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Hi there, welcome to my blog! Today I want to share with you some thoughts on what John 17 says about reunion. You know, reunion is something that we all long for, especially in these times of separation and isolation. We miss our loved ones, our friends, our church family. We wonder when we will see them again, and how we will celebrate our reunion. But did you know that reunion is also something that Jesus prayed for? In John 17, we have the record of his high priestly prayer, where he intercedes for himself, his disciples, and all believers. And one of the main themes of his prayer is reunion. Let me show you what I mean. First, Jesus prays for his own reunion with the Father. He says in verse 5, "And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." Jesus knew that he was about to face the cross, the ultimate separation from his Father. He knew that he would bear the sins of the world and endure the wrath of God. He knew that he would cry out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). But he also knew that after his death and resurrection, he would return to his Father's side. He would be reunited with the one who loved him from eternity. He would be restored to the glory that he shared with the Father before creation. He would be exalted above every name and receive the honor and praise of all creation. He would be reunited with his Father in heaven. Second, Jesus prays for the reunion of his disciples with him. He says in verse 24, "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world." Jesus knew that he was about to leave his disciples behind. He knew that they would be sorrowful and afraid. He knew that they would face persecution and hardship. He knew that they would be scattered and scattered again. But he also knew that he would not leave them alone. He would send them the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Helper. He would prepare a place for them in his Father's house. He would come back for them and take them to himself. He would show them his glory and share his joy with them. He would be reunited with his disciples in heaven. Third, Jesus prays for the reunion of all believers with him and the Father. He says in verse 21-23, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." Jesus knew that he was about to create a new people, a new family, a new body. He knew that he would call people from every tribe and tongue and nation to believe in him and follow him. He knew that he would make them one with him and the Father by his Spirit. He knew that he would give them his glory and his love. But he also knew that they would not yet see him face to face. They would not yet experience the fullness of his presence and his peace. They would not yet enjoy the perfect harmony and fellowship of his kingdom. They would not yet be reunited with him and the Father in heaven. But one day they will. One day we will. One day Jesus will come again in power and glory. One day he will gather his people from every corner of the earth. One day he will wipe away every tear from their eyes. One day he will welcome them into his eternal home. One day he will say to them, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." (Matthew 25:34). One day he will be reunited with all believers in heaven. That's what John 17 says about reunion. And that's what we can look forward to as we wait for his return. So let us not lose heart or hope. Let us not grow weary or discouraged. Let us not forget or neglect our Savior's prayer for us. Let us hold on to his promises and his presence. Let us love one another as he has loved us. Let us live for his glory and his kingdom. And let us pray with him: "Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20). I'm so glad you joined me today for our Bible study on John 17. This is one of my favorite chapters in the whole Bible because it shows us how much Jesus loves us and prays for us. He prays for himself, for his disciples, and for all who will believe in him through their message. That includes you and me! In this chapter, we see Jesus' heart for his Father and his people. He wants to glorify the Father by completing the work he was sent to do. He wants to protect and sanctify his disciples by the truth of his word. He wants to unite all believers in love and fellowship, just as he is one with the Father. And he wants us to see his glory and share in his joy. What an amazing prayer! What an amazing Savior! I hope this chapter encourages you and inspires you to pray like Jesus. He cares for you and intercedes for you. He wants you to know him and love him. He wants you to be with him and see him. Thank you for studying John 17 with me. I hope you have a blessed day!

Hi everyone, welcome to my blog. Today I want to share with you some thoughts on John 17, with a focus on where Jesus prays for the unity of his followers. This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible, because it shows how much Jesus cares for us and how he wants us to be one with him and with each other. Unity is a big deal in the Bible. It's not just about getting along or agreeing on everything. It's about being one in spirit, purpose, and love. Unity is a gift from God that shows His power and glory. The Bible talks about unity in different ways. For example, it says that marriage is a unity of a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24). It also says that believers are united by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:3). And it says that all Christians are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). Unity is important because it reflects God's character. God is one, but He is also three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is a mystery that we can't fully understand, but we can try to imitate. When we are united, we show the world who God is and what He can do. But unity is not easy. There are many things that can cause division and conflict among us. Things like pride, selfishness, envy, anger, and bitterness. The Bible warns us against these things and tells us to pursue peace and love instead (James 3:16; Colossians 3:14). In John 17, Jesus prays for himself, for his disciples, and for all who will believe in him through their message. He asks the Father to glorify him, to protect them, and to sanctify them in the truth. He also prays that they may be one, just as he and the Father are one. He says in verse 21: "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." What does this mean for us today? How can we live out this prayer of Jesus? I think there are at least three implications: - First, we need to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We need to abide in him, to trust him, to obey him, and to worship him. We need to seek his glory, his will, and his kingdom above all else. We need to have a personal relationship with him through prayer, reading his word, and listening to his voice. - Second, we need to love one another as Jesus loved us. We need to be humble, gentle, patient, and forgiving. We need to serve one another, bear one another's burdens, and encourage one another. We need to be honest, faithful, and loyal. We need to have fellowship with one another, sharing our joys and sorrows, our hopes and fears. - Third, we need to love the world as God loves the world. We need to be compassionate, kind, generous, and hospitable. We need to share the gospel with others, inviting them to join us in following Jesus. We need to pray for the world, interceding for its needs, its problems, and its people. These are not easy things to do. We face many challenges, temptations, and distractions. We have many differences, preferences, and opinions. We have many conflicts, hurts, and wounds. But we have a great Savior who prayed for us and who gave us his Spirit to help us. He is the source of our unity and the reason for our joy. How can we respond to his call to be one with him and with each other? By showing the world our love for one another as his followers. By honoring God with our unity in Christ. This is how we can live out his prayer for us. This is how we can share his joy and peace with others. Thank you so much for taking time today to learn more about unity in Christ. Tomorrow we will finish up this study on John 17 with Reunion. I hope you have a blessed day!

Hi there, welcome to my blog where I share my thoughts on the Bible and its teachings. Today I want to talk about what John 17 says about sanctification, which is the process of becoming more like Christ. What is sanctification? That's a big word that you might hear in church or read in the Bible. But what does it mean? And why does it matter? Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Jesus. It's not something we can do on our own, but something that God does in us by His Spirit. Sanctification is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of growing in holiness and love. Sanctification matters because it shows that we belong to God and that He is working in our lives. It also helps us to enjoy God more and to reflect His glory to others. Sanctification is not about following rules or being perfect, but about having a relationship with God and letting Him transform us from the inside out. In John 17, Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and all believers. He asks the Father to glorify him, to protect his followers, and to sanctify them by the truth. He says in verse 17: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." He also says in verse 19: "For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." What does this mean? It means that Jesus sets himself apart for the Father's will and purpose, and he wants us to do the same. He wants us to be holy, dedicated, and consecrated to God. He wants us to be transformed by his word, which is the truth that sets us free. He wants us to be in the world, but not of the world. He wants us to be united with him and with each other. Jesus prays that the Father would sanctify Him by restoring Him to the glory He had before the world began (John 17:1-5). He also prays that the Father would sanctify His disciples by keeping them in His name, protecting them from the evil one, and giving them His joy (John 17:6-13). He does not ask that they be taken out of the world, but that they be sanctified in the truth, which is God's word (John 17:14-17). He says that He sanctifies Himself for their sake, so that they also may be sanctified in truth (John 17:19). Sanctification is not something we can do by ourselves. It is a work of God in us, through the Holy Spirit. It is a lifelong journey of growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. It is a response of love and obedience to His commands. It is a fruit of abiding in Him and bearing witness to His glory. Finally, Jesus prays for all who will believe in Him through the word of His disciples, that they may be one with Him and the Father, and that they may see His glory and know His love (John 17:20-26). He says that He has made known to them the Father's name, and will continue to do so, that the love with which the Father loved Him may be in them, and He in them (John 17:26). So, John 17 shows us that sanctification is a gift from God, a work of God, and a goal of God for His people. It is based on His grace, His truth, and His love. It is both a present reality and a future hope. It is both a separation from the world and a mission to the world. I hope this post has helped you dive deeper into the scriptures. Please come back tomorrow as we understand more about what John Chapter 17 says on Unity . If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading and God bless you!

Hey, friends! Today I want to share with you some insights on protection from John 17, one of the most amazing chapters in the Bible. It records the prayer that Jesus prayed to his Father right before he was arrested and crucified. It's like listening to the heart of Jesus as he pours out his love, his concerns, and his requests for his disciples and for us. One of the things that struck me as I read this prayer is how much Jesus cares about our protection. He knows that we live in a hostile world that hates him and his followers. He knows that we face many dangers, temptations, and trials that could harm us or make us fall away from him. He knows that we have an enemy who wants to destroy us and separate us from God's love. That's why He prayed this in verse 11: "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one." And again, in verse 12: "While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold." Wow! Think about that for a moment. Jesus prayed for our protection by the power of God's name. The name of God is not just a word or a label. It represents His character, His authority, His presence, and His promises. When we call on the name of God, we are invoking all that He is and all that He has done for us. We are claiming His protection over our lives. Jesus also said that He protected His disciples by the name that God gave Him. What is that name? It's Jesus, which means "the Lord saves". Jesus is the name above every name, the name at which every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord. Jesus is the name that saves us from our sins and gives us eternal life. Jesus is the name that protects us from evil and empowers us to do his will. Jesus also prayed for our protection so that we may be one as He and the Father are one. Unity is a precious gift that God gives to His people. Unity is also a powerful witness to the world that we belong to Him and that He loves us. Unity is also a safeguard against division, deception, and distraction that could weaken our faith and our mission. Jesus protected His disciples while He was with them physically on earth. He taught them, guided them, corrected them, encouraged them, and loved them. He also defended them from their enemies and shielded them from harm. He even took control of His own arrest and made sure that none of His disciples were involved or injured. But Jesus also knew that He was leaving them soon. He was going to die on the cross, rise from the dead, and ascend to heaven. He was going to send them the Holy Spirit to be their helper, teacher, and comforter. But He also wanted them to know that He would never stop protecting them. He would always intercede for them before the Father's throne. He would always watch over them with His loving eyes. He would always be with them until the end of the age. And guess what? That's true for us too! If you are a follower of Jesus, you have His protection over your life. You have His name as your refuge and your strength. You have His Spirit as your guide and your friend. You have His Word as your lamp and your sword. You have His church as your family and your support. You have His promise as your hope and your joy. So don't be afraid of what you may face in this world. Don't let discouragement or doubt rob you of your peace and confidence in Him. Don't let sin or temptation lure you away from His love and grace. Don't let anything or anyone separate you from Him or from each other. Remember what Jesus prayed for you in John 17:15-16: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it." You are not of this world, my friend. You are of Jesus. And He will protect you until He brings you safely home to Him. Thanks for reading this blog post! I hope it blessed you and inspired you to trust in Jesus more. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to share them below. And if you liked this post, please share it with others who may need some encouragement today. See you tomorrow when we learn more about what Jesus prays on Sanctification God bless you!

Hi there, welcome to my blog! Today I want to share with you some insights I gained from studying John 17, one of the most beautiful and profound chapters in the Bible. In this chapter, Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and all believers, revealing his heart and his mission. Today's focus is on revelation, or what Jesus reveals to his disciples as He prays. What is the biblical definition of revelation? In simple terms, revelation means God revealing himself to us. It is how we get to know who God is, what he has done, and what he wants from us. Revelation can be divided into two types: general and special. General revelation is how God reveals himself through nature, history, and human conscience. It is available to everyone, regardless of their faith or culture. General revelation shows us that God exists, that he is powerful, wise, and good. However, general revelation is not enough to tell us everything we need to know about God, especially his plan of salvation. Special revelation is how God reveals himself through specific events, people, and words. It includes miracles, prophecies, visions, angels, and most importantly, Jesus Christ and the Bible. Special revelation is not available to everyone, but only to those who God chooses to reveal himself to. Special revelation shows us God's character, his will, his love, and his grace. It is through special revelation that we can know God personally and have a relationship with him. Revelation is important because it is the basis of our faith and knowledge of God. Without revelation, we would be in the dark about who God is and what he wants from us. Revelation helps us understand God's nature, his purposes, and his ways. Revelation also invites us to respond to God with trust, obedience, and worship. One of the themes that stands out in this prayer is revelation. Revelation means to uncover or disclose something that was previously hidden or unknown. Jesus reveals to us the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and invites us to enter into a relationship with the triune God. Let's look at some of the verses that show us how Jesus reveals God to us: - Verse 3: "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Here Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God and himself. To know God is not just to have intellectual knowledge, but to have a personal and intimate relationship. Jesus reveals God as the only true God, who is distinct from the false gods of this world. He also reveals himself as the one sent by God, the Messiah and the Savior. - Verse 6: "I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word." Here Jesus reveals God's name to his disciples. In the Bible, the name of God represents his character and his authority. Jesus manifests God's name by revealing his attributes, such as his love, his holiness, his faithfulness, his power, and his glory. He also reveals God's name by doing his works, such as healing, teaching, forgiving, and performing miracles. - Verse 8: "For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me." Here Jesus reveals God's words to his disciples. He gives them the words that God gave him, which are the words of life and truth. He teaches them about God's will, God's kingdom, God's grace, and God's judgment. He also reveals God's words by fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament and by speaking with authority and wisdom. - Verse 11: "And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one." Here Jesus reveals God's name as Holy Father. He addresses God as his Father, showing his unique relationship with him as the Son. He also reveals God as our Father, who adopts us as his children through faith in Christ. He prays for us to be kept in God's name, which means to be protected, preserved, and sanctified by his power and presence. - Verse 22: "The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one." Here Jesus reveals God's glory to us. The glory of God is the manifestation of his excellence and beauty. Jesus reveals God's glory by displaying his divine nature and character. He also shares God's glory with us by giving us his Spirit, his image, his gifts, and his inheritance. - Verse 26: "I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them." Here Jesus reveals God's love to us. The love of God is the essence of his being and the motivation of his actions. Jesus reveals God's love by dying for us on the cross and rising from the dead. He also continues to reveal God's love by interceding for us in heaven and abiding in us by his Spirit. These are just some of the ways that Jesus reveals God to us in John 17. There is so much more to discover and enjoy in this chapter. I encourage you to read it for yourself and meditate on it. As you do so, ask God to reveal himself to you more and more through His Son and by His Spirit. And then share with others what he has revealed to you. Thank you for reading my blog post. I hope it was helpful for you. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below. Please check out my next blog over John 17 on Protection, and don't forget to subscribe for more posts like this one.

Hello, friends! I'm so excited to share with you my insights on John Chapter 17. This is one of the most powerful and profound chapters in the Bible, where Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and all believers. Let's dive in and explore the meaning and implications of this amazing prayer starting with glorification and what it means. What is the biblical definition of glorification? Glorification is the final stage of salvation, in which God transforms believers into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, glorification is a work of God that He will complete when Christ returns (Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 3:4). Glorification is based on the grace of God and the merit of Christ, not on human effort or achievement (Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 2:7). Glorification is the ultimate goal of God's redemptive plan, in which He will display His glory in and through His people for all eternity (Romans 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Peter 5:10). If you have ever read the Gospel of John, you might have noticed that the last chapter before Jesus' arrest and crucifixion is a long prayer that he offers to His Father. This prayer is often called the High Priestly Prayer, because Jesus intercedes for His disciples and for all who will believe in Him through their word. In this prayer, Jesus talks a lot about glorification. But what does He mean by that? And what does it have to do with us? Glorification is the final stage of God's plan to save his people from sin and death. It is the ultimate goal of our salvation, when we will be fully conformed to the image of Christ and share in His glory. In Romans 8:30, Paul writes that those whom God predestined, He also called; those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified. Glorification is the end result of God's grace in our lives. But how does Jesus pray about glorification in John 17? He prays for three things: his own glorification, his disciples' glorification, and the future believers' glorification. Let's look at each one briefly. First, Jesus prays for his own glorification. He says in verse 1, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you." Jesus knows that His hour of suffering and death is near, but He also knows that it is the way to His exaltation and victory. He asks his Father to glorify Him through the cross and the resurrection, so that he may glorify His Father by accomplishing his will and revealing His love. Jesus' glorification is not only for His own sake, but for the sake of His Father and His disciples and followers. Second, Jesus prays for his disciples' glorification. He says in verse 10, "All mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them." Jesus considers his disciples as his own, given to Him by his Father. He loves them as His own, the way a parent loves their children, and he wants them to share in His glory. He says in verse 22, "The glory that You have given me I have given to them." Jesus gives his disciples the same glory that He received from His Father, which is the glory of being one with God in love and purpose. Jesus' glorification is not only for Himself and His Father, but also for his disciples. Third, Jesus prays for the future believers' glorification. He says in verse 20-21, "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me." Jesus extends His prayer beyond His immediate followers to include all who will come to faith in Him through their witness. He prays that they may all be united with God and with each other in the same way that He is united with his Father. He prays that they may all see and enjoy His glory, which he says in verse 24 is the same as the Father's love for Him before the foundation of the world. Jesus' glorification is not only for Himself, God the Father, and the disciples, but also for all who will believe in Him. So what does John Chapter 17 tell us about glorification? It tells us that glorification is God's ultimate purpose for us: to share in His glory and love through Christ. It tells us that glorification is a gift of grace that we receive from God through faith in Christ. It tells us that glorification is a process that begins now and will be completed when Christ returns. And it tells us that glorification is a community project that involves all who belong to Christ. If you want to learn more about glorification and how it affects your life today, I recommend you read John Chapter 17 for yourself and meditate on Jesus' words. I hope this blog post has been helpful and inspiring for you. Tomorrow, we will continue with John 17 Day 2- Revelation

Wow... I am doing a six-day study over John 17, and it is so amazing that I wanted to share it with you! John 17 is the final prayer of Jesus Christ with His disciples before the He goes to the cross. This is a pivotal time for Jesus and the disciples, just moments away from Judas betrayal and Jesus final days before His crucifixion. What you will need: Bible Notebook Highlighters (I use different colors for each of the six points) Pen or Pencil Begin each day reading John Chapter 17. There will be added posts for each of the 6 main points Jesus shows us in the chapter: Glorification, Revelation, Protection, Sanctification, Unity, and Reunion.

Hey everyone, I wanted to share an update on Greg's journey with JHD. As you may know, he had a bad accident at a trampoline park when he was 20 and broke his leg in two places. That was a tough time for him and us, but he recovered well. However, since then, his JHD has been affecting his legs more and more. He started to walk with his legs turned out and his feet dropping down. This made him lose his balance and fall a lot. It was scary and frustrating for him and us. We decided to look for some solutions to help him walk better and safer. We found a great place called JP&O Prosthetic & Orthotic Lab that makes custom leg braces for people with different needs. They measured Greg's legs and made him some braces that would correct his feet position and stabilize his gait. They also taught him how to put them on and take them off. Today, Vance took Greg to pick up the braces and tried them on. Greg was not very happy about them at all and said he hates them. He said they felt weird and uncomfortable. He didn't like how they made him looked either. I have tried to cheer him up and prepare him by telling him that they were just tools to help him, not define him. I told him that he was still the same Greg he always was, with or without the braces. I have also tried reminding him of all the benefits they would bring, like reducing his falls, improving his mobility, and preventing further damage to his legs. Hopefully he will keep this in mind as he gets used to them. I know it will take some time for him to adjust to the braces and accept them as part of his life. I hope he will see them as a positive thing, not a negative one. My hope is that he will realize that they are not a sign of weakness, but of strength. I hope he will feel more confident and independent with them. I'm so proud of Greg for being brave and trying new things. This isn't always easy for a 26yr old to do. I'm also grateful for JP&O Prosthetic & Orthotic Lab for making these braces possible. Thank you all for supporting us and following our story. Please keep Greg in your thoughts and prayers as he gets used to his new braces. Please send him some love and encouragement in the comments. Please share this post with anyone who might benefit from it or relate to it. Thank you for reading and caring.

Hi everyone, I hope you are all doing well. I wanted to share with you an update on Greg's health situation. As some of you may know, about a year ago Greg started having trouble swallowing food and drinks. He went to see a doctor and they did some tests on him. They found out that he had a tumor in his throat that was blocking his esophagus. He had to undergo surgery to remove the tumor, which was thankfully not cancerous. However, he still has to go back every three months for check-ups and scans to make sure it doesn't come back. At that time, they also found that Greg has a condition called Cricopharyngeal Bar, or CP Bar, which is a narrowing of the lower part of his esophagus. This makes it hard for him to swallow certain foods, especially solid ones. He has to chew very well and drink lots of water with his meals. Sometimes he gets food stuck in his throat and has to cough it up or spit it out. He also has to avoid spicy, acidic, or hot foods that can irritate his esophagus. At his last appointment Greg and the doctor discussed increased issues he has been having eating and breathing lately because of JHD affecting his nervous system. Dr. Cohn referred him to UAMS who specializes in Neurogenic Dysphasia, a common occurrence with HD patients. On Friday, we took Greg to UAMS in Little Rock to get some tests done on his swallowing and his throat. The doctor did a video swallow study, where they gave him some food and drink with contrast dye and watched how it went down his esophagus in real time. They also did a scope, where they inserted a thin tube with a camera through his nose and down his throat to look at the inside of his esophagus. The results were not good. The doctor said that Greg's esophagus was getting narrower because of complications related to his JHD and the CP Bar. She also said that he had signs of sleep apnea, which means that he stops breathing for short periods of time when he sleeps. This can cause low oxygen levels in his blood and damage his brain and heart. A plan was put in place to do a sleep study and another surgery to stretch his esophagus. Hopefully they will be able to fix the issues so he can eat and drink like normal. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to keep up with Greg and his journey. Please leave a comment down below if you have any questions. God bless!

Hey, friends! Today I want to talk to you about dysphagia diet stages. Dysphagia is a condition that makes it hard to swallow food and drinks. It can be caused by many things, such as stroke, cancer, or aging. Dysphagia can affect your nutrition, hydration, and quality of life. That's why it's important to follow a diet that matches your swallowing abilities. There are different stages of dysphagia diets, depending on how thick or thin the food and drinks are. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) has created a framework that categorizes food textures and drink thickness into eight levels, from 0 to 7. Here's a quick overview of what they are: - Level 0: Thin. These are liquids that flow like water, such as water, coffee, and milk. They are easy to drink, but they can also go down the wrong way and cause choking or aspiration. - Level 1: Slightly thick. These are liquids that are thicker than water, but still flow through a straw or syringe. They require a little more effort to drink than thin liquids. Examples are nectar-like juices, smoothies, and some soups. - Level 2: Mildly thick. These are liquids that flow off a spoon, but slower than thin liquids. They are sippable and require mild effort to drink through a standard straw. Examples are honey-like juices, yogurt drinks, and cream soups. - Level 3: Moderately thick (Liquidized). These are liquids that can be drunk from a cup but require moderate effort to suck through a wide straw. They cannot be piped or molded on a plate. Examples are pudding-like juices, custards, and pureed soups. - Level 4: Extremely thick. These are liquids that do not flow easily and need to be eaten with a spoon. They can be piped or molded on a plate. Examples are jelly-like juices, gelatin desserts, and mashed potatoes. - Level 5: Minced and moist. These are foods that are soft, moist, and easily mashed with a fork. They can be formed into a ball and hold their shape on a spoon. They should be no bigger than 4 mm (about the size of a pea). Examples are minced meat, scrambled eggs, and soft fruits. - Level 6: Soft and bite-sized. These are foods that are tender and easy to chew. They can be cut into bite-sized pieces of no bigger than 15 mm (about the size of a fingernail). Examples are soft breads, cooked vegetables, and soft cheeses. - Level 7: Regular. These are foods that have normal texture and require normal chewing ability. There are no restrictions on the size or shape of the food. Examples are crunchy cereals, raw fruits and vegetables, and nuts. The level of dysphagia diet you need depends on your swallowing assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or other qualified professional. They will help you choose the best foods and drinks for your safety and comfort. You may need to change your diet level over time as your swallowing improves or worsens. Dysphagia diets can be challenging to follow, but they can also be delicious and nutritious with some creativity and planning. You can find recipes, tips, and resources online or from your SLP or dietitian. Remember to always eat slowly, take small bites and sips, and sit upright when eating or drinking. I hope this post was helpful for you to understand dysphagia diet stages better. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don't forget to subscribe to my blog for more updates on dysphagia and other topics related to health and wellness. Thanks for reading!

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with juvenile Huntington's disease (JHD), you may have noticed some difficulties with swallowing. Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, are common in JHD and can affect the quality of life and health of the person affected. In this blog post, we will explain what dysphagia is, how it affects JHD patients, and what you can do to manage it. What is dysphagia? Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty or discomfort in swallowing. It can affect any part of the swallowing process, from the mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia can cause symptoms such as: - Coughing or choking when eating or drinking - Feeling that food or liquid is stuck in the throat or chest - Drooling or spitting out food or liquid - Taking longer to finish a meal or avoiding certain foods - Losing weight or becoming dehydrated - Developing pneumonia or other infections due to food or liquid entering the lungs Dysphagia can have many causes, such as stroke, brain injury, cancer, neurological disorders, or aging. In JHD, dysphagia is caused by the degeneration of the brain cells that control the muscles involved in swallowing. How does dysphagia affect JHD patients? Dysphagia can have a significant impact on the physical and emotional well-being of JHD patients and their caregivers. Dysphagia can lead to: - Malnutrition and weight loss, which can worsen the symptoms and progression of JHD - Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can affect the heart and kidney function - Aspiration pneumonia, which is a serious infection caused by food or liquid entering the lungs - Choking, which can be life-threatening - Reduced social interaction and enjoyment of food, which can affect the mood and quality of life How can dysphagia be managed in JHD? There is no cure for dysphagia in JHD, but there are ways to make swallowing easier and safer. Some of the strategies include: - Consulting a speech-language pathologist (SLP), who can assess the swallowing function and recommend appropriate interventions - Modifying the texture and consistency of food and liquid, such as pureeing, chopping, or thickening them - Changing the position and posture of the head and body during eating and drinking, such as sitting upright, tilting the chin down, or turning the head to one side - Using special utensils and cups, such as spoons with built-in guards, angled cups, or straws with valves - Following a specific swallowing technique, such as taking small bites and sips, holding the breath before swallowing, or coughing after swallowing - Monitoring the intake and output of food and liquid, such as weighing regularly, keeping a food diary, or checking for signs of dehydration - Considering alternative feeding methods, such as tube feeding, if oral feeding becomes too difficult or risky Dysphagia can be challenging to cope with, but with proper care and support, it can be managed effectively. If you have any questions or concerns about dysphagia in JHD, talk to your doctor or SLP. They can help you find the best solutions for your individual needs.

Hey everyone, welcome to my blog where I share information and stories about rare diseases. Today I want to talk about Juvenile Huntington's disease (JHD), a form of Huntington's disease that affects children and teenagers. You may have heard of Huntington's disease, a genetic disorder that causes the breakdown of brain cells and leads to problems with movement, thinking, and emotions. But did you know that some people develop symptoms of this disease before they turn 20? This is called JHD, and it is a very serious and progressive condition that has no cure or effective treatment. Juvenile Huntington's disease is a form of Huntington's disease (HD), which is a genetic disorder that causes brain cells to die over time. HD can cause problems with movement, thinking, behavior, and emotions. JHD is different from adult HD because it starts earlier and has some different symptoms. JHD is caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene. This gene normally makes a protein that helps brain cells function, but when it has too many repeats of a certain code (called CAG), it makes a toxic protein that damages the cells. The more repeats the gene has, the earlier the symptoms start. JHD usually happens when someone inherits the gene from their father, who may not have symptoms yet because they have fewer repeats. JHD can start anytime between childhood and adolescence, but most cases start before age 20. Some of the signs of JHD are: - Stiffness or clumsiness of the legs and arms - Slowed or jerky movements - Tremors or seizures - Trouble with speech, swallowing, or learning - Changes in personality, mood, or behavior JHD gets worse over time and there is no cure or treatment to stop it. However, there are some ways to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life of people with JHD. Some of these are: - Medications to control movements, mood, or seizures - Speech therapy to help with communication and swallowing - Nutrition counseling to prevent weight loss or choking - Assistive devices like wheelchairs, helmets, or communication boards - Support groups or counseling for emotional and social needs JHD is a very rare condition that affects only about 5% of people with HD. It can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions like ADHD, autism, or cerebral palsy. If you or someone you know has a family history of HD and shows any signs of JHD, you should talk to your doctor and get tested for the gene mutation. JHD progresses faster than adult-onset HD, and most people with JHD die within 10 years of symptom onset. There is no way to prevent or slow down the disease, but some medications can help manage some of the symptoms. People with JHD also need a lot of support and care from their families, doctors, therapists, teachers, and social workers. JHD is a rare and devastating disease that affects not only the person who has it, but also their loved ones. It is important to raise awareness and understanding of this condition, as well as to support research for finding better treatments and a cure. JHD is a tough topic to talk about, but I hope this blog post helped you learn more about it and understand what people with JHD go through. If you want to know more about JHD or HD in general, you can check out these websites: - [Huntington's Disease Society of America](https://hdsa.org/what-is-hd/history-and-genetics-of-huntingtons-disease/juvenile-onset-hd/) - [Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center](https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/10510/juvenile-huntington-disease/) - [HOPES: Huntington's Outreach Project for Education at Stanford](https://hopes.stanford.edu/juvenile-huntingtons-disease-text-and-audio/) Thank you for reading this blog post. I hope you found it informative and helpful. Please share it with your friends and family to spread the word about JHD. And don't forget to subscribe to my blog for more updates on rare diseases. Until next time, stay healthy and happy!