Resources for Families
Living with an autoimmune condition can present unique challenges for you and your family. But be encouraged. You can still have a healthy, growing family.
I learned an important key in the first year following my diagnosis of an undifferentiated connective tissue disease. If I wanted to take care of the family I longed to have someday, I had to begin by taking care of me. I was the start—and a very integral part—of my family to come.
Now, over a decade later, I have a bigger, blended family. When I married my husband, I took on the role of stepmother and grandmother. And after pressing through fertility issues month after month, I finally conceived a child of my own. My husband and I still dream of adding more children to our family.
So, how does someone with an autoimmune condition navigate the roads families travel? With help! Help from the Lord, help from family and friends, and help from others in our community.
Every family is important and unique. I am pleased to share with you some resources from my own journey that may help your family. Feel free to use what applies to you and invite others to use what may apply to them.
Blog Articles for Families
Look at What God is Doing Now
I had not planned to start my day with art, but I am so glad I did. When I pulled back the curtains covering our farmhouse windows, I saw a beautiful sunrise. As I took in God’s brushstrokes of stunning colors, a desire to paint rose up in me. Negative thoughts came...
Simpler, Healthier Holiday Fare with Food Allergies
I do not regret the way I ate over the holidays. Guilt about too many calories and too much sugar does not plague me. Instead, I feel satisfied with the simpler, healthier holiday fare I eat now that I have allergies. To read more about how I navigate holiday meals...
Choosing Restaurants on My Food Allergy Journey
Even with food allergies, I still enjoy eating out with family and friends from time to time. A food allergy-friendly menu and a thoughtful waiter made a big difference at a new restaurant I tried one time. You can read more about my experience in the full article on...
Abiding When Cold Fronts Stir Up Allergies
Do weather changes ever trigger allergies that slow you down? I often deal with allergy symptoms following cold fronts in the winter. In "Cold Fronts Can Bring on My Allergy Symptoms," I share how I managed to still study, teach, write, and travel with severe sinus...
Getting Outside Through Images and Words
Images and words are powerful. Both help me get outside when environmental allergies keep me inside. For example, a scenic drive and a good book enabled me to enjoy a trip to the park with my family even when tree pollen abounded. The full story is available to read...
Resources for Families — Coming Soon!
Ebooks
- A Grandmother’s Love: Shaping Your Grandchildren for a Lifetime
- Home: Making A Place to Raise Your Young
- How Husbands and Wives in Blended Families Can Communicate Well
Printables
- Believing for a Child: Bible Verses to Build Your Faith When Diagnosed with Infertility
- Homemaking Tips for Homeschool Moms
Building a Busines from Home
Having an autoimmune condition can affect your ability to work. But with some adjustments, you can succeed in using your abilities to serve others in meaningful ways. You may even find that these changes bring more freedom, fulfillment, and income than you ever imagined.
Some people with autoimmune conditions shift from working full-time in an office to working part-time from home. This can lessen the pressures that often come with commuting and working within set hours, schedules, and surroundings. The flexibility gained can enhance your health and well-being. You get to establish the calendar, environment, and goals that work best for you and your family.
An increasing number of options for home businesses exist. You can choose one or more that best suits your lifestyle and talents. Below are some suggestions.
Arts and Crafts
Are you creative? Do you draw, paint, sew, or do woodwork? You can turn your creative hobby into a small business that earns income for you and your family. Selling your handmade arts and crafts online and in person at artisans’ markets can bless others and greatly encourage you.
Freelance Writing and Editing
Do you like to journal or share your thoughts and stories with others? You may be a writer! Many avenues exist for freelance writers and editors. These include writing and editing articles, blog posts, books, devotionals, gift proposals/grants, letters, marketing copy, reports, and more.
Speaking
The wisdom we gain from our experiences can benefit other people. We can share this wisdom by speaking to individuals or groups. Both in-person and online speaking opportunities exist. Businesses, churches, and other nonprofit organizations often need presenters for special events. You can also prepare and deliver your content as courses that can be accessed by viewers at different times.
You can find tips on building a business from home at Resources for Creators.