Hello, and thanks to Jill for inviting me. I've been following this forum for a long time, I'm not a Mom unless my critter kids count! They make me feel like a worn out Mom some days!

I am an owner of two small businesses, which have been hard hit by the economy. I've taught myself to do a lot of my own marketing, and in fact have now picked up an extra job doing such for a local food product Mom and Pop company.
I've also obtained a job writing with Demand Studios.com and am trying to carry on what business we have left. My husband is currently seeking full time extra work, but we are in our fifties and he's not qualifying for much. My other job, which may end in six months, is Internet based judging web sites. And not at all fulfilling.

I'm a type I diabetic of 40 years, and moderate a couple (slow) groups for insulin pumpers and diabetics on the web. I also belong to a local fibromyalgia support group. I have a less than severe fibro condition, thankfully not as bad as some. I help moderate for Proverbs 31 ministries also, but that board too is very slow.

My favorite thing to do, and my real heart's desire, is to teach or write on Bible Study topics and Christianity. I have gifts of leadership, teaching and exhortation along with a lot of creativity. I would love to engage in something someday where I can really use those gifts. I would love to teach women to study the Bible and I would love to be able to support the global ministries which are sending out the Word.

Did I also mention, since I have a BFA in theater, and am creative, I sure would love to get back to sewing, to learn to knit and crochet.
I really need the current article on this site, Weary in Waiting.
At the moment, I am spread so thin, and so weary from it all.
But we're studying Hebrews 11 in church and I am trying to build my faith, and keep going. I'm always seeking God's direction, but not sure what it is all the time.
Looking forward to spending some time here and meeting you all.

Laural, it is such a joy to meet you! Your fur babies certainly "count"! I felt such a common heartbeat when reading your introduction and am praying right now that God will help you feel less weary, show you your focuses so you aren't "spread so thin" and clearly grant wisdom and direction in your business endevors as He abundantly supplies all your needs. {{{hug}}}

I'm turning 38 this month and for many years thought I would only be a Mom to our fur babies. God had a different plan and I'm amazed to find myself now a mom to 3 people babies, ages 4-10! I am the published author of one book, Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage & Adoption Loss (NavPress, 2005) and am currently working on a book on the life of Paul as relevant to living with chronic pain and illness.

I've lived with (significant) fibromyalgia since I was about 15 and became bedridden at age 18 with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that I've continued to battle from moderate to sever degrees for nearly 20 years now. Last year I was part of a groundbreaking research study linking CFS to a newly discovered retrovirus (same family as HIV) and while the CDC recently published a paper contradicting those findings, two other government agencies will be publishing papers showing a strong link between CFS and XMRV within a few more weeks. I honestly believe that I've carried this virus since childhood and that fibromyalgia and endometriosis were it's first manisfestations in my body, years before the full CFS onset (just like you can have HIV long before you actually "have AIDS"). If you ever want to drop by, you are welcome to explore more of my story at http://www.InfertilityMom.blogspot.com

Sorry for sharing so much about myself when this was supposed to be a welcome for YOU. It just always excites me to meet others with common experiences and I so very much look forward to getting to know you better here. Welcome!

_________________
Jenni, Affordable Mineral Makeup™ rep

Author, http://www.HannahsHopeBook.com Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage & Adoption Loss

Currently writing about the Apostle Paul and Pain at http://www.GivenMeaThorn.blogspot.com

Hi Laural, It's so nice to meet you.
Welcome to the forum.

_________________
Teresa Turner ~ Burning and Earning since Jan of 2007!
Love Candles? Join the BEST Candle and Home Fragrance Line Ever!
www.CandleLoversDreamBusiness.com - Get a FREE Scent Sample Packet!

Thank you both for the welcome.
I really appreciate it!
Thanks for sharing your story with me too!
Yes, I am feeling spread too thin right now.
I need to make money to help our slow businesses out, I need to stay home to do it.
The jobs I do have are not quite giving us enough, but I think I need to trust God to multiply the income.
I'm also greatly praying that my husband will find an extra job to do, because he has loads of energy and, some back pain which makes one of our small businesses something that he maybe needs to work his way out of.
I'm looking forward to 'talking' to you more, and visiting often.
Laura.

Welcome Laura! I know what it's like to be spread too thin and trust that God will lift you up. You sound like a very intelligent woman with many attributes! Best of luck to you.

Sincerely,

Christine Bauer
www.party-sense.com

Welcome Laura! I know what it's like to be spread too thin and trust that God will lift you up. You sound like a very intelligent woman with many attributes! Best of luck to you.

Sincerely,

Christine Bauer
www.party-sense.com

Thank you Christine!