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁴ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

John 17:20-22

New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Prays for All Believers

²⁰ “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will^[a] believe in Me through their word; ²¹ that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ²² And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:

I attended my son's wedding this weekend. The young couple had asked the Pastor to bring a message sharing a clear plan of salvation before the vows. As the Pastor began his message he spoke of defining, life changing moments in each of our lives. Every defining moment begins with a choice. Marriage is a defining, life changing moment! He spoke directly to the young couple and indirectly to those in attendance reminding them that this choice was a lifetime decsion. Out of all of the millions of young people out there they had chosen each other, not for a moment, not for a season, not only in good times, not only for laughter, and not only for what they would receive out of the deal, but they had chosen each other for a lifetime, in good times and bad times, with laughter and with sorrow, and for what they could give to each other as well as what they could receive from each other. He reminded them and all of us that this was indeed a choice not a feeling. Then it dawned on me, the same is true of our salvation!

It may be a feeling that draws us to God or it may have been a crisis, but God used something to draw us to Him. He created us and has loved us from before the beginning. When we ask Him to be part of our lives He agrees to come, not for a moment or a season. He isn't ony there during the good times or to be a genie that gives us our every wish. God wants a relationship. Often in His word our relationship with our Saviour Jesus is described as a bride and bridegroom. God's love for us is eternal. He made that choice before He ever formed a thing (I Peter 1:20-21) even though He knew what it would cost. He is the commited bridegroom. Are we the committed bride? Do we really want Him to transform us into His likeness so we can be one with Him? That was His prayer for us that we would be one in Them. He asks us to leave the things of this world and to cleave to Him, not only when it is easy or fun but in every time and for all time. What has drawn you away from your "marriage vows" lately? Forsake them and return to your first love! it is worth it!!

Father I love You because You first loved me! You drew me to You and I accepted Your proposal to allow You to love me completely. I also agreed to love You completely in return, forsakeing the temptations of this world. Forgive me Father for looking to the right or left lately! I renew my vows to You and You alone today. I know I will be tempted and that I will stumble and fall along the way. I will need Your help; I can't do it without You! Thank You for beinging faithful even when I am not! In Jesus Faithful name, amen!

Today's Daily Devotion

Today's Devotion is brought to you by Prayer Team member Bobbi Heffel

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Matthew 2

 ¹NOW WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [astrologers] from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, ²Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east at its rising and have come to worship Him.    
Amplified Bible (AMP) biblegateway.com

I just love this time of year. There are twinkly lights and bright stars everywhere. They add so much beauty to what would really be a dark time of year. There is a restaurant I like to go to that has an old oak tree out front. The owners have put tables around under the tree. During the day it is a great place to sit and have lunch. But when dark comes and the white twinkly lights are turned on, that tree goes from just being a place out of the sun to magically romantic. 

I don’t imagine that the wisemen saw the star of Christ as magically romantic. It was something deeper than that. It was the excitement of the fulfillment of a promise long ago, for a promised king, a deliverer. This was the arrival of someone worthy of a long dusty travel and extravagant gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

Yes, to see the beauty of the Christmas stars and know the story behind them is moving. But to personally know the savior that these lights represent is … ever growing. The more I learn about Him, the more I find there is to learn. I thought I knew how much he loved me; he stretched out his arms and died for me. But I learned that he loves me even more. I thought I knew that he would forgive me. But I am still learning how far the east is from the west. I thought I knew his grace was sufficient. Yet, I sometimes find myself holding on to things wondering how he could love me after this. How does his grace cover all the times we are in an impossible situation and doubt that he will come through? Yes, the more I know about him, the more there is to learn. With each discovery, I think those Christmas lights get just a bit brighter and twinkle-er.

Today’s Prayer

Lord, I thank you for this special time of the year we set aside to remember the birth of our savior. I know there are winter celebrations that have nothing to do with you. There is always an emptiness to them.  They are nothing to compare with the celebration of you. Help us to refrain from the commercial race of emptying our bank accounts in the attempt to celebrate your birth. With you there is a filling. You fill us with love, joy, hope, celebration, life and peace.  Help us to give wisely in accordance with your will. Please give us creative ways and opportunities to share with others.  Help us to share the love, joy, hope, celebration, life and peace you give with them. After all, the best gift that ever was or ever could be has already been given. There is no topping you! 

Daily Devotion

This week's Daily Devotion is brought to you by Dream Team member Bobbi Heffel

I stopped to look at Mary's video update as she goes through her battle with cancer and it just struck me how we had the same thought of being in the arms of Jesus. One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is sitting in front of the lit Christmas tree with a steamy cup of tea or hot chocolate. Those lights draw me in and the next thing I know I am a million miles away in thought. The hustle and bustle of the season just falls away and I am able to focus on whatever God has for me that day.

Today as I sat in front of the Christmas tree it wasn't the lights that grabbed my attention but the ornaments. We don't have matching ornaments but more of a mish mosh of collected treasures. Each ornament has its own story; a memory of family, friends and Christmases past. I recalled when my children were younger and they would climb into my lap to hear the story of each ornament they picked out.

Then I envisioned crawling into the lap of the one that loves us best. I could hear him as he began to hold up a treasure he had created in me. He lovingly displayed it while reminding me of how he loved me and sculpted this treasure in me. That he was there with me in that situation. Always present, always loving, always giving, and always guiding. There were enough treasures to fill a whole tree! Some were storms he had brought me through. Other treasures were unexpected beauty and joy he had brought into my life; the birth of children, sunrises and sunsets, double rainbows and butterflies. Some treasures were the people God has introduced into my life; a Godly mother, a special best-friend, one particular little old lady that taught me that work is the most precious word in the English language. I could spend the rest of the day thinking of the people God has used to bless me, grow me and challenge me to new heights. Alas, the phone rang and life was calling. I long to crawl back into the lap of God, to be near him and hear what else he has to say. I pray you make the opportunity to spend time in his lap soon.

Today's Prayer
Father, thank you for being our ever present help. Thank you for the special times when we can fall into your arms. In your arms we find love, comfort, adoration, compassion, strength, protection and encouragement. Amen

Deuteronomy 33:26-28 (Amplified Bible (AMP) Biblegateway.com)
26There is none like God, O Jeshurun [Israel], Who rides through the heavens to your help and in His majestic glory through the skies.
27The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He drove the enemy before you and thrust them out, saying, Destroy!
28And Israel dwells in safety, the fountain of Jacob alone in a land of grain and new wine; yes, His heavens drop dew.

Today's Daily Devotional

Today's Inspiration by Dream Team Member Shelley Brandon
John 14:9-17

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

Romans 7:14-25

14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature[d] a slave to the law of sin.

Today’s song is another Josh Groban tune called “Higher Window”. Like yesterday, I’m renaming the song “Paul’s Song”

The two scripture passages may not appear to go together but for me they do. Jesus is telling his disciples in John that we are to love one another. When we love one another, when we love each other enough to share our Savior with them our joy is certain, it is promised. When we love each other and serve each other we reach beyond our human tendency to focus on ourselves.

When I’m working on a particularly detailed yarn project my eyes focus solely on the work in my hands. They are so absorbed in the tiny details in my hands that when I look up everything else around me is blurry. We do this on a spiritual level as well, focus on our own lives, our own issues so intently and completely that when we look outside ourselves the rest of the world is blurry. Jesus is telling us to focus outside our own bodies and love the ones God has placed in our lives.

Now I will attempt to tie this all together. Paul was so focused on persecuting that he missed Jesus altogether. He didn’t love; his heart was full of hatred. Christ removed Paul’s eyesight so that Paul might see. Even after his encounter with the living Christ, Paul struggled with his humanity. “15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” He did however love. Paul loved Jesus so much that he found joy in the worst of circumstances in order to teach the world around him about his Savior.

Now as to the song; I can picture Paul after his blinding experience in the presence of Jesus. On his knees, asking what Jesus wanted him to do and pleading, “Don’t tell me it’s too late to love you!” How many times have those words echoed from lost souls throughout history. On our knees before the Lord, broken, lost, alone and desperate, “Please Jesus, don’t tell me it’s too late to love you!”

Most Holy God, we give you thanks for the Light from a Higher Window… your love shining down on us. Help us to share your light with everyone we meet. Help us to keep your love in us shining and visible as a living testimony to your truth. Keep us ever mindful of what we ought to be doing to help us remember that you have freed us from bondage with the gift of your son. In Jesus’ name… Amen.

Today's Daily Devotional

Today's Inspiration by Dream Team Member Shelley Brandon
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15 NIV

The Christmas holiday season is in full swing, off to a frantic start with the Black Friday races. Hallmark movies are playing and replaying every night with some person “saving” Christmas, occasionally even a dog “saves” Christmas. Don’t get me wrong, I love these movies. They’re clean, melancholy, and invariably have a happy ending. There is something missing in every Christmas movie however. . . Easter.
...
It is no accident that the angels came first to the shepherds. No one else was awake and alert. Jesus came to us as both the lamb and the shepherd. He is waiting for us, searching for us. Just as a shepherd searches for his sheep when they wander, so Jesus searches for us.

Christmas brings us the message of a baby born in a stable. Every children’s pageant portrays this in an innocent and often side-splitting manner. Never mind the fear and danger of the times, glossing over the arduous and perilous journey that Joseph and Mary were required to make in order to fulfill the scriptures in their opulent (not) surroundings. The beautiful, vulnerable baby is the star of the show. No one remembers to add the shadow of the cross that loomed in the future of this velvety soft newborn. No one mentions the coming beating and torture after his betrayal.

Cliché reminders that Jesus is the reason for the season are only half of the actual gift. Next time you see the Nativity or are reminded that the infant is our gift from God, remember that the reason Jesus is the gift is because our Shepherd gave us Easter.

Dear God, we know that it is impossible to avoid the hustle and bustle of the advent season. Our lives become so busy trying to prepare for Christmas that we forget to prepare our hearts for Christmas. We get caught up in the decorations and the shopping, filling this time with stress rather than reflection. Lord, we ask today that you grant us daily reminders that the reason we celebrate Christmas as the birth of Christ is because Christ gave us the gift of Easter. In Jesus’ glorious name, Amen.

Rochelle Ray's SCwSG Story

My name is Rochelle Ray. I recently accepted the position of Director of Cryoglobulinemia Vasculitis Education and Awareness for Second Chance with Saving Grace. My story began back in 2004 when I was diagnosed with Graves Disease. This autoimmune thyroid disease was the first diagnosis of what would be many more. I learned that autoimmune disease means that my immune system somehow got misdirected and made me its target. In easy terms, I’m allergic to myself. Depending on what part of my body my immune system attacks, a new diagnosis label is given to me! My list is ever growing.

Everyone with autoimmune disease will follow a different path. Not everyone who gets one disease will go on to have more. Unfortunately, my path gained me several diagnosis’ with a few on the rare disease list. That is how I met Diane Dike.

One particular disease I have poses the highest risk and quite frankly, affects daily life the most. It is on the National Organization for Rare Disorders list. It's name: Cryoglobulinemia. It's a mouthful to say and most people even in the medical profession have never heard of it. It is a serious problem because abnormal proteins thicken or “gel” in the blood when they get cold. This blood thickening causes damage depending on what area of the body is affected at the time. Consequently, organ damage, stroke, muscle pain, neuropathy, skin rashes, fatigue, and much more can result.

Once diganosed with this frightening disease, I did my research. I found that there really was not much information out there. What I did find was Diane Dike. During an internet search I came upon her informational web site. I sent her and email and to my surprise she gave me a call. To be able to talk to someone who walked where I was walking helped me overcome the initial trauma of this diagnosis. Someone who understood everything I said or didn’t have to say. Before we hung up, we realized we had many things in common. The most disturbing revelation was that both of our mom's have Multiple Myeloma which is a blood cancer connected with our blood disease. Diane's mom just lost her battle.

We have kept in touch through facebook and almost five years after our first phone call we met in person. Our family spent the weekend in her beautiful Colorado home. During our visit she asked me to join her amazing Second Chance with Saving Grace team. SCwSG is a nonprofit organization that helps hurting people and animals. The disease is taking it's toll on Diane's strength and ability. She needs dedicated people who "get it" to carry the SCwSG torch and be a light in the darkness. It's a dream come true to be a part of this incredible team, transforming lives with help and HOPE!

It is my goal as Director of Cryogolulinemia Vasculitis Education and Awareness to not only provide information to people with medical ailments but to also provide a place that they can find the same comfort I received when I spoke to Diane. A place to unite Cryoglobulinemia patients and their family and friends so they can meet each other, share, and provide understanding. Lastly, it is my goal to increase awareness about this disease and proper information about it so the medical industry can provide better diagnose and treat in the future.

I am supported by an incredible husband and two teenage boys. We live an unusual lifestyle of travelling full time for my husband’s work. We are fortunate to see many wonderful places in the United States. My children are homeschooled by me and our traveling only enriches our education. We typically call Kansas our home because that is where we grew up and where our family lives.

I can’t wait to make a difference!