Tag / Purpose

by Jana Rawling

Creativity & Pain

Creativity as a Distraction from Pain

And You Don’t Even Have to Be an Artist

The Creative Spirit flows like an impregnated wind of love and passion. We have access to this Spirit from God. No matter what creative outlet, no matter what perspective you are coming from, you have access to the Creative Spirit. That is if you are human.

One way to tap into this creativity is to scribble. Yep, I know it sounds strange, but scribbling unlocks the left brain so the right brain (the creative side) can work. When you scribble you will begin to get ideas and answers to questions. You will want to begin to brainstorm those ideas, so go for it. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you get.

I tap into the Creative Spirit every day as much as I can. When I am writing, sculpting, drawing or just playing the pain decreases. I literally use creativity as a source of pain management.

Jana

P.S.: Give creativity a try. You may like it.

“We are made to be creative. We are made in the image of God.” — Jana Rawling

by Jana Rawling

Tomorrow is a Big Day

God’s Word Always Comforts Me.

A Broken Finger & My SSA Hearing

My youngest son needs surgery on his broken finger tomorrow and my SSA Hearing is also tomorrow. Yep.

Add-on the head CT scan I need for my Neurologist, the Tilt Table test and the Echocardiogram for my Cardiologist, and the surgical procedure of facet joint injections from my Pain Management doctor and I’m a bit of a mess.

My son has been a trooper and I’ve been trying so hard to keep it together I’ve wanted to scream. So, let’s look at the bright side of things:

  • My son turned 16 the day before breaking his finger playing softball. He is scheduled to get his driver’s license in a couple of weeks—he’s a great driver. I’m so proud of how he’s handling everything.
  • It’s Mother’s Day this weekend and I’m spending time with my kids. I have been wanting to play violin, so we’re going to look online for a beginner version. I tried to pick it up as a child and wasn’t very good, but I want to try again. I’ll try just about anything to distract myself from the pain that’s healthy.
  • I trust God. I trust that He will use all my sufferings for good.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

— Romans 8:28

I know it can be hard for people to understand this verse. For me, it became real as I’ve looked at things that have happened in life and was able to see how “bad” things led to better ones. I can use my illnesses as an example. I didn’t know how many people were suffering with illness and disability until I experienced it myself.

My whole perspective has changed. My compassion has grown. My calling and life’s purpose have become clear.

So, I’ll spend today in prayer and surgery pre-op, and I’ll leave my SSA Hearing in God’s hands right where it belongs.

Jana

P.S.: I feel much better now.

by Jana Rawling

Road Trip with Boots

Today I actually wore boots.

I really want to take them off now. The top of my left foot feels like it’s burning. The good news is I have had them on for about six hours. That’s amazing.

I cruised down to San Diego with a couple of friends to meet and pray with a woman visiting from Africa. My friend drove my car because I lost my license due to seizures of some kind that my neurologist is trying to figure out.

Prayer was amazing and I was so blessed. And yes, Isaiah 53 came up.

The truth is that I am healed, my mind and body just didn’t get the memo.

Stay strong in your Faith.

Jana

P.S. And this is a few hours later… and forget the pedicures with CRaPS pain!

by Jana Rawling

My New Podcast

CRPS Inside Out, Introduction

I’ve created a new podcast on Castbox called CRPS Inside Out. Search for it and check it out.

Living with CRPS is a very difficult task. It has been dubbed “the suicide disease” and trust me when I say it has earned that title. This Podcast is meant to help me through my story one day at a time.