Ranting, Raving and Renewing

My husband and I have so many passions but our hearts desires are to offer HOPE! We all need, as human beings and as a nation, to become more aware of those around us. Whether it be people we see daily, someone we’ve just met, those we live with or take for granted, people we think we may never see again, or just a person we simply make eye contact with while going about our day. Every single day, we have people in our “little” world who are battling and suffering either silently or visibly. You may be one of these people. If not, be very thankful but never take it for granted. It’s a gift and I believe to “whom much has been given, much is expected.” We, as one race, the human race, are all unique, yet have one thing in common. We all long for unconditional love. I find it in my personal relationship with God, my family, real friends, and in my animals eyes. You may believe YOU can’t make a difference in this world because you have nothing to offer. However we ALL have unique qualities that touch the hearts of others in a way no one else can. That amazes me! You know that one person in your life who simply “being near” or talking to or even just seeing them, makes you smile? Believe it or not, YOU are that person for someone as well. After dealing with multiple illnesses for over half of my life, I don’t feel worthy or productive or like I make much of a difference in anyone’s life, most of the time. I know it’s the nature of having a chronic illness and being home bound months at a time, but regardless of why we "feel" the way we do, we are all created for a purpose! We ALL have problems unique to us and sometimes just need to be reminded that we are worthy, loved, thought of, prayed for and special to another human being. With ALL of that said, my husband, Jeff and I, have a specific goal for what “survival bands” should be. They are becoming very popular right now but we would love to see these surpass simply another fashion “craze” or “trend” but hope to inspire people to think of someone who has made an impact in their life, touched their heart or battled an illness and is a survivor. We are all survivors in our own way, but how great would it be for someone to come up to you and give you a one of a kind bracelet made just for you and to tell you why you mean so much to them? You would forever remember those precious words because of a simple kind gesture. There are SO many exciting ways to use these bands/bracelets uniquely. The original purpose for these in the military, as well as any outdoor sports or hobbies such as camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, etc. was and still is practical and useful in an emergency situation. You simply untie the bracelet, leaving you with at least 10 feet of rope which holds up to 550 lbs of weight and has 7 strands inside that can be used as fishing line. We are truly hoping this will transcend even the practical aspect and become not a “fad” but a real way to share hope with others. You pick the color or two colors (two-toned ones are reversible) and decide based upon possibly the color that represents an illness (i.e. pink for breast cancer, purple for fibromyalgia, etc.) or be creative and use the color that represents the person, such as yellow, for vibrant or radiant. I recently gave a white one to a friend going through some dark times to say “the darkness will pass and please keep fighting.” Many people use these to send to a soldier fighting for our country to remind them they are thought of, appreciated and prayed for. Soldiers often make them to send home in appreciation for people praying for them but what an amazing gift it would be for them to receive one? These look amazing in the two -toned “olive green & black.” (MY personal favorite because it looks “earthy” and masculine) or “olive green & tan,” or “tan and black.” The black or olive with tan weaved inside are also very unique. We can custom make ANY colors or style you prefer.
We are using the proceeds to help offset the cost of the information I must buy for the Fibromyalgia support group I start in May, my continued education concerning this illness, as well as medical expenses to continue getting me well and keeping me well so I am able to lead this group. If you would like to purchase a bracelet please specify the circumference of your wrist since they are custom made. You can send me the request via email at Kimmie73.sc.rr.com. We accept checks made payable to me, Kim Stilwell or you may use a paypal account. You may use this address if you'd like to send a check: Fibro Help P.O. Box 85311 Lexington, SC 29073. We will set up a link for paypal soon. The cost for each bracelet including shipping is $7.00. (if you order more than one, we may be able to offer a discount rate for shipping with each bracelet only costing around $6.00) Also check out my site at www.FightingFibroTogether.com There is a wealth of information to help anyone suffering as well as all the info you'll need to join our support group. Hope you all have a beautiful day!!!!
COLORS PICTURED:
TOP ROW: Pink (Pink Camo coming soon for breast cancer awareness), Purple Camo (Fibro awareness), Olive Drab Green, Yellow, White, Black. BOTTOM ROW: Black with Coyote Tan intertwined, Black & White, OD Green & Black, Yellow & Black, OD Green & White, Black with White intertwined
NOT PICTURED BUT AVAILABLE:Pink Camo, Blue Camo (like purple one pictured) Cream/Ecru, light tan, dark brown and lighter mossy green (ACU green) so we can make ANY combination or style you like

Hey y'all!! SO, it's been forever since I blogged. Thought I'd TRY to make this quick (hahahahaha, sorry even that laugh was too long and LOUD in person.) I want to update you on what's been going on the past few months! Jeff has taken on a "new" position at church in Ministry as the STUDENT Minister which entails Junior High through college students and we are VERY excited! We have youth ON FIRE for our Awesome God and we rock out every Wednesday night with the best Youth Praise Band I'VE ever heard, with great talent and humble hearts ready to serve, have great bible studies, small groups on Sunday nights, youth choir, and now have Tuesday night Bible Study and worship with some great college students. Playing wiffle ball every other Thursday with a bunch of guys....lots going on now. We just got back from our ski trip and God moved like crazy!! I am always in awe of the servants we have as young people as they become aware, unprompted by us, of the needs of others, meet them and do so without expecting anything in return. ALL PRAISE & GLORY to God. We have GROWN in number (but hearts are growing and that's the goal..but have about 75 students every Wednesday night and are praying for more adult help that we KNOW will come SOON :) We are taking at LEAST 50 students, because we JUST advertised last night wow!! this Sunday night to "The Silver Ring Thing" (for us old schoolers, it's the old TRUE LOVE WAITS revamped and geared more toward today's teens.) We have a precious young almost 16 yr old youth who has been very sick and in pain for an entire year and we had a HUGE surprise party for her at church Saturday night. WE ALL (even the old lady, me) had a BLAST!!! Please keep sweet Jenny in your prayers as we see God breaking through. Her best friend is also having medical issues and could absolutely use your prayers :) We've been in ministry for 17 yrs full time together as hubby and wife and over ALL these years have been so truly blessed with Godly Kids, parents and families. THANKS to ALL who have helped with so much lately. As we have recently transitioned ministry positions and jobs, we are fervently praying for a dear friend who God has moved on to what we know will be bigger and better things for her life :) looking forward to seeing what God has planned there!
On another MIRACULOUS note, my sister and brother in law were blessed to have God bring us a nephew at the age of 7 into our lives over a year and a half ago. He was OFFICIALLY adopted January 25th. He just turned 9 Saturday and we couldn't be happier. He accepted Christ as His personal Savior a few months ago and although he is ALL boy, he is truly a blessing in all of our lives. It's incredible to me how God created this special, beautiful life KNOWING all along he would eventually be a part of our family. It was a long battle, more than expected but WELL worth it! He is stuck now...as I tell him!! hehe
ON ANOTHER note, haha...not short huh?? you know ME....we are on our way to Atlanta now actually for my next treatment and doctor appointment in the morning. I started with treatments for the Fibromyalgia, which many of you may know if you've followed my blog or Facebook or twitter. I was bedridden from Decemeber 2008 - May 2009. I have had 7 treatments (IV infusions, shots, daily vitamin, supplement and compounded meds regimen specifically made for MY deficiencies) and am more active and ALIVE now than I have been in years. I FINALLY, by God's grace had a good Thanksgiving and Christmas with family and friends. Although, we still have a long way to go and have committed to going every 5 weeks for the next YEAR, God has provided for all we need. After spending almost $20,000 out of pocket (so of course we're BROKE..haha.but who isn't right? and why worry because we serve a HUGE God Who is Bigger than any amount of money) I am on an uphill climb. NOTHING we've tried for 18 yrs has worked, even with long consistent tries and after too many condescending, discouraging and even arrogant doctors, God DID lead us to the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center (FibroandFatigue.com) where these REAL medical doctors use Holistic and medical approaches combined to receive optimum results specific to each patients needs. WHAT A RELIEF!!! I had 42 blood tests run in April and had them re-run again last month. I'll receive the results ON PAPER tomorrow morning to see how far I've come. Prayerfully, I will no longer be at stroke level with my blood coagulation (thickness of the blood) and we can try to conceive again. ONLY if it's in HIS will and He has it planned for us! NO ONE will ever tell me again that I am not capable to be a mom...adoption or otherwise...God, again is SOVEREIGN and Bigger than any illness, issues or life itself. His course is set for us all and as His children, we have the privilege and honor of crawling in His HUGE lap, calling Him "Daddy" and seeing in His eyes, compassion, adoration and contentment. OH HOW HE LOVES US! I am currently reading a book I HIGHLY recommend called "Crazy Love" and it will, with biblical guidance, change the way we see God...as OUR Creator, capable and allowed to do AS HE DESIRES....setting ourselves aside so HE can move through and in us!! Let's move y'all!! So often, my SELF gets in the way, and as I have to keep that in check, it's humbling, hurtful to see my sin face to face but refreshing to know I serve a God who forgives, loves, provides and IS STILL IN CONTROL!! His plans are to prosper me!! AND YOU AS HIS CHILD!! (BTW, we're still planning a HUGE party in the making after 18 in years of illness as soon as I am in remission and I WILL BE SOON..you are ALL invited!!)
A dear sweet friend of mine, Estela, after receiving an idea from one of our youth, Derek, to have a fund raising event to raise awareness about this debilitating illness and funds for my treatments and others as well, is putting together a "Kayaking for Kim" event along with "Cans for a Cure" (idea from another friend, Pam, in addition to this event) set for Saturday, April 17th (one kayaking trip in Columbia, SC that morning and another in the afternoon in Charleston, SC..entry fee $30 or people are sponsoring others in their stead) I am affiliated with a non0profit organization in Kansas City (fibrocoalition.org which i HIGHLY recommend to ANYONE suffering from Fibro or Chronic Fatigue. You can join online as a member for only $35 a year, receive their quarterly "FAN" magazine which stands for "Fibromylagia Alternative News" and provides a wealth of information to help us become more proactive and aware of how we can help ourselves) We have a group you can join on Facabook called "Kayaking for Kim" or in the next week you will be ale to go to kayakingforkim.info and get all the information and details on how you can help if you're able. You can even send donations to the Fibro Coalition and your monetary gifts will be tax-deductable.
I am starting a Fibromylagia Support group bi-monthly for ANYONE in Columbia, starting in April as well which will be hosted at our church. Again, my material is informative, helpful and comes directly from the Fibromylagia Caolition with medical, nutritional, supplemental and uplifting advice. Although there will be time allotted once a month to share some with others, most of the "support" time will be done outside of the meetings to ensure everyone is receiving proper "help" and answers to questions with most up to date technology and relief.
Since my recent back surgery in October, I have had a huge longing, and have several of our students who are eager to help and ready to go into Assisted Living Facilities in our hometown and help minister to those who can't get out by singing for them, loving on them and provided services such as "pimping out their walkers, wheelchairs and canes" :) GOTTA LOVE IT!! most nursing homes have social coordinators, however, I am in contact with a family friend who works closely with three of the assisted living facilities and they are prayerfully open to us coming to share God's love and hope!
Still in progress, is my 40 day devotional guide for chronic pain sufferers. I have a friend who works for a Christian film Production Company and has a literary agent waiting on me...I'm getting there but if it's not published, I'll just post daily devotions for any who need some hope and encouragement to make it through mental and physical illnesses :)
SO....lots of GREAT and exciting things going on around us and in the lives of dear friends and family!! I don't know HOW or WHY God chose to bless me so deeply with an incredible man of God, supportive parents (four of them) the most amazing sister in the world who adores me, brothers, nephews, a niece, "adopted" teens and younger kids and incredible friends who love me unconditionally BUT I AM FOREVER THANKFUL!! Remember once again, no matter how insurmountable our circumstances may SEEM, God is GREATER than them all!! We need this reminder directly from Him daily. I want to challenge you as I close (thankfully right?) to stand before your Master daily, ask for Him to help you see YOURSELF as HE sees You, See others as He sees them, make relationships right as far as it is in your control (or HIS..tough one seems at times), get your emotions and feelings in check so they line up with HIS....be REAL, be honest, be sincere, be loving, caring, compassionate, look beyond yourself to see the needs and hurts in others, allow God to bless YOU as he truly desires...spend time in HIS love letter to us, seek HIS face, not His hand, work on your marriages, relationships with family members, friends and intercede for others! WOW! what an honor to pray for others!!! TRULY a gift we all have!
Thanks for finishing if you did...and we truly appreciate your prayers...I HOPE YOU KNOW how much we covet them and would LOVE to know how to lift each of you up as well....Love, Kimalicious, Kimmie, Kimberellee, Kimber, Berle, Auntie, Miss Sassy Pants, Bon Kim Qui or just plain old KIM...whatever you call me :)