In her inspiring story titled, ...And God Was With Me,
Jane says,  "It was shortly after the devastating stock market crash in 1987  " Black Monday" , that things began to change for me.
I lost my savings,  career losses,  health insurance, then, the crushing blow of  illness beyond imagination....."
"  And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces." Isaiah 25:8 
" And I will turn their mourning into joy." Jeremiah 31:13

HERE IS SOME OF MY STORY:
After years of hard work, when in my early twenties,  I lost  my savings when the stock market crashed..
Soon after, my company was sold and I began seeking a new path for my life. 
Though I had been blessed to attain such wonderful success for my age, I began feeling empty, like I wasn't doing anything meaningful. 
I wholeheartedly enjoyed reaching out to others, and doing something of value.  I especially loved working with children whenever possible. Even as a teen, I taught physical education at St.Marys school, one of my childhood churches. 
During my twenties,  I was deeply moved by a trip taken across the Mexican border into the deep and poverty sticken areas to build a church.  " A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another."  John 13:34
While bringing much needed supplies for the people, I never knew how my heart would change.
My fondest memories of that trip were the children, dirty with poverty. Their smiles were as vast as the ocean, and as happy as the sunlight. They were overwhelmed with joy just to have a few new friends, and fully unaware of their lack.  As we sat laughing and talking through hand signals and nods, our love and laughter bridged a gap.
I had grown quite selfish as the top sales person in the nation... driving my BMW, always dining at the finest restaurants, buying designer clothing, etc { having money it fantastic }but my money was just for me, and that didn't feel right.
I moved home to be with my family.  Over the next three years  I began getting strangely ill and weakened with much frequency and pain. 
Within the first year,  I wanted to be back near the ocean, so I accepted a position with United Saving Bank in Anahiem, California, returning to the beach. 
Though I loved my family deeply,  I missed my friends, my activities, and the feeling that I was utilizing my gifts and talents.. I was invited to live with friends who rented a room to me in their beautiful home in Trabuco Canyon.  
I enjoyed the friendship of a family atmosphere.  They treated me with kindness.. 
It was at that time that I began suffering something physically that would change my life forever.  
I felt extreme fear,  feeling as though something so totally beyond my capaciity to eat right and exercise the symptoms away was happening to me. 
I was an avid athlete in many ways. My dad always taught me to enjoy the outdoors, as he was a tennis coach.
I enjoyed everything from tennis to cycling, water and snow skiing, the best of what life could offer me physically.
 
Being raised in the Catholic religion, I found a nearby Cathedral on my lunch hour one day, and entered with prayerful trepidation.  I knew that only God Himself could guide me into the direction to go.  I had to find out what was happening to me physically.  " There are many plans in a man's heart, neverhtheless the Lord's counsel will stand. " Proverbs 19:21
I  prayed for the entire hour, ON MY KNEES.  I asked God to please direct my path and lead me into finding my way..  " Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding,  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. " Proverbs 3:5 
I remember feeling solace and grief at the same time. 
Soon, I grew too ill to continue the new job and living arrangements with my friends, so I moved back home again.  
By age 30 I was diagnosed with Lupus and FMS, a chronic pain and fatigue disorder.  I also suffered the threat of ovarian cancer,  and a heart murmur.   I was a very sick woman. 
No matter what I did within my own power, the situation began getting far worse.  It felt like a surreal nightmare had come in disguise via loss and grief.  
Though I had hope, it was hard to find and keep during all of the losses and stresses.  Depression joined me on my journey 
Life was leaving my body.....

I enjoyed my sales and marketing career immensely.  The thrill of sports, missions to Mexico, and fun with friends filled my spare time.  I  lived in the illustrious Newport Beach, California, drove a brand new BMW, while my annual income was over $70,000. { 20 years ago}
I was honored to be a part of the annual March of Dimes fundraising event in which I wore a stunning gown worth thousands of dollars. 
Joyfully, I walked the " runway" at the beautiful Meridian Hotel in charge of the Bachelor Bid Auction gentlemen, helping to raise thousands of dollars that year.  It truly was an exciting time for me in so many ways..
" For what good is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul ?  Or, what will a man give in exchange for his soul.?  Matthew 16:26.

Early 1990's-  
After enduring hospital and doctors visits for over 3 years, my life was disintegrating before my very eyes......
Jesus was calling me..... to be strong....
If I was struggling so much to fight, how did it happen that I ended up literally homeless and forced to accept long term Social income?    These are the facts of my personal story.
 
The pain was extreme.  The raw loss of everything took a toll on my emotions. On top of everything that I was suffering physcially,  I had a car stolen, and I was struggling to manage all of the loss...
After being gifted a car from someone at my church,  I was driving home and stopped at a red light. 
There are things in life you just simply cannot control.  For many of us, this is hard to accept.
It feels best believing that we can control all circumstances....
A large truck rushed from behind, smashing my small vehicle with me inside like an accordian into the car in front of me.  I endured more physical trauma, as I remember feeling like I was floating in a dream-like state, a nightmare to be sure...
I recall driving away dazed, though the accident was not my fault......I felt somewhat desperate..as if I had done something to deserve so much pain... so I went to home.....to pass out, hide from more devastation. 
" For all have sinned,  and fall short from the glory of God" Romans 3:23
My body shut down completely from the shock, and soon after I was going to physical therapy, and out of work, AGAIN....   Though feeling all alone,  I believed that..  " God was with me." 

Everywhere I went in pain, the hospitals, doctors, having my blood drawn over and over....being forced to accept welfare, it was breaking something inside of me...it was breaking my heart.
At the same time, my personal mission was coming to light. .I experienced being grateful just to be alive, and feeling humbled and grateful for each day..  I enjoyed sharing the gospel messages of hope and healing. . 
Many Americans take so much for granted.   Every day of life is a gift.    
I was deeply and passionately drawn to the mission of Christ and His work.   

I found myself being drawn to deeper things spiritually.  I wholeheartedly loved reading the Bible, praying and meditating.  I found that even in the midst of all of my suffering, the mercy, love and compassion of Christ drew me into greater faith.  

It was in the early nineties that I recieved a diagnosis for all of my painful suffering.    
I remember feeling uniquely at peace, yet nervous as I sat in the doctors office for exactly 45 minutes { yes, I timed it } 
When the doctor walked in, he looked sheepishly at the floor, then at me, announcing  " I'm sorry Jane, it looks like you have Lupus."
." Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, For You are with me:
Your rod and staff, they comfort me. "  Psalm 23:4 .....And God was with me...
I fought my way through twelve jobs, being forced to battle the trauma, both physical and financial, alone. 
Due to the nature of what I experienced physically, the pain,  the weakness,  hitting me like a thief in the night,
I was forced to turn down a very lucrative position as the AVP for United Savings Bank in the Mortgage division. 
It seemed as though my identity was being ripped away....I began feeling as though nothing I loved or accomplished mattered any longer....the very core of my fighting personality was being shread to pieces.  
 And  Jesus said....." I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you. " John 14:18
My heart was breaking.......
The losses were taking their toll..... I needed more time to heal and work through things....
I went back to college, I did everything humanly possible to withstand and overcome the stresses, the illnesses, the physical weaknesses.  Even my pretty BMW that I really enjoyed, was taken away..  I experienced tremendous amounts of loss, both personal and practical.
I reached out fervently toward Jesus Christ and my faith in God, as I sought a source higher and beyond myself.  
I was dedicated to overcoming such intense obstacles, knowing that my life was is in Gods hands. 
I just couldn't understand that it was all going unseen by my family, while I was struggling so very much.  And, I loved them so much,  I wanted them to be a part of seeing that God was truly helping me through the intense obstacles that were hitting me on every side.
It was at that time that I experienced a documented miracle while doing a three day " Esther "  fast. 
I had been clearly drawn to the Old Testament story of Queen Esther during my times of Bible meditation.  
Esther had so much courage. It was because of her courage and bravery  that she saved her people. God was with her.  
I had high levels of ANA in my blood as one of the symptoms of Lupus....and, then, miraculously, gone.....
I was so overwhelmed by joy and gratitude,  that I accepted an invitation to share my healing story on television in northern California.  My life had changed so drastically, that I wanted to tell my story to the whole world about Gods miraculous divinity. " Go home and tell your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has compassion on you."  Mark 5:19

Soon I would realize that my calling in life was not the VERY lucrative Mortgage Banking career, but rather, to share my life in ways that would promote hope for others.  My greatest desire is to share Gods' love and compassion with others who are suffering.
My inner love and devotion for Christ my Lord was the only thing that kept me alive and fighting.    
My life was no longer my own to do with as I pleased.   " And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. "  Luke 14:27 
" He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 10:39
It was during those seasons of time that I began to write my first book,  Heaven's Little Cause, a children's book for which I am still seeking publishing.  

I CURRENTLY LIVE ON LESS OF AN ANNUAL INCOME THAN MY ANNUAL TAXES OVER TWENTY YEARS AGO.  THIS IS NOT LIVING. 

After a remission of one year,  I became ill again, and my fears returned...forcing me to accept welfare....... 
" Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. " Matthew 5: 6,7
I lost my health insurance, and hence, more devastating blows to my life, my dreams..
.....And God was with me.... " I will never leave you, nor forsake you. "  Hebrews 13:5  
So we may boldy say, The Lord is my helper, I will not fear.  What can man do to me?"  vs. 6

Having nowhere to turn as I had become isolated during my years of illness and unemployment, I ended up literally walking the streets of Sacramento, California.   I was put out by my family, and threatened to " never return. " or else...
The things that occured to me were traumatic, but God was with me.
 " She weeps bitterly in the night.  Her tears are on her cheeks. ...She has none to comfort her.  All her friends have dealt treacherously with her;  They have become her enemies. "  Lamentations 1:2  
..... " Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.  "

It is the single greatest tragedy I have ever lived through to tell.... 
I have found that even in the darkest of personal tragedies, Gods power and love can heal and bring hope.

I only wish to share my story  to enable others to fight a good fight, as the Apostle Paul speaks about in book of Timothy. " Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life."  1 Timothy 6:12 
" For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "  Matthew 6:21

I know full well that the power and love of Jesus Christ can change everything. 
We all have choices to make, but making choices with the outcome of those around you is best done with love, laughter, and hope to help. 
I remember my mother's favorite foods, her artwork. 
I especially hoped that one day my mother would be the illustrator for Heaven's Little Cause, my children's book.  
I loved sharing time with her, going to Mass together,  taking our walks...
." Honor your father and mother. "  Matthew 15:4   I love you so very much now mom. 
"....Assuredly, I say to you, whatsoever you do to the least of these brothers, you did it to me. " Matthew 25:40

We all can take responsibility for ourselves, our nation, our world, our society.  
Once you know something is wrong in a situation, and you do nothing about it, you are still responsible whether you choose to assist or not.  
BACK TO MY STORY:...Surviving all of the losses took a toll on me in every way.......depression had set in..  
  "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. "  Proverbs 12:25

I only needed precious time, and housing... I never wanted to go on long term Social Security Disability, not ever. .
It has disempowered and discouraged me in ways that I cannot explain in words.
It is isolating, and it feels as though my true inner freedom depends on someone else.  This is the reason for writing my personal Memoir, to enable me to become self sustaining  while encouraging others.  Though many people simply do not want to work or take care of themselves,  it is contrary to my personality, my character and even my feeling of integrity.  
I only say this is not the morally acceptable choice for me personally, but physically, I cannot work full time.  This is why I share my story, because the system disempowers people.  
It is part of my mission is to help heighten awareness for others who are dependant on the government, in need of assistance, and desperate for hope.

I love all of my family dearly, and would hope that by sharing this story we can reunite and come together. 

Back to the STORY: ...
I considered going to Calcutta to work with Mother Teresa at that time....but I felt drawn to stay in the States and care for my health.  I began working toward a ministry with writing and speaking about my life, healing, and the power of Gods redemptive love and mercy...All I needed was the time to make it happen.
When suffering a chronic illness, one must take the proper and necessary precautions to withstand the stresses of life that may cause " flare-ups".  More rest, good diet, regular exercise, etc. 

...I was told by my family that I belonged in a homeless shelter, had my belongings away, and ....weakened by years of abuse, I fell prey to their desires........ I have not seen a single family member in all of these years. 
 
I love God, nature, animals.  I love the ocean, I love the mountains, I love seeing others have good things happen in their lives. I love sharing the Gospel messages of hope, love and power through spiritual faith in Christ. I love to see others making a positive difference for someone else.  I love goodness, grace and mercy.  I love the truth.

.. Jesus said to them. " With men it is impossible, but with GOD, all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26
   
Soon I will be writing on strength training through Jesus Christ: 
Fighters fight through their pain.
Athletes train in rain and pain,  hot and cold, the good and bad days...building their strengths.... 
" I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13
Whatever you may be facing, you have the power within yourself to face it, heal it, and overcome any obstacle,
through the power of God.  " Did you recieve the Holy Spirit when you believed ?" Acts 19:2
" Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11
If you don't know that you are in a battle, read the scriptures more carefully.  Once you become a dedicated follower of Christ, you WILL have tribulations....
What really matters is how you will handle them...
" For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And, this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.  "
  1 John 5:4
 
...More from her Memoir....
Soon, the health and wealth she once enjoyed, began slipping away.  Jane grew to understand that God in His sovereign ways would teach her things that she never could have learned...  Her true spiritual journey was just beginning.........
Jane has survived three automobile accidents, as well as a serious bicycle accident fracturing her jaw and hospitalizing her.  
Jane has found the love,  hope, and faith in Jesus Christ and the Gospel messages transform her ways of thinking, enabling her to see through the darkness, and discover Gods love and mercy everyday.
Jane has experienced being homeless, but still, she never gave up.
She chooses faith, and this is her message for you. Jane is available to share her message of hope and healing today.

Once Jane gets her Foundation running, she hopes to provide one year of housing costs for women who are alone and facing job losses due to an illness.   
Jane believes that we are all here to help and love each other, therefore creating a better society at large. 
Healing begins with one heart, one life, and one decision to make a difference in someone else's life.
 
HELPFUL RESOURCES:  www.lupusmidsouth.org   www.Lupus.org   www.immunesupport.com  www.arthritisfoundation.org and www.fmnetnews.com for Fibromyalgia patients.  

If you are in an unsafe living situation. The National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800)799-7233  www.ndvh.org
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: www.ncadv.org 
www.JacksonKatz.com : bringing light the the nature of gender violence and teaching violence prevention against women. 
Faith based websites:    www.loveandforgiveness.org  www.newlife.com  www.outreachforwomen.org  www.thepottershouse.org 
 www.theintentionallife.com   www.JoyceMeyer.org  www.familylife.com 
            
FIND NEW DREAMS, AND CREATE NEW HOPE FOR EVERYDAY LIFE. 
HEALTH - HEALING - WHOLENESS.....

Notes for help if your church in unavailable to meet your needs. { Feel free to email me.  I will gladly share Gods Word through counsel and compassion to encourage you }
Jane@janesplace.org
Jane affirms " We are called to serve those needs of suffering people, not judge, critisize, condemn, and ridicule"   
Jesus taught us that we have overcome that world, through and in HIM.
The world is harsh and hard,  true followers of Christ have a higher calling, LOVE, COMPASSION, MERCY, GRACE, to name a few.. 
The Bible clearly states that judgement comes from God, the only just judge. Do not judge someone because you don't have an answer for their suffering, LOVE THEM.  Did Job's friends judge him rightly?  LOVE is the highest calling we can attain, true love and forgiveness.  

From Jane: "My personal current needs are as follows:  I need affordable housing,  I need dental and vision care.   My current tenancy is far too expensive to be able to afford, though my wonderful landlord has lowered my rent.
Every month my debt gets deeper and deeper.
I go without the basics that many people take for granted, like a safe and reliable car.  
Affordable housing in a SAFE and peaceful place.  
My dream to rebuild my life with love and support, with the feeling of accomplishment, which is so very important to me. 
I have reached out to many churches in the past to share my dreams for helping others.    
By nature I am a giver, and currently I simply am not able to give back, with the exception of my time. 
By sharing my story, I strive to fufill my mission in life.  
I have suffered silently far too long

Personally, Jane is working to free herself from the governmental system of provision, while she works hard to stay strong physically.  
Jane is seeking philanthropically minded Dentists and Doctors to meet her needs. 
Jane is currently writing her personal Memoir to accomplish the goal of becoming self-sustaining, as well as start her non-profit foundation to help other women and children.  
She also has a dream of coordinating an international  " Freedom Walk" through her website www.freedomwalkfoundation.org .
It is one her personal dreams to build " Healing Homes "  that promote spiritual and physical well being.
These homes will be a sanctuary and a service to the community, asking only for a $5 donation to visit.  
The homes will have peace gardens, music/art rooms,  holistic health teachings,  and prayer and scripture reading rooms.

FREEDOM MEANS SHARING YOUR LIFE.  
Favorite quotes:
" I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free, so other people could be free."
   Rosa Parks
" Worse than being blind would be, to be able to see, but not have a vision."  Helen Keller
" There are two ways to live your life.  One as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though   everything is a miracle."  Albert Einstein  
" You can ask for help, but not be helpless.  You can need help, and still be a strong person." Dana Reeves

Personal notes from Jane: 
I have been separated from my entire family for years.  I am seeking communication with both sides of my family.  I also want to play the piano again, and I would like to know if my childhood piano is still in my family somewhere.   It would mean a lot to me to have some of my childhood family photos, some of which I feel that I deserve.  
Email address for Jane:   Jane@JanesPlace.org

 P.O. Box 23311, Nashville, TN 37202

 LIVE                                                                        LOVE                                                             LAUGH

"Those who love truth in each thing, are to be called lover's of wisdom, not lover's of opinion." Plato

Jane has written a colorful children's book titled Heaven's Little Cause, for which she is seeking publication.  Jane believes that all children deserve love, peace, and the right to find a bright future.
Jane is a published author in Inspiring True Life Stories of How God Answers Prayer. 

".. JESUS SAID, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE......'  John 14:6

Please try to be a part of a solution, not a problem. 
Make a donation to your nearest homeless shelter.  Rescue a pet, please recycle, and always perpetuate kindness.

"Believe in the impossible, strive toward the practical."   A signature statement by Jane E. Whetstone, Founder 
Sharing:  Healing, Opportunity,  Mentorship, and Empathy   H.O.M.E.

The Practice of Living, a short 31 day journal, is on sale now for a donation of $10.00 or more. 
A simple  31 day guide to seeking a more thoughtful and balanced life.  written by Jane E. Whetstone
Designed by Lynsae Harkins
 

Time is a precious commodity.
"And we know that all things work together for the good of those that love God, and are called according to His purposes."  Romans 8: 28

A message to all Christians:
The World didn't care, the Church isn't listening...
True Believers:
We can all become more involved in racial, political, and financial arenas for the cause of Christ.  There is far too much racial, gender, and societal inequality in America and beyond.   
True followers of Jesus Christ, I beckon you to come closer to our Saviour.  He is calling you.
Are you aware of the multitudes of people just waiting for you to be the caring hands, compassionate eyes, hearing ears, and loving arms of Christ our Saviour? 
Jesus Christ was and is compassion, not criticism.
Jesus came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly... John 10:10
He is calling, waiting, wondering, where are you?

"God has made everything beautiful for it's own time.  He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end."  Ecclesiastes 3:11

Jane's Place...Where we share: Healing, Opportunity, Mentorship, and Empathy. 
Jane's Place is where compassion and passion meet, with practical faith as a guiding light.

Jane is endeavoring to follow her dreams with a  " Freedom Walk "  for all peoples who are seeking a brighter future, and inspire future generations:   www.freedomwalkfoundation.org 

I will soon be blogging my spirtual messages for all that need encouragement and hope.  For me personally,  my only hope is in Jesus Christ, and HIS message of redemptive love, forgiveness, strength,  and healing. 
My story is  about finding Gods love even in the unlovely, and unimaginable circumstances that I found myself facing, alone. 
" Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen."  Hebrews 11:1  
  Gods love will never fail you.

" Love is patient and kind.  Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.  Love does not demand it's own way.  Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.  It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  "   1 Corinthians  13:4

Jane Ellen Whetstone
Founder

June 21, Saturday
Right now all over the world children are starving, can you help?
My mind is filled with the images of pain and poverty, will you love?
I cannot understand the millions of wasted dollars spent on selfish desires, can you?
Are you willing to change the hopes of one child today?
They are waiting on you.
You can make a difference.  
We all can change our generation.
Will you be one?

Adopt a child today, because I cannot........
Make that friend, take the time, spend those dollars, skip a $6 coffee just once a week.

Sincerely yours,
Jane

www.compassion.com  

June 25, 2008 is a day of prayer and fasting for the Global Food Crisis
Juse one day.....you can do it!!  Just one meal, can you help?

Personally, I have done 3, 5, 7, and yes, a 40 day fast..
Once you get used to the idea of not overeating, drinking more water, and thinking less about your hunger pangs...it really is an attainable goal.
Besides, it is something that will only increase your levels of health and wellness,  physically, spiritually, and emotionally.  

" Build a bridge, not a wall. " 

June 22, Sunday
" If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for,  he isn't fit to live. "
Martin Luther King, Jr.  


" Be your own butterfly, fly free from your cocoon and add beauty to this world."   
Jane
  A qoute from my journal..    " The Practice of Living "