<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263</id><updated>2011-07-08T01:12:22.300-05:00</updated><category term='comfort'/><category term='step families'/><category term='but you look fine'/><category term='adversity'/><category term='what is a family'/><category term='person with illness'/><category term='grace'/><category term='purpose'/><category term='encouragement'/><category term='light'/><category term='loss'/><category term='Holy Spirit'/><category term='gift'/><category term='nature'/><category term='support group leader'/><category term='home'/><category term='ressurection'/><category term='victory in Christ'/><category term='christian encouragement'/><category term='family'/><category term='personal growth'/><category term='litmus test'/><category term='God&apos;s promises'/><category term='Jesus'/><category term='suffering'/><category term='gifted'/><category term='spiritual gifts'/><category term='salvation'/><category term='God&apos;s love'/><category term='inspirational stories'/><category term='Annie Johnson Flint'/><category term='peace'/><category term='creation'/><category term='understanding illness'/><category term='helping others'/><category term='God'/><category term='divorce'/><category term='fulfillment'/><category term='caregiver'/><category term='Creator'/><category term='growth'/><category term='Jesus Christ'/><category term='grief'/><category term='fall'/><category term='joy'/><category term='God&apos;s gift'/><category term='love poetry'/><category term='mockingbirds'/><category term='God&apos;s will'/><category term='trials'/><category term='gift of love'/><category term='autumn'/><category term='Christian affirmations'/><category term='strength'/><category term='pain'/><category term='chronic pain'/><category term='Easter'/><category term='character'/><category term='love'/><category term='illness ministry'/><category term='God&apos;s family'/><category term='love thy neighbor'/><category term='Christian poetry'/><category term='perseverance'/><category term='Matthew West'/><category term='Helen Keller'/><category term='chronic illness'/><category term='season of silence'/><category term='inspiration'/><category term='true love'/><category term='help'/><category term='hope'/><category term='Christian inspiration'/><category term='disability'/><category term='meditation'/><category term='daily devotionals'/><category term='fibromyalgia'/><category term='explaining illness'/><category term='new life'/><category term='mental illness awareness'/><category term='children of divorce'/><category term='sharing'/><category term='determination'/><category term='family values'/><category term='Matthew 22:37-40'/><category term='Madalyn Murray O&apos;Hair'/><category term='devotionals'/><category term='giving'/><category term='invisible illness'/><category term='but you dont look sick'/><category term='valentines day'/><category term='sorrow'/><category term='child of God'/><category term='life'/><category term='Valentine&apos;s Day'/><category term='blended families'/><category term='church leader'/><category term='personal stories'/><category term='life coaching'/><category term='leaves'/><title type='text'>True Living Blog</title><subtitle type='html'>From True Living Today- Life coaching with purpose and passion!  A place for encouragement, inspiration, and growth.  Live your life with Purpose and Passion!  You can become the person God created you to be, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds!</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>18</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-1287501855168273053</id><published>2010-03-23T03:21:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2010-03-23T03:21:35.543-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Recognizing the Hidden Benefits of Suffering</title><summary type='text'>SUFFERING: To undergo or feel pain or distress; to sustain injury or loss.  

Webster’s dictionary can put it down into words, but many of us have to feel it. Suffering comes into your home like a long lost relative and stays much longer than you would like.

I have had six major surgeries, including quadruple by-pass. In each case the doctors commented on my positive attitude. Apparently, while </summary><link rel='related' href='http://restministries.com/2010/03/22/recognizing-the-hidden-benefits-of-suffering/' title='Recognizing the Hidden Benefits of Suffering'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/1287501855168273053/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=1287501855168273053&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/1287501855168273053'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/1287501855168273053'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/recognizing-hidden-benefits-of.html' title='Recognizing the Hidden Benefits of Suffering'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/S6h50wtfi7I/AAAAAAAAABI/Kgs3_p_D3yg/s72-c/eater-lily-crowns2-300x201.gif' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-728041576964933334</id><published>2010-03-23T02:51:00.001-05:00</published><updated>2010-03-23T02:55:37.744-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Announcement: New Blog URL!</title><summary type='text'>Due to recent changes at Blogger.com, True Living Blog now has a new URL or web address, effective Tuesday, March 23, 2010.  

Please update your bookmarks to the new URL: http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/.  
For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  May God bless you</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/728041576964933334/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=728041576964933334&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/728041576964933334'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/728041576964933334'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/announcement-new-blog-url.html' title='Announcement: New Blog URL!'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-7830738679474865550</id><published>2010-03-23T02:06:00.001-05:00</published><updated>2010-03-23T02:40:29.796-05:00</updated><title type='text'>This blog has moved</title><summary type='text'>       This blog is now located at http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/.       You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.       For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to       http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.  </summary><link rel='related' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/' title='This blog has moved'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7830738679474865550/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=7830738679474865550&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/7830738679474865550'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/7830738679474865550'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/this-blog-has-moved.html' title='This blog has moved'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-8129381295455477100</id><published>2010-03-16T07:44:00.003-05:00</published><updated>2010-03-24T02:34:16.191-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Madalyn Murray O&apos;Hair'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='new life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='hope'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Easter'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='life coaching'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Jesus Christ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='salvation'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='joy'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Jesus'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='ressurection'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Matthew 22:37-40'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='true love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='creation'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s family'/><title type='text'>Easter's True Message</title><summary type='text'>Easter's true message is "Love"- God's love for you and me.
We talk about love. We search for love... in all sorts of places and in most every way. But I believe the source of true love can only be found in one place- the heart of God. The Bible tells the story of how love entered into the world with the very act of creation. We can see it in every blade of grass and on the faces of the little </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/8129381295455477100/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=8129381295455477100&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/8129381295455477100'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/8129381295455477100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/easters-true-message.html' title='Easter&apos;s True Message'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-7418229886433083276</id><published>2010-02-16T03:08:00.001-06:00</published><updated>2010-02-16T03:21:03.077-06:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='invisible illness'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='illness ministry'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='christian encouragement'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Holy Spirit'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='inspirational stories'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='chronic pain'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='grace'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Jesus'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Valentine&apos;s Day'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='daily devotionals'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='chronic illness'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='meditation'/><title type='text'>God's Love and More</title><summary type='text'>“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (II Thessalonians 2:16).
I always enjoy seeing the colorful Valentine’s Day decorations at this time of year, and it’s an appropriate time to meditate on God’s priceless love. This verse is a </summary><link rel='related' href='http://chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com/2010/02/14/gods-love-and-more/' title='God&apos;s Love and More'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7418229886433083276/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=7418229886433083276&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/7418229886433083276'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/7418229886433083276'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/gods-love-and-more.html' title='God&apos;s Love and More'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-5151774806568986519</id><published>2010-02-11T02:28:00.000-06:00</published><updated>2010-02-16T03:16:48.536-06:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='salvation'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='valentines day'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='gift of love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christian poetry'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='true love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='love poetry'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='creation'/><title type='text'>The Essence of Love</title><summary type='text'>2With Valentine's Day fast approaching, the world turns its focus to "love". But what is "love", really? Perahaps it can best be defined, not in words, but in a thousand pictures God has given us to illustrate His profound feelings for those He created. Love is all around us and in us, if we only open not only our eyes, but our hearts...
The Essence of Love
Love is a sunrise- a radiant kiss   of </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/5151774806568986519/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=5151774806568986519&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/5151774806568986519'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/5151774806568986519'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/essence-of-love.html' title='The Essence of Love'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-4381985457746520783</id><published>2010-01-01T23:11:00.002-06:00</published><updated>2010-01-03T23:35:15.263-06:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='support group leader'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='devotionals'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s will'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='church leader'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christian poetry'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='caregiver'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='person with illness'/><title type='text'>The Will of God</title><summary type='text'>



January 1, 2010 by Rest Ministries 

As we begin our new year it can be tempting to wonder if God really understands that our bodies cannot keep up with our dreams of all we’d like to do – for Him, ourselves, our family, those we care about.

But He does know exactly how you are feeling today. . . and how you will feel tomorrow. He knows you lack energy, even on days you may have enthusiasm </summary><link rel='related' href='http://www.restministries.com/?p=2145' title='The Will of God'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/4381985457746520783/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=4381985457746520783&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/4381985457746520783'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/4381985457746520783'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/will-of-god.html' title='The Will of God'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-2014708058182964093</id><published>2009-11-16T15:36:00.000-06:00</published><updated>2009-11-16T15:36:24.980-06:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='character'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='purpose'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='devotionals'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='determination'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='hope'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='perseverance'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='chronic illness'/><title type='text'>The Fern And The Bamboo</title><summary type='text'>

The Fern And The Bamboo 
"'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
Hebrews 13:5 NIV


One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my
spirituality. ... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one
last talk with God.

'God', I said. 'Can you give me one good reason not to quit?'

His answer surprised me.

'Look around', He said. 'Do you see the fern and </summary><link rel='related' href='http://chronicillnesssupport.typepad.com/dailydevotionals/2008/06/the-fern-and-the-bamboo.html' title='The Fern And The Bamboo'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/2014708058182964093/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=2014708058182964093&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/2014708058182964093'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/2014708058182964093'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/fern-and-bamboo.html' title='The Fern And The Bamboo'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-4696287884584206635</id><published>2009-11-01T13:04:00.001-06:00</published><updated>2009-11-01T13:06:57.766-06:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='spiritual gifts'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='giving'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='gift of love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='sharing'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s gift'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='gift'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='gifted'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='helping others'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s love'/><title type='text'>Your Gift</title><summary type='text'>

Your Gift

Be sure to share your 'gift' today
with someone along life's way;
though it may, to that one in need,
be a gift he can not repay.

Search deep within yourself
to find those special traits,
which God has gifted especially to you,
for uplifting others today.

Reach out and touch another
with the love God has placed deep within.
For, even when your own heart is heavy,
there is one whose</summary><link rel='related' href='http://www.tlfm.org/smiles.htm#YOUR_GIFT' title='Your Gift'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/4696287884584206635/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=4696287884584206635&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/4696287884584206635'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/4696287884584206635'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/your-gift.html' title='Your Gift'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-391815853564110580</id><published>2009-10-17T01:35:00.002-05:00</published><updated>2009-11-01T13:10:21.360-06:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='nature'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='leaves'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='mockingbirds'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='fall'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christian poetry'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Creator'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='creation'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='autumn'/><title type='text'>Beautiful Days Of Autumn</title><summary type='text'>

Beautiful Days of Autumn
~ Angela Hall Dobbins

Autumn leaves swirl ‘round in circles
O’er the beautiful, shimmering pond,
And, in the meadow, wildflowers wake
Into the misty fog beyond.

The sparrows seem to dance a ballet
‘Round the oak tree’s branching bows,
And the mockingbirds sing their melodies
In the time to them nature allows.

Little cottontails scamper ‘cross the meadow,
All covered </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/391815853564110580/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=391815853564110580&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/391815853564110580'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/391815853564110580'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/beautiful-days-of-autumn-angela-hall.html' title='Beautiful Days Of Autumn'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-4434451042333658612</id><published>2009-10-10T15:00:00.002-05:00</published><updated>2009-10-13T02:47:53.825-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='invisible illness'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='but you dont look sick'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='understanding illness'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='fibromyalgia'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='explaining illness'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='but you look fine'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='personal stories'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='mental illness awareness'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='chronic illness'/><title type='text'>My Parents Don't Believe I Am Really Ill</title><summary type='text'>Article written for Rest Ministries

Q/A

I am 36 and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last year, but I've had the severe symptoms for about 3 years. My husband has been supportive, but my parents don't believe I really have this illness and if I do I should just take the medicine they see on the commercials and get on with life. 

I love them and want to still have some kind of relationship with </summary><link rel='related' href='http://restministries.com/?p=347' title='My Parents Don&apos;t Believe I Am Really Ill'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/4434451042333658612/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=4434451042333658612&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/4434451042333658612'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/4434451042333658612'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-parents-dont-believe-im-really-sick.html' title='My Parents Don&apos;t Believe I Am Really Ill'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-6836816685824752283</id><published>2009-09-19T20:28:00.002-05:00</published><updated>2009-09-26T21:59:26.176-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='joy'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='sorrow'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='help'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='peace'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Annie Johnson Flint'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='strength'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s promises'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christian poetry'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='light'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christian inspiration'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='pain'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s love'/><title type='text'>What God Hath Promised</title><summary type='text'>

What God Hath Promised     

God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through;
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.

But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.

~ Annie Johnson Flint

</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/6836816685824752283/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=6836816685824752283&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/6836816685824752283'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/6836816685824752283'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-god-hath-promised.html' title='What God Hath Promised'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-6449338347181823762</id><published>2009-09-19T19:45:00.006-05:00</published><updated>2009-09-26T21:55:26.404-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='step families'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='divorce'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='what is a family'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family values'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children of divorce'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='love thy neighbor'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='home'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s family'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='blended families'/><title type='text'>In God's Family There Is Love</title><summary type='text'>

A Family Is...

A Family is a Place
To cry
To laugh
To vent frustration
To ask for help
And tease
And yell
To be kissed and hugged and smiled at.

A Family is People
Who care when you are sad
Who love you no matter what
Who share your triumphs
Who don't expect you to be perfect
Just grow with honesty
In your own direction.

A Family is a Circle
Where we learn to like ourselves
Where we learn to</summary><link rel='related' href='http://www.tlfm.org/mission.htm#Family_Values' title='In God&apos;s Family There Is Love'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/6449338347181823762/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=6449338347181823762&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/6449338347181823762'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/6449338347181823762'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/in-gods-family-there-is-love.html' title='In God&apos;s Family There Is Love'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-5506545171292037926</id><published>2009-08-28T10:38:00.001-05:00</published><updated>2009-08-28T10:47:55.353-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Living with Invisible Illness: 5 Ways to Get Over Aggravations</title><summary type='text'>Living with Invisible Illness: 5 Ways to Get Over Aggravations</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/5506545171292037926/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=5506545171292037926&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/5506545171292037926'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/5506545171292037926'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/living-with-invisible-illness-5-ways-to.html' title='Living with Invisible Illness: 5 Ways to Get Over Aggravations'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-9217635367230672519</id><published>2009-08-26T05:52:00.007-05:00</published><updated>2009-08-26T06:19:36.120-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Matthew West'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='trials'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='divorce'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='suffering'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='adversity'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='season of silence'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='pain'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='love thy neighbor'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='litmus test'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='chronic illness'/><title type='text'>God's Litmus Test</title><summary type='text'>God's Litmus Testby Angela Hall Dobbins

A “litmus test”, as defined by Webster’s 
Dictionary, is “a test in which a single factor 
(as an attitude, event, or fact) is decisive.”

At the suggestion of a friend of mine, who is a pastor, I recently read the testimony of young Christian music artist, Matthew West. I was both impressed and inspired, not only because Matthew’s story says so much about</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/9217635367230672519/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=9217635367230672519&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/9217635367230672519'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/9217635367230672519'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/gods-litmus-test.html' title='God&apos;s Litmus Test'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-6352319382469116235</id><published>2009-08-23T16:31:00.008-05:00</published><updated>2009-09-26T22:03:12.184-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='child of God'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christian affirmations'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='fulfillment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='purpose'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='comfort'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christian inspiration'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='pain'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God&apos;s love'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='chronic illness'/><title type='text'>This Week's Affirmation for Those Living with Chronic Illness: I Am A Child of God</title><summary type='text'> If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then the Bible says you are a child of God! And, as a child of the Most High God and Creator of the Universe, you have an inheritance! You are a joint heir with Christ and you will join Him one day in Your Father's Kingdom. Isn't that awesome!

Yet, not only are you a joint heir with Christ, chosen to receive a heavenly inheritance, you </summary><link rel='related' href='http://www.tlfm.org/Affirmations.htm' title='This Week&apos;s Affirmation for Those Living with Chronic Illness: I Am A Child of God'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/6352319382469116235/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=6352319382469116235&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/6352319382469116235'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/6352319382469116235'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/this-weeks-affirmation-for-those-living.html' title='This Week&apos;s Affirmation for Those Living with Chronic Illness: I Am A Child of God'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-5331938318306860700</id><published>2009-08-07T03:28:00.020-05:00</published><updated>2009-09-26T22:17:42.826-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='trials'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='character'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Helen Keller'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='suffering'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='disability'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='victory in Christ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='perseverance'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='pain'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='chronic illness'/><title type='text'>The Principle of Character</title><summary type='text'>The Principle of Character 
by Angela Hall Dobbins



"Character cannot be developed in peace and quiet. 
Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be 
strengthened, vision be cleared, ambition insured and success achieved." ~Helen Keller


There is something of great truth in this quote by Helen Keller. I'm sure that many of you are familiar with her story and of the near </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/5331938318306860700/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=5331938318306860700&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/5331938318306860700'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/5331938318306860700'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/principle-of-character-by-angela-hall.html' title='The Principle of Character'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35784263.post-4712440336815037201</id><published>2009-08-01T01:50:00.008-05:00</published><updated>2009-10-17T02:42:41.426-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='loss'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='personal growth'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='inspiration'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='grief'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='disability'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='growth'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christian inspiration'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='pain'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='encouragement'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='chronic illness'/><title type='text'>Welcome!</title><summary type='text'>Welcome to True Living Blog! I'm so glad you stopped by. I'm Angela Dobbins, Christian life coach, facilitator, and founder of True Life Strategies life coaching.

It is my hope that, in the upcoming weeks and months, True Living Blog will become a place where others find both encouragement and inspiration. In addition, I hope it will be a safe and friendly place to exchange thoughts, ideas and </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/feeds/4712440336815037201/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35784263&amp;postID=4712440336815037201&amp;isPopup=true' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/4712440336815037201'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/35784263/posts/default/4712440336815037201'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://truelivingblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/welcome.html' title='Welcome!'/><author><name>Newheart</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16834293586106527408</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v8gPHDaSamM/SnPXx7t9C4I/AAAAAAAAAAk/JeYXYR5mSTU/S220/ADphoto.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
