Soft Thanksgiving Hugs

November tips and encouragements

The year is certainly flying by in a hurry, isn’t it? Here we are facing the holidays. They can be difficult for those with chronic illness of any kind. I encourage you to stay strong, and don’t over do it. Try to relax and enjoy.

S - Scripture

5 Steps Toward Joy in Adversity - Devotion by Mandy

O - Oasis

Lauri Hogle’s podcast, Giving my Litany of Losses to the Lord was an encouraging oasis for me this month. If you have subscribed yet, you need to do so. Check it out here:

F - Forum

There are some great places online where patients can connect with one another and share information. MyFibroTeam is one such place. You can connect with people in your city, read articles, and more. Here is a great article on Fibromyalgia Symptoms.

T - Thanksgiving

I have found that gratitude is one thing that helps our attitude when we are experiencing pain and trouble. I came across these great prompts for families to open communication about gratitude. It comes from Scholastic and they have added some great books to read on each prompt. Check them out here.

H - something HEARD

I connected with Emily Freedman years ago because of our commonality in the ministry and being forced to leave. A couple of years ago, she wrote a book called, The Next Right Thing. It's an excellent book about getting out of the rut and moving forward. She has had a podcast with the same name since then. Anyway, this month she interviewed the “lazy genius”, Kendra Adachi, who wrote a new book called The Plan. As I listened, I thought this was great advice for chronic pain people who still have to find ways to raise families or go to work. I think you will agree. Listen here:

U - Update on my Writing

Soft Hugs for Mommy was released in hardback and is now on sale wherever books are sold online. We have a Black Friday sale, 20 % off from now until Christmas on the hardback. Consider buying one for your local school or library. (Be sure to let me know where it has been placed.)

I had my very first book vendor booth at a local Fall Festival. It was a great time, we gave out cow and butterfly tattoos!

G - Good Reads

I was surprised to find my blog, Mandy and Michele Holding it Together, listed on the Top 15 Parenting Books at #12! Check it out.

S - Song

Someone at the Diamonds Forum shared this song, Hope Again. It was the first I heard it but it is good.

Hope Again

Have a wonderful November. Enjoy your Thanksgiving by taking it easy and avoiding the temptation to go all out this year.

Be Blessed,

Mandy