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
What’s Spoiling My Food
Food allergies can make eating tough at times. So can other things like spoiled food, distractions, mistakes, and inclement weather. In my latest article, I share how I experienced all of these challenges in just one week! You can read the full article, "More Than...
Janice Thompson Shares About Baking with Food Allergies
My friend Janice, an author and baker, is allergic to pumpkin and ginger among other foods. I asked Janice how these food allergies have impacted her baking endeavors. She shared some insightful stories and tips from her journey in "Baking with Food Allergies:...
Using Teal Pumpkin Décor to Support People with Food Allergies
I love so much about fall: autumn spices, cooler weather, pumpkins, and unique colors, including teal. Teal pumpkins have been part of my fall décor for almost a decade now. But they signify more than my liking for this season. Read how teal pumpkins show my support...
Staying United When Allergies Impact Your Marriage
I thought I had ruined a romantic moment recently when my husband asked if he could light a candle while I was cooking breakfast. I quickly said, "I am allergic to soy, and most candles irritate my throat and make me cough." You can read what happened next in my...
Simply Enjoying Our Stepfamily
On this National Stepfamily Day, I simply enjoyed our stepfamily. I did all my usual daily activities: praying, writing, cooking breakfast, and homeschooling. After lunch, I baked some chocolate chip cookies. Although I started to make the cookies just because, they...
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.