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
History of Abiding Communications
For 13 years, I have been doing business as Abiding Communications. Abiding Communications represents more than a business name. These visionary words stem from the truth Jesus spoke in John 15:5 (NKJV) of the Bible: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides...
Get Ready for Change
The Lord’s prompting came one day while I was vacuuming my house. “Get things in order for the new season to come.” Suddenly, my “to do” list took on a greater meaning and a sense of urgency. This was not the first time God had let me know of change on the way. He...
Praying for a Baby
Nearly a decade ago, I said a very special prayer for the children I hope to have one day. I laid one had on my belly and raised the other one toward heaven. “Lord, thank you for giving me the desires of my heart.” I continue to pray for my babies to this day, as...
What a Life-Changing Day
I had waited practically my whole life to get married. Shortly after I turned thirty-seven, my special day finally arrived. What a life-changing day! Marriage affects every aspect of our life, and adjusting to all the change takes time and effort. In the first year, I...
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.