Online Blog

"Two are better than one, because they have good
return for their work: If one falls down; his
friend can help him up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV).
Prior to being diagnosed with several chronic
illnesses, my life was a happy and joyous occasion.
I was attending college and preparing for a very
exciting future. Two weeks before graduation I
collapsed. Two years later I was diagnosed with
chronic illnesses that have altered my life and my
future dramatically.
Five years I walked by myself carrying the heavy
load of chronic illness. People whom I had thought
were my friends kind of wandered off a long the way.
There were times I became so lonely, weary and
depressed that I wanted to give up. But God, being
the gracious God that He is, He never gave up on me
nor let me give up on myself.
For years I had been praying God would send me
friends; friends who would give me permission to be
angry, frustrated and confused without judging me.
For many reasons, I despaired of this prayer being
answered. A few months ago, in my search for Bible
studies for the chronically ill, I came across the
name "HopeKeepers" which then led me to Rest
Ministries. Praise the LORD, my prayer had been
answered. God had led me to a friend.
Rest Ministries has been the friend who has come
alongside me and helped me accept my illness. They
have been the friends who have given me permission
to be chronically ill without feeling shame nor
humiliation. Several authors for Rest Ministries'
daily devotions have given me the inspiration needed
to reinvent my dreams for the future. Articles found
on Rest Ministries' website have inspired me and
encouraged me to move forward in my life. As usual,
God heard my cries for help and brought many caring
and compassionate friends to help me on my journey.
Prayer: Thank you Father for leading me to these
very special "friends" who have spoken truth into my
life and given me the encouragement and hope I needed
to start living again.
***********************************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Janet Brill and her wonderful husband live
in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado with their two
cats, Kissie and Kallie.
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----parting words----
C.A.R.E. CONNECTION:
http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.html
Mondays 5 pm Pacific/7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Liz
Tuesdays 9 am Pacific/11 am Central/12 noon Eastern
Chat Host is Pamela
Tuesdays 5 pm Pacific/7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Donna
Wednesdays 5 pm Pacific/7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Carol
Thursdays 8 pm Pacific/10 pm Central/11 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Jeanette
Fridays 5 pm Pacific/7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Jean
Saturdays 6 pm Pacific/8 pm Central/9 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Jessyca

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him"
(Psalm 37:7 NIV)
It's very hard sometimes for me to be patient! Impatience
is one of my biggest sins and I confess it to Christ
almost daily (I John 1:9 NIV). Unfortunately, we live in
such a fast paced, rushed culture that as Americans, we
hate to wait. We want it now! Instant gratification. So,
when I begin to feel hurried, anxious or impatient I like
to remember Psalm 37:7. This verse quiets my heart and
reminds me to be still and wait on the LORD to act on my
behalf. It also helps me to remember that my Sovereign
Heavenly Father is never in a hurry. He is in complete
control over every minute detail that occurs in the world
and in our lives daily. Why rush when You're God?
There are many examples in Scripture of God's children who
were taught patience. One that comes quickly to mind is
the story of Hannah. Hannah desperately wanted a child, but
God had closed her womb (I Samuel 1:5). Peninnah, her
husband Elkanah's other wife, had many sons and daughters
and she provoked Hannah severely so that Hannah wept and
did not eat (I Sam. 1:6-7). Finally, God had mercy on Hannah
and granted her request for a child and she bore Samuel,
whom she dedicated to God (I Sam. 1:27-28). Samuel later
became one of the greatest prophets in Israel. The
Israelites also were taught much patience when they were
held captive as slaves by the Egyptians for four hundred years
before God sent Moses to rescue them (Exodus 3:10).
Do you also find it difficult to be patient in your current
circumstances? If you are like me, you want to be well now.
We need to ask God to help us rest in Him and wait patiently
for Him, as Psalm 37:7 says. God will work everything out
for our good and His glory in His perfect time (Romans 8:28).
Only when we abide in Christ will we find true purpose and peace.
Dear Jesus: Help us today to rest in You and be willing to
patiently wait upon Your plan for our lives to unfold. Grant us
Your grace to do this. Amen.
********************************************************************
BOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tammi Rhoney and her husband, Todd, live in beautiful North Carolina
with their two dogs, Francy and Jacob. They have been married ten
years, and hope to adopt in the future. When able, Tammi enjoys
writing, sewing, reading, decorating, cooking and traveling. She
also enjoys reading God's Word and spending time with Him. Take a
minute to visit her website at www.lordhelpmyhusband.com.
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*
----PARTING WORDS----
C.A.R.E. CONNECTION:
Mondays 5 pm Pacific/7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Liz
Tuesdays 9 am Pacific/11 am Central/12 noon Eastern
Chat Host is Pamela
Tuesdays 5 pm Pacific/7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Donna
Wednesdays 5 pm Pacific/7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Carol
Thursdays 8 pm Pacific/10 pm Central/11 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Jeanette
Fridays 5 pm Pacific/7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Jean
Saturdays 6 pm Pacific/8 pm Central/9 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Jessyca

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have
no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she
may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved
you on the palms of My hands." Isaiah 49:15,16 (NIV)
When I was an older child I had a special friend whom I
played and spent long hours with. We would share our
favorite things with each other and even had a special
place where we would go and hang out with each other
the booth in the back of the soda shop. There we would
be tucked away from the world, and not touched by any
concerns we had like homework assignments or clichés at
school. When we didn't want anyone to see a message that
we shared with each other, we would write it on each
other's hands. We wouldn't even wash our hands for dinner
for we didn't want to forget the message that we had
written there.
I am so comforted to know that God goes farther then just
writing me, on His hand He engraves me there! That means
it's permanent. Would pain wash it away? No! Would daily
concerns? No! Would difficulties? No! Would hardship? No!
Nothing would take it off. Oh, praise the LORD, He does
not forget me.

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no
grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails
and fields produce no food, though there are no
sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet
I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in
God my Savior." (Hab. 3:17-18 NIV
All I could think was, "Not today,please.... ." I
woke up with the migraine that had started the night
before. It was the kind of headache that had me
dry-heaving and in tears most of the night.
The reason I was so upset is that it was Sunday. In
addition to missing church (again), my daughter was
supposed to sing a solo during the service. Earlier
in the week she had confessed that she was having a
bit of trouble getting through the song. "Is it a
stretch vocally?" I asked. She smiled shyly. "No.
I can't seem to get through the second verse without
crying." Needless to say, I wanted to be there.
As I sat in bed Sunday morning, wondering how I was
going to be able to go, my husband looked at me in
concern. "Lay back down, you're not going." He got
up, "I'll go call Melissa and then the Pastor and
ask him to tape the service." (They are not usually
taped.) I was in too much pain to argue and lay my
head back on the pillow, as tears ran down my cheeks.
After church, my daughter dropped by with the tape.
When I listened to it later, I was touched. Melissa
sounded better than she ever had and not only that,
my cousin (by marriage) shared her testimony. God
seemed to whisper, "And you have a tape of it!"
Just as there was a purpose for the temporary pain,
I am more firmly assured that there is a purpose for
all our illnesses. We may not know why, this side of
heaven, but God is using the difficult circumstances
of our lives, maybe to mold us, maybe as a witness
to others. How comforting to know that Jesus is in
control and that He loves us so much!
*************************************************************
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."
**************************************************************
----parting words----
C.A.R.E. CONNECTION:
Mondays 5 pm Pacific/7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Liz
Tuesdays 9 am Pacific/11 am Central/12 noon Eastern
Chat Host is Pamela
Tuesdays 5 pm Pacific/7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Donna
Wednesdays 5 pm Pacific/7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Carol
Thursdays 8 pm Pacific/10 pm Central/11 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Jeanette
Fridays 5 pm Pacific/7 pm Central/8 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Jean
Saturdays 6 pm Pacific/8 pm Central/9 pm Eastern
Chat Host is Jessyca

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:
but this one thing I do, forgetting those things
which are behind, and reaching forth unto those
things which are before"~ Philippians 3:13 NIV
I sat, helping my wife make a shadow box of
treasured mementos from her late grandmother. In
a small plastic bag, I found some yellowed clippings
Mimmie had saved for Dee. I pulled out one and began
to read it. It was written by the famous inspirational
author, Marjorie Holmes. A huge lump formed in my
throat as its message hit its mark true to my heart:
"The habit of shutting doors behind you is invaluable
to happiness; we must learn to shut life's doors to
cut out the futile winds of past mistakes: The man
or woman you didn't marry, the house you didn't buy,
the job you didn't get, the long-gone emotional injury
that is so much better forgotten, that loss, that
devastating sorrow, that failure.
Forget it! Put it firmly away! To leave the door of
memory open even a little bit ajar is to provide passage
for grief, remorse, regret a flock of deadly enemies
that can only destroy the bigger, better forward-looking
person we should be right now today.
Look ahead! Advance and proceed! Reach out your hand
toward the new doors waiting to be opened, the new
dreams and opportunities. They are the doors, which
merit our energies, not those doors through which we
have already passed along the way.
"Shut that door, lock it and throw away the key! The only
doors that matter are those that we open today!"
~ Marjorie Holmes
All at once, I understood what the apostle Paul meant
when he exhorted believers to keep reaching forward; and
then I almost started to lament the many times I failed
to do so. Now, isn't that ironic? This is the perfect
time to start practicing the lesson! SHUT THOSE DOORS!
About the Author:
Pastor Greg Harvey lives in Kansas City, Kansas with his
wife and best friend, Dee, their two teen sons and Dee's
mom. He manages the chronic pain of degenerative disc
disease and Dee handles crippling rheumatoid arthritis.
Together, they serve as best they can, volunteering and
using their gifts to help others. Greg's book, "Finding
God Faithful in Turbulent Times" is available and may be
requested by contacting him at gaharvey@...
7 - Tuesday
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
A great book! "Don't Waste Your Sorrows: New insight into
God's eternal purpose for each Christian in the midst of
life's greatest adversities."
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/item194.htm
Says Lisa Copen, founder of Rest Ministries, "I've read
a lot of books on suffering and this is one of my all-time
favorite books that I refer to frequently and have highlighted
in all sorts of colors. It has a deep message but the reading
is not difficult-- a plus when you are feeling too tired to
jump into something really complicated when you're just
looking for encouragement."
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
Send us your favorite EASY recipe that others with
chronic illness would appreciate!
Send your response to: rest@...
or just hit 'reply.' Please include your name, illness,
& city/state.
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TODAY'S EVENT:
HOPEKEEPERS Online Group Meets Today
We are currently going through a
compilation of Max Lucado devotionals
For more information on joining see:
http://www.restministries.org/pro-hkonline.htm
TIME: 1 p.m. Pacific, USA
PLACE: http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm
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***REMINDER: Dont forget tomorrows A TIME OF REFRESHMENT CHAT
Wednesdays at 11 a.m. pacific, USA (see link for time
converter)
http://www.restministries.com/pro-refresh.htm

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and
I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28 NIV)
I used to think this verse applied only to those who
had worked a full shift, plus overtime. Or perhaps a
Missionary in some foreign country who was growing
weary of toiling day after day. Now I see it as an
invitation to all believers. Even those of us who
aren't able to work. After all, fatigue is fatigue:
whether caused by heavy labor or by illness.
The church I attend is planning an evangelistic outreach.
(We are passing out copies of the "Purpose Driven Life"
by Rick Warren.) It makes me feel badly that the only
service I am able to offer for this, is prayer.
As a kindness, our church has recognized that there are
a few of us, mostly the elderly, that won't be able to
do the walking required. To make us feel a part of it
all, the church has decided to let those not "working",
to clean up after the kick-off potluck. Afterwards we
will meet for prayer.
This has really caused me some anxiety because I physically
won't be able to help with the clean-up work and also
because everyone that will be staying back is quite a bit
older than I. It makes me feel truly pitiful!
But then I have to ask, "Who is making me feel this way?"
It's not God. We are assured in Scripture, "A bruised
reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will
not snuff out".... (Isaiah 42:3) It is not the church I
attend: there was no malice intended. I don't even think
it's my own thinking, after all, it's not about me! That
leaves one possibility. "Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) Aha!
The burdens that go along with illness are many: mobility
problems, lack of strength, lack of energy, pain and
depression are just a few of our afflictions. Don't let
the enemy add to the list. Instead, hold fast to Jesus
and know that His love is more than sufficient for us. We
don't have to "do" anything but accept His love; we don't
have to "be" anything but His. After all, that is what
gives life purpose!
***********************************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Christy Brewster and her husband live on
the Oregon coast. She lives with MS. 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."
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
Have you read our new HopeKeepers Magazine yet? If not, request
a free sample. It will be sent out when our next quarterly issue
is shipped.
http://www.restministries.org/res-newsrequest.asp
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
Do you order special clothes/shoes from somewhere that make your
life
easier with limitations of your illness? Let us know where and what
you think of the company's service.
Send your response to: rest@...
or just hit 'reply.' Please include your name, illness,
& city/state.
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TODAY'S EVENT:
None scheduled
Drop by our chat room any time.
http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is
made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
When a new highway loop was being completed in West
Michigan, a real danger was discovered. The bridges
had been designed to bear their own weightbut not
the traffic they were intended to carry. Several
bridges had to be re-engineered and rebuilt before
they could be safely opened.
Engineers have to be especially concerned with the
tensile strength of the material in their construction
plans for structures that are required to bear large
amounts of stress. Tensile strength is the maximum
amount of stretching a material can withstand before
it tears. If the engineer miscalculates, the structure
may collapse under the pressure.
When we are under the weight of stress and hardship,
we may wonder whether our LORD God, Who engineered us,
has miscalculated our personal "tensile strength." We
are certain that we are going to collapse under the
weight of the trials, but our Designer knows exactly
what we can handle by His grace. He knows our limits
and will never permit more than we can bear. As Bible
teacher Ron Hutchcraft said, "God may send a load, but
He never sends an overload!"
Reinforced by the steel of God's provision, our tensile
strength won't fail.
Wait on God from day to day,
Strength He provides in His own way;
There's no need for worry, no need to fear,
He is our God who is always near.
Your problems can never exhaust God's provisions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Armstrong lives in Virginia Beach, VA. with
her husband, Richard. Patricia is a retired elementary
school teacher who thanks God for the joy in her life,
which comes from knowing He will always be faithful.
Patricia enjoys her Chronic Pain and Illness Support
Group, church activities, camping, reading and gardening.
She prays that all those who are suffering with pain and
illness will know the real joy that comes from being a
child of God.
*************************************************************
----parting words----
Read about our founder, Lisa Copen's Blog at:
http://restmin.typepad.com/lisas_blog/

Hi, Friends,
If you could see my garage. . . I'm buried in ministry stuff and my
husband is beginning to have his little corner where his workbench is
crowded out too. So! I'm putting 22 books on sale for $3.49 each!
Some are up to 75% off the regular price, and actually. . . in the
end we are losing money on selling them at this price. BUT I want to
get some fresh new books in stock and clean up our inventory.
Here are the titles (look at some of these great authors! Emilie
Barnes, Billy Graham and more!)
==================================================
Comfort for the Troubled Christian
Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately? - by David Wilkerson
Thomas Kinkade Address Book
Minute Meditations for Healing & Hope - by Emilie Barnes
Why Do I Feel This Way? Depression in Women
Breast Cancer and Me
God Allows U Turns American Moments: True Stories of Hope and Healing
from Times of National Crisis
Examining Alternative Medicine: An Inside Look at the Benefits & Risks
Keeping a Princess Heart: In a Not So Fairy Tale World- by Nichole
Johnson
Thrive! A Woman's Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle - by Carrie Carter, MD
(who has a chronic illness
You are Not Alone in a Lonely World
Hope for the Troubled Heart: Finding God In The Midst Of Pain - by
Billy Graham
Hope for a Woman's Heart - by Kathy Troccoli
The Healing Power of Faith: How Belief and Prayer Can Help You
Triumph Over Disease - by Koening, Harold G
1,003 Great Things About Moms
Turning Hurts Into Halos and Scars into Stars - by Robert Schuller
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith - by Joni Eareckson Tada
Fear Less For Life: Break Free to a Life of Hope and Confidence
The Fibromyaglia Handbook
How to Survive Your Hospital Stay
The Divine Intruder: When God Breaks into Your Life
Where Joy Begins
==================================================
TO ORDER: Go to this link:
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/cat17_1.htm
Or click on the "$3.49 sale" link at http://www.comfortzonebooks.com
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is the only place the SALE LINKS
are given. Otherwise you will end up on a more expensive link for the
book. This sale will last about 3 weeks or until the books are gone.
A couple of books we have only 2 copies of. If you order it and we
are out your money will be refunded.
BONUS: We have a new fridge magnet, order $10+ and it will
be included for free.
SHIPPING: I will get out all that I can by Thursday. I will be out of
town Thursday, Sept 29-31 and then ship more Monday and Tuesday.
Also, if you order more than 3 books, please consider providing a
donation of $3-5 to help with postage costs. Since our normal postage
rates are based on weight/cost, this sale is going to throw it off
and we'll lose money on postage too, so any help is appreciated.
DONATION LINK: http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/cat11_1.htm
THANK YOU!
PS: Invisible Illness Week Chat transcripts are being posted as they
are completed. More are being added all the time! See
http://www.mychronicillness.com/invisibleillness/conference.htm
Lisa Copen
Rest Ministries Director
HopeKeepers Magazine Editor
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org http://www.hopekeepersmagazine.com
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
Toll-free 888-751-7378
FAX 800-933-1078

"He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs
in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He
gently leads those who have young." Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
For several weeks in August I felt very lonely! You see,
I am the "Preacher's wife" and although many turn to me
when they have a need; I really don't have a personal
friend of my own close by to turn to. Most of the time I
am OK with that, for I am thankful for our calling and
pray to walk worthy of His trust. I love what we do and
cannot picture doing anything else besides serving as the
wife of a busy rural pastor.
We have served in this particular church for several years
now. Many do not understand the invisible illness of
Fibromyalgia and Lupus. I have shared with them about my
illnesses and shown them some Rest Ministries devotionals
I have written. A few more understand now than did before,
so that is an improvement. But in a rural area like this,
where families have lived for many generations, folks have
extended families who are both family and friend to each
other. So I have remained the "Preacher's wife," instead
of Sandy; and been lonely at times for a friend with
"skin on."
This all came to a head during an extreme bout of kidney
stones and kidney infection! I have a history of kidney
trouble due to the Lupus weakening my left kidney, and this
was my 16th stone! When I came home from the hospital I
wanted a friend! Someone to bring me tea, cook a meal,
in other words be a friend with "skin on," to hug me.
I am doing better now, but I shared my lonely heart during
this time with some of the many friends I have made through
Rest Ministries and the Splash groups that they sponsor.
To my surprise and dismay it seems that there is an epidemic
of women with invisible illnesses who need a friend with
"skin on." Sisters from Virginia to Florida, and Texas to
California, all shared their hearts! While it is true that
we have each other, and we are thankful for that; it would
be nice to have a face to put with the name, and someone to
sip coffee with and talk in person across the table.
Jesus understands out hearts! He is our Shepherd and our
Scripture today says that "He gathers us in His arms."
**********************************************************************
********
About the Author:
Sandra Platt is the wife of a Minister and mother of two. She
lives in Southern Indiana. She has multiple chronic illnesses,
but is thankful for the friends she has made and the ministry
that she has because of what she has learned. Psalm 19:14 is
her hearts' cry.
**********************************************************************
*********
----parting words----
ARe you huting and need support and prayer? Send a prayer request
at: http://www.restministries.org/pro-prayerteam.asp

Thanks, friends!
Books are selling out fast, so I wanted to let you know when you click
on the web page http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/cat17_1.htm
be sure to hit "refresh" if you can on your internet browser.
If a book is sold out, I've got it listed as such, but sometimes our
paths are crossing. If we are out of something I will email you to see
if you have another choice or it you'd like a refund.
People are saving about $25-$55 on their orders. You will see the
DISCOUNT on your receipt. Since many of you are ordering 6+ books,
we're losing about $4 per sale on postage. If you are able to make an
additional donation of a few dollars to help us out with postage costs
here is the link for that.
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/cat11_1.htm
THANKS TONS! I was planning to send this out to our devotional list
FIRST but I think the books will be gone soon, so because of your
participation here you got first "dibs." I hope you have happy (and
inspiring) reading!
Lisa Copen

"Your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:10 (NIV)
"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right
hand, and says to you, `Do not fear; I will help you.'"
Isaiah 41: 13 (NIV)
As I woke up from surgery I was not able to speak well at
first. I was in pain and needed to tell someone. Then a
nurse's hand appeared on the rail of the bed. I reached
out, grabbed it holding on to her hand, and squeezing it
to let her know I was in pain. I held her hand while she
told another nurse to go and get more medication. While
holding her hand I was able to communicate with her, she
in turn was able to comfort me as we waited for the
medication to come.
At times during each day I find I need encouragement, fears
eased, a calm spirit, comfort when I am upset, and will
search and search for something to hold unto while the
circumstances that made me feel these needs passes. All the
time the LORD has been there, and all I needed to do was to
reach out and firmly grab a hold of His hand. When I do take
a hold of God's hands all the needs I had will decrease
and I am able to rest.
Right now His hand is there. Do you see it? Reach out and
hold His hand - He wants to help you.

"The people came to Moses, `Pray that the LORD will take the snakes
away from us.' So Moses prayed for the people. The LORD said to
Moses, `Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten
can look at it and live'" (Numbers 21:8, NIV).
One day, my Grade 9 science teacher brought a snake to school. It
was just a small garter snake about a foot long. It was non-
poisonous and harmless. He took it out of its cage and set it on the
floor so we could watch how it propelled itself. We all had our eyes
on that snake as it slithered its way across the room until someone
noticed a girl named Pat and brought her to our attention. She sat
at her desk, shaking like a leaf, tears streaming down her cheeks, a
look of total panic on her face. She was terrified of that tiny
snake. The teacher quickly scooped it up, put it back in its cage,
and apologized profusely to her.
If a little non-poisonous snake could be scary, imagine how
frightening hordes of deadly poisonous ones were?! What I find
interesting about the fiery serpent story from the Book of Numbers is
the fact that God didn't remove the deadly creatures when Moses
asked. Instead, he had the people look to something that symbolized
his power. When they did that, they lived, even though the venomous
snakes had bitten them.
We all have nasty, biting serpents that threaten our well-being,
don't we? For some of us, it's physical disability and chronic
health problems. For others, it's an unfriendly workplace, a broken
marriage, the death of a loved one or financial challenges. Have you
noticed that God doesn't always remove our difficulties when we ask?
Sometimes he does, but other times he leaves us in the midst of them
and says, "When the snake bites, turn to me and I promise that its
poison will not kill you! I will sustain you. Don't be afraid. You
will overcome in my strength." It is because of Jesus that we need
not fear any of the fiery serpents that enter our lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Lou Cornish lives with fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndrome.
Her earthly home is in Canada.
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"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we
may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Hebrews 4:16
What better way to approach the LORD than with confidence and a
believing, hopeful heart! While living with chronic illness, I have
not always prayed with a trusting and believing heart. Sickness and
pain can sometimes affect our thought processes and emotions.
My faith in a God of grace and mercy was restored after I had a
stroke five years ago and ended up in the hospital surrounded by a
host of doctors and nurses. When my right arm and leg went limp and
numb and then a splitting headache (like none I had ever had before)
followed, I just wanted to go to bed and simply fall asleep and be
removed from all of this mess called chronic illness. But the LORD
and my husband had a better plan. When he and my daughter decided I
needed to go to the emergency room, they gave me
no choice in the decision.
Once we were on our way, I knew I needed the Lord's help to get
through this one. I prayed silently, with only the tiniest glimmer
of hope for God's mercy and grace to touch me in my time of need. My
faith was like the smallest grain of mustard seed, and my measure of
confidence was almost nothing. Six weeks earlier, my mother had
passed away; I was still grieving. Prior to that, in the previous
year I had undergone surgery to replace my left shoulder and then
had five months of rigorous physical therapy to get my arm working
again. God knew my spirit was vanquished, and He intervened.
In my time of deepest need, the LORD was there, and I give Him thanks
for getting me through the ordeal with minimal permanent damage.
Since then he has led me to grow in faith and given me a desire to
serve Him in spite of and because of chronic illnesses
PRAYER: Thank you Lord that "You turned my wailing into dancing; You
removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy; that my heart may sing
to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks
forever" (Psalm 30:11-12). Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nancy Wilcox lives in North Carolina with her
husband and furry dog Mandy. She lives with numerous chronic
illnesses and gives God the glory for whatever she is able to do as
He gives her joy, strength and hope for each day!
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"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement
of God rather thanburnt offerings," Hosea 6:6 (NIV)
There are many days I lament over the days I was a
picture of health. my "former" life I was used to being
"busy" for God. Now, that's simply impossible. However,
an almost daily struggle for me is to connect what I
am able to accomplish in a day with how worthy I am. I
have always struggled with this, but I have been
struggling so much more with my worthiness for God since
my health failed. Of course in my head I know I'm very
worthy to Him even worthy enough to die for! It's my
heart thatoften needs the reminder. God desires us to
be merciful and that includes extending mercy to me.
Oh, but my heart wants to do for Him. Almost all the ways
I used to serveHim are no longer realistic for me. Instead
of fretting over how I can be useful to God, this requires
me to "seek Him first and Hisrighteousness"(Matt. 6:33a)
in order to see how to reinvent my living sacrifice to Him.
To be honest, there are times when I would much rather
be able to do stuff for God than be with Him. I can hide
from my internal struggles and questions if I'm busy serving
Him, but I cannot hide from things He wants to speak to me
about when I quiet myself before Him.
The activity of constant daily physical sacrifice of serving
can no longer cloud my vision unless I avoid Him with other
sedentary activities. I have a choice. It's stated clearly
in Hosea 6:3-4. I can press on toacknowledge and know God
and He will appear as surely as the sun rises; Hewill come
to [me] like the winter rains, like the spring rains that
waterthe earth. (NIV) Or, we can allow our love for Him to
fade away and let it be like the morning mist, like the
early dew that disappears.
We really don't need to concern ourselves over how we should
be living for God as we struggle with our limitations, but
rather focus on being with Him "and all
these things shall be added unto [us]." (Matt. 6:33b).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Morton lives in South Carolina with her wonderful husband.
She'sstruggled with depression for a number of years and by the
grace of Godshe's a survivor of severe aplastic anemia (which
likely caused the thEof her 7 month gestation son), through a
bone marrow transplant. Shecurrently lives with her depression
and various side effects from her aplastic anemia treatment and
learning to trust in God's daily sufficient grace and goodness.
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"Everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory,
whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:7 (NIV)
"From the beginning God chose you to be saved."
2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV)
Have you ever wondered what the difference between our perspective
and the LORD'S perspective must be? There is a huge difference.
When I look at how the LORD says that He created me for His glory,
I have to shake my head. I sit here and my fingers are stiff as I try
to type out the words on this page. My legs if I would try to stand
would not be too comfortable or ready to take a step. And, my head
at times find things confusing and difficult to understand. So, how
can that be for His glory?
For when you talk to others they look at what is pretty, what moves
and functions without any problems or flaws. But, the LORD chose
me, He chose you, and we have flaws and problems, and difficulties.
That did not matter to God. What did matter was each of us. He knew
we needed a Savior. He knew we needed Jesus. God knew we need
healing, help, and guidance. And, so He made each one of us for His
glory He chose us! Oh, how I need to change my perspective to His.

I tried to keep up with this blog while traveling, but as I write this I've been back a week ago tonight. It's hard to believe, as the days have passed by quickly.

Tuesday morning I got up exceptionally early to be down at the checkout counter and store all my luggage. Fortunately, since my sister works for a hotel chain, I got an unbelieveable price [ just so you know I wasn't squandering any money :) ] My sweet husband had flowers sent to me at the hotel since it was "my first book signing." Very thoughtful, only I didn't get them until Monday night and I had to check out Tuesday morning. I had them store the flowers too.

I made it over to the ICRS floor without problems. No stuck elevators, etc. I walked the floor checking out out as much as I could before I had to leave. My book signing at the Christian Small Publishers Association booth went well. I kept running out of books and would whisper, "Can you hand me more?" I was up on a director's chair so couldn't easily grab them myself. Again, the reception from people was wonderful and encouraging and I felt like I connected with a lot of bookstore owners. Best of all, I got rid of all of my books except for a couple I stuck in my purse. I didn't want to be shipping them back!

My friend Allison Bottke, from God Allows U-Turns, dropped by my table and we had a little "girlfriend squeal" of "we're really here." About eight years ago or so, Allison and I connected via the Internet before either of us had written much, but we had dreams and passions and a whole lot of energy that we knew God was to use somehow. She's quite an amazing woman with another new branch of her ministry called Boomer Babes Rock. And if you have a prodigal child I highly recommend her new book coming out called, "Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope & Healing for Parents" (Trust me: she speaks from experience on this topic!)

Afterward the signing, I was to work in the CSPA booth until 2 when I had to leave to catch the plane. I told Sarah I was running to the restroom (which I did) but technically I grabbed a mini-Pizza Hut pizza and soda too. Oh, the diet will have to start again when I get back. I hadn't had Pizza Hut in over four years and yet I had to eat it as fast as I could. Not fair, right?

I made it back to the booth and handed out catalogs to people walking by. I had a chance to talk with some of the other authors of CSPA. Very nice people! Before I knew it, it was 2 pm. I ran over to the shipping room and packed up everything I had but my purse, which included my cart. I was relieved it all fit into one box. As I walked out I saw the boxes with people's names on them (you could "start" a box and then fill it so as not to have to carry so much stuff.") I saw boxes of well-known authors like Cheri Fuller and thought, "too bad I can't just drop some brochures in these!" (But no, I didn't. A fine line betwen being creative and being tacky.)

I grabbed a cab over to the hotel. They pulled out all my bags from the storage area. The shuttle to the airport arrived and the hotel staff almost didn't grab it for me. I yelled and they went running down the street to bring it back for me. I had a nice talk with an editor from Baker Books on the way who was also a passenger.

The driver put all my suitcases (3 LARGE suitcases + computer bag + large bag with my purse stuffed inside that. . . and my bunch of flowers with the stems wrapped up on a gift shop bag.) Just as he pushed my cart (175 lbs of it) off the curb it started to downpour.

I checked in at the outdoor desk. The gentleman picked up the first bag and put it up on the belt. "I have 3 suitcases," I said, "So I will have to pay for 1 extra."

"Ma'am," the man said, "You will have to take your extra bag inside to pay for it there, but you need to know that there is a limit on the weight of these bags."

"Uh... I know," I smiled sweetly. "But the hotel didn't have a scale. I asked..." The water was dripping off my hair and running down my face. I looked pretty pitiful evidently so he said, "I won't charge you extra for the weight on this one." Fortunately #2 suitcase was under 50 lbs. (My Cuddle Ewe Travel Underquilt) . I took in the third suitcase inside to another line and the gal there took mercy on me. Since I had to pay extra for the bag already, she wasn't going to charge me extra for the weight too. Thank you, Lord!

The airport was packed. I made it through security and despite the lack of any directions as to what stop to get off of from the train, I was took a chance and chose the right one. Flights all over were cancelled, but most of them were heading East. Thankfully, with my flight going to Phoenix, and then onto San Diego, it was still on time. I browsed an airport bookstore and actually spotted a business book called Tiger Traits: 9 Success Secrets You Can Discover From Tiger Woods to Be a Business Champion . It sounded familiar and I opened it up. I'd taken a book marketing 3-day workshop last year with John Kremer (brilliant man!) and sat by the author Nate Booth, while this Tiger book was in the works. Not only did he get it published but it was in an airport bookstore -- the "goldmine" if you are an author. I made a mental note to email him later and offer congratulations. I told the guy beside me who picked up the book after me, "I know him! Blah blah blah." He laughed
along with me and said, "I'm so glad I got to share this moment with you."

Okay, my mind was going. You get used to talking to total strangers for 5 days and suddenly you can't stop walking up to strangers and talking...

[My mini soapbox for those who wonder about my motives about attending "book marketing seminars": there are far too few Christians at these kind of workshops. People who write a lot of new age junk, teen novels on wicca, etc. are all figuring out how to market their books. As Christians, I think we need to be wise and educated and able to prioritize how to use our funds to help get the message out there we feel God has given us to share with others. -- Okay, enough on that.]

I was nearly falling asleep at the airport so I bought a large iced-coffee and a (gasp!) muffin. Definately going on carb-overload, but it did perk me up a bit. I waited for a couple hours since the plane was late. Despite all the wonderful books I'd picked up, they were buried, so I ended up reading The Google Story: Inside the Hottest Business, Media, and Technology Success of Our Time. As interesting as it was, I was glad to get on the plane at last by 7:30.

I had to switch planes in Phoenix, and I got off exhausted, as I'd sat 3.5 hours in a airplaine chair that felt broken. You know.. one of those seats that feel like a bowling ball had sat in the chair and it has a "hole" in it--(which happens to be smaller than your tush). Plus, the back of the seat felt the same way. I was aching and tired, and as I ran off to try to catch a plane I was late for all my bags fell and lipstick and bookmarkets, etc. all fell out. I was at Gate 6 and I had to make it to Gate 26 in about 6 minutes. I wasn't going to make it.

A airplane employee (okay an angel, dressed in flight attendant attire) just "happened" to be standing there with a wheelchair and said, "Do you want a ride? Here, sit down." I said," THANK YOU! You have no idea..." I stumbled over my words. "I have rheumatoid arthritis and can barely roll my bag my arms are so sore." He RAN what felt like 2 miles to that gate and the sweat pored from him. He said he came from a Christian family (when you talk about being at a Christian retail show people really open up.)

He pulled up at the gate and I gushed my thanksgiving again, knowing I never would have physically made it, and I especially would not have been there in time. I plopped down bedside two women. One said, "Nice flowers" and smiled. The other one, in her perfect business suit with matching shoes and high heels-- gave me one of those odd "why are you in a wheelchair?" looks.

For some reaon I felt obligated to the polite woman to explain, "That was such a blessing. I have rheumatoid arthritis and never would have made this plane." Silly-- I didn't owe anyone an explanation, but my self-respect still wanted the other woman to know I had a good reason and she should mind her own business and go back to reading her magazine instead of summing up my motives.

Most of the flight back I read a fun chick list Christian novel, The Book of Jane. I was given it by the author at her signing. I've finished it now, and if you're into Chick Lit with a light-hearted Christian spin, I can vouch that's it's a pretty cute read, a sort of "modern day 'chick' version of Job who loses everything.

I arrived safely at the San Diego airport by 11:20 and asked a decent looking guy to grab my bags and put them onto a cart. I knew where to find the shuttle, only the front wheel on my $3 cart was broken. I could barely move it. It took four different men to push it 100 feet; they'd get it about 20 feet and then leave it and say, "I think you can get it now." I'd just stand there and push and try to not lose my composure, but it would only go an inch and then the front wheel would freeze up again. People looked at me like I was a wimp. I was a little bit but really! The wheel was broken.

I finally got on the shuttle to drive the 30 minutes to home with 3 other families. Once again, God was working up until the last moment. The people on the shuttle commented on my beautiful (but wilting) flowers and asked why I had them (why indeed would anyone carry flowers all the way across the country?) As I explained where I'd been and why, most of the people on the shuttle were Christians and the woman beside me took my card, and I gave away the last book I'd had. She said she'd pass it onto a professional Christian women's group who were looking for speakers and how needed the ministry was because she herself had a chronic illness.

The lights were on but my husband had fallen asleep. I woke him up (I missed him but let's get real, I needed some help with my luggage that was all out in the driveway [smile].) I went in and picked my son, Josh, up out of bed and rocked him. I really needed a snuggle and I said, "Mommy is home, baby. Mommy is home." He looked up in a sleepy daze and smiled and then cuddled up against me.

It was just 1 a.m. but felt like 4 a.m. since I'd finally adapted to the other time zone. So I woke up feeling... un-normal. What's normal in that kind of week? I was wiped out, but Joel now had work deadlines he had to meet and I was back as "mommy" full-time. In fact, Joel worked that "evening" until about 3 a.m. Our house is a bit chaotic at this time.

Josh was up by 6:30 and I was up by 8. My Christian Adoption Mom Playgroup was meeting at 10 a.m. and I decided for us to get some clothes on and go. It ended up being good, because he was able to run and play with other kids and I had a chance to just visit with a few other moms and sip my Vente iced coffee.

It was good to be home.

Even though I feel like I've shared so much with you, there were still so many ways God worked through this week. And now that another week has passed, and people are already following up with me, I can see that God is definately going to use it in ways I've not even thought of. I hope He can prepare/sustain my body to follow through, but surely He understands the big picture, even when I don't.

So, my normal 7 mg of prednisone went up to 60 to travel and then tappered down all week. I am somewhere around 12 right now. I put them all in my pill box and it's actually good when I don't really know the exact amount I am on.

I hope you've enjoyed hearing about the adventures. I will try to blog more "personally" more often. It's fun to do and yet it always seems to be a lower priority than other stuff. I've so appreciated all the emails you've sent and encouragement.

Loving thoughts for you,

Lisa Copen

Rest Ministries, Director
HopeKeepers Magazine, Editor

National Invisible Chronic
Illness Awareness Week
Founder & Coordinator

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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

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon
you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and
give you peace." (Numbers 6: 24-26 NIV)
It is the night before a big meeting with several of my doctors to
talk about further treatment options. I lay in the stillness and
remember a story I heard not long ago. It was a story about a boy who
awoke frightened in the night. The boy went off to find his parents
and woke up his father with his crying.
The father went to the son's bedroom with him and promised to lie
down beside him until he fell asleep again. They lay there in the
darkness for awhile until the boy whispered, "Daddy? I can't see you.
Are you still there?"
"Yes son, I'm here."
The boy lay still a moment, and then the father heard his voice
again. "I can't see you, Daddy. Is your face turned toward me?"
"Yes son, my face is turned toward you."
That story reminded me of the things I want to know throughout the
long nights of waiting. Are you still there God? Can You see me? Is
Your face turned toward me?
The answer is the one I have known all through this cancer
journey, "Always!" Even in the stillness and darkness of the night,
when no one is with us, He is there.
Prayer: Lord, your eyes are on those who trust in You, on those who
hope in your unfailing love. Your eyes are on 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.

Hi, friends!

I am looking for about 5 people who would work as a team to contact a bunch of bloggers who blog about chronic illness issues, to let them know about Invisible Illness Week. I've been collecting blogs for some time, so I need help having a volunteer (1) go visit the blog (2) try to find a way to contact the blogger, such as email (3) if no contact is available, you would leave an appropriate comment on one of their postings that has to do with their subject matter, along with our contact info. (4) keep a list of blogs you've posted at.

I'm also looking for 1 of the people to be the "point person" to coordinate who is doing what, etc.

There would likely be some blogging companies you would have to register with in order to post. This is one of our grassroots efforts to be sure to let people know.

If you're interested, please email me at rest@... with the subject "VOLUNTEERING FOR BLOGS" - I'm up to about 1000 emails per day so it helps a lot if you use the right subject line so I can find your email fast.

The amount of time would be up to you. Whatever you can give we appreciate. I need help contacting my "list" that's been prepared, but there are literally thousands of illness-related blogs so the more we can contact the better.

Lisa Copen
Rest Ministries, Director
HopeKeepers Magazine, Editor

National Invisible Chronic
Illness Awareness Week
Founder & Coordinator

************************************************
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Don't miss out! Monthly ezine plus BONUSES

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==

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http://www.hopekeepersmagazine.com
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
Toll-free 888-751-7378
FAX 800-933-1078

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

National Invisible Chronic Illness
Awareness Week - Sept 10-17, 2007

2007 planning is starting!

Sign up with our ezine above
to get updated info

"Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him" (Job 13:15, NIV).
Sometimes life can be very frustrating, especially for those of us
with chronic illnesses and/or pain. Doctors don't seem to have any
clear cut answers to our poor health; well meaning friends and family
often just don't get it and there are no quick and easy solutions to
getting well. Why does life have to be so excruciatingly frustrating
at times? Why does our suffering seem endless? Why me? These are
questions I have often asked God during my fourteen-year battle with
CFS. Can you relate?
The book of Job gives a clear picture of what occurs behind the
scenes when one of God's children suffers. It also deals with the
question of how God can allow great suffering in the lives of His
children and still be just and good. We know from the prologue that
God chose Job to be one of His suffering servants because He was a
righteous man and that his horrible ordeal glorified God.
Job struggled with why he, a very godly person, should have to suffer
so much when the ungodly enjoyed prosperity and good health (12:6).
Sound familiar? Job also despises his life (9:21) and curses the day
of his birth (10:18-19). He even wonders if his suffering has been
caused by great sin in his life, as his three friends so falsely
accuse him.
Finally, God grants Job's request for an audience with Him and He
promptly puts Job in his place (Job 38-40). In the end, Job is
humbled before God and realizes that God is still sovereign on His
throne and He rewards those who belong to Him despite times of severe
trial. Job repents in dust and ashes.
Throughout his ordeal, Job wrestles with God, telling Him every doubt
and fear. Despite his bitterness and despondency at times, Job's
hope is in the Lord. When we put our hope in Christ for healing and
strength to make it through our trial of chronic illness, we will
never be disappointed. His grace is sufficient to see us through!
Dear Jesus, glorify Your Name through our trials and continue to draw
us closer to You.
==================================
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tammi and her husband, Todd, recently adopted 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.

But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be
afraid."Matthew 14:27 NIV
Many times in the Bible, God tells us not to be afraid for He is with
us. God knows we tend to be fearful especially in times of
uncertainty and change. Yet God's Word also tells us that God is the
only thing in the world that is certain and unchanging.
Why do we sometimes seem to have more faith in our fears than in
God? There is no doubt that life can be very complex and full of
trials but we really need to make a choice. We need to decide whether
fears or God will give us peace.
God's Word is very clear that our abilities, our resources, or even
our good fortune will not be what gives us peace of mind or strength
for the journey. I can do everything through him who gives me
strength. (Philippians 4:13 NIV)
What are the circumstances we fear? Our illness? Our financial
situation? Our lack of control? Are the things we fear bigger than
our loving, all-powerful God?
Friends, we must believe Our Father who has assured us He will always
be with us, will always provide for us and always take care of us.
Our God is bigger than any fear we will ever face.
Our God whispers, in that still small voice, that he wants us to
develop confidence in Him and not in what we see or feel. He keeps
the curtain drawn so we will learn to live by faith and not by sight,
so we will become certain of what we hope for and sure of God, even
when we can not see how he is at work in our current circumstances.
(Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers
and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying
for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)
Do you realize, beloved, what an awesome responsibility God has
entrusted to us? To be honest, He had to give me a reminder! You,
see, I recently underwent surgery and once I recuperate from that,
I'm facing yet another surgery and an even longer recuperation
process. What was already a virtually bedridden existence, has now
turned into exactly that, with me spending 90% of my day in bed. Talk
about a breeding ground for self-pity!
Thankfully, in His awesome mercy, God reminded me that, even in this
circumstance He has work for me! He has shown me that my situation
(and maybe yours?) is especially designed so that I may connect with
Him.
Rather than the limited time I would normally have to schedule for
prayer, I now can devote myself to prayer. Devoting ourselves to
prayer is not only a step of obedience (see Colossians 4:2), it is an
intense and intimate connection with God . . . a win-win, so to speak.
What could have been a very dark time, has turned into an exciting
spiritual adventure! True, my body may be restricted, but my prayers
are able to travel the globe, be it Darfur, Sudan or across the
street.
Another exciting discovery is the truth I've found described in Psalm
145:18, "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on
Him in truth." He is never far from my thoughts and that has changed
my outlook on everything - from pain medications that don't seem to
be working to the wonder of a new born fawn and Mama deer in my
backyard. (On the one hand, He assures me He will deliver me and the
other shows a glimpse of His power!) What a truly marvelous God we
serve!
***************************************************
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."

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen
to you." (Jeremiah 29:11-12)
Many of us might feel that a chronic illness and/or chronic pain does
not have a place in God's promise to us in Jeremiah. How can illness
not be harmful? How can we have hope and a future now?
Illness hurts. Pain hurts. When it's chronic it may seem hopeless.
But please take heart! God is faithful and keeps His promises.
Allowing something to happen is different from causing it to happen.
One definition of the word `harm' is "moral injury, evil, wrong".
This is not characteristic of God! We learned early in our Christian
lives that God is love. (1John 4:16) We also know from 1 Corinthians
13 what love is.
The fact that God is love proves what He says in Jeremiah about
having plans to not harm you. You`ve probably heard about reading a
verse aloud, replacing the pronoun with your name. Be sure to do it
with this verse, too. It is so meaningful!
Yes, prosperity, hope and future probably have new meanings now. None
of us knows God's detailed plans for individuals. Prosperity can
mean anything from money to better/good health to being prosperous in
our relationships, both human and spiritual. Hope is an assurance and
confidence. We can all trust in the hope of God's future for us.
Believe it when He promises you!
Not only are we assured He is good in His plans for us, but in verse
12 He says that we can go to Him and He will listen! How precious to
serve a God who listens to us!
Prayer: Father, thank you for Who You are. I pray for the assurance
of your plans for us, the assurance that you have designed our
future. Amen.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
(NIV)
Often those of us with chronic illnesses have a problem feeling
useful. I know that for a long time I was a Doer, busy all of the
time. My identity was tied to what I did. Pastor's wife, Mother,
Teacher, writer. It is a normal part of our society I guess; when you
meet someone new the first question often is this; "What do you do?"
When chronic illness puts us in bed, this often makes us
wonder; "What can I DO now?" I used to measure my days by what I
could check off my to do list. I wanted to have a list of
accomplishments! Now sometimes it is a big day if I can do a load of
laundry and make a meal.
But dear friends, we ARE God's workmanship. He created us, just as
we are. We are His children! We are created by Him to do good
works. And do you know what else? He already knows and has planned
our good works. Our scripture says that there are good works "which
God prepared in advance for us to do."
Even with our illnesses we are useful to Him. Even if we feel weak,
we can still know and believe that God created us just as we are. To
do "good works." So we need to grow closer to God, to get to know
Him, and see what it is that He wants us to do. He has a plan for us!
We can pray. This world needs prayer warriors! Our Pastor families
face heavy loads daily. Our Military definitely need our prayers,
Missionaries, shut in's, those who are in the hospital all would
appreciate our prayers, and perhaps a note to tell them that they are
prayed for.
If we think about it, there is a lot we can do! But first we must
draw close to God and find what it is that He has planned for us!
Isn't this exciting?

Hi, friends!

I am about to send out a press release this week about Invisible Illness Week and will be using the results from our poll. Have you taken it yet? We have 306 (wonderful!) responses but would love to have about 500 so it looks as credible as possible. I know some of you tried and hit a snag and it didn't work. I checked and all is okay and working so I'm not sure if it was a server problem or what but the current survey is here:

http://restministries.poll1.sgizmo.com

It will just take 3 or 4 minutes and asks the questions:

--What is the most frustrating or annoying comment people make about your illness? *

--What is the nicest thing someone can say? *

--When people say, "You look good!" or "You look like you're feeling much better," -- and you're not--how do you respond? *

It's a multiple choice so it's easy to just pick an answer.

Thanks SO MUCH for all of you who have taken it already! The results will really be perfect to catch the media's attention!

Lisa Copen
Rest Ministries, Director
HopeKeepers Magazine, Editor

National Invisible Chronic
Illness Awareness Week
Founder & Coordinator

************************************************
GET ON OUR MAILING LIST!

Don't miss out! Monthly ezine plus BONUSES

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************************************************

Rest Ministries, Inc.

==

http://www.restministries.org
http://www.hopekeepersmagazine.com
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
Toll-free 888-751-7378
FAX 800-933-1078

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

National Invisible Chronic Illness
Awareness Week - Sept 10-17, 2007

2007 planning is starting!

Sign up with our ezine above
to get updated info

"Do no conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind," (Romans 12:2 NIV)
I went to a funeral today for my friend Gary. Gary was a constant
source of inspiration to me as we have gone through cancer together.
Doctors found and removed a rapidly growing form of brain cancer in
his skull. But within a year, the cancer had returned and was beyond
the reaches of chemotherapy and radiation. Gary left behind a wife,
four children, and many, many friends.
Amazingly, he always had a smile on his face and was filled with
tremendous joy. When we were undergoing chemotherapy at the same
time, we would talk about life and God. His selflessness blew me
away. He could have very easily said, "This is unfair, God!" But he
never did. He was committed to serving God, encouraging others and
doing His will despite what the cancer was doing to his body and
mind.
God has brought people into my life during this journey of cancer
that have all shown me how to live, even in the darkest moments, but
Gary had a profound impact on my life. He showed me what it is to
truly reflect God to others.
Prayer: Lord, I am so grateful for people you place in my life who
show me how to live each day, other patients who mentor and minister
to me. Thank you for helping me be a light to others going through
difficult circumstances. Thank you for all the ways You show Your
goodness and mercy to 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.

Thank you!!!

Wow!

We just need about 25 more and our statistics for press releases will be wonderful!

It's so fun to be able to sneak in to the secular media with intriguing news and then share that God is the only answer for hope!

If you haven't done the survey yet it's here!

http://restministries.poll1.sgizmo.com

It will just take 3 or 4 minutes and asks the questions:

--What is the most frustrating or annoying comment people make about your illness? *

--What is the nicest thing someone can say? *

--When people say, "You look good!" or "You look like you're feeling much better," -- and you're not--how do you respond? *

It's a multiple choice so it's easy to just pick an answer.

Lisa Copen
Rest Ministries, Director
HopeKeepers Magazine, Editor

National Invisible Chronic
Illness Awareness Week
Founder & Coordinator

************************************************
GET ON OUR MAILING LIST!

Don't miss out! Monthly ezine plus BONUSES

you'll love just for signing up!

http://www.restministries.org/res-ezine.asp

************************************************

Rest Ministries, Inc.

==

http://www.restministries.org
http://www.hopekeepersmagazine.com
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
Toll-free 888-751-7378
FAX 800-933-1078

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

National Invisible Chronic Illness
Awareness Week - Sept 10-17, 2007

2007 planning is starting!

Sign up with our ezine above
to get updated info

"Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you
know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians
15:58, NIV).
My husband and I recently watched a movie about the amazing life of
Bill Porter. It was based on a true story about a man with cerebral
palsy who had a very remarkable spirit. He genuinely cared about
people and connected with them despite his disability. Bill was also
blessed with a wonderful mother who encouraged him to never give up
and to always practice patience, persistence and perseverance (the
three P's).
Remarkably, Bill landed a sales job only when he offered to take a
territory nobody wanted. His sales career with Watkins lasted nearly
fifty years and he was often at the top of his firm's sales charts.
One year, he was even voted top salesman of the year.
What is it about Bill's life that inspired so many people? His
life definitely wasn't easy. At the beginning of his sales career,
people often shut the door in his face and kids called him "the scary
man" because he walked and talked funny. However, three things stood
out to me about Bill's character: he never complained about his
circumstances; never showed self pity and he was a hard worker who
refused to give up. Over time, his daily practice of the three P's
reaped great rewards. Although sadly Bill is not a Christian, his
story inspires me to persevere in the daily battle with CFIDS,
especially when I feel like giving up.
Just like Bill, we face many tough obstacles daily in our pursuit to
get well and we can also make a big impact on others by how we live.
Do we complain and sit around feeling sorry for ourselves, or do we
smile often, despite the pain? Do we strive to be a bright light
that glorifies God even when it hurts? Do we tell others where our
source of hope comes from? When others see the fruits of the Spirit
in us, they will be encouraged to draw closer to Christ (Galatians
5:22-23).
Dear Jesus, help us to persevere and be bright lights shining for You
even when it's very difficult!
********************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tammi and her husband, Todd, recently adopted 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.

Friends,

I'm sorry for using this forum to reach you again, but I wanted to say THANK YOU! Our poll has reached 593! Yippee!

I will be sending out a press release soon and sending you the link. I will also be posting all your wonderful comments (anonymously!)

Other news, a man name Roger at www.everydaygiving.com posted one of my articles on 50 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend (very nice!) and then someone submitted it to the search engine "Dig." I don't understand all the details, but I do know that 7 people have clicked on the article and said they wanted to "DIG IT" which makes it rank HIGH and get LOTS of exposure.

You may or may not be interested, but even if you don't understand the whole "shebang" (is that how you spell shebang?) you can click here:

http://digg.com/health/50_Ways_to_Encourage_a_Chronically_Ill_Friend to see it and then please click the button that says "DIG IT." If you're not signed up with Dig you would need a free account, you also have the option to "blog it" if you are a blogger. Dig is basically a "search engine" that "the people" make, deciding what items are worthy to be included or ranked highest.

I know this is a foreign language to some of you, so don't worry about it! (I'm trying hard to keep up with all the tech stuff- not easy!) But if you ARE familiar with it, would you take a moment to "dig us" so we can reach thousands more people?

Today I am getting the schedule together of speakers for II Week who are RSVPing and am sending out packages, 1 to the Nurses Christian Fellowship conference who will be having our books and II Week stuff on a resource table. Josh is at Vacation Bible School till noon, and then I'll be finding ways to entertain him this afternoon. I've been REALLY exhausted all week, can't seem to hardly function, so please keep me in your prayers and that I can find my way out of the Mary/Martha syndrome!

Bless you!

Lisa Copen
Rest Ministries, Director
HopeKeepers Magazine, Editor

National Invisible Chronic
Illness Awareness Week
Founder & Coordinator

************************************************
GET ON OUR MAILING LIST!

Don't miss out! Monthly ezine plus BONUSES

you'll love just for signing up!

http://www.restministries.org/res-ezine.asp

************************************************

Rest Ministries, Inc.

==

http://www.restministries.org
http://www.hopekeepersmagazine.com
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
Toll-free 888-751-7378
FAX 800-933-1078

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

National Invisible Chronic Illness
Awareness Week - Sept 10-17, 2007

2007 planning is starting!

Sign up with our ezine above
to get updated info

"You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek for Me with all your
heart." Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
I could almost feel the sway of the big pines as I looked up into the
sky. It was mesmerizing. The gentle swish of the pines and the rustle
of the leaves had the most calming affect on me. It probably does
everybody, but this was my first time in a forest like this. I went
on this Mammoth trip with several goals in mind. One goal was to look
for God. I wanted to see His glory all around me in His creation. I
was not disappointed. He was everywhere.
We had to travel 5 hours through the Mojave Desert to get the Eastern
Sierra Mountains. I have never liked traveling through the desert. To
me it was dry, barren, ugly and oh, so very hot. Something happened
on a trip two years ago. I looked for God as we went through the
desert. What I found that trip, was one of my very favorite colors. I
had never noticed it before then, probably because I was too busy
grumbling. It was sage green. How could I have missed that before?
How? I wasn't looking...
I was fearful leading up to this trip because I had been sick and
have been having tests done. I was almost too tired to go. No, I was
too tired to go. I was too weary to even get ready to go. But I
wanted this time with my family. Sometimes I feel like life is
passing me by In spite of my feelings, I saw God's faithfulness at
every turn for me. I always thought my place of refuge was the ocean
because it always soothed me. But as I sat in a chaise lounge looking
up into the trees, I was being soothed and refreshed as I listened to
the wind in the trees. I was refreshed, because I was looking for
God.
I have been thinking the last three days since we have been home,
what else could I be missing because I haven't been looking for God?
Sure makes me wonder. I want to see Him everywhere I look. I don't
want to miss anything.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to look for you in all things and
in all places. Don't let our illnesses cloud our vision or our
desire to see You.

"I am crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in
me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20 NIV)
Over the past two years I have had many surgeries. When I read this
passage from Galatians I thought about what a unique identification
with Christ surgery is. During surgery that I have had, my arms have
been laid horizontally on a separate part of the surgical stretcher
like Jesus' were on the cross.
Paul's words in Galatians, "I am crucified with Christ" hit me when I
thought of this part of readying for a surgery that is both painful
and potentially lethal. In essence I am laying my desires, my
thoughts about what is best, my physicality, my illness and my dreams
at the cross. My life is no longer about me, but about my faithful,
sovereign God.
It is easy for my selfish desires to creep in and get in the way of
my complete surrender to God. Illness has a way of doing that doesn't
it? It is very easy to fall into the trap of becoming self-absorbed.
But He doesn't want a selfish child. He wants Christ living in us to
the praise of His glory. It isn't all about us it is all about Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for this opportunity to be
crucified with Christ. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who
lives in us. We worship you as our loving Father who walks with us on
this road. We worship You as the Sustainer and Provider who is
concerned about our spiritual growth. 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.

". . .To obey is better than sacrifice," (1 Samuel 15:22 NIV)
One of the things that I have come to accept about my life is that
fatigue is a very real part of my chronic illness. I now recognize
the signs that mean, for me, STOP - lay down and do nothing for at
least 15 minutes. It doesn't mean sleep necessarily, it just means
laying quietly and letting my body recharge, so to speak.
When I first became ill, I didn't listen to my body. So what if I was
a little tired? I would plow ahead with whatever. This usually
resulted in a relapse so bad, I would spend between one day and two
weeks in bed! After a few of these (okay, I'm a slow learner, I
guess), I found that if I just stopped when my body gave the signal,
why a mere 15 minutes or so later, I would be good to go and best of
all, it wouldn't cost me a week in bed!
I have to admit, it was little hard to take comments from healthy
people like, "I wish I could just take a break `cause I'm tired!"
or "I'm tired too. I went to the movies late last night and then
spent all day gardening today!" I wonder how many of our "excuses"
sound like that to the Lord?
He's teaching me, through my experiences with fatigue, that obedience
is better than pushing through in my own way and then having to
repent of it later. If I obey Him in the first place, I won't have
the big regrets, or some of the other lasting effects of sin. How
good of God to use something as ugly as fatigue to teach me such a
great spiritual lesson !
*************************************************
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."

"When I was a child, I talked like a child; I thought like a child, I
reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways
behind me." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:11 NIV
At age ten, I received Christ as my Savior and my whole life changed.
Everything felt different and no matter what I did or where I went, I
could sense someone was with me, looking out for me. There was a
security in my soul I had not known up to that point. And so most
everything I experienced during that time has become a sweet memory.
One of those things was reading my first paperback book from cover to
cover. Up until then, I was too busy throwing rocks at girls at
recess to care much about books. This book was "The World's Greatest
Athlete", a story written for Disney, which was also a 2-part TV
movie for the Sunday evening Disney broadcast.
While at the library last week, I saw it among the DVD collection and
my heart skipped a beat with excitement! I felt like I had just won
the lottery! When I got home, I began to watch it through my 44 year-
old eyes. As the movie progressed, I noticed it was rather- how do I
say it? - Corny. I felt cheated somehow, wishing I could regain that
magical feeling of innocence.
I then began to understand the Apostle Paul's words when he described
how he had to eventually grow up and set aside childhood things for
more complete knowledge and understanding.
But if I look more closely at Paul's teaching, the opposite effect
will take place for me in the future! Right now, I live in the non-
glamorous reality of pain, depression, fatigue and stress, viewing it
as corny and downright awful. But one day, I will see more clearly
and completely, God's design and purpose and how He used me to
attract others to Himself! Then, my lackluster childish view of my
painful existence on earth will be replaced with mature, overwhelming
awe and delight!

"For sighing comes to me instead of food; my groans pour out like
water." Job 3:24
Do you ever feel sometimes, like me, that your life is one big sigh?
It should be enough to live with chronic illness. Sighing suggests
sorrow, something that has become tiresome, or weariness. Groaning is
defined as a sound made in grief or pain. Sorrow made even Job, a man
who "was blameless and upright," sigh.
I have times of sighing when I am weary of illness. After, I take
measures to better the situation: practical solutions such as
improving my posture or exercises for my neck; spiritual solutions
like singing a hymn or offering a prayer of praise.
Because He is our Designer, God knows exactly what to do for
us. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" says part of
Jeremiah 1:5. Most of us know a few people extremely well. However,
in our human state, it is not absolute or perfect, but is enough to
give us a glimpse of the truth of how intimately God knows us. God
knows us so much more precisely than any person can! He knows about
that new pain you haven't mentioned to anyone. He knows a headache
woke you up in the middle of the night. He knows how you really feel
when you reply to someone, "I'm fine, thanks."
It's ok to sigh now and then! We have a lot to deal with. Even Jesus
sighed. Mark 8:12 says He sighed deeply when the Pharisees wanted to
ask a question to test Him. It must have felt tiresome for Him to
continually deal with this.
Take comfort in the truth of how well God knows you. Turn to Him and
ask Him to turn your sighs into smiles, your groans into praises. He
will do it.
Prayer: Thank you Abba Father for knowing us to the last detail.
Remind us to turn to You when we are sighing and groaning, so that we
may smile instead.

Hi, friends,
Just an update that my computer crashed tonight. I think it was a virus that got
through. I have troubleshooted about 6 hours and it's beyond me, so I am taking
it to the computer doctor tomorrow, hopefully have it back Thursday. I can't get
to any emails, files, etc. Please keep it in prayer that it's quick and easy to
fix. Satan always attacks when it gets close to II Week (like clockwork) but I
had a babysitter lined up tomorrow and everything. It will be a good time to
clean the office I suppose!
Blessings and thanks for prayers,
Lisa Copen
Rest Ministries director

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the
Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting
shadows." (James 1:17)
I received the greatest birthday card from my brother yesterday!
I opened it and I heard Mel Blanc as the voice of my hero, Bugs
Bunny, singing about his love for carrots. (It's ironic that Mel
himself loathed them all his life.) But inside this card is a tiny
computer chip, a nickel-sized battery, two wires and a speaker hot
glued to the card stock. A small contact switch tripped by opening
the card, starts the song playing. The paper itself serves to amplify
the sound waves.
Being a techno geek, I am astounded by this innovation. It makes me
wonder what else can be done with such a tool. Maybe they will put
tiny cameras inside that will link us to the sender so they can view
our reaction to the card from hundreds of miles away! Who knows what
incredible advances lay ahead?
I think back to my teen years when my step dad was studying
electronics. He told us that in the future, we would be able to buy
and sell from the comfort of our own homes through our television
sets! I recall responding very skeptically. Now I am an eBay user and
think nothing of logging on through my TV.
Even more astounding are the promises God gave me through His Word
over a period of roughly sixteen hundred years! Even though there was
four hundred years of silence between the old and new testaments, it
all came together to perfection and without computers or
contradiction!
That fact alone causes me to trust Him when He tells me to cast my
cares upon Him, to replace my fear with faith and to rest in His
unwavering guidance. I can set aside my own understanding and believe
He is in control, fully aware of every ache and pain I feel, faithful
to capture each tear I cry and always ready to give way above and
beyond my every need!

"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." (2 Corinthians
12:9 NIV)
I have often questioned my strength on this journey of cancer. Do I
have enough physical, emotional, mental and spiritual strength to get
through this to whatever outcome God has in store for me?
My faith has surely been tested throughout this battle and as it
continues. It has been tested by the dependency I feel on medical
professionals, friends and on the Lord. I have always been a woman
who organizes, plans, manages and second-guesses outcomes, but none
of those skills have served me during this struggle.
Only the sufficient grace of the Lord has upheld me. When I have
asked, "How am I going to get through this?" The answer has been, "My
grace is sufficient for you." I haven't doubted the grace of Christ
and that I am His for eternity, but I have wanted to control this
whole process and know the outcome.
Boasting about my weaknesses has never been a strong point, in fact I
do the exact opposite I try and camouflage them from others. I
believe Christ wants us to have life abundantly in all
circumstances even cancer, illness, pain and doubt. His grace is
sufficient, but we have to let it in and let it guide our lives for
it to be true.
Prayer: Dear Lord, teach us to accept the grace you provide. Your
spirit upholds us even when we are fearful and weak. Thank you for
being faithful in our times of need. We praise you for your
overflowing and sufficient grace. 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,
It's Friday and the computer is still in the shop despite the "rush job."
Hopefully it will be done today but won't be hooked up until my husband gets
home tonight. Josh and I fly out to Oregon tomorrow morning. My 94-year-old
grandfather passed away Thursday night so we are going up there for 10 days. We
haven't seen my family for months and my mom's health has been a struggle, she
had surgery last week, so we need to spend some time there.
Orders through Thursday have already been shipped. Stuff ordered Friday (today)
I will do my best to get out. Receipts are not included since I cannot print
(I'm on my laptop).
I have about 2000 emails so far (2 days worth!) and it takes hours to dig
through the spam when I can just read 10 at a time, so I will be checking them
about Tuesday (Monday is the memorial service, till then I will be busy). I can
log on to my home computer via www.gotomypc.com (amazing service!)
Thursday my husband, Joel, will be able to fly up. He's been working 70 hour
weeks etc due to his deadlines, but is actually able to get away since he can
work 5 full days while we're gone.
So! Thanks for your prayers.
Specifically...
Josh and I make it through airport security without him flipping out about
taking his shoes off. We're practicing at home before we leave.
We all stay as healthy as possible. Josh has had a runny nose for a week despite
medicine, I should be taking him to the doctor. Maybe I will in Oregon. Plus I
am just exhausted, my knee is giving me problems (floating bone is floating to
the wrong place!) etc.
Please pray for my family. My dad is grieving (hard to lose your dad at any age,
but especially when you're 64 and he's 94- lots of memories.) My mom had surgery
last week and is going through a lot with lupus, diabetes and recovery from
surgery. I just got off the phone with her and she said "Please pray God gives
us the strength for all of this." Family is coming from all over and of course,
my mom's house is the "hub."
God bless you and thank you for all your understanding and prayer.
Anything to do with Invisible Illness Week I am working on as fast as I can.
Having no computer this week was NOT in my schedule, but I know God has it under
control... so I am holding on and trusting... But anything you can do is
appreciated. You can find ways to send out press releases, etc at
http://www.invisibleillness.com
Love ya!
Lisa Copen
Director
Rest Ministries, Inc.

"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of
childbirth right up to the present time.....we groan inwardly as we
wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our
bodies."(Romans 8:22-23)
I remember my father, when I was growing up, would say to me during
painful times, "I would hurt for you if I could." Sometimes when my
pain was excruciating, he would go on to tell me that he never wanted
me to hurt and if he could make it all go away, he would. Tonight as
someone dear to me confided about the pain of loneliness and the
hurtful wrongs of others, I found myself wanting to hurt for him as
my own father had shared with me.
As most of us with chronic illness know, pain can be unrelenting and
comes both physically and mentally. Often times, as we lay physically
hurting and unable to share the company of others, those persons
closest to us can cause a deep internal pain....which in itself can
be most debilitating. On top of that, we have the added extra of not
being able to perform physically as well.
I think of the Lord at these times. He, our Father, wants to take
away our pain also. He, like my dad, wants to hurt for us. He loves
us so much that He is there for us when we open our hearts to Him.
".....nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can't, and
life can't. The angels won't, and all the powers of hell itself
cannot keep God's love away."(Romans 8:38) "He will defend the
afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy."(Psalm
72:40)
As we go through life and learning how to live with our illnesses, we
must open ourselves to Christ and let His strength guide us through
the painful times. Remember that the Lord is love and through His
love we will be able to continue. That love fills us and can
strengthen us both physically and mentally. "I love the Lord, for He
heard my voice ... I was overcome by trouble and sorrow ... then I
called on the name of the Lord ... when I was in great need, he saved
me."(Psalm 116:1-6)
*****************************************
About the Author: Nancy Carr lives in western Kansas. She has retired
from teaching school due to degenerative disc disease and has
fibromyalgia and heart problems. Her husband is in the last stage of
Parkinsons disease and both are thankful for each day together with
the Lord.

"Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll are they not in your
record?" (Psalm 56:8 NIV)
Do you sometimes feel alone in your pain? Do you feel like no one
understands the hurt you feel and the distress you are going
through? Maybe you don't complain, perhaps you paste a smile on your
face and you meet your day with a word of enthusiasm, yet inside you
feel alone.
Many people experience pain the world knows nothing about. They cry
privately in the confines of their home, in the dark of night. Some
people suffer excruciating pain and even feel abandoned by the heath-
care community. When night comes they spend sleepless nights with
pain that will not go away. It is often in pain, fears and worry
that we feel alone. We suffer, wondering if we are the only one to
feel such distress. We think no one knows about our situation or even
cares if they do.
But the next time you toss and turn in the middle of the night, when
sleep will not come, and you wet your pillow with tears that flow
freely, remember the scripture above. God is recording every time you
toss and turn and every worry and pain you have, He knows every tear
you shed. Remember also what the scriptures say, "Never will I
leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5 NIV) You are
never alone; you only need to call upon God. He stands ready to
comfort and help you in your distress.
We as friends and loved ones of those who are hurting should remember
what the scriptures tell us, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this
way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (NIV) It is
our responsibility as Christians to show concern for those who are
hurting and help them through their grief, suffering, pain and
sorrow. That is what Christ desires of us.
If you are in pain, remember you are not alone. Allow someone to hold
your hand and God to hold your heart, and remember He has recorded
each tear; He loves you.
Prayer: God help me remember You care. Help me, also, to help others
carry their burdens.
==============================
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Betty King is a Life Style and Devotional newspaper columnist and
author of four books. Visit her website www.bettyking.net or email
her baking2@...

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such
things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)
Our culture today is fixated on outward appearances. Hollywood and
the Holy Word's definition of feminine beauty definitely conflict.
The female stars we see on TV or in the movies seem to all have the
Paris Hilton look: tall, thin, blond hair, way too much makeup and
severely underdressed. Sadly, even Christian women today are just
as guilty as non-Christians when it comes to emphasizing the outward,
not the inward, and I am guilty as well. There is so much emphasis
put on what we look like on the outside, that we often forget that we
should be cultivating our inner beauty or Christ-likeness daily.
One of my favorite Scripture verses is I Peter 3:3-4 which
says, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as
braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.
Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of
a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
In other words, we are not to be preoccupied with our outward
appearance, as the pagans were, but modesty in dress is emphasized so
that our inner self outshines our outer self.
God is not as concerned with our outward appearance as much as our
inner attitude, and our attitude is reflected in the way we dress.
Do we spend more time in the morning in Bible reading and prayer or
standing in front of the mirror applying our makeup? In all honesty,
I'm sure most of us would say we spend much more time getting made up
than prayed up.
A few years ago, the Holy Spirit made me aware that my inner beauty
was in dire need of a face lift. The fruit of the Spirit qualities
found in Galatians 5:22-23 were missing from my life. I confessed my
sins and began to humbly pray that God would change me and create in
me a pure heart. Isn't it good to know that "the Lord does not look
at the things man looks at? Man looks at the outward appearance, but
the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV)
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help our inner beauty to shine for You!

" Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name " Matthew 6:9 (NIV).
*"Praise, honor, and glory be to Your name!"
Prayers of thanksgiving, praise, and joy are hard to come by when in
the midst of the battles of life like illness, divorce, death, and
financial survival! Praise may filter in only on an occasional basis
through the pleas for strength, deliverance, protection, and
survival. Praise seems to be reserved for periods of celebration.
The Lord has led me through the Psalms to show me how the Psalmist
would claim the blessings of God in praise, descend into his valley
of battle, and then mount up on the wings of the Lord's glory. The
Psalmist embraced the dark side and light side of life to find
wholeness.
To truly embrace the Easter experience, you need to give thanks and
praise for noon on Friday, as well as, the sunrise of Easter morning!
In the chaos of the hungry five thousand, Jesus lifted what little
was available to heaven, gave thanks, praise, and created a miracle!
When you shut down part of yourself, you shut down other parts, too.
Without the rain, you'd have hard baked soil. To see the rainbows you
need to face