Online Blog

I'm looking to interview someone who went back to college after being diagnosed with a chronic illness for an article. If you're interested in having your story considered and are willing to share a photo please email me!

Thanks!

Lisa Copen
Rest Ministries Director
HopeKeepers Magazine Editor

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"Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I
commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last."
(Luke 23:46 NIV)
I have struggled lately, physically and emotionally. I have always
been an athletic person and an active person and I truly miss being
able to run, walk, bike, play sports and hike.
One of the other things I struggle with is the lack of control that I
have over so many things now. My body does its own thing now, I have
very little control over how it responds to treatments and tests.
This has been the hardest part of my diseases and my body's response
to them. If it was a matter of sheer willpower and determination,
I'd be biking 40 miles a day, like I used to. But, it isn't a matter
of determination and it has taken me many months to see that.
It is easy to get discouraged when parts of what we can do, parts of
who we always believed ourselves to be, keep disappearing. There is
really only one thing we have control over; our response to all that
is happening to us.
As a social worker, I am so used to "fixing things" for people. I
want to be able to "fix" my medical condition and I can't. How easy
it is to get frustrated with ourselves and those closest to us, when
we can't "fix it" or make it better.
Truly the only way we can "fix it" is by putting everything into the
Father's hands (where it has been all along) and turn it all over.
We can follow our doctor's advice, do things that support our health
rather than aggravate it, follow all the rules, but ultimately, it
isn't in our hands anymore, it is in His hands. It is all about
commending ourselves into the Father's hands and trusting that He
knows what is in our best interest. He is the only one who knows
what the master blueprint is for our lives. So, why would we lean on
our own understanding when He has the total picture?
Instead of a prayer, I'd like to leave you with the refrain to the
song, "Into Your Hands."
"Into Your hands, we commend our spirit O Lord. Into Your hands we
commend our hearts. For we must die to ourselves in loving You. Into
Your hands we commend our love."
~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her two cats, Liam and
Shamrock. Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading,
and volunteering. Denny is the world's biggest Notre Dame football
fan. Denny lives with Chronic Inflammatory Demylineating
Polyneuropathy and cancer and has strong faith that God will see her
through even the most difficult of days.

"Then I would still have this consolation my joy in
unrelenting pain that I had not denied the words
of the Holy One," (Job 6:10 NIV)
God gave me feelings. He gave me the ability to laugh,
to exalt and to worship. He has made it so I can feel
the touch of my child's hand on my cheek and He
overfills my heart with love and joy.
It shouldn't surprise me then that he also allows my
heart to be filled with sorrow and despair. Nor should
anger or pain surprise me. How can I ask for only the
good and none of the bad? For if it were not for knowing
sorrow, how can I really know joy? Without anger, when
will I know I am truly at peace? If I never experienced
pain, how could I possibly know the power of the soft
touch of a baby's hand? Without exhaustion, I cannot
appreciate when I feel so good I could soar above the
mountains.
God takes me to the depths of my misery so that I can
feel the totality of joy and peace and know that it is
by His hand.
LORD, it is so hard for me to accept the pain so that I
can get to the joy. But through the strength of Your Son,
Jesus Christ, Who is always with me, I strive daily to
better live Your will rather than mine.
Marisa Gary
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marisa Gary lives in Ormond Beach, FL,
with her husband Robert, three children and Annie the Dog.
Marisa is a vocalist on the Worship Team and also runs
media for Tomoka Christian Church. Marisa was diagnosed
with Fibromyalgia in 2004 at the age of 32 after spending
20 years with symptoms.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the
power of the weak," (Isaiah 40:29 NIV)
There are days I don't know how I get out of bed
in the morning. I drag myself out of bed, hobble to
the bathroom and simply barrel my way through the
day, just trying to get to a point where I can
climb back in bed. I don't like days like that and
they are becoming more frequent in my latest flare
up. The interesting twist to this is that I am so
busy, there is no time for me to be this tired. It's
all Kingdom work, so it's hard to say, "No, I
can't do this anymore."
It is during these times that I lean on my God the
most, which is what He wants me to do anyway. When I
can't do it all myself, I have to ask Him to help me.
I have to stop and realize that there is a bigger
purpose for everything, including how I feel. I get
to a point where I just have to come before Him and
submit my will. If I am to be strong today, He will
make me strong. If I am to be weak today, God will
allow me to be weak so that I may rest and reflect
on His glory. God knows what's best for me.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to
live by your will. I know when I am strong it is
only because You allow it of me. Your love and mercy
are so apparent in my life. I pray that I will always
submit to your will.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marisa Gary lives in Ormond Beach, FL
with her husband Robert, three children and Annie the
Dog. Marisa is a vocalist on the Worship Team and also
runs media for Tomoka Christian Church. Marisa was
diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2004 at the age of 32
after spending 20 years with symptoms.

"She did what she could." (Mark 14:8 NIV)
How many times has someone said to you, "You don't
look sick. You look great!"
How often have you been asked to accept a position
at your church, your children's school or your place of
employment when you knew you were physically unable to?
Many times we accept these added responsibilities
because the guilt we feel in not doing so seems worse than
the pain and disability itself.
Friends, we know our pain and illness better than anyone
except for Jesus. That is where our comfort lies when we
want to get involved but know because of physical concerns
that we are not able to do a task. We know and Jesus knows
and that is all that matters. All Jesus want of us is for us to
do what we can. Maybe it's prayer or giving encouragement to
a nurse, doctor of caregiver.
Our greatest joy depends upon our trust in Jesus and we must
always remember that His power will overcome any challenge!
It is ironic, but as hope fills us with joy and peace, joy and peace
continue to fill us with hope! When you feel discouraged because
others don't understand your pain, remember that Jesus knows
and understands.
Sometimes we fail to see blessings in adversity. The hardships
of life overwhelm us and we become bogged down in our woes,
not seeing God's life saving arms about us.
Financial troubles, relationship problems and
physical aches, pains and disease or illnesses seem
like valleys - rainstorms or dark days. But God can
use what seems bad and make us stronger, wiser and
more independent and capable individuals.
Look for the sunshine, the mountaintops and God
strength in your weakness. God can accomplish much
in and through us. He can take a broken life or
body and make it whole. All he asks from us is faith in Him
and for us to do what we can.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Armstrong lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with
her husband, Richard. She is a retired elementary school
teacher who enjoys church activities, gardening, and camping.
Patricia deals with chronic pain due to a nerve disease.
She finds comfort in knowing God understands pain and
will a source of comfort for those with pain and illness.

"While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it's
not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us.
Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies
will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this,
and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.(2 Cor. 5:4-5)
I own a Hyundai car, which does not hold the same "status" as say a
Mercedes or a Lexus. However, my Hyundai, which I have owned for 5
years and has never let me down, still gets me to the same place the
Mercedes or Lexus got to. They may look a little more sleek or move
faster, but big deal, we still got to the same destination.
Our body, whether it be more of our mouth doing the work, or our feet
or hands, it is our vehicle and no matter how much we may want to be
a Mercedes we may have to realize we are a Hyundai. It is not so
important which condition the vehicle is in, whether it is in a
wheelchair or assisted by a cane or scooter.
The important question is what are you doing with the vehicle you
were given? Are you driving it when you can? Spreading light the
best way you know how? Using the earthly body to our best ability is
the real issue here. Our vehicle is there to spread light and that
is truly the only thing God expects.
Don't try to compare your make and model to another. That is really
irrelevant. Wash your vehicle, change its oil and be a little more
careful with those older models, but use it. It is what you do with
what God gave you that is what He looks at. So use the vehicle miles
wisely, don't use the miles to complain or compare or wait until you
get a new bumper before you get out there. Drive your vehicle
proudly, but drive it! And let the Lord do the rest!
For we are only in these bodies for a season, but we will be
transformed into heavenly bodies, but for now prime the rust and put
the pedal to the metal. Put the top down sometimes and let the wind
go through your hair, for even with our illnesses we are still meant
to enjoy our life! Beep Beep, see ya on the road.

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made
perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly
about my
weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for
Christ's
sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in
persecutions, in
difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor. 12:9,10
NIV)
I enjoy reading about heros of the past. Paul the
Apostle, and John Newton being two of many hero's.
Paul suffered storms and beatings, was shipwrecked
and in prison for his faith and yet he and Silas sang songs
and praises to God as they were in shackles. In quoting a
portion of John newton's "Joy and Peace in Believing"
we can see how the man went through much
turmoil and tribulation but finally with praise and song to his
Lord he was filled with joy and peace after the pain.
Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises
With healing in his wings:
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain.
Paul Bunyon at the age of 23, was the master of a slave-trading ship.
Although he had had some early religious instruction from his mother,
who
had died when he was a child, he had long since given up any
religious
convictions. His fellow sailors called him "the blasphemer" because
of his
language.
While caught up in a violent storm, weak and given up for dead, he
called
out to the Lord. That was the beginning of a changed life for a cruel
and
evil man. Calling out to God and being saved in the storm changed him
into
a child of God that wrote the famous hymn... "Amazing Grace".
We can learn from these hero's as we call out to the Father and give
praises to His worthy and holy name. He will give us peace and joy no
matter what comes our way.
We praise you Father God and we thank you that you are with us always
in our storms and our blessings. Give us peace and joy and let us
always shine for you. ... Amen.
~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Dittert (Aka Pastor Nancie-rose) lives in a berm home in Rural
Central Iowa with her husband & soulmate Patrick, 2 spoiled kitty's
and a Lab/Sharpei dog. Nancy & Patrick are both pastors, retiring
early because of illness. Nancy lives with Severe Fibromyalgia and
Neuropathy, and her husband had a brain tumor that left
him disabled. They are still actively involved in Prayer Group, Home
Fellowship and Chronic Pain Support Ministry through the Internet .
Write Nancy at nancierose@msn. com and visit her
Chronic Pain Web Site at:
http://Fibromyalgiahelp.homestead.com/index.html
~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God." (Jonah 2:1
NIV)
Several months ago, I was in poor health. Between Thanksgiving and
Valentines Day, I was in and out of the hospital for different
complications of cystic fibrosis. My doctor wisely recommended that
in order to get back on track, I should take a break and focus mainly
on my physical well-being. Initially, I resisted such an idea. The
last thing I wanted to do was take things at a slower pace.
God pulled me out of the tossing waves of my busy life and planted me
squarely on the couch. For the first two months of recuperation, I
was too tired to even read a book; I barely had enough energy to
concentrate on praying. As my body healed, so did my spirit. I began
praying more often and with greater boldness. Perhaps that's what God
wanted me to be doing all along.
Like Jonah, there was little else for me to do in my position other
than pray. I learn a lot from such a point of view. Instead of
complaining about being knee deep in chum, Jonah thanks God for
saving him from the tossing seas. It wasn't until Jonah finished
praying that the Lord commanded the creature to spit the prophet onto
dry land. At that point, Jonah was ready to take on the challenge of
prophesying to the people of Nineveh.
I'm confident that all of the time I have spent in prayer has been
purposeful, and is indeed part of God's plan for my life. Wherever he
sends me next, I will go faithfully and obediently.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for keeping me safe in the tossing seas
of life. I want to learn what it is you have to teach me in my
current situation. I put my hope and faith in you, even if I can't do
anything else.
================================================
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth, Lauren Beyenhof was not
expected to celebrate her 10th birthday. She is now in her late
twenties, married, and working as a professional freelance writer and
environmental scientist. God has continued to uphold her as she
battles with osteopenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other
health concerns.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely
and afflicted." Psalm 25:16 (NIV)
Have you ever been on a roll; busy, doing fine, and
feeling almost like you are a normal person? Then
all of the sudden your body is done with that, and
you crash hard against the reality that your chronic
illness is still there and laughing at you?
Yep, I am sure that we all have and it just happened
to me again. My daughter has just turned 18, and we
were shopping for clothes, planning her graduation from
High School and having company for a week. I kept
going and going, being busy and even planting flowers
and a few vegetables. I was enjoying myself too, even
though there was a nagging in the back of my mind that
I had better slow down before I crash. I just didn't
have time right then with birthdays, graduation plans
and a house guest!
Now I am down for the count. I go from the couch to
the recliner chair to the bed. That is about it. The
party is over and everyone else is going on with their
lives and plans. My company left, and my family is
doing their thing; the house is quiet.
I am "lonely and afflicted." But as I turn my heart back
towards God, I realize He is always there. He knows and
He cars. Actually the quiet feels good, and resting is
helping. Sometimes the pain is very strong but even then
I can keep my thoughts on Him and be comforted.
I know I should have stopped sooner. But sometimes in our
illness, we HAVE to do things. Sometimes we crash without
knowing why; that is the nature of chronic illness. From
day to day we do not know how to plan, but God is always
constant, never changing. We can count on that. He holds
us in His care, and guides us on our path.
"Show me Your ways, O LORD, teach me Your paths; guide me
in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and
my hope is in You all day long." Psalm 24:4-5 (NIV)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Platt is a Minister's wife and mother of two. She
lives with her family in South West Indiana. She enjoys
being a Pastor's wife, writing, cross stitch and baking.
She also has 2 very spoiled housecats who keep her company
and allow her to pet them. She has had Fibromyalgia for 18
years and has other chronic illnesses too. She praises God
for the friendships and fellowship she has found at Rest
Ministries.

"Follow Me!" (John 21:19 NIV)
No! I don't want to. It hurts too bad. I have
a hard enough time chasing my kids around,
cleaning the house and working. I have no
strength left by the end of the day. How am I
supposed to get up and follow You. No. I can't.
What? A mission trip? Absolutely not. I cannot.
I don't have the stamina nor the endurance for
such a trip.
My husband and I even had to cancel our vacation
this year because of how tired I always am. Yes,
I know. Yes, I know I can trust you. Yes, I
know You know hard it is for me to get out of bed
every morning. And yes, You are correct, You are
always there when I need You. But, but oh,
alright LORD Jesus You know what's best for me.
You've never given me anything I cannot endure.
Yes, I know, you've always walked beside me and
carried my burden for me. Yes LORD, I will follow
You.
If you are like me, sometimes, you just can't
believe that God would put something that hard
onto your heart. You're sure there is no way you
could ever begin,let along accomplish such a task.
When Jesus asked us to follow Him, He knew it would
be hard. He knew what He was asking of Peter. Jesus
knew what He asked would lead Peter to his death.
Yet Peter had faith and trusted Jesus with everything,
even his very life.
We have to trust our Jesus, close our eyes and follow
Him. He will never lead us on the wrong path. I have
never been disappointed in any outcome that I let
Jesus totally control.
Jesus, You will never lead me astray. I am your lamb,
you are my Shepherd. Lead me and I will follow.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marisa Gary lives in Ormond Beach,
FL, with her husband Robert, three children and Annie
the Dog. Marisa is a vocalist on the Worship Team and
also runs media for Tomoka Christian Church. Marisa
was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2004 at the age of
32 after spending 20 years with symptoms.

"By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was
made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him
that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see"
(Acts 3:16 NIV)
There is no reason for me to be sick. I am a Christian. I read my
Bible every day. I live my life humbly and I'm bringing up my
children in a Christian environment. I'm doing everything "right."
Why am I still sick?
I may have been given a clue to the answer last week. A friend of
ours just found out he has cancer. He is an amazing, bold Christian.
He takes the Word everywhere he is. I was so angry because there is
no reason for God not to heal him. Or is there?
We may remain in our illness or pain for one of two reasons. One
so God can heal us and we praise Him and become witnesses to the fact
that he is a merciful and powerful God. Or two he doesn't heal us
and we still praise him and become instruments for his work.
In whatever condition we are in, He put us here for a specific
purpose. Perhaps it is so we can be an inspiration to someone who
desperately needs it. Maybe it's so we can lead a caregiver to
Christ by our daily actions. God will work through us in whatever
condition he puts us in. Sick or strong, if we yield to God's will,
we will never fail.
Prayer: God, work through me, in whatever condition I am in. If I
am well, send me to the mountaintops. If I am sick, send someone to
me who needs to know your love. Let your light shine through my
life, even when it hurts.

My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is
made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
Pismo Beach, California is our favorite vacation
spot and we were going there on vacation next week.
But now we aren't. It's happened before and it may
likely happen again. We had to cancel because I
wasn't up to the trip. It has been a long winter of
not feeling well and I really wanted to go. There
are times, I feel bad for my husband, that he has
to relinquish things because of me. But he always
takes it in stride and never shows his disappointment.
He knows most things are penciled in.
At one time, it really bothered me that he was on this
roller coaster ride with me. Why did he have to suffer
just because I did? He never complained and was and
still is, very understanding. But I felt bad for him.
One day years back, I must have been grumbling to God,
letting the enemy have his way with self pity. Feeling
like I was a burden....yep, I was really into the thick
of this self pity stuff! It was then I heard that still,
small voice say, "Grace." I thought, "Grace, what's that
have to do with it? We just canceled our vacation plans
again because of me." I learned also that my illnesses
were part of God's plan for my husband's life as well.
What I came to realize was God choose my husband for me,
gave him an extra measure of grace to be understanding,
caring and loving towards me. He knew when He chose my
husband for me, that I would need a man with patience
and compassion and with a personality that doesn't
complain about much.
Not only is God's grace sufficient for me....but it is for
my husband. Only, I think he was given multiplied grace
to be my husband.
So, next week we won't be going to Pismo Beach, the drive
is too far; however we will do some day trips, maybe to a
Southern California beach this time. Just spending time
together will be enough. Grace, how would we survive
without it?
Heavenly Father, help us always to remember that your Grace
is sufficient not only for us who live with the chronic
illness, but those who live with us or care for us. Remember
them Father and give them an added measure of grace and
blessings. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

We are having a clearance sale, while supplies last!
You can see our promotional flyer here:
http://www.restministries.org/mailings/07_399.htm
Or go straight to the books here:
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/cat17_1.htm
Some books include:
--Why? Trusting God When You Don't Understand by Anne Graham Lotz
--How to Handle Adversity by Charles Stanley
--Does God Want Me Well? Bible Study
All your purchases help keep us going.
Please note, if you order 3+ books, we request an additional $3.50
donation to help us cover the postage costs, or else we will go into
debt over this sale :)
Blessings to you!
Lisa Copen
Rest Ministries
Director

Can I Shave My Legs?
"The crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made
smooth. " (Luke 3:5 NIV)
The other day my five year old grandson was playing in the kitchen
while Mommy cooked supper. Looking down at his legs, he
spoke, "Mommy, I'm going to take a shower and wash the hair off of my
legs like you do!" Trying hard not to laugh, Mom replied, "Boys don't
shave their legs like girls do." Still adamant about shaving, he
looked quizzically at the dark brown hair that covered his
shins. "Then why does Job and Zack not have hair like
this?" "Well, "Mom answered, "Job has red hair and Zack has blond
hair. You can't see their hair because it is too light." "Then I
want to change my hair to blond. Can we do that Mommy?" We all know
her answer after that question, don't we. And how many times do we in
our illness know the answer before we ask our Lord a question?
It is very difficult, when I am having pain or difficulty walking, to
not ask the Lord for help. But like my grandson and daughter, there
are times I know that I ask the impossible of our Lord. I usually
know His answer before I ask because only He can guide my life path.
I am usually asking for what I, myself, want.....not for the unknown.
I do not want to hurt or I want to be able to go somewhere and see a
movie or socialize with friends. All those things that make my world
only better for me. Not what the Lord has intended for me.
I have to remember, I was told by a good friend, that I do not always
have to be the caregiver. There has to be receivers "in need" for
people to be able to "give" (By "giving", I mean sharing in helping
one another and letting that light shine through.) Other people can
see the Lord's light through me if I am open and let it reach out.
Letting my pain and illness overcome me at times, does not let the
Lord work through me.
"Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may
live."(Isaiah 55:3) Lord, please touch me today and help me to accept
my illness. Guide me in letting your light shine through me to touch
those around me, even through my deepest pain and human wants.
Oh, by the way, I can really see myself in this five year old
grandson. He did not give up on his idea. Mommy bought him a little
boys toy shaver kit so he could pretend to shave his face......she
opened the bathroon door to see him sitting in the tub with one leg
up on the edge, trying desperately to shave away the unwanted dark
hair on his legs! Imagine that!
About the author: Nancy Carr lives in western Kansas and has had to
retire from teaching elementary music and conducting church choir due
to degenerative disc disease. Though she seems to be "falling apart"
physically more and more each day, she is thankful for all the Lord
has done and the way He touches her daily.

" lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
Matthew 6:13 (NIV)
Prayer* "You deliver me from evil."
When it seemed my whole world was collapsing around and on me, I'd
find myself slipping into periods of self-pity, anxiety, fear,
depression, over reactivity, hopelessness, helplessness, and despair.
The battlefield of my mind would become littered with negative,
unhealthy thinking.
I'd become obsessed, consumed, and possessed with and by these black
thoughts. It'd get to where my thoughts would interfere with my
life, living, and relationships. Thoughts about my circumstances
would become my main focus blocking out everything else. Anything
that is your main focus, becomes your God.
For every thought that you have, there is a corresponding body
response in your chemical, hormone, breathing, muscle balance, etc..
Your thoughts and corresponding body changes make up your emotions.
Thoughts + body manifestation = emotions.
My illness, divorce, and thoughts about them, and my mind/ body
feedback loop were becoming my main focus and GOD, not just my guide
through life. Each would fan the other. I'd be caught in a downward
spiral. I'd find myself desperately breathing, "give me
balance," "don't let me slip and fall," "deliver me from these
thoughts!"
I was breathing "You deliver me from evil!" Over and over, the
children of Israel were delivered from tempting thoughts and fears
on the battlefields of their history. They were tempted to run,
flee, and give up when they logically looked at the odds of the
battles they faced. When they made God their main focus in their
thinking, , they were delivered in every battle no matter how
hopeless things looked!
*Breath Prayer- Take a scriptural promise, turn it into a seven
syllable affirmation give or take a few, in present tense and second
person, and say it on the perfect breath (in to a count of 3 out of a
count to a count of 6) as you breathe out.

"always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,
in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ," (Ephesians 5:20 NIV)
All too often, we think about what we don't have: good
health, more money, a flatter stomach. I find myself
constantly asking God for more, more, more. And while I
believe He wants us to ask for what we need (or think we
need), we should also take the time to thank Him for what
we have. "Everything" like it says in the Scripture. We
are so blessed, aren't we?
As I was lying in bed last night, it suddenly occurred to
me that I felt good. Not great, not perfectbut good. None
of my pains were unbearable, there was no prickling, stinging
sensation in my legs, and-- Hallelujah!-- no headache. My
stomach, while in no way flat, was full and I thanked Him for
always making sure I have enough to eat. I smiled to myself
as I settled back against the pillows and pulled the sheets
up around me. "Thank You, Jesus, for pillows, soft sheets
and a bed. I know some people don't have any of these things."
My dogs plopped down on my legs and the kitten settled into
the curve of the older dog's body. "Thank you, God, for these
sweet animals, who love each other, and me, so much." I
listened to the sounds of my husband in the kitchen, and was
grateful for how much He does for me. I looked up and thanked
my Heavenly Father for the house around me. It may need work,
but it's a house; shelter, and some people don't even have
that. Lastly, I thanked God for my children. "Thank you,
Dear God, for my wonderful children and that they are well
and safe and happy and good." And even though I have been
trying to have another child for years, I know that I am well
blessed to have the children I do have.
Most of us have more than enough. Way more than enough. Let us
give thanks for our bounty all the time. God is so good!
+++++++++++++++++++
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Trish Deitemyer is the mother of 3 children, two Weimaraners and
two cats. She was diagnosed with MS in 1997. She and her husband
live in a suburb of Philadelphia. She runs a HopeKeepers group at
her church.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and
learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy
and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
We have been getting the camper cleaned and packed.
My husband sent me to the store to get some large plastic
containers to use for storing camping gear in the side
compartments of the trailer. He is getting his part of the
packing done by organizing and attempting to lighten the
load of what we need to take with us for a long-awaited
vacation. My job is to pack clothes and other necessities
and also stock cupboards and the refrigerator. It's quite a
chore, packing lightly to save fuel consumption as we travel.
As Christians, each day we are told to "pack lightly" to
save wear and tear on body, mind, and spirit. The LORD
urges us to come to Him whenever we are weary and
heavy laden. If we dwell on our illnesses and pain or
problems within our family, our church, or with friends,
neighbors, co-workers, or any other pressing issue we
face, we throw away our chance for refreshment and we
block thoughts that might bring spiritual enlightenment.
When we become so weighted down with life's problems
by choosing to carry the load alone, we can end up in the
deep, dark whole of despair and depression. God wants
us to seek refreshment by leaving our heavy load with
Him. If we don't do this, , we are robbing ourselves and
the LORD of a chance for restoration and deliverance.
.
But, on the other hand, we can lighten our load as we
seek the LORD while He can be found, as we call upon
Him while He is near. I pray that all of us may be able
to leave our burdens with Him today; and then offer,
with joy and thanksgiving in our hearts, the following
prayer: "Praise be to the LORD, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens," Amen. (Psalm 68:19).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nancy Wilcox lives in
North Carolina with her husband and furry dog Mandy.
She lives with chronic illness and gives glory to God
or whatever she is able to accomplish, as He gives
her His joy, peace and strength for each day.

"Now may the LORD of peace Himself give you
peace at all times and in every way."
(2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV)
It is springtime here in New England. All the
trees are in bloom and the air is fragrant with
all the pollen in the air. Springtime is such
a beautiful season. It reminds me that the
harsh winter months have past and all is fresh
and new. God's mercy is upon us as we are
beckoned to enjoy a beautiful season and rest
in the God's peace.
While taking my dog out for a walk the other day,
we passed tulips popping out of the ground. Alice,
(my dog) stopped walking and took time to place
her nose in the tulips to smell the fragrance they
bring. This was quite a surprise as even my dog took
time to smell the flowers.
While living with chronic illness/pain we often
forget to "take time to smell the flowers". Our pain
or illness takes over and all we can do is cry out
to God for His peace; not realizing that God has
bestowed some of His peace in the air we breathe. All
we need to do is to stop and take notice of it.
"'I have loved you,' says the LORD. But you ask, 'How
have you loved us?'" (Malachi 1:2 NIV) Are you taking
life for granted, or are you basking in God's wonders
He has bestowed on us? Having survived three life
threatening illnesses in my life, I take nothing for
granted. Each day is a gift from God and though I may
complain about my shortness of breath, my weak heart
or other ailments I have; however I am so grateful
God for being alive. I would rather live my life in chronic
illness and pain, knowing Jesus rather than having perfect
health and not knowing Him.
"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with
His Love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
(Zephaniah 3:17 NIV).
May the peace and mercy that only Jesus can bring be
with you always.
God's Blessings.
*********************************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kay DeCarlo, devotional coordinator for Rest Ministries lives
in beautiful Connecticut, New England with her husband Joe and
two sweet fur-children (dogs) Daphne Mae and Alice. Kay also
lives with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, (a form of congestive heart
failure); Type 2 Insulin Dependent Diabetes, Infertility and
Bipolar Disorder. As a survivor of three life threatening
illnesses, including Hodgkin's Disease and Congestive Heart
Failure, Kay has learned to never take the blessings that God
has blessed us with for granted.

"Now may the LORD of peace Himself give you
peace at all times and in every way."
(2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV)
It is springtime here in New England. All the
trees are in bloom and the air is fragrant with
all the pollen in the air. Springtime is such
a beautiful season. It reminds me that the
harsh winter months have past and all is fresh
and new. God's mercy is upon us as we are
beckoned to enjoy a beautiful season and rest
in God's peace.
While taking my dog out for a walk the other day,
we passed tulips popping out of the ground. Alice,
(my dog) stopped walking and took time to place
her nose in the tulips to smell the fragrance they
bring. This was quite a surprise as even my dog took
time to smell the flowers.
While living with chronic illness/pain we often
forget to "take time to smell the flowers". Our pain
or illness takes over and all we can do is cry out
to God for His peace; not realizing that God has
bestowed some of His peace in the air we breathe. All
we need to do is to stop and take notice of it.
"'I have loved you,' says the LORD. But you ask, 'How
have you loved us?'" (Malachi 1:2 NIV) Are you taking
life for granted, or are you basking in God's wonders
He has bestowed on us? Having survived three life
threatening illnesses in my life, I take nothing for
granted. Each day is a gift from God and though I may
complain about my shortness of breath, my weak heart
or other ailments I have; I am so grateful to
God for being alive. I would rather live my life in chronic
illness and pain, knowing Jesus rather than having perfect
health and not knowing Him.
"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with
His Love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
(Zephaniah 3:17 NIV).
May the peace and mercy that only Jesus can bring be
with you always.
God's Blessings.
*********************************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kay DeCarlo, devotional coordinator for Rest Ministries lives
in beautiful Connecticut, New England with her husband Joe and
two sweet fur-children (dogs) Daphne Mae and Alice. Kay also
lives with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, (a form of congestive heart
failure); Type 2 Insulin Dependent Diabetes, Infertility and
Bipolar Disorder. As a survivor of three life threatening
illnesses, including Hodgkin's Disease and Congestive Heart
Failure, Kay has learned to never take the blessings that God
has blessed us with for granted.

"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee
from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You
are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are
there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I
settle on the far side of the sea,even there Your
hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast.
(Psalm 139: 7-10 NIV)
Chronic illness and pain are earthquakes that shake our
very foundation. Our illnesses often cause us to travel
in "foreign lands." Worries keep us up at night; pain
saps our strength and drags down our spirit. I do know
one thing, we don't travel in these "foreign lands"
alone. No matter what road we are traveling - uphill or
down, smooth or rocky, even through an earthquake zone,
the LORD Jesus is beside us every step of the way.
Sometimes we feel His companionship intensely. Other times
we can't see that He is there until we look back and see
what He has been doing. Sometimes we recognize Him in the
faces of doctors and nurses, friends and strangers and
sometimes we encounter Him in the lonely places where only
we can go.
When we suffer Jesus will wrap us in His arms. When our
strength gives out He will carry us. Even when the ground
beneath us seems to shake, He will steady our feet. With
every step we take God prepares us for the next step. No
matter where we travel He will always be in the process
of bringing us home.
If I have learned nothing on this journey I have been on,
I have learned this one thing, Jesus is there. If you are
going to trust anyone in a foreign land, trust Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Father God, Be with us in our travels and
assure us that no matter where we go, we can't get away
from Your love and care. Amen.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her two cats, Liam a
nd Shamrock. Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing,
reading, and volunteering. Denny is the world's biggest Notre
Dame football fan. Denny lives with Chronic Inflammatory
Demylineating Polyneuropathy and cancer and has strong faith
that God will see her through even the most difficult of days.

"Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress,
and He hears my voice" (Psalm 55:17, NIV).
Are you a member of God's AAA? If you are a Christian,
then you already belong to this exclusive group. If
you're not a Christian, consider joining today, as the
benefits are out of this world! If you've never heard
of God's AAA, it means "Abundantly Answered Above." As
members of God's AAA we are privileged, as sons and
daughters of the King, to bring our requests before Him
anytime and know that He hears our cries and will answer.
God's 911 promise, found in Jeremiah 33:3, states, "Call
to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and
unsearchable things you do not know."
There are several passages in Scripture that talk about
prayer and how not to pray. Jesus says that we are not to
pray like the hypocrites did in Jesus' day, standing in
the streets and synagogues in order to be seen by men
(Matthew 6:5). Rather, Jesus says that when we pray, we
should go into a room and shut the door and pray secretly
to our Heavenly Father, and He will reward us (v. 6).
Jesus also instructs us not to use many words and vain
repetitions like the heathen do because our gracious
Heavenly Father already knows what we need before we ask
Him (v. 7).
In Matthew 6:9-14 and Luke 11:2-4, Jesus gives us a model
for how we should pray known as the LORD's prayer. We are
also to claim God's promises when we pray and be persistent
in our prayers. I like to claim the parables of the persistent
friend (Luke 11:5-8) and persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) when
I pray. We should also pray that God's will be done in our
lives each day (Luke 11:2).
Are you discouraged today because of unanswered prayers? I
encourage you to continue bringing your petitions to God,
trusting Him to answer in His time and according to His will.
Whatever the desire of your heart is today, commit it to the
LORD and leave it in His Hands. What a mighty God we serve!
Dear Jesus, help us to persevere in prayer, resting in You
each day.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tammi and her husband, Todd, enjoy gardening, planting
flowers, canoeing and taking walks at nearby parks. Tammi
is often overwhelmed by God's grace and goodness in her life,
both of which are totally undeserved. Take a minute to visit
her website at www.lordhelpmyhusband.com.

"You did not choose Me, but I choose you and appointed
you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last.... "
(John 15:16 NIV)
Sit back for a minute and really feel the weight of
these words. If you call Christ your LORD, He is saying
that God chooses you too! Regardless of what your doctors
says, your bank says, or your scale, God has chosen you!
If the fact that God has chosen you hasn't completely
awed you, there's more: He has appointed you (yes, you!)
to bear fruit! To be honest, at this point there is a
part of me that thinks, "But . . . but, I spend most of
my time in bed sick! The only people I see are Doctors
and . . ." And before the thought is finished a scene
comes to my mind.
At one of my last doctors' appointments there was a dear
older woman who was waiting for her transportation home.
She was in a wheelchair and was all but blind. She was
terribly lonely and we spent about a half hour in quiet
conversation. There were a few things, nothing huge, that
I had done for her, simply because I belong to Jesus.
"Ohh, I get it, LORD." I whispered, "You will still give
me plenty of opportunities to witness and serve. But,
You do the appointing!"
Instead of focusing on the things I can no longer do, I have
tried to keep myself open to where God would have me bear
fruit for Him in the future. It's not always easy, but God
is gracious!
*************************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy Brewster and her husband live on the Oregon coast. She
lives with MS and Diabetes. Her writing goal is found in
Psalm 19:14, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of
my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD my Rock and my
Redeemer."

IF I RULED THE WORLD
"Our God is in Heaven; He does whatever pleases Him"
(Psalm 115:3, NIV).
Wouldn't you love to rule the world for just one day?
Some time ago, my husband and I were discussing a current
event at the dinner table and I proclaimed, "If I ruled
the world, this is the way it would be done!" I
sometimes get frustrated by the many injustices in our
world today and peoples' stupidity, including my own
sometimes. So, if God decided to take a break and I was
able to rule the world for just one day, below are some
of the changes that would occur.
If I ruled the world, people of all nationalities would
truly care about one another; there would be no more
sickness or pain and every illness would have a cure;
husbands would communicate better and surprise their
wives more often; our society would not be so busy and
self serving and people would take more time to fellowship
with one another; gas prices would stay down; spring would
be all year long except for a few snow days; there would
be no more sadness, poverty or hunger in the world and
Jesus Christ would return today.
However, aren't you glad that none of us rule the world,
but God does? We should be very grateful for a God Who
is completely Sovereign (rules over all); omnipotent
(all powerful); immutable (unchanging); omniscient
(all knowing); omnipresent (everywhere at once), and Who
never sleeps (Ps. 121:3-4). God is accomplishing His
perfect plan and purpose through everything that happens
in our world. He is also in control of the minutest
details of our lives. He has every hair of our heads
numbered (Matt. 10:29-31).
Trusting God to lead us safely through the desert of
chronic illness and pain is very difficult at times as
we can experience much fear and anxiety, but we serve a
God Who promises to never leave us nor forsake us
(Heb. 13:5) and to walk with us even through the valley
of the shadow of death (Ps. 23:4). He is worthy of our
complete trust. On second thought, I'm glad that Yahweh
rules the world today!
Dear Jesus, we praise You for Your absolute Sovereignty!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tammi and her husband, Todd, enjoy gardening, planting
flowers, canoeing and taking walks at nearby parks. Tammi
is often overwhelmed by God's grace and goodness in her
life, both of which are totally undeserved. Take a minute
to visit her website at www.lordhelpmyhusband.com.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal
life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23 NIV)
I admit it, I miss being able to golf. Watching it just isn't the
same as playing a round. I used to golf several times a week with co-
worker's and I would compete in amateur competitions. Golf is about
precision and I am a precise person, probably why I enjoyed golf.
In thinking of the passage above, in a personal devotional book I'm
reading entitled, In His Grip which deals with foundations for life
and golf, I came across a devotion this week from Larry Moody, who
serves as chaplain on the Professional Golfers Association (or PGA
tour) and is president of Search Ministries. In many of his public
appearances outside the PGA tour he has often described golf as a
marvelous metaphor for life. He points out that we are never good
enough at golf to satisfy our desire for perfection.
Anyone who has played or watched this sport is aware there are always
strokes we know we could have eliminated. Even in record setting
rounds in major championships, the players often look back and see
where they could've cut some strokes and shot a lower score.
The same is true in life. None of us are so good that we can get to
heaven on our own merits. We are reminded in Scripture that we all
fall short of the glory of God, we have all fallen short of the test
of being without sin. Only Jesus lived life error free. However, none
of us are so bad that we will not be able to spend eternity with our
Heavenly Father because Jesus paid the price for all our sins.
At a World Links Conference several years ago, Larry Moody described
how the letters in the word GOLF could summarize the options
available to each of us. The first option is to leave earth without
knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The acronym for GOLF:
Going Out Lost Forever. On the other hand, the word GOLF can be used
to summarize the promises made available to every one of us through
Jesus: God Offers Love Forgiveness. Isn't this latter acronym a much
better choice than the first?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her two cats, Liam and
Shamrock. Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading,
and volunteering. Denny is the world's biggest Notre Dame football
fan. Denny lives with Chronic Inflammatory Demylineating
Polyneuropathy and cancer and has strong faith that God will see her
through even the most difficult of days.

"The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things
of God...we have the mind of Christ."
(1 Corinthians 2:10-16 NIV)
Yesterday, our ten-month-old Dachshund watched as my
husband worked on a puzzle and I worked on cleaning
up the kitchen. So engrossed in our work (or play),
neither of us stopped to look as we heard a loud
thumping noise. Again the thud sounded and embarrassing,
as it is to admit, neither of us looked to see what the
problem was. I finished my work and turned to leave the
kitchen, coming face to face with my husband. He
glanced over my shoulder and asked, "did you do that?"
I turned to look and could not contain my laughter! Our
little wiener dog wanted to go outside and play. In
order to go outside, she knows we both put our shoes
on first. Under the table, by the backdoor, sits pair
of old slip-on shoes that my husband always wears to
go out with her. She had carried each shoe (which I might
add is the same size as she is) and laid them up against
the backdoor. In between the shoes was her favorite toy
bunny. She was ready to go out and play!
Since each of us was ignoring her, she decided to get
ready by herself. When I finally turned to look, she was
sitting nicely in front of her stash looking at the two
of us. Of course, as with all parents and grandparents,
we knew we had the "prodigy dog"!
That night as I got ready for bed, I wondered how many
times our LORD thinks of us as His prodigy. With our
illnesses, we may not believe enough in ourselves to trust
in Him. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus to do good work's, which God prepared in advance for
us to do."(Ephesians 2:10 NIV). Do we have our shoes ready
when God asks? Are we ready to reach out to those that need
us?
Even though we deal with excruciating pain and days of having
to lie quietly, there is much we can do for God. We need to
be ready and open to His asking. Many times our day may only
consist of talking to someone on the phone or quickly
checking out at a store. We might not see anyone at all.
But, the need is still there. Our Lord is proud of us, no
matter what our circumstance. His Light fills every crevice
of our bodies.
I ask each of us to look inside ourselves today and see what
our Jesus does. Seek His likeness and feel the peace and
happiness that only His Light can bring.
*************************************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR : Nancy Carr lives in western Kansas and has
had to retire from teaching elementary music and conducting
church choir due to degenerative disc disease.

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the
eyes of Him to Whom we must give account"
(Hebrews 4:13 NIV)
Our human condition can lead us to think that our
thoughts are our own. We can be whatever we need to
for whatever the situation calls for. We can seem
strong when we are so weak; we can seem happy when
we are wrecked with pain ; we can appear to have it
all put together when we need to when our lives are
really falling apart.
People see what we allow them to see, but the Father
knows what we don't allow anyone to see. He knows our
soul. He knows the part of us that we don't even know
that well ourselves. He knows what we are going to do
tomorrow before the thought even comes to our mind.
He will hold us accountable for our actions, and for
our inactions.
Only when we become clothed in Christ do our transgressions
become covered. When we live in Christ, even if we
fall, we are covered in the Grace of the Lamb. We no
longer have to be weighed down with our sin, as Christ has
taken it all away for us. He traded his life for mine and
in that life, I live.
Dear Jesus, what would I do without You? Where would I be
if it weren't for your grace and forgiveness? I pray my God
that I never find out. I come to you uncovered and bare so
that You may do Your will through me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marisa Gary lives in Ormond Beach, FL with
her husband Robert, three children and Annie the Dog. Marisa
is a vocalist on the Worship Team and also runs media for
Tomoka Christian Church. Marisa was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia
in 2004 at the age of 32 after spending 20 years with symptoms.

"Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." Matthew 6:8 NIV

When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his
disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we
expect someone else?" Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John
what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those
who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and
the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does
not fall away on account of me." (Matthew 11:2-6 NIV)
Each of us has our own unique situation but we share similar
struggles and challenges. Since we have become chronically ill, we
may no longer have the jobs we once enjoyed. Our favourite hobbies
may sit dusty on the shelf. Many friends may have faded into the
past. Even family relationships can feel distant. Our health is an
ever present concern. Often as we pray, we wonder, does God care?
And if He does care why doesn't He do something?
In the Scripture above, John the Baptist is feeling confused. He
needs some confirmation that he's putting his faith in the right
Man. Perhaps he too is hoping for a miracle to be set free from
prison, or to keep from being beheaded.
Jesus' message back to John is simply: "I am who I say I am". He
indeed is the God of miracles, but there won't be one for John.
Instead He says to him: "Don't fall away on account of me".
What Jesus is saying is Don't fall away because of Me because of
what I do or don't do. Just as Jesus wasn't "coming through" for
John in the way he might have wanted, so too in our situations God's
dealings with us may seem confusing, unfair, or even harsh. He
doesn't bend to our whims or bow to our attempts to cajole Him into
doing what we want.
The truth is, God doesn't cease to be God because He doesn't act in
the way we'd like Him to. He's still the God of miracles, even when
the miracles don't happen for us. He still hears, even when He
remains silent. He's still there even when we don't feel His
presence. We can always trust His ways are right and good. (Rom
8:28)
Miracles may happen to others, and miss you entirely. God may not
give you healing, He may not get your job back, He may not surround
you with understanding friends. But determine this: "I will not
fall away." Besides, where else have we to go? He alone has the
words of eternal life. (Jn 6:67-68)
Although He may not be the God we always wish Him to be, we can
affirm our choice to follow the God we are presented with in His
Word, the good and loving God, the one whose ways as Scripture
assures us are higher than ours. (Is 55:8-9)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carolann Page lives in central Ontario, Canada and suffers from
Cervical Dystonia, a neurological illness causing involuntary muscle
spasms and pain. Every day is a new challenge to trust in God and
discover the benefits of a covenant relationship with Him.

Hi, friends!
Hope you are having a nice holiday weekend.
As I have mentioned before our daily devotionals
are the foundation of our ministry. We'd love to
know how you found out about them so we can
continue to reach more people.
Would you take 30 seconds to fill out our poll
about how you found us?
It will help us so much!
Just go to:

Hi, friends,

I am interested in finding 1-2 volunteers who would be willing to help set up a Shoutlife (www.shoutlife) and MySpace web spot for National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. If you're familiar with either of these web communities and would like to do 90% of what needs done (I can provide text, photos, etc.) email me!

Send it to rest@... - DON'T HIT "REPLY" (so Kay doesn't end up with emails)

If you can put the subject line as either SHOUTLIFE VOLUNTEER or MYSPACE VOLUNTEER that will help a lot!

Please list any experience you've had at these sites and your web link to your "space" at these spots so I can check out your web site.

You would be setting up descriptions, uploading photos, "inviting friends" who have illnesses, etc. These are both places we want to help get the word out about NICIAW.

Thanks tons!

Lisa Copen
Rest Ministries Director
HopeKeepers Magazine Editor

************************************************
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PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
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"Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are
invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' "And he added, "These are
the true words of God."
~ Revelation 19:9 NIV
I received a handwritten letter today. It was four pages of a dear
friend's time, love and heart given as a gift to me. I have to tell
you, I felt honored and privileged to receive such a gesture of care.
Who would have thought that letter writing would become such a rare
thing? I am surprised schools even continue to teach handwriting. The
way life functions now, they might as well put a keyboard in front of
preschoolers and get them started on the path to corporate success!
Working with my Junior High son on his grammar has been a challenge
too.
He says it is no longer important to capitalize proper nouns and
names. "People know what you mean with abbreviations and text
messages." he said. When I heard him speak those words, a nuclear
bomb exploded within my writer's soul!
I then tried to convey the value of good writing skills and how it
makes you come across to authority, teachers, professors and
prospective employers. I pray the light comes on for him one day soon.
That jewel of a letter I received reminded me of another letter I
take for granted: God's Word. Much of it was originally handwritten
letters from one heart to others. From David and Solomon, expressing
their love for Israel to the Apostles encouraging the churches, the
letters are meant to be cherished, memorized, sung, taught and
valued, through which the Holy Spirit changes lives.
For those of us who suffer chronic pain and illness, they provide
immeasurable comfort and hope, strength and courage to continue
persevering onward and upward. Like the Apostle John's writings from
exile as he was shown end times, they lovingly take our faces
and point them in the direction of eternity where Jesus Christ will
reign supreme with the saints and every trace of earthly pain will be
forgotten forever!
About the Author:
Pastor Greg Harvey lives in Kansas City, Kansas and manages chronic
degenerative disc disease with lumbar and cervical degeneration. He
and his wife Dee like to volunteer with their church's small group
ministry. Greg's book, "Finding God Faithful in Turbulent Times" is
available and may be obtained by contacting him at
gaharvey@...

"I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten...and you will
praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for
you." (Joel 2:25-26 NIV)
Have you ever had a time when you felt your life was being pared down
to the bare essentials and perhaps beyond? That's what the experience
of cancer can be like. That's what the past year has felt like for
me. Like one loss after another, the trivial with the large, until I
almost can't even recognize the landscape of my life.
The truth is that none of us gets through this world unmarked. All of
us have troubles, all of us sustain losses we never completely get
over. Things happen, things hurt us, things we love are taken from
us. And sometimes a "stripping season" will take us completely out of
our old life and put us into a new and unfamiliar one. These seasons
change us and we can never be exactly the same person.
The beauty of divine restoration is that God can and does use the
very circumstances of our losses - even our locust-level losses - to
teach us, strengthen us and give our lives new purpose and meaning.
His gifts don't stop merely because our life changes, even when it
changes radically. His love doesn't let up because we are going
through a rough patch or during a time of excruciating sorrow. His
promise to restore and redeem our locust-eaten years holds true, even
though we won't be completely restored or healed until we've finished
with this life and gone on to glory. Even in the midst of
devastation, watching the locusts fly in and rip apart our lives, He
has already started on the process of renewing and teaching us.
I believe God uses the locust years of our lives to a special
advantage. There is something about being stripped down to basics
that helps us get a better sense of who we really are, what is
important and what God wants for us.
Prayer: There is no locust eaten landscape we can walk through that
isn't warmed by the presence of God. He is our comfort and our
counsel. Allow Him to guide, inspire and teach us. Amen.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her two cats, Liam and
Shamrock. Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading,
and volunteering. Denny is the world's biggest Notre Dame football
fan. Denny lives with Chronic Inflammatory Demylineating
Polyneuropathy and cancer and has strong faith that God will see her
through even the most difficult of days.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will
rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of
the LORD, "He is my refuge and fortress, my God, in
whom I trust." Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
In the past 5 months my health has declined and I
have experienced some new symptoms that I have not
dealt with before. For example; I don't make saliva
nor tears anymore. So, sometimes I have a hard time
swallowing, and I choke easily. That is a scary
experience!
But, by far, the scariest new problem has been the
Neuropathy in my feet. I flunked every nerve test on
my feet and many with my hands. I drop things, trip
easily and the pain and fatigue is, at times, overwhelming.
After all of the tests were in, at my recent checkup; my
Dr. said that I was in a much worse place than I was
just 10 months ago! I have had Fibromyalgia for 18 years
and other illnesses have crept in over time. It has been
easy during that time to try to deny my illnesses, and
even push myself to live almost normally. Apparently I
cannot do that anymore. My Dr. even mentioned that a
wheelchair would be a good idea for times when I need to
be out longer than I can stand up comfortably.
I have always been a busy person, now I need to lay down
often. I have become someone that I don't recognize
sometimes. To look at me you would see a middle aged
woman often in bed or in the recliner chair. My pain
and fatigue are almost constant. I always need to measure
out my strength against the cost of what I need to do. I
can go to church, for example, but then I need a nap. There
is always a trade off. I can care for my family but not
much more now.
I have clung to Psalm 91 and I read it over and over. "He
will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you
will find refuge." Those of us with chronic illnesses have
times where we enter new phases of life with our illness;
an unknown territory can be frightening. But God is always
with us and if we hold still we can find refuge under His
wings and in His care. We do not need to carry this alone,
ever.
About the Author: Sandra Platt is a busy Ministers wife and
mother of two almost grown kids. She lives in Southern
Indiana with her family and two spoiled "kitties." She likes
to cross stitch, read, and enjoy the friendships she has made
with Rest Ministries. She has had Fibromyalgia for 18+ years.

"Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because
of Your unfailing love." (Psalm 6:4 NIV)
How are you doing beloved? Are you clinging to the
promise of God's unfailing love, or are you
struggling to just keep hope alive in your heart?
We, who live with chronic illness and/or pain know
just how difficult it is to keep the promise of
God's unfailing love alive in our hearts. If our
illness is invisible, it can be even more difficult.
Last year, while vacationing, we went grocery shopping.
Having a heart condition, I have a permanent lifetime
placard to park in the handicapped section of the
parking lot. When we parked and went into the grocery
store to shop a woman was walking by, she took one look
at my husband and myself and gave us both dirty looks.
Boy, was my husband upset. He wanted to take the placard
off the car and follow her and say, "See, it's legal, we
really do have a chronic illness here!" Have you ever
felt that way? Do you feel that way now? When others do
not understand what you are going through, remember to
keep hope in your heart and rest in the abiding Love of
Jesus.
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you I have summoned you
by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters
I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the
fire, you will not be burned the flames will not set you
ablaze. For I am the Holy One of Israel, your Savior"
(Isaiah 43:1-3 NIV)
Place your faith in the abiding Hope of Jesus and in God's
wonderful mercy and know that you are loved.
May God's blessing be upon you now and forever.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kay DeCarlo, devotional coordinator for Rest Ministries lives
in beautiful New England with her husband Joe and two sweet
dog fur-children. As a survivor of Hodgkin's Disease and
Congestive Heart Failure, Kay has never lost sight of God,
even in the valleys of her life. Kay lives with Dilated
Cardiomyopathy, (a form of Congestive Heart Failure), Type 2,
insulin dependent, Diabetes, Bipolar Disorder and Post-Truamatic
Stress.

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not
without effect," (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV)
I spent many, many years thinking I needed to be better. I needed to
be skinnier, prettier, smarter, more refined, and of course,
healthier. These are the things that everyone strives for. I was
not OK with who or what I was. I was "broken" and needed to get
fixed. For a very long time, my illness was unacceptable. I told
very few people I was sick at all, lest they not trust me to do
something or think I was less of a person because of the overwhelming
fatigue that I usually experience. I would push through the
exhaustion to get a task completed, just so I could say that I did it.
I realize though, that I am what I am. That may sound too
simplistic, but it is the truth. This is the way I was made, this is
who I am. My illness, while it does not define me, it refines me;
not like a shiny jewel, but like a worn, used jar of clay. I will
never be a marathon runner, I will never compete in the Olympics, I
will never be a firefighter, policeman or doctor. I am OK with these
limitations. I am a Christian. I follow my Lord wherever he leads
me and that is enough for me.
Holy Lord, you made me, use me as I am for your will. I am here, I
am ready and I am waiting to glorify you in any way you see fit.
Marisa Gary
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marisa Gary lives in Ormond Beach, FL with her
husband Robert, three children and Annie the Dog. Marisa is a
vocalist on the Worship Team and also runs media for Tomoka Christian
Church. Marisa was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2004 at the age of
32 after spending 20 years with symptoms.

"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven
our debtors" Matthew 6:12 (NIV).
Relationships were one of my biggest hurdles in
adapting to both illness and divorce process.
Anything different about you, may make you
threatening to people. People may seem
uncomfortable around you, especially, if you are
uncomfortable with yourself. To acknowledge what is
happening to you raises the possibility it could
happen to them.
With the diagnosis of my illness, one entire support
system fell away. As divorce swept through my life,
another whole system went down the drain. I'd find
myself caught in obsessional thoughts of judgment,
anger, blame, bitterness, resentment, vindictiveness
and retaliation. The pull-away was definitely, a two
way street.
I can't help what thoughts come into my mind. I can
help what I do with thoughts and what they stir up in
my body. I need to process, understand, make sense of,
experience, listen to, use them as a guide, and release
them. I attract unhealthy consequences in my body when
I focus on and make those thoughts my GOD.
Slowly, I learned to break the chain reaction of
thoughts that begin with judging, by assuming
responsibility for myself and breathing "You forgive
me a sinner!" I do play a part in all of this. I am
not a victim, but a participant. I choose what I
focus on. I needed to do this with my vanishing
support communities.
Breathing "You forgive me a sinner" over and over
sets me free miraculously and instantly from the
chains of judging myself against others or others
against myself. This works also when the chaining
thoughts are fear, confusion, doubt or when any
thought or feeling becomes my main focal thought or God
instead of the LORD Almighty, Himself.
*Breath Prayer- Take a scriptural promise, turn it into
a seven syllable affirmation giveor take a few, in present
tense and second person, and say it on the perfect breath
(in to a count of 3 out of a count to a count of 6) as you
breathe out.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathleen S. Lewis, RN, MS, LPC, CMP: has lived with many
rheumatic diseases for 29 years; is the author of CELEBRATE
LIFE NEW ATTITUDES FOR LIVING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS and
PRAYER WITHOUT CEASING BREATH PRAYERS; runs a counseling
ministry, Celebrate Life, by phone; is a Stephen minister;
has 2 sons and 3 magical grandchildren; resides in Marietta,
GA with LB, the best Peek-a-Poo ever; and knows "In my
weakness is Your strength." Check out and meet me for a chat
at http://www.letscelebratelife.com.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength, of my heart
and my portion forever." ~ Psalm 73:26 NIV
After watching the recent nature documentary "Planet Earth" and
seeing up close how the animal kingdom deals with the sick and
infirmed, I am so thankful to be an American Christian human being
with a God-breathed soul! It is startling to think about but if I was
an animal, I would be lunch for strong and healthy predators; the
very first to be picked off from the crowd!
It may be hard to believe but there was a time when ministering to
hurting people was a rare thing. Even in Bible times, disabled people
were the rejects of society, forced to beg to survive and depend on
the kindness of strangers for sustenance. For years, many illnesses
remained misunderstood and hurting people were forced into asylums
and institutions because society didn't know what to do with them!
But, because of Jesus Christ and His influence on the world, things
began to change. The church started hospitals and people began to
reach out to the suffering and offer assistance and compassion.
Though American medicine and the insurance industry have their
faults, families now have resources available to help loved ones and
there is finally hope. Now we have active ministries like Rest
Ministries that, not only aid with physical illness, they reach out
to the whole mental, spiritual and emotional person!
Just imagine if Jesus had not come to earth. What would life be like
today for those of us who live with chronic pain? I shudder to think.
I bow my head and heart and thank God that He is my strength and has
provided caring doctors and helpers who can make my life better. My
body may continue to fail but my hope in Christ and the care I can
receive makes life, even with debilitating pain, not only worth
living, but worth celebrating!

"Jesus wept." (John 11:35 NIV)
Our LORD Jesus had just arrived in Bethany after the
death of His friend Lazarus.
It always pains me to think about His suffering on
the cross. It also hurts to know He was in enough (human)
emotional pain to weep. But that's also good news!
He knows how we feel!
Jesus wept over His dead friend but also when He saw the
painful state Lazarus' sister and friends were in. John 11:33
states, "When Jesus saw her [Mary] weeping, and the Jews
who had come along with her also weeping, He was deeply
moved in spirit and troubled." (NIV)
Jesus loves you. Whatever chronic illness has befallen you,
He weeps for you because you are also weeping. Chronic
physical pain produces emotional pain. Jesus knows what
emotional pain is like. We may not understand this side of
Heaven, why we are ill but we do know He understands what we
are going through, and He weeps with us.
Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for weeping
with us. You are the best friend we could have. Amen

"Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You
have crushed rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure
heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within
me. Do not cast me from your presence or take Your
Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your
salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain
me." (Psalm 51: 8-12 NIV)
I have to be honest with you, I don't like being ill.
The symptoms are frightening, annoying and sometimes
excruciating. The treatment is no fun at all. The side
effects and related syndromes, I could happily live
without. I am not wild about how disease has taken over
and rearranged my life. The truth is, there isn't
anything inherently uplifting about a life destroying
disease or a painful course of treatment, and given a
choice I would gladly avoid both. So, if you ask me
whether my illness has been a joyful or comforting
experience, I'd have to say, "No."
Because of what God has done and is doing in the world
and in my life, I can take comfort. Because He will have
the last word, it is possible for me to rejoice - not
because of my suffering, but in the midst of it. Because
He is always present in my life, I can rejoice in my
suffering because I know God is working through it to
strengthen me and build my character.
Rejoicing is sometimes a big challenge and comfort is
sometimes hard to find. I struggle with both of them
sometimes but I try and keep my focus on the big picture
by keeping in mind what God is doing in my life. I had
two people this week tell me that I am an inspiration and
it is a privilege to know me. I can't tell you how
uncomfortable those comments made me until I put them in
the larger context. God was working through me to bring
comfort to another. He was working through me when words
I said brought strength to another.
Prayer: Dear LORD Jesus, let us keep our focus on the big
picture and allow You to work through us. Help us to
rejoice and find comfort in the knowledge that you are
working behind the scenes for our greater good. Amen.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her two cats, Liam
and Shamrock. Denny is a social worker and she enjoys
writing, reading, and volunteering. Denny is the world's
biggest Notre Dame football fan. Denny lives with Chronic
Inflammatory Demylineating Polyneuropathy and cancer and
has strong faith that God will see her through even the
most difficult of days.

Hi, friends!

I am getting ready to go to The International Christian Retail Show the beginning of July and am putting together a great list of books for the chronically ill that bookstore owners may want to pull off their shelves and feature during that week. We will have small posters for them and I am working on a tract too. I'd love your input about a particular Christian book that was excellent for someone living with a chronic illness (or caregiver). It should be a book that is currently available to order (you can see at Amazon.com if it's still in print).

I'm looking for current/new books as well as classics, and some that bookstores may already carry but not think to pull out for a chronic illness-themed display.

Send your input to rest@... with the subject line BOOK RECOMMENDATION

Thanks in advance!

On a personal note, I am barely keeping up and my son is hollering for me now. I'm wiped out, have pulled 3 all nighters this week (meaning I go to bed when the birds start chirping and the sun comes up, and sleep about 5 a.m. to 8 or so.) A lot of stuff needs done immediately to be ready for both ICRS show and II Week in time (printing, etc takes time, so I need to get stuff in now.) I'm flaring (big surprise) and my son and husband are both sick (which I why I am working at night, because Josh is home 24/7 and feels good enough to want to play but can't go play with other kids yet).

I've got the sore throat, etc. but have been downing vitamin drinks for energy and the vitamins, so, so far, am not too sick.

With the ministry, I've been having email ISSUES in getting the May ezine out to you - very frustrating plowing through all the red tape and a barrier at every end. Expect it soon, but pray for it too! ISPs are cracking down SO MUCH that even legit email is HARD to get through.

The new Invisible Illness Week logo is done and I think you'll like it. I just got it this a.m. so products will start being available in about 2 weeks. Put Sept 10-16 on your calendar!

Lastly, we've started a MySpace web site for Invisible Illness Week. I know... MySpace has some awful stuff, but a lot of people use it to discuss their health issues and also their faith. In just 3 days we've over 120 "friends." You can check it out at http://www.myspace.com/invisibleillnessweek Be sure to invite your friends or anyone. Last month, just 2 people put blurbs about Rest Ministries on their MySpace sites and over 1000 people came straight over to Rest Ministries, so we think we need to be represented there, even if we have to weed out anything questionable.

BLESS YOU and thanks for allllll the prayers! I need them!

On the other hand, I can see what God is doing and that He has BIG plans for us to GROW! Attending ICRS and having 2 book signings will be GREAT exposure for Rest Ministries! Maybe someday we'll be like MOPS and all those other ministries where the publishers come to us to provide books for them (we can dream, right?)

Lisa Copen
Rest Ministries, Director
HopeKeepers Magazine, Editor

National Invisible Chronic
Illness Awareness Week
Founder & Coordinator

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==

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http://www.hopekeepersmagazine.com
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
Toll-free 888-751-7378
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National Invisible Chronic Illness
Awareness Week - Sept 10-17, 2007

2007 planning is starting!

Sign up with our ezine above
to get updated info

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything in accordance to his will,
Ge hears us. And, if we know that he hears us
whatever we ask we know that we have what we asked
of Him," (1 John 5:14-15 NIV)
Last year, I attended a prayer seminar. I knew I
needed help with praying, sometimes I struggle talking
to God. I had no idea how they were going to fill an
entire day with nothing but classes about praying.
This huge man, he had to be almost 7 feet tall, stepped
up onto the stage and began talking about the boldness
of prayer and how if we ask anything that is in
accordance with God's will, He hears us and it will be
answered. He told us to pray as if it is already yours.
Boldness in prayer; I had never thought of it that way.
From that moment on, my prayer life was never the same.
I had a fire in the words I spoke that had never been
there before. If you think about that verse, it makes
sense. If we live in the shadow of Christ and start
behaving like Him, then when we go to the thrown to ask
for something, our hearts are right, so we ask for what
we know is ours to be given, and what our Father wants
to give us.
Heavenly Father, allow me to be bold in my prayers so
long as my prayers are in accordance with Your will. I
approach you as my Father, and I trust that you will
delight in the boldness I have for Your name.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marisa Gary lives in Ormond Beach, FL
with her husband Robert, three children and Annie the Dog.
Marisa is a vocalist on the Worship Team and also runs
media for Tomoka Christian Church. Marisa was diagnosed
with Fibromyalgia in 2004 at the age of 32 after spending
20 years with symptoms.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in
weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my
weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for
Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in
persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am
strong." (2 Cor. 12:9,10 NIV)
I am sure that you have gotten the Friendship Surveys that come in
your e-mail. They are very interesting and tell you important things
about your friends that you may not have known before. I have
received a lot of these surveys in the last 10 years and have
filled them out for many.
Recently I filled one out and sent it to some of my most precious
friends. I have to say as they slowly came back in to me with their
answers that I shed a few tears as I read their open responses. I
have found that my dear friends are just as vulnerable as I am.
Many times we think that our strengths and emotions and even our low
areas of our lives are isolated only to ourselves and to our
weaknesses. We are all vulnerable and weak at certain times and
about certain things. We all have weaknesses that we try to cover to
others and even to ourselves. I know I do.
The important thing is that as children of God we know that all our
hurts and weaknesses are made perfect in Jesus our Lord and Saviour.
He takes our physical and emotional pain and makes it right. He felt
all we feel and even more as He walked this earth as the Son of God.
He loves us all so much and knows exactly what we are feeling.
Let us take our pain and weaknesses to our best friend... Jesus
Christ our Lord and Saviour. He cares for us.
~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Dittert (Aka Pastor Nancie-rose) lives in a berm home in Rural
Central Iowa with her husband & soulmate Patrick, 2 spoiled
kitty'sand a Lab/Sharpei dog. Nancy & Patrick are both pastors,
retiring early because of illness. Nancy lives with Severe
Fibromyalgia and Neuropathy, and her husband had a brain tumor that
left him disabled. They are still actively involved in Intenet Prayer
Group, a Home Fellowship and Chronic Pain Support Ministry through
the Internet Write Nancy at nancierose@... and visit her
Chronic Pain Web Site at:
http://Fibromyalgiahelp.homestead.com/index.html

"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it."
(Genesis 28:16 NIV)
Jacob has just awakened from his dream about angels "ascending
and descending" the ladder from earth to heaven. The dream
made him aware that God is right here, even though he
couldn't see Him.
When I am in a flare, when I am cranky, when I am depressed,
when I can't get out of bed, when I hurt so much all I can
do is watch the clock, waiting for the minutes to tick by
so the day will be over, God is here. God is here, and so
are His angels, "ascending and descending" the ladder
between earth and heaven.
When I am that sick, I am usually only dimly aware that God
is here. Or, like Jacob, I am not aware at all. But He is
here, in the midst of our bad days of pain. OK, we don't
see Him, we don't see His angels ministering. But that
doesn't mean God and the angels aren't here.
There is much going on that we do not see. But because we
do not see it does not mean we cannot be aware.So I close
my eyes and try to imagine Jacob's dream. It must have
been so intense the emotion of it stayed with him a long
time. I rest and think about what he saw in the dream. I
can begin to feel what he felt upon awakening --- God's
presence. Feeling the presence of God is a comfort beyond
measure. For "surely the Lord is in this place." Wherever
your place is today, be assured that God is there too.
Father God, reassure us that You are in this place with
us; that Your world is active all around us. Help us be
aware. Amen.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great
cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that
hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us
run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
(Hebrews 12:1 NIV)
I've never been an athlete myself, but greatly admire
those who put all their strength into sporting competition.
As I read the above verse, a picture came to mind of
cyclists competing in a mountain bike race over very
rough terrain. Their race, carefully marked out, seems to
be extremely taxing -- so difficult that sometimes they
have to get off their bikes and walk with them. They
push themselves to cycle on a narrow track up rough
steep hills and down through sharp bumpy turns with
little room to overtake, all the while trying to stay on the
bike and not fall off! As the race proceeds and they
begin to tire, it seems like an endless struggle, but just
when you think they won't be able to continue they get a
fresh breath of wind, digging deep into their reserves of
strength for another burst of speed. All the while they're
cheered on by a crowd of spectators.
Sometimes our lives seem to be as difficult, struggling to
negotiate the steep bumpy ups and downs of our journey
through life. We can be sailing along on level ground
when we suddenly find ourselves in the rough because of
one crisis or another, and it's a battle to hold on and not
fall off. If this becomes prolonged, our physical, mental,
emotional and spiritual strength quickly dissipates until
we feel like giving up. This is when we need to call on
the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to help us. In Isaiah
40:29 we read, "He gives strength to the weary and
increases the power of the weak ". No matter what we're
going through, He has promised to support us, and just
when we feel we can take no more will give us that fresh
breath of wind we so badly need to go on and finish the
race to the applause of our cheering witnesses.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice McLaren is a mother and grandmother
who lives by herself in the beautiful South
Island of New Zealand, where she has lived
with severe chronic illness for many years.

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is
God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
(1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)
I waited for what seemed like hours for the officer
to come. This was the 2nd time in 1 year I had
been rear-ended. Another doctor visit, more pain,
and stress of the insurance companies could not
escape my thoughts. The woman who hit me announced
she was not hurt, my bumper looked fine and I
LOOKED fine so there was no need to call the police.
Looking at the line oftraffic piling up behind us, I
started to agree with her but after inspecting my
dented bumper which she failed to see, as she failed
to see my tail lights, I called the police.
Why was she so uncaring? Did she not know I was in
pain 24/7 and this impact would make it worse? I felt
so discouraged and then I remembered the verse
about giving thanks in all circumstances. God did not
want me to give thanksfor my accident but in the midst
of it. This brings peace. The LORD God may have spared
me from a worse accident or just wanted to remind me
to wear my seat belt even though it hurts my shoulders
and back to put it on. I had it on this time. Maybe He
wanted me to see it is not all about ME.
Do you beg Him for a day of relief from pain or just a
good night's rest? Doyou wrestle with self serving
thoughts like, "why me?" My friends, God loves you. He
knows your physical pain, and when you feel like you
can'twin for losing. He is with you today. "And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will
guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:7 NIV) He gives us peace in our darkest
hour.Lean upon the ever-lasting arms of Jesus.
From the words of an old beloved hymn:
"There is a balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole;
there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit, revives my soul again."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kendra Williamson from Arkansas. She lives with fibromyalgia.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death
or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed
away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything
new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy
and true." (Rev. 21:4 & 5 NIV)
Walking this earth is not always easy, especially for those of us
that suffer daily with chronic pain. We have our up days and we have
our down days. Sometimes we question God as to why we go through the
bad days.
As leader of a Chronic Pain Support Ministry my heart goes out when
my members come to me or to the Group and tell heart wrenching
stories of how some well meaning person has expressed to them that
their faith is not strong enough or they would be healed, or if they
did this or that, then their healing would come. Their hearts become
broken and their spirit feels torn as they question their own
integrity as a Christian.
What a sad thing for a person that is already hurting to have to hear
this from someone that doesn't have a clue. This is not in God's
perfect plan for us.
We do not live in a perfect world so we will never have perfect
bodies until we reach that beautiful place prepared for all God's
children in Heaven. How wonderful that will be... no crying, no pain,
no hurt for all eternity.
When I think of Earth... I think of it as a "Proving Ground", a place
where we can make that choice of what we are going to do with our
lives down here to prepare us for that precious eternal place when we
go to live with God.
How will we handle adversity down here? Take heart and press on my
friends. Hold on for your God will always see you though.
Prayer: Father God help us to not allow adversity to bog us down.
Help us to remain true to your faithfulness to us knowing that you
have prepared a Heavenly place for us, where all will be perfect and
lovely.
~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Dittert (Aka Pastor Nancie-rose) lives in a berm home in Rural
Central Iowa with her husband & soulmate Patrick, 2 spoiled kitty's
and a Lab/Sharpei dog. Nancy & Patrick are both pastors, retiring
early because of illness. Nancy lives with Severe Fibromyalgia and
Neuropathy, and her husband had a brain tumor that left him disabled.
They are still actively involved in Internet Prayer Group, a Home
Fellowship and Chronic Pain Support Ministry through the Internet .
Write Nancy at nancierose@... and visit her Chronic Pain Web Site
at: http://Fibromyalgiahelp.homestead.com/index.html

"Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help,
and he will say: Here am I. (Isaiah 58:9 NIV)
Sometimes I get so wrapped up in what is going on around me, and
without me that it feels like my world is caving in. There are days
I am very angry either because of something I physically cannot do,
or worse, because others are doing something that I want to do.
Those are the times when I want to scream and cry at the top of my
lungs and ask, "WHY?" I usually realize thought that those are the
times I have tried to go alone, without God. I always find out the
hard way that when I try to go it alone, I always fail.
I need God in my life, whether I am happy with the hand life has
dealt me or not. A friend once said, "My God is big enough to handle
my temper tantrums." I believe that. If God made all that we see
with just a thought. If he literally breathed us into existence, why
is it so hard to believe that he can't handle my puny little temper
tantrum. I come to Him, I cry out to Him and He says "Here I am, my
child."
Lately, I tell God just how I feel, and it's OK, He can handle it.
He'll be there, like a good friend, to pick up the pieces of my life
when I am done and He'll help put them back together. My God is that
good.
Dear Lord, you know me, you know my heart. Allow me the confidence
to come before you with my words of pain and anguish and help me see
through to the other side. Be with me through my time of need and
let me see your glory even in the painful times.
Marisa Gary
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marisa Gary lives in Ormond Beach, FL with her
husband Robert, three children and Annie the Dog. Marisa is a
vocalist on the Worship Team and also runs media for Tomoka Christian
Church. Marisa was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2004 at the age of
32 after spending 20 years with symptoms.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads
me beside quiet waters" (Psalm 23:2, NIV)
Remember the song the Eagles released in 1976, on
their Hotel California album, titled "Life in the
Fast Lane?" It goes, "Life in the fast lane,
slowly make you lose your mind, life in the fast
lane." For many of us with chronic illnesses and/or
pain, life has slowed way down. We can no longer
live life in the fast lane and sometimes we feel
like we aren't living life at all because we are so
limited. Although as the saying goes, "we ain't what
we used to be", we can still find peace, contentment
and joy in our present circumstances. We have definite
blessings that people who are always busy don't get
to experience. I have the joy each morning of being
able to journal, pray and spend quiet time with the
God of the universe. My mornings are usually filled
with quiet and solitude, and I can be still and listen
to God (Psalm 46:10). Many don't have this privilege.
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon analyzes man's daily pursuits
of work and pleasure and calls them "vanity of vanities,
all is vanity" (v. 1). The Hebrew word for vanity means
"breath" or "mist", signifying that because death comes
to all mortal men, their labor to build earthly cultures
is useless. When they die, their works are forgotten.
Solomon even says that everything pleasurable in this
life is vanity (Eccl. 2:10-11). Jesus said, "What does
it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet loses
his soul?" (Mark 8:36). On the other hand, we have the
assurance that God's work is never in vain.
(John 6:27-29; I Cor. 15:58).
Even many believers' lives are characterized by work,
busyness and pleasure. God can be forgotten. Worldly
pursuits will never completely satisfy. The most
important thing we can attain in this life is a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. Through CFS, God took
me out of the fast lane of life to sit at His feet. What
could be more important than that?
Dear Jesus, thank You for putting us in the slow lane of
life, that we might spend more time with You!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tammi and her husband, Todd, recently a
dopted a new member to their family, a miniature dachsund
named Mini, who is almost ten months old. Tammi really
enjoys the company that Mini provides during the day and
laughing at her playful antics. Take a minute to visit
her website at www.lordhelpmyhusband.com

Jesus answered, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one
comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6, NIV).
Today is Father's Day, and many may think of their father as
their "hero". What a wonderf