Online Blog

If you have found it difficult to find people in the chat room then
try dropping in at one of our specially scheduled "C.A.R.E.
Connection" times (Comfort, Accept, Refresh, Encourage). We want
you to be able to connect with others who are going through similar
problems or situations, and it is my prayer that you will find
acceptance, comfort, refreshment and encouragement. On the other
hand, maybe the Lord would have you to share some comfort and
encouragement with someone else!
Each of the scheduled C.A.R.E. Connection chat times is an hour
long. There will be a volunteer "Chat Host" at each of these times
so you can be sure that someone will be there to make you feel
welcome.
The C.A.R.E. Connection chat times are:
Tuesdays at 12:00 1:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Pamela
Wednesdays at 8:00 9:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Carol
Thursdays at 1:00 2:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Debbie
Other scheduled chat ministries:
Fellowship hour Tuesdays at 4:00 pm Eastern
Hopekeepers Bible Study Thursdays at 8:00 pm Eastern
TO GET TO THE CHAT ROOM: Go to www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm
and type in your name in the box and click on "Connect". (It may
take a few minutes to load the chat room window.)
I'm sorry if these times may not suit you, but it's hard to find
something suitable for everyone all at once. But keep checking out
these announcements, because in a few weeks I will be adding a couple
more times, and a few months down the road I will be changing the
chat days and times so that others will have a chance to participate.
If you are unsure about getting there at the correct time because you
are in a different time zone, try going to
www.timetemperature.com/tzus/time_zone.shtml and below the map you
will see the time zone differences (i.e. Pacific, Mountain, Central,
Eastern).
My hope and prayer is that you will enjoy these times of sharing and
find some comfort, be encouraged, feel accepted and be refreshed.
Carolann Page
Rest Ministries
C.A.R.E. Chat Co-ordinator

A TIME OF REFRESHMENT, our special Wednesday chat room ministry takes
place this Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Pacific (2:00 p.m. Eastern) This
will be the final Time of Refreshment chat session, as I am taking a
much needed break over the summer. It's been a great season and I
have enjoyed all of you who have taken part in our times of learning
and encouragement.
On this Wednesday JUNE 21st our guest speaker is APRIL BOYER and she
is going to deal with TUNING INTO JESUS. An excellent way to end our
Time of Refreshment season.
April Boyer has a heart for struggling writers, doubt-filled
Christians or those faltering with small ministries. Through her web
site and numerous published works she hopes to encourage, educate and
inspire. April has been writing for more than 7 years, and her
special interest includes ordinary people who have experienced
extraordinary events
You can learn more about April at her website: http://aprilboyer.com
Transcripts of previous guests are available by going to
www.restministries.org/pro-chattranscripts.htm
I look forward to you joining us Wednesday for our final "time of
refreshment"!!
Carolann Page
A Time of Refreshment
Host & Co-ordinator
P.S.
TO GET TO THE CHAT ROOM: Go to www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm
and type in your name in the box and click on "Connect". (It may
take a few minutes to load the chat room window.)
TO GET THERE AT THE CORRECT TIME: Go to
www.timetemperature.com/tzus/time_zone.shtml and below the map you
will see the time zone differences (ie. Pacific, Mountain, Central,
Eastern). If you aren't sure of your time zone, click on your State
or Province. There is also a section for those who calculate the
time difference from Greenich Mean Time.

"What other nation is so great as to have their gods
near them the way the LORD our God is near us
whenever we pray to Him?" (Deuteronomy 4:7 NIV)
Some 20+ years ago, before chronic illness entered my
life, I became a member of a prayer ministry. The
founder, Catherine Marshall, began the group a few
years prior to her death. She envisioned people,
especially the chronically ill and bedridden, using
their "downtime" in prayer for those who send in prayer
requests.
At that time, I was working part-time and had two
toddlers, which is to say, I didn't have a lot of free
time. However, God had already impressed upon me how
vital prayer is and so, I began the adventure! Now, my
children are both grown and have "left the nest". Chronic
illness has changed the landscape of my life, and I've
found a hidden blessing in that - more time for prayer.
But can we pray when we're wracked with pain? Well, we
have a great example in Jesus, Who prayed for the soldiers
even as they were crucifying Him! We also have countless
examples of fellow believers, who have endured
persecution, by prayer. Personally, I find pain is a great
motivator to pray! But also, when things are tough
physically, it distracts me to pray for others who are
going through equally tough times or to remember all the
wonderful blessings I have in my life and to begin
praising God for those. In prayer, I find no limitations
caused by my chronic illness, instead, I find the comfort
and welcome of my Heavenly Father.
Best of all, we are told that God is near to us when we
pray (Deuteronomy4:7). I read a quote recently by Mark
Buchanan that I absolutely love. He said, "I think about
people I know, the saints with their swollen ankles or
their knobby hands, the rickety prayer warriers who don't
have the physical strength to open a pickle jar but who
et whole legions of demons flying for cover whenever
they kneel (pray)." What an awesome privilege we've been
given!
***********************************************************
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."
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
"Why Can't I Make People Understand"
One woman shared her thoughts on this book...
"...I was upset enough that I remembered your book and pulled it
out. I am still in the process of reading it but it has already
been lifechanging. Everytime I find a wonderful quote I write it
on a notecard and tape it to either my mirror, my desk, the wall...
just anywhere I might see it. It has provided both much needed
comfort and chastisement for when I start pitying myself. Thank
you very, very much for listening to God's voice concerning your
ministry. It was nice having some viable, dead-on advice from
someone who knows about living life with chronic illness
first-hand."
Just $10 by Rest Ministries founder Lisa Copen
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/item2.htm
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
We're looking for people who climbed out of debt
while living with a chronic illness to share their story!
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

"As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth.
His disciples asked Him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man
or his parents, that he was born blind?' 'Neither this
man nor his parents sinned,' said Jesus, 'but this
happened so that the work of God might be displayed in
his life'" John 9:1-3 NIV
Recently, some of the thoughts below were shared on
a radio program I occasionally hear. They gave me
something to think about.
The man's parents told the Jewish leaders that he
was 'of age' (verse 21). That would have made him at
least twenty or so. This man had been blind for all of
his twenty plus years. He had never seen the face of
his mother. He had never worked alongside his father.
His life-long mission was begging for money. That's
how he met his basic needs.
The disciples asked Jesus about the man's
blindness. Jesus told his disciples that sin had not
caused his blindness. He said that the man was born
blind that God might be glorified . when Jesus healed
him. The blind man's twenty or twenty-five years of
being blind were nothing. He would spend eternity with
Jesus in heaven! (Verses 35-38)
Like him, we are disabled in various ways. Some of
us are dependent on God-through various government
programs-to provide our essential needs. We need food,
housing, medical care. Sometimes the process can feel
like begging.
All of us can bring glory to God. A positive
attitude is one way we can bless those around us.
Praying for those who take care of our medical needs
is another.
Time spent here with our embarrassing weaknesses is
but a brief moment. We will live forever with God.
And, praise God, there we will not have these
limitations!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sande Huffman lives with several chronic diseases.
Her apartment in Denver, CO has a small indoor
'garden', a selection of reference books, a few other
books she's enjoyed reading again, and a treasured
'boom box' for listening to music and audio books.
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
Do you live with fear? (who doesn't at some point
with chronic illness?) We've found a great new read
for just $4.99. "How to Conquer Fear" NEW!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/item136.htm
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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:
None scheduled
Drop by our chat room any time.
http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm

"This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive
us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not
into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (Mt. 6:9-13 NIV)
In the LORD's Prayer Jesus prayed to His Father... He didn't
say "my Father". He said... "Our Father". That is so awesome.
Can you imagine our Jesus.... our Saviour, the precious Son of
God praying a personal prayer to His Daddy... Father God, and
including us.. His adopted family in His prayer?
Jesus shared His Daddy with us because he came to make us part
of His family. He came to tell us that God loves us so much that
He was willing to allow His only precious Son... to die on the cross
for you, for me and for ALL that accept Jesus into their lives as
Lord,
Brother and Saviour.
It can't get any better. Jesus paid the price for us. If we have
accepted him into our lives as Lord and Master... we are adopted
into the Kingdom of God, joint heirs. Wow. Double wow!
We are God's kids. We can call upon His precious name as if
He is our Daddy God. If you have had a wonderful earthly Father
like I was blessed to have... just magnify that by infinity and then
you can understand how much your Heavenly Father God loves you.
Now if on the other hand if you do not have a loving father or
mother on this earth... you might say... How can I understand
a loving Heavenly Father when my earthly father or mother was
so unloving and uncaring?
Reach out my precious Friend to the best Daddy there could possibly
ever be. He loves you eternally, unconditionally without fear or
doubt
of His love ever going away. No matter what you say or do He will
never stop loving you for you.
Give your heartbreak and pain to him. Be consoled in the FACT that He
loves you yesterday today and forever without end.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Dittert (Aka~ Nancie-rose) lives in a berm home in Rural
Central
Iowa with her husband & soulmate Patrick, 2 cats and a Lab/Sharpei
dog.
Nancy & Patrick are both pastors, retiring early because of
illness.Nancy
lives with Severe Fibromyalgia, Neuropathy & is HLA-B27 positive,
and her
husband had a brain tumor that left him disabled. They are still
actively
involved in Prayer Group and Chronic Pain Support Ministry through
the
Internet and Public Access TV. Visit Nancy's Chronic Pain Web Site
at http://fibromyalgiahelp.homestead.com/ & Invitation page at

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill
cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp
and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on
its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the
house. In the same way, let your light shine before
men, that they may see your good deeds and praise
your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
In the above scriptures while Jesus was in Galilee He
had crowds following after Him in search of His healing
powers and His teachings. At this point Jesus had gone
upon a mountainside and there his disciples joined Him
and He began to teach the gathering crowds. Jesus taught
those who chose to follow Him with an authority they
couldn't deny.
All of us, disabled or not, who are Christians, should
be proud to be called a child of God. We should not
hesitate to speak up and tell other people that we have
asked Christ in to our lives and been forgiven of our sins
and thus we desire to live a life set apart from the sins
of this world. We should desire to let our light shine in
a dark world.
We know that being a child of God does not make us perfect
as Christ was perfect, but we do know it means we should
strive to live as close to the example Jesus set as
possible. We don't have to have perfect bodies either; God
isn't asking for perfection only a willing spirit. The
light of Christ can shine through an imperfect body.
When we sincerely desire to please our Heavenly Father we
want others to see Him when they look at us, not us
personally nor our sickness or diseases. We should want
people to think "How Great God is" and what great deeds He
does through us. In other words we should go about doing God's
works; wherever we are and whatever we do, so that those we
come in contact with will see God, and give Him praise,
glory and honor.
Let God's light shine through you; don't let your pain, disease
nor illness put out the light.
*********************************************************************
**
Betty King lives with the disease MS in Illinois with her husband of
forty-nine years and their Dandi Dinmount Terrier. She is the mother
of four and grandmother of ten. Visit her website www.bettyking.net
or
email her at baking2@...
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
Does life hurt? We have a great little gift-style book that is nice
to sit on your own bed-side or share with a friend. Pain calls our
most basic beliefs about God into question. Philip Yancey's "When
Life Hurts" addresses five major questions brought on by pain...
Read more at: http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/item68.htm
ON SALE for just $7.50, reg. $12.99
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
If someone with a chronic illness asked you to recommend
a must-read book to offer comfort or information, which
book would you recommend?
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 Tonight
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: 5 p.m. Pacific, USA
PLACE: http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will
never walk in darkness, but will have the light of
life." (John 8:12, NIV)
Several weeks ago my pastor was talking about going
through the Pennsylvania Tunnels. For some reason, the
symbolism of that caught my attention. I know several
people who will not go through any tunnel, let alone
the ones in Pennsylvania (at one time Pennsylvania had
160 miles of tunnels).
I wondered why so many people are afraid of these
roadways. I guess it's because their focus was on the
darkness enveloping them instead of the light at the
end of the tunnel. Their darkness would only be temporary,
but still the fear was there.
I realized that I do the exact same thing in my own life.
As soon as I start to go through something hard, I start
to focus on the darkness of the trial, instead of focusing
on how God could use this situation for the better.
As I write this, I am recovering from my third surgery
within a three-year time frame. This surgery was tough and
I just didn't want to see the "light". I didn't want to
write this devotional because I know that whatever I write
is usually something I need to hear myself and I wasn't
ready to hear it!
After some time in prayer and quiet meditation I "gave in"
to God and went ahead and wrote what has been on my heart
for the past few weeks. There really is light at the end of
the tunnel. Psalm 27:2 says, "The LORD is my light and my
salvation whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold
of my life of whom shall I be afraid?" (NIV) I have no
reason to be afraid of what I'm going through. God is right
there going through it with me. God alone is the stronghold
of my life I am not.
Are you struggling with seeing only darkness around you? Are
you forgetting WHO is the stronghold of our lives? Why not
take some time today to thank God for being there and for
giving us the strength we need to take each day at a time.
*****************************************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author, craftswoman, teacher, Administrative Assistant and
Aunt, Bridget Gazlay keeps very busy in Michigan! She likes
to write during her quiet-time with God. She lives with
Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, IBS, and migraines. Bridget
looks to God as her hope and strength. Feel free to check
out her website :(http://home.ccci.org/gazlay) or send her
an email at: b4fabric-devotional@....
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
You are a part of a growing ministry that reaches out
to thousands of people with visible and invisible
chronic illness. We have some great logo merchandise
to help you feel a part of this movement.
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/Cat6_1.htm
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
Tell us! If your church leadership asked you, what can we
do better to reach out to the chronically ill? what would
you say?
Send your response to: rest@...
or just hit 'reply.' Please include your name, illness,
& city/state.
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TODAY'S EVENT:
Can't make it to church? Join Rest Ministries' founder
Lisa Copen at hers for a live broadcast via the internet.
All services are also archived. Entire service is live,
including an amazing worship time. Maranatha Chapel is
part of Calvary Chapel.
http://www.maranathachapel.org/media2/livecast.php

"When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead
of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know
His
voice." (John 10:4 NIV)
Sheep are not known for their ferociousness. You never
hear about packs of stray sheep threatening the human
population. (That is what makes the Serta "Counting
Sheep" idea so humorous!) In actual fact, sheep are
prime targets for predators . . . unless they have a
shepherd to protect them!
Jesus calls us His sheep and Himself, The Good
Shepherd.
The Shepherd lovingly guides His sheep, even picking
up
and carrying the wounded or sick ones in His flock.
Our part is simply to follow our Shepherd. We learn to
recognize His voice by familiarity. Familiarity comes
from listening and repetition. As His sheep, we need
to
listen to His word, obey His instructions and trust
Him
completely. We are not promised that we will always
understand why He leads us down certain paths, just
that
He will be with us. How reassuring that when we come
up
against something too hard for us, that is when He
will
gently pick us up and carry us in His arms.
Pretenders will try to fool us, but why would we ever
want to listen to a fake when the real Shepherd is so
wonderful? Even a rocky and painful path leads to
green
pastures. Our Shepherd, Jesus, promises to never leave
us, but offers us comfort during our most difficult
times.
Beloved, when you're facing some of those "rocky"
places,
be assured, your Good Shepherd is there with you. Rest
in His arms and know that He understands your pain and
fear. Let His love comfort you. There are green
pastures
ahead.
*******************************************
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."
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
Wake up each morning with a reminder that you always
have hope! Have coffee out of your HopeKeepers Mug
and
then pills out of our pillbox. It's a great way to
remember to send up a few prayers for our ministry
too.
We thank you for them in advance!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/Cat6_1.htm
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
Tell us about an experience you have had at a public
event/
location, where you wanted to (or did) roll your
eyes at how
disabled access/participation was handled.
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

One is starting right now... join us if you can!
See the schedule of topics here:
http://www.restministries.org/invisibleillness/conference.htm
Chat here:
http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm

Hi, Friends!
Devotionals have started back up again and I wanted to let you know
Katie is doing fine, it was my error. I was out of town nearly 2
weeks (a wedding, class reunion and family visit) and unable to check
emails and my box filled up for the first time with thousands of them
(too much spam!)

"But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly
about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2
Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
Many times in my disabilities I have asked God why. Maybe, you have
too. I think about Jesus on the cross, when He asked the Father "Why
did you forsake me?"
As it turns out God never forsakes us and is always with us. We do
not always feel his presence but He is always here for us. Have you
ever been in such pain that you have wondered, "Father where are
you?" Sometimes, the pain is very overwhelming and I have to rest
and take meds to calm it down.
Many times I think about Paul the Apostle who said how he had
labored and toiled and often gone without sleep; had known hunger and
thirst and often gone without food; he had been cold and naked. That
he was in pain with all he went through. Five times he received from
the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times he was beaten with
rods, once he was stoned, three times he was shipwrecked, he spent a
night and a day in the open sea, he had been constantly on the
move. He had been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in
danger from his own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in
the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger
from false brothers. Besides everything else, he faced daily the
pressure of his concern for all the churches. (2 Corinthians 11:24-
28).
It is no wonder he suffered great pain and maybe even Chronic Pain!
Then it goes on in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But he said to me, `My grace
is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so
that Christ's power may rest on me. That the Lord's grace is
sufficient for him and that Paul actually drew from this scripture
for his strength.
Lets us also draw from this verse and know that the grace (Favor) as
our strength and knowing that God has us in His hand.
~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~ *~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Pastor Pat Dittert lives in a berm home in Central Iowa with his
lovely wife Nancy and 3 fur babies. Pat lives with Chronic Pain from
a number of surgeries and injuries. Brain Tumor surgery left him
disabled and unable to do most physical
activities. He is also a survivor of Cancer and has 2 stints in his
heart. Pat has several Internet Ministries, leads a Home Bible
Fellowship on Sunday Nights and is a freelance writer with Christian
newpapers, poetry, etc. His Devotional page is
http://fibromyalgiahelp.homestead.com/RevPatsDevotional.html
Contact him at rivpat77@...

SCHEDULED CHAT ROOM MINISTRIES
Please check out the schedule below for days and times for special
chat room events and take advantage of these times of fellowship,
encouragement and support. (Note NEW ones added)
C.A.R.E. Connection:
Tuesdays 12:00 1:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Pamela
Wednesdays 8:00 9:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Carol
Thursdays 1:00 2:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Debbie
Fridays 3:00 4:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Debbie
Saturdays 9:00 10:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Jessyca
Other scheduled chat ministries:
Fellowship hour Tuesdays at 4:00 pm Eastern
Hopekeepers Bible Study Thursdays at 8:00 pm Eastern
Note that chat times are shown in Eastern Daylight Savings Time.
What is C.A.R.E. Connection? C.A.R.E. stands for Comfort, Accept,
Refresh, Encourage. We want you to be able to connect with others
who are going through similar problems or situations. There will be
a volunteer "Chat Host" at each of these times so you can be sure
that someone will be there to make you feel welcome.
TO GET TO THE CHAT ROOM: Go to www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm
and type in your name in the box and click on "Connect". (It may
take a few minutes to load the chat room window.)
If you are unsure about getting there at the correct time because you
are in a different time zone, try going to
www.timetemperature.com/tzus/time_zone.shtml and below the map you
will see the time zone differences (i.e. Pacific, Mountain, Central,
Eastern).
Carolann Page
Rest Ministries
C.A.R.E. Chat Co-ordinator

A large crowd followed (Jesus) and pressed around Him.
And there was a woman there who had been subject to
bleeding for 12 years...When she heard about Jesus,
she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His
cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch His
clothes, I will be healed." Mark 5:24-25,27-28 (NIV)
May I touch You Jesus? May I touch Your cloak? I
know that You are always with me, caring for me and
that You keep me in the palm of Your Hand. I do.
But I am tired. And I want more of You. You are all
that matters. Jesus, I fold up my heart and my spirit
and put them in Your Hands. I just want to touch You.
I need a newness in my heart. I need refreshing in
my spirit. Lord, my health, my longings, my pain....I
leave them in Your Hands.
"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
Wow, LORD Jesus Your right hand is holding me. Right
now? So, I will learn to rest in that. I will stop
struggling. I will abide in You. Your Word says "Abide
in Me, and I in you. I am the vine and you are the
branches; He who abides in Me and I in Him, he bears
much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."
John 15:4-5 NIV
You are holding my right hand. And I will abide in You.
Abide and rest. In the stillness of my heart, in the
gentleness of spring, a newness will come.
"Behold I will do something new. Now it will spring forth,
will you not be aware of it?" Isaiah 43:19 NIV
Yes, I believe. Come LORD Jesus.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Platt is a Pastor's wife who lives in Indiana with
her husband and two children. She has had severe
Fibromyalgia, MPS, and other chronic illness for over 16
years. She is learning to walk deeper with the LORD and
enjoys serving Him with her writings.
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
NEW BOOKS! Did you know you can find out what we have new with
just one click?
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/cat2_1.htm
BETTER YET! WHAT do we have that is $4.99 or under?
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/cat14_1.htm
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
What lesson have you learned through your illness
that you hope dont have to re-learn again?
Send your response to: rest@...
or just hit 'reply.' Please include your name, illness,
& city/state.
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TODAY'S EVENT:
Can't make it to church? Join Rest Ministries' founder
Lisa Copen at hers for a live broadcast via the internet.
All services are also archived. Entire service is live,
including an amazing worship time. Maranatha Chapel is
part of Calvary Chapel.
http://www.maranathachapel.org/media2/livecast.php

"Then the LORD answered Job out of the stormThen
Job replied to the LORD: `I know that You can do
all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.'"
(Job 38:1, 42:1)
I know many of us have gone through storms and maybe
some of us are going through one right now. Like
real nature storms, storms are hard to see through
because of the chaos and darkness that surrounds
the core. It's not always easy to see the way out.
It's not always easy to see that others are ready
to help. It's not always easy to see that God is
there.
A few weeks ago I sang "Praise You In This Storm"
(sung by Casting Crowns). I sang with two other
people so I only came in on the chorus part. I
was able to just listen and really hear what the
words of the verses were. One particular verse
struck home with me:
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry, You raised me up again
But my strength is almost gone
How can I carry on if I can't find you
As the thunder rolls I barely hear
You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you."
And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands
And praise the God who gives and takes away
This was such a good reminder for me. As my third
surgery was fast approaching, this was the song I
sang. I knew God was sending me a little message
to not forget that He would be here with me. The
chorus of this song is also a reminder that we need
to praise Him in this storm. Why not make the words
following your prayer today I know I will!
And I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands
For You are who You are No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
("Praise You in This Storm" Accompaniment Track by
Mark Hall/Bernie Herms; © 2005 Club Zoo Music/SWECS
Music/WORD Music, LLC/BANAHAMA Tunes; Casting Crowns
CD produced by Steven Curtis Chapman)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bridget Gazlay keeps very busy in Michigan. She likes
to write during her quiet-time with God. She lives
with Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, and migraines. Bridget
looks to God as her hope and strength. Feel free to check
out her website (http://home.ccci.org/gazlay) or send
her an email, b4fabric-devotional@...
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
Have you checked out our new program where you can shop online
and Rest Ministries gets a percentage of the sale? It's everywhere
from Target, to Kohl's, Starbucks to Lane Bryant.
See http://www.restministries.org/admin-shopforcharity.htm
for
details.
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
PLEASE ANSWER!
What morning ritual do you do each day to get up and get
going? What gets you out of bed when you dont feel like it?
Send your response to: rest@...
or just hit 'reply.' Please include your name, illness,
& city/state.
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Friends, first let me say thank you for the outpouring of prayers for my family! I appreciate the kind responses I've received and all the prayers that are heading our way. My son starts his first session of OT today at Children's Hospital, so hopefully we're on the right path!

I will be going to Pasadena (with my husband, son and mom!) to the Joni and Friends International Disability Summit Oct 26-28 and speaking on invisible disabilities/illness. I am putting my presentation together and I will also be leading a networking group on Friday night for people who are interested in improving their church's outreach to the chronically ill. If you're interested in attending, info is here: http://www.joniandfriends.org/summit/index.php

Could you take just a minute and fill out a brief survey about things a/your church could do to make a difference for you? It's at http://restministries.churchhelp.sgizmo.com . The results will all be discussed in our networking group as well as help me prioritize my areas of the presentation.

I woke up at 3 and now the sun is about to come up so I am going to go catch a couple more hours of sleep before the house is bustling. Thanks again for all your help, both personally and with Rest Ministries "stuff."

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

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

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

DID YOU KNOW...
+ Nearly 1 in 2 Americans live with a chronic condition?
+ 96% of illness is invisible?
+ 75% of marriages end in divorce when illness is present?
+ 79% of suicides have uncontrollable physical pain as a factor?
My illness is invisible. But the pain is real.
Join me in supporting National Invisible Chronic Illness
Awareness Week. Care enough to be Informed. Little things DO make a difference. http://www.invisibleillness.com

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

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

OUR WEB SITES:
REST MINISTRIES CHRONIC ILLNESS SUPPORT

http://www.restministries.org

REST MINISTRIES PUBLISHERS

http://www.restpublishers.com

"But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred
in his hands; so the potter formed it into another
pot, shaping it as seemed best to him" (Jeremiah 18:4
NIV).
Recently a friend sent me an e-mail that really
impressed me. The e-mail had incredible pictures of
watermelons and eggshells that had been turned into
spectacular works of art!
I once thought I was tough, but now, like these carved
pieces of art, I feel very fragile. Though I feel
vulnerable and not so tough anymore, I trust I am in
the Potter's hands. As God "reshapes" me and
"transforms" me, the process may be painful or scary,
but it is by faith that I believe he is making me a
"new creation".
I love these verses that I leaned long ago: "But
because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in
mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were
dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been
saved", and again "For it is by grace you have been
saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves,
it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one
can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in
advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:4-5;8-10 NIV).
About the Author:
Lori Mortensen works part-time as an RN in a wound
Clinic. She Praises God for His great mercy in saving
her and healing all her wounds, especially the deep
ones that only He can see.
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
Does life hurt? We have a great little gift-style book that is nice
to sit on your own bed-side or share with a friend. Pain calls our
most basic beliefs about God into question. Philip Yancey's "When
Life Hurts" addresses five major questions brought on by pain...
Read more at: http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/item68.htm
ON SALE for just $7.50, reg. $12.99
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
If someone with a chronic illness asked you to recommend
a must-read book to offer comfort or information, which
book would you recommend?
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 Tonight
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: 5 p.m. Pacific, USA
PLACE: http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm

This is the one who came by water and bloodJesus Christ.
He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And
it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the
blood; and the three are in agreement." (1 John 5:7 NIV)
Susan, one of my dear Moderators in my Pain Support Family and
I were discussing the Godhead.
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit... 3 entities...yet all in One.
How amazing. How awesome. Beyond our human understanding
yet brought forth to us in God's Word, our key to knowledge
and understanding.
The Trinity.... think of this... think of the INK PEN.
God is the plastic case.... Jesus is the ink... and the Holy Spirit
is the cartridge that holds the ink. None of them work well without
the other and God is the Head... That's the Trinity.
God sent Jesus down here on earth to take our place so that
we could be adopted into His kingdom. Jesus felt all that we
feel... He felt physical and emotional pain and even temptation.
God sent His only Son that He might understand us humans
better, and the Holy Spirit came as our Comforter. So God's
Son Jesus came as a human and Saviour to feel what we feel
so God could better understand His creation... us. What
absolute love.
Thank you Father God... for ALL that you are. How much you
love us. How strong and abiding is your love and comfort.
We give you all the glory and praises in Jesus precious name...
Amen.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Dittert (Aka~ Nancie-rose) lives in a berm home in Rural
Central Iowa with her husband & soulmate Patrick, 2 cats and a
Lab/Sharpei dog. Nancy & Patrick are both pastors, retiring early
because of illness.Nancy lives with Severe Fibromyalgia, Neuropathy
& is HLA-B27 positive, and her husband had a brain tumor that left
him
disabled. They are still actively involved in Prayer Group and
Chronic
Pain Support Ministry through the Internet and Public Access TV.
Visit
Nancy's Chronic Pain Web Site
at http://fibromyalgiahelp.homestead.com/ & Invitation page at

"And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured
out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom
He has given us." (Romans 5:5 NIV)
When faced with the challenges of living day to day with
chronic illness, the believer in Christ is faced with a
daily choice: live with hope or exist with a defeated
attitude.
To be honest, I have felt defeated lately. My pain has
progressed to the point where I need to be medicated
constantly. The pain medicine makes me sleep. Combine the
effects of that with my fatigue, and well, I've been
spending more time sleeping than awake. Great chunks of my
life have been passed while in this fog and it feels like
life is just going on without me.
Then I read the words in Romans 5:5 and it is like a rescue
line thrown to me in my sea of despair. I can live with
hope because God has poured His love into my heart.... He
has given me the Holy Spirit! No matter how alone I may
feel or how out of it, it is just a feeling. The truth is,
God loves me. I have a future and a hope! This current time
may be hard, but it is TEMPORARY. God and His love are
eternal. What a great and 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."
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
DO YOU HAVE A HOPEKEEPERS GROUP? We have great
some great fun items, such as balloons, cups, mugs
and much more. They are great to add to a topic of
discussion too: Use balloons to share how someone
raised your spirit; give mugs to remember to pray
for a friend each day, etc.
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/cat12_1.htm
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
How many doctors do you actually see on a regular basis or
who are part of your "treatment team?"
Send us your response!
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

SCHEDULED CHAT ROOM MINISTRIES
Here's our schedule for days and times for special chat room events
please take advantage of these times of fellowship, encouragement and
support. (Note NEW time to one of them)
C.A.R.E. Connection:
Tuesdays 12:00 1:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Pamela
Wednesdays 8:00 9:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Carol
Thursdays 3:00 4:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Debbie
Fridays 3:00 4:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Debbie
Saturdays 9:00 10:00 p.m. Eastern Chat Host is Jessyca
Other scheduled chat ministries:
Fellowship hour Tuesdays at 4:00 pm Eastern
Hopekeepers Bible Study Thursdays at 8:00 pm Eastern
Note that chat times are shown in Eastern Daylight Savings Time.
What is C.A.R.E. Connection? C.A.R.E. stands for Comfort, Accept,
Refresh, Encourage. We want you to be able to connect with others
who are going through similar problems or situations. There will be
a volunteer "Chat Host" at each of these times so you can be sure
that someone will be there to make you feel welcome.
TO GET TO THE CHAT ROOM: Go to www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm
and type in your name in the box and click on "Connect". (It may
take a few minutes to load the chat room window.)
If you are unsure about getting there at the correct time because you
are in a different time zone, try going to
www.timetemperature.com/tzus/time_zone.shtml and below the map you
will see the time zone differences (i.e. Pacific, Mountain, Central,
Eastern).
Carolann Page
Rest Ministries
C.A.R.E. Chat Co-ordinator

"But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for
My power is made perfect in weakness"
(2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV).
It's very easy for those of us with chronic illnesses and/or
pain to feel that our lives are being wasted. Because we
have to spend so much more time resting than healthy people,
it sometimes seems that we have no purpose. I have felt, at
times, like the world is passing me by as I gaze out the
window from my sofa sanctuary. "What is God's purpose in
allowing me to have this chronic illness?" is a question I
often ask myself. I know that God has given me Chronic Fatigue
Immune Dysfunction Syndrome or "CFIDS" for a reason, and I
must strive to glorify Christ through it. I must also trust
that broken or whole, God will still accomplish His purposes
through me.
In 2 Corinthians 12:8, Paul pleaded with the Lord three times
to remove his thorn in the flesh. Scripture doesn't reveal
exactly what Paul's thorn was, but we do know that one reason
the LORD gave him this affliction was to keep Paul humble
(2 Cor. 12:7). Previously, Paul had been the recipient of
divine revelations of Heaven and God did not want him to become
prideful because of what he saw (2 Cor. 12:2-4). In answer
to Paul's request, the Lord told him that His grace was
sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9). Paul knew that his sufferings were
reasons for rejoicing because of Christ's power at work in
him. Thus, he could say with complete confidence, "for when
I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10).
Do you find yourself wondering if your life is "being wasted"
because of inactivity? That is a lie straight from the pit of
hell! Have you confessed your sins and placed your trust in
Christ? If you are not a Christian, I urge you to turn to
Jesus Christ today. If you are a Christian, praise Jesus for
His mighty power that is always at work within us. When God
works through our weaknesses, our lives are never wasted.
Dear Jesus: Please shine Your power through our weaknesses so
that others will be drawn to You!
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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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
Wake up each morning with a reminder that you always
have hope! Have coffee out of your HopeKeepers Mug and
then pills out of our pillbox. It's a great way to
remember to send up a few prayers for our ministry too.
We thank you for them in advance!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/Cat6_1.htm
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
Tell us about an experience you have had at a public event/
location, where you wanted to (or did) roll your eyes at how
disabled access/participation was handled.
Send your response to: rest@...
or just hit 'reply.' Please include your name, illness,
& city/state.
---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~
TODAY'S EVENT:
None scheduled
Drop by our chat room any time.
http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm

"A large crowd followed (Jesus) and pressed around Him.
And there was a woman there who had been subject to
bleeding for 12 years...When she heard about Jesus, she
came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak,
because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I
will be healed." Mark 5:24-25, 27-28 (NIV)
May I touch You Jesus? May I touch Your cloak? I know
that You are always with me, caring for me, and that
You keep me in the palm of Your Hand. I do.
But I am tired. And I want more of You. You are
all that matters. Jesus, I fold up my heart and my spirit
and put them in Your Hands. I just want to touch You. I
need a newness in my heart. I need refreshing in my spirit.
LORD, my health, my longings, my pain....I leave them in
Your Hands.
"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
Wow, LORD Your right hand is holding me. Right now? So,
I will learn to rest in that. I will stop struggling. I
will abide in You. Your word says "Abide in Me, and I in
you. I am the vine and you are the branches; He who
abides in Me and I in Him, he bears much fruit, for apart
from Me you can do nothing." John 15:4-5 NIV
You are holding my right hand. And I will abide in You.
Abide and rest. In the stillness of my heart, in the
gentleness of spring, a newness will come.
"Behold I will do something new. Now it will spring forth,
will you not be aware of it?" Isaiah 43:19 NIV
Yes, I believe....come LORD Jesus.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Platt is a Pastor's wife who lives in Indiana with
her husband and two children. She has had severe Fibromyalgia,
MPS, and other chronic illness for over 16 years. She is
learning to walk deeper with the LORD and enjoys serving Him
with her writings.
---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~
TODAY'S TIDBIT:
We've had some amazing chat guests during our weekly
"Time of Refreshment" each Wednesday. But you don't
have to miss out. We have all the transcripts.
Includes chat guests photos and topics:
http://www.restministries.org/pro-chattranscripts.htm
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
Finish this sentence and then send us your response: Im proud
of the way I have handled my illness in the following way_______.
Send your response to: rest@...
or just hit 'reply.' Please include your name, illness,
& city/state.
---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~
TODAY'S EVENT:
HOPEKEEPERS Online Group Meets Tonight
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: 5 p.m. Pacific, USA
PLACE: http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm

"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your
calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will
never fall," 2 Timothy 1: 10 NIV)
I am so constantly amazed at the different talents and
personalities of each person in my Support Group Ministry.
Everyone is different yet each dear individual adds their
special touch to the Group.
God loves us all so very much and He always hears our
call to Him. We can't even comprehend His great and perfect
love for us. It is beyond the comprehension of our thoughts.
God wants each of you to know that YOU are special... you are
special as an individual. Did you know that God has something
special just for you, (a calling) for your life and to fill the void
that may be in your heart? That is just for you individually.
Maybe you are blessed by being a positive person and you
can write or call people that have Chronic Pain. Maybe you
have a talent for poetry or writing. Not everyone is called
to be a pastor or even a Sunday School teacher... but I truly
believe that everyone does have a special calling in their lives.
Have you found out yet what that "special thing" is in your empty
spot in your heart? We all have that spot and if it isn't filled
with
the special something that God has for us... we are often sad
and disillusioned.
Let us kneel before God and ask Him... what do I need to do to be
fulfilled and feel joy in my life. What can I do even with my
illness
that I live with daily?
I promise you dear ones... if you ask Him, He will show you the
way.
He is a big loving God and He wants us to have peace and joy.
Praise His wonderful name.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Dittert (Aka~ Nancie-rose) lives in a berm home in Rural
Central Iowa with her husband & soulmate Patrick, 2 cats and a
Lab/Sharpei dog. Nancy & Patrick are both pastors, retiring early
because of illness. Nancy lives with Severe Fibromyalgia, Neuropathy
& is HLA-B27 positive, and her husband had a brain tumor that left
him disabled. They are still actively involved in Prayer Group and
Chronic Pain Support Ministry through the Internet and Public
Access TV. Visit Nancy's Chronic Pain Web Site
at http://fibromyalgiahelp.homestead.com/ & Invitation page at

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or
have already been made perfect, but I press on
to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took
hold of me....forgetting what is behind and
straining toward what lies ahead." Philippians 3:12-13
Ties that bind: they are the tethers that accompany
my existence on this earth.
I first enjoyed a miraculous physical conduit to my
mother; but, in order for me to move on with life, it
had to be cut. I was promoted from a fetus to a
newborn. By no choice of my own, I was forced out of
what I knew and loved and away from where I felt most
safe.
Deep emotional riggings also tie me to a job, a church,
a ministry, a house and even my strong, healthy body.
I settled in and took it for granted: the comfortable
norm aboard the mother ship of familiarity. But then
time passed; my healthy body began to weaken; and then
without my knowing how or why, I found myself out of
sync and awkward; like I didn't fit anymore. My
disability made me a liability.
I sensed being pushed overboard, left to float in my own
inflatable dingy behind the ship. "How did I get here?
Life was good there! Now, I am completely alone out here
on this tossing sea of fear and pain. I can see everyone
going on without me, standing on the ship where I once
stood, healthy, singing and enjoying my former position
at the aft."
Time passes and I see that off in the distance is an
intriguing island. I feel it calling for me. What should
I do? Stay tethered to the ship of memories or cut the
rope? I take out my pocketknife of faith, lean forward
and begin to saw back and forth on the line that keeps
me bound to what once was. "It is time to move on.
Some day soon, I'll be glad I took a risk and made
this choice to sever the tie that binds."
About the Author:
Pastor Greg Harvey wrote this shortly after he was forced
to step down from his 13-year Associate Pastor's Music
and Senior Adults ministry because of degenerative disc
disease with failed double fusion back surgery. He has
since learned that God didn't remove him from ministry,
he expanded his ministry to even more people through
Lisa Copen's Rest Ministries! His book, "Finding God
Faithful in Turbulent Times" may be obtained by
contacting Greg at gaharvey@...
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
Wondering what is new at Rest Ministries resources?
You can find out in just 1 click!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/cat2_1.htm
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
Do you decorate your home a certain way to try to keep your
mood maintained? What adjustments do you make (colors, pillows,
scents, etc.) to make it a comforting place to be, and not too
depressing?
Send your response to:
rest@... or just hit 'reply.' Please
include your name, illness, & city/state.
---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~
TODAY'S EVENT:
None scheduled
Drop by our chat room any time.
http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm

"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered,
"Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." ~ John 13:8 NIV
Because I am unable to stand very long, I try to be as efficient as I
can be with household tasks. One chore is touching up the interior
walls with the original paint left by the builders. It requires
prying the lid off the five-gallon plastic bucket and then stirring
the paint with my metal shaft paint stir and drill. Once I finish
mixing, I remove the stir and place it in an empty bucket to avoid
having to stand longer to clean it.
After three years of doing this, I have watched the stir became very
heavy and clunky as it was completely covered in several layers of
built-up, dried, gummy and crusty paint. Last weekend, I completed
the routine and I could almost hear the stir crying to me like the
half man half fly at the end of the Vincent Price movie, The
Fly. "Help me! Please help me!"
Even after soaking it in water all night, it was just too thick to
come off easily and so it required the use of my carpet knife with a
new, sharp blade. I sat and whittled away at it and I finally began
to see the original blue color appear. It wasn't a pretty sight. The
perfect circle on the end looked more like a warped, mangled oval and
it had lost its balance and center of gravity, making it a less
effective tool.
I am a prized tool, owned by God Himself. I get loaded down with
layers of this world's belief system, my sins and cares. I require
regular cleansing and re-balancing, which is often very
uncomfortable, painful and difficult. But it comforts me to know that
God loves me enough to care for me in this way. As a clean and
balanced tool, I can be used to do many wonderful things in the lives
of others!
About the Author:
Pastor Greg Harvey lives in Kansas City , Kansas and deals with
chronic degenerative disk disease with two unsuccessful fusions. His
book, "Finding God Faithful in Turbulent Times" is available and may
be obtained by contacting Greg at gaharvey@...

"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which
cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains
surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people
both now and forevermore." (Psalm 125:1-2, NIV)
Recently, my husband and I returned from a trip to the
mountains. It was wonderful to get away, relax, sightsee
and enjoy the peace, beauty and serenity of the mountains.
We stayed in a rustic cabin and each morning we were able
to have our quiet time with God overlooking the most
magnificent view in all of Maggie Valley. With the Blue
Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains surrounding us, I was
reminded of the above Scripture verses and God's continual
care for His people.
In the Scriptures, mountains often symbolize God's
protection over believers and denote great strength and
power, pointing to Jesus Christ as the Strength of His
people. Jerusalem, God's chosen city, was surrounded by
mountains, which were important in the defense of the
city and also picture God's constant protective presence.
The mountains surrounding us were a continual reminder to
me of God's constant care for us.
Someone in Scripture who recognized God's continual care
over his life was King David. David was chosen by God to
be king when he was just a young boy. After slaying
Goliath and winning many battles, David became very
popular with the Israelites and Saul became very jealous,
plotting to kill David (I Samuel 18:8-9). Twice, Saul
threw his spear at David while he played music to soothe
him, but David escaped. Saul tried to kill David many
times, but the Lord faithfully protected David's life.
Gazing at the majestic mountains, I was reminded of God's
continual love, care and protection over my life. Although
life can be very difficult to understand at times,
especially when severe trials come our way, Christians are
still assured of God's constant presence with us
(Hebrews 13:5; Matt. 28:20) and tender care for us
(Psalm 125:1-2). Since God never sleeps, He is constantly
watching over us (Psalm 121:4). With the Lord as our Keeper
(Psalm 121:5), we have nothing to fear!
Dear Jesus, thank You for your constant Presence with us and
for Your continual care and protection over us.
ABOUT 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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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
"Living with Mystery: Finding God in the Midst of Unanswered
Questions" is written by a woman who receives the Rest Ministries
daily devotionals. Following her diagnosis with lupus as age 27,
she felt God's calling to reach out to those who are hurting.
Check out this wonderful book and an amazing testimony on how
to respond to the mysteries of this life!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/item31.htm
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
What silly thing do you do to keep up your spirits when
no one is looking? (Dance, sing silly songs, etc.)
Send your response to: rest@...
or just hit 'reply.' Please include your name, illness,
& city/state.
---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~
TODAY'S EVENT:
Can't make it to church? Join Rest Ministries' founder
Lisa Copen at hers for a live broadcast via the internet.
All services are also archived. Entire service is live,
including an amazing worship time. Maranatha Chapel is
part of Calvary Chapel.
http://www.maranathachapel.org/media2/livecast.php

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news
gives health to the bones" (Proverbs 15:30, NIV).
I recently heard a preacher talk about God desiring His
children to be fat. Yay! I thought, this is something I
can relate to! But as I paid closer attention, I realized
that his definition of FAT is:
F-aithful
A-vailable
T-eachable
In a different Bible version, Proverbs 15:30 is translated
as: "Bright eyes gladden the heart; good news puts fat on
the bones."
I don't know about you, but I eat more when I am happy or
excited about something than when I'm sad. If I am depressed,
I have no appetite. So I guess that if I want the LORD to use
me for His work, then I need to make sure I am FAT for the
right reasons.
FAITHFUL: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and
certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1, NIV). When we
ask Jesus into our hearts to be our personal Savior and LORD,
we are acknowledging His faithfulness in loving us in spite
of our sinful natures. So, too, we can be faithful to God's
touch in our lives by sharing His Good News with others.
AVAILABLE: "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant
me a willing spirit, to sustain me" (Psalm 51:12, NIV).
These days, I can sustain some light exercise for about thirty
minutes, but it is often a huge effort. However, I am able to
keep smiling for a long time because I enjoy doing so. I also
can share God's love and joy with others through my smile.
TEACHABLE: "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and
let the discerning get guidance" (Proverbs 1:5, NIV). How
teachable are we willing to be? My dog, Bleu, has been able to
learn certain tricks, but others seem beyond his understanding.
If I tell him to stay, he'll do so for only a few seconds and
then he's off running again. The Bible is packed with things
for us to learn. The more we read of God's Word, the more we'll
understand and be able to share His Good News with others
through our words and actions.
Beloved, are you FAT? Even though I've spent most of my life
trying to keep my weight under control, I think that being this
kind of FAT might just be the best way to stay close to Jesus.
How about you?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Anna is learning that she can be FAT while still losing weight.
She and her husband, Rick, share their northern Arizona home
with their Sheltie named Bleu. Please visit Anna's Web site:
http://www.annapopescu.com .
************************************************
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Toll-free 888-751-7378
FAX 800-933-1078

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with
the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18 NIV)
I have a confession to make. I'm not always a pillar of unshakable
faith. Sometimes I have difficulty dealing with my disability. When
I see friends playing sports, I sometimes hate the fact that I have
to sit on the sidelines. When I have difficulty breathing, I
sometimes groan and complain about my condition. When I get
uncomfortable in my wheelchair, I sometimes despair that I can't
stand up for a while. When I see babies at church, I sometimes get
frustrated that I can't hold them. Being disabled can be trying.
If I focused solely on my disability, I would be discouraged. You
wouldn't see me smile much. And I wouldn't have any inspiration to
pass on to others. Thankfully, I don't dwell on my disability.
Iremind myself that someday all my suffering will end. In heaven, I
will no longer need this wheelchair. In heaven, I won't deal with
aching limbs. In heaven, my breathing difficulties will be gone. In
heaven, I won't be stuck on the sidelines. I'll be right in the midst
of God's glory.
While I look forward to my future in heaven, I'm also touched by
God's presence in my life right now. When I join with others in
singing praises to Him, my heart soars with joy. When I write
devotionals, I'm blessed in being used by Him for His glory. When I
think of God's love for me, I'm left in awe. When I meditate on
everything God does for me and I think about all He is, my
suffering seems less significant.
Have you been dwelling on your suffering or have you been dwelling in
God's glory?

".Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.
(I Corinthians 12:22 NIV)
One of my worst habits is to compare myself to others. Having
chronic illnesses has made this habit even more prominent when I
realize that others, more disabled than I, can go and do, without
being rendered as useless as I. I have found from experience that if
I want to keep going at all, I have to know my limitations and abide
by them.
I came across this saying the other day - "To compare is to despair,"
and it made me really think about my life. Do I live in despair?
Does Jesus want me to live in despair? I think not!! Truthfully,
even before I had chronic illnesses, I still didn't do all the things
I saw others doing, nor was I supposed to.
He made us all unique, and gave us each special tasks for the
furthering of His Kingdom. We find in I Cor. 12 that we can't all be
the broad shoulders of the body of Christ, or the powerful legs. A
body also needs " thumbs and big toes." Have you read how important
these two seemingly insignificant parts of the body really are?
(Judges 1:6,7) Do we often feel like "just" thumbs and big toes in
the body of Christ? If so, we should rejoice - He has given us
important tasks.
We may not feel important to the body of Christ anymore, but God
knows we are, and He uses us in mighty ways. Verse 22 of this
scripture says, ".we ARE indispensable!"
Remember, even in our weaknesses, God has much He wants to accomplish
through us. And, if He gives us a task, He will equip us, and enable
us to glorify Him even in our pain and weaknesses.
Prayer: Our Precious Lord, - We thank you that even at our weakest
moment, You can, and will still use us for Your glory! We praise you
for helping us to still feel useful - no matter what we are going
through.
========================================================
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alice Ervin lives in Dayton, Ohio with her beloved Husband, Dan.
Alice suffers daily with chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Multiple
Chemical Sensitivity, to name just a few. But, Alice never forgets
that she doesn't have to suffer alone. Not only is Jesus ever
present to help carry the load,but she has her supportive husband and
HopeKeepers Group who also help in so many ways.

From everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those that
fear Him." Psalm 103:17 (NIV)
Dear friends, how long is everlasting? How big is our Father's love
for us? Ever-lasting. Think of it! It is too big to fathom! I
figure it means from the beginning of time, until the end of time.
Far beyond our ability to measure.
From the beginning of time, even before I was born He loved me! He
loved me before I even knew Him, not because I earned it but because
He created me!
Often when we are bogged down with pain we don't feel particularly
loved. When our illnesses keep us from being active, we feel we
don't earn His love. When we aren't able to attend church because of
pain, or when volunteers are needed and we cannot serve; we feel
unlovable. But beloved, it is not up to us to earn His love! From
everlasting, to everlasting, the Lord's love is with us.
We can rest in that. It is a fact. And our God does not lie. He
never started loving us because we deserve it, and He will never stop
loving us if we struggle or fail. His love for us is not rooted in
anything we do. It is a life long, eternity wide love gift that is
forever available to us! This realization can do much to bring
stability to our lives. There is so much in our lives that we cannot
control because of our illnesses. We don't know what tomorrow will
bring, or even how we will feel. But His love and care for us is
everlasting and unshakable! How wonderful!
Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains may be shaken and the hills
removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken." His love
is solid as a rock, no matter how we feel, no matter what we do. His
love for us will never change. So, if we are having a bad pain day,
or are weighed down with fatigue; we need to just rest in His love.
Ponder and think on the fact that He loves us and cares for us. We
don't need to push ourselves to earn His love, it is right there.
"Praise the Lord, O my soul; and all my innermost being praise His
Holy name." Psalm 103:1
About the Author:
Sandra Platt is a Pastor's wife and mother of two. She lives in
Southern Indiana with her family and two spoiled cats. She has
Fibromyalgia, Sjogren's disease, and Neuropathy among other
illnesses. She loves to read, cross stitch, and be a Pastor's wife.
She enjoys the fellowship of those in Rest Ministries, and is
thankful for all that the Lord is teaching her through her illness.
HOPEKEEPERS MAGAZINE SPECIAL!
Buy 1 subscription get 1 free for a friend!
Sign up today!!
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************************************************
Get on our mailing list! Get a free sample copy of
HopeKeepers Magazine via postal mail and "HopeNotes"
in your email box periodically. You'll hear about specials,
news, new resources, and be entered to win a $25 gift
certificate from our store.
mailto:news@...?subject=hk_mag-subscribe
************************************************
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
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http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
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"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your
God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my
righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
In one months time my world has turned upside down. Literally!
August 9 we received a call from my husbands' District
Superintendent. He told us we were to move to Kentucky to Pastor
another church. We had no idea this was coming; we were in the midst
of making plans for the fall and Advent season! Until we received
the call.
August 13 we met with our new District Superintendent for lunch and
an interview. Emails and files changed hands between Kentucky
Conference, and the Indiana Conference that we have been with for
many years. August 29 we drove down to meet the leadership of our
new church, and tour the church and our new parsonage. Now,
September 19 we are moving! Packing up a parsonage that we had lived
in almost 5 years. We are leaving behind dear friends, people that
we have cared about and prayed for. We will have to start all over
again meeting mew people and finding our way around a new area.
It is always hard moving to a new church. I dislike packing with a
vengeance! I do like setting up a new home though. But in the past
four years my health has declined markedly. I use a cane now, and
even a wheelchair sometimes. I feel so insecure about the idea of
having a potluck at dinner at the church, or even coffee during the
gathering time before Sunday school. I might spill, or trip, or
forget the words I am trying to say.
I have gotten so exhausted trying to pack. What if I get a bad flare
up during this move. See my insecurities? The church folk already
know ahead of time about my health. Many have offered to help with
unpacking and getting settled. Most importantly my Father is holding
me by His righteous right hand. I do not need to fear or be
dismayed, He is going before me to carry me. He is with me, and I do
not need to be afraid.

"He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. He determines
the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our
Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit." Psalm
147:3-5 (NIV)
There are many people with broken hearts, because of one problem or
another; the world is full of hurting people. There are people going
through divorce who feel discarded and abandoned. Single parents
feel overwhelmed with responsibilities and burdened with providing
bare essentials. Some find their pay check comes up short when
paying the bills at the end of the month. Widows and widowers are
suffering loss that is unexplainable. Childless couples feel the
pain of incompleteness.
Those who have been abused suffer hurt that will not go away. Then
there are some people who find themselves in a state of despondency;
gloom hangs over them as they live with depression. Some of us with
illness and diseases suffer chronic pain, and live with afflictions
that are endless.
Yes, we do not live in a perfect world; life is sometimes less than
grand and we as imperfect humans living in a sin-filled world are
going to suffer. We are all going to know pain to one degree or
another. We all are going to have our hearts broken and feel anguish
and loneliness at times.
We must remember though we are important to God and we can rest
assured we are not alone. God knows each of the stars in the galaxy
by name; He is so loving, loyal and understanding, with powers that
are unlimited, He knows our needs and what we are dealing with. He is
a caring God who wants for us the best.
Trust Him with your troubles; He may send another person to help you,
He may change your circumstances, He may allow you to suffer as He
teaches you. God may give you the grace to overcome your anguish with
His peace so you can give Him glory. He may simply remove your
distress.
Be certain He will do what is best for you and He will not allow
anything to come to you that He will not give you the grace and
ability to see it through.

"But he said to me, `My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly
about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
(2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
Cutting grass is not one of my favorite chores but since it needs to
be done, I decided to do it early in the day and get it over. While
outside I did a few other chores like sweeping leaves from gutter in
street and pulling a few weeds. By the time I went inside, my legs
were really burning and hurting as a result of neuropathy. I decided
to treat myself with a cup of coffee and would splurge and grind
fresh coffee beans. Alas, as I was going to the coffeemaker with
grounds, I dropped the container and my fresh coffee went all over
the counter and floor. My pain soared!!
Frustrations like this happen to everyone. However, when in severe
pain, it seems the trials just seem to intensify unless we use them
as opportunities to grow and become more Christ like. What a
blessing to know we can use trials to bring us closer to the Lord.
God's promises grace to those who endure trials. Regarding Paul's
thorn in the flesh he was told, "my grace is sufficient for thee: for
my strength is made perfect in weakness..." (2 Cor. 12: 9).
God also promises deliverance in time of trial for his people (Ps.
34:7). Another promise is the crown of life. Hear Paul, "I have
fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of Even though most
cringe at the thought of problems and difficulties, man needs
resistance and trials to challenge and make him a better person.
Without trials, man tends to be arrogant. Listen to the Psalmist: "It
is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn thy
statutes" (Ps. 119: 71).
The more I study God's Word the more I become aware of ways God gives
us opportunities to grow more like Him through the trials of life.
I am striving to learn to find joy in each trial (even spilling
freshly ground coffee) as I use whatever happens to
grow closer to Him.
=====================================
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patricia Armstrong Lives in Virginia Beach, Va., with her husband,
Richard. Patricia deals with
She enjoys church activities, camping and reading. Patricia finds
Rest Ministries a blessing as it helps people find purpose in trials
of life.

"Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm
and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you
today¦. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to
be still." (Exodus 14:13-14 NIV)
We were on our way to a cookout for my Sunday school class
at a member's home. We completely missed a road sign
and drove until the country road we traveling ended several
miles past our turn. Heading back, we drove more slowly
and found the road. The second turn was at a curve in the
road. We missed it as well and doubled back once more.
With a sigh of relief, we finally made it to the cook out.
How many times have you known where you were going but
either didn't know how to get there or found the path a
maze full of pitfalls and dead ends? The Israelites were
eager to leave the Pharaoh behind and head to the Promised
Land, but the journey was not what they expected. At the
first sign of trouble, they questioned whether they should
have left their lives of servitude for the uncertain
journey. Moses reminded them of what Jesus reminded us:
"'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are
possible'" (Matthew 19:26 NIV).
It is easy for those with chronic illness to focus on the
perils in our lives. We face pain, limitations, surgeries,
medications and their side effects. We see how it has
changed our lives and those of our loved ones. We want to
go back to our previous lives, forgetting the troubles
we had then. But God is waiting for us in the Promised
Land. He has prepared a home for us there, and Christ has
prepared the way. Christ told his disciples,"'In this
world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
overcome the world.'" (John 16:33 NIV) The journey may be
difficult, but the destination makes it worth the effort!
****************************************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Howard lives in Danville, Virginia with one
husband, two teenaged daughters, and three dogs. Chiari
Syndrome has created pitfalls in her journey, but she is
looking toward the Promised Land.
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
Wake up each morning with a reminder that you always
have hope! Have coffee out of your HopeKeepers Mug and
then pills out of our pillbox. It's a great way to
remember to send up a few prayers for our ministry too.
We thank you for them in advance!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/Cat6_1.htm
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
Tell us about an experience you have had at a public event/
location, where you wanted to (or did) roll your eyes at how
disabled access/participation was handled.
Send your response to: rest@...
or just hit 'reply.' Please include your name, illness,
& city/state.
---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~---~
TODAY'S EVENT:
None scheduled
Drop by our chat room any time.
http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm

"My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do
not resent His rebuke, because the LORD disciplines
those He loves, as a father the son He delights in."
~ Proverbs 3:11-12 NIV
It never ceases to amaze me: my wife is most always
right. Now guys, before you give me a blazing glare,
let me explain. Dee knows that I enjoy solving our
personal computer problems and that when I am deep
into the process; I am rather irritable until I
reach a solution. I don't give up but keep trying,
reading message boards and looking for any inkling
of what could be causing the problem.
While working on our lap top system and its continuing
blue screen of death, I reached a point where I was
ready to load it full of M-80 fireworks and have some
fun. She said, "Greg, put it away. Leave it alone for
a while and maybe something will come to you later on.
You could learn something later that will help you.
Let it go for now!" I reluctantly agreed and put it
back in its case.
Four months passed and my son showed me a program that
cleans the registry and improves performance. "HmmI
wonder." I pulled it out and gave it a try. Sure enough,
I learned a way to correct the error! The system now
works fine and I saved a lot of money by just waiting,
being patient and learning.
The Holy Spirit then gently informed me that God works
the same way when He can't easily correct an issue
within me. He waits and lets pain and discomfort do
what it does until I am ready to receive what He has
for me. He has me here, not to live eighty-some years
in comfort and ease but to prepare for an eternity
with Him and make a difference in people's lives. He
works behind the scenes, kindly ordering circumstances
in a way that will change me for the better. I thank
Him (and my precious wife) for their love and tender
patience with me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Pastor Greg Harvey lives in Kansas City, Kansas with
his best friend and wife Dee, their two teen sons and
mother-in-law. He enjoys art and creates pen and ink
abstract drawings. Dee likes scrap booking and
preserving family memories. Greg's book, "Finding God
Faithful in Turbulent Times" is available for a
suggested donation and may be obtained by contacting
Greg for your signed copy at gaharvey@....
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
NEW BOOKS! Did you know you can find out what we have new with
just one click?
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/cat2_1.htm
BETTER YET! WHAT do we have that is $4.99 or under?
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/cat14_1.htm
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
What lesson have you learned through your illness
that you hope dont have to re-learn again?
Send your response to: rest@...
or just hit 'reply.' Please include your name, illness,
& city/state.
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TODAY'S EVENT:
Can't make it to church? Join Rest Ministries' founder
Lisa Copen at hers for a live broadcast via the internet.
All services are also archived. Entire service is live,
including an amazing worship time. Maranatha Chapel is
part of Calvary Chapel.
http://www.maranathachapel.org/media2/livecast.php

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither
angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything
else in all creation, will be able to separate us from
the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LORD."
(Romans 8:38-39 NIV)
I have this coping mechanism that I use when faced with
yet more bad news. Basically, I see if it is covered in
today's verse.
For instance, when the medical bills are more money than
what is coming in, I measure it against this verse. I see
that the depth of my bank account is not an accurate
measure of God`s love. I've yet to find a circumstance
that isn't covered.
Nothing - illness, lack of money, diminishing abilities,
unrelenting pain or lack of energy can separate us from
His love. Doctors' can't, HMO's can't, even the government
is unable to change His love for you and I.
Have you considered what a great promise is contained in
these verses? If I truly believe these words, it will make
all the difference in how I respond to less than wonderful
situations.
No longer do I feel judged by my ill health or my lack of
ability. I find my measure of success is totally wrapped
up in Christ. (Which, by the way, is how it should be.) I
see my experiences as being opportunities to show His
victory in my less than perfect life. And when I fail, I
find no condemnation; only the loving arms of my Father,
waiting for me to return to Him.
What great peace He offers. To know that He has everything
under control and that He knows and understands my pain
.... may we never resist such Love!
*****************************************
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."
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TODAY'S TIDBIT:
Wake up each morning with a reminder that you always
have hope! Have coffee out of your HopeKeepers Mug and
then pills out of our pillbox. It's a great way to
remember to send up a few prayers for our ministry too.
We thank you for them in advance!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/Cat6_1.htm
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TODAY'S TALKBACK:
Tell us about an experience you have had at a public event/
location, where you wanted to (or did) roll your eyes at how
disabled access/participation was handled.
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

Hi, friends,

I am about to leave for church and thought you may be interested in listening to the live service today, or the archived service later. We are having guest speaker, Joel Rosenberg. I've read all of his fiction books (amazing) and would love to read Epicenter (but don't want to buy the expensive hard copy yet, I'll admit). He's the one who you may heard of because he wrote a book "about 9/11" before it happened.

To listen to the live web cast (that starts at 10:30 a.m. pacific time) go to:

http://www.maranathachapel.org/audio_video/service_webcasts.html

A bit about Joel Rosenberg... As a communications strategist, Joel has worked with some of the world's most influential leaders in business, politics, and media, including Steve Forbes, Rush Limbaugh, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As a best-selling novelist, he has been interviewed on more than 300 radio and TV programs, including ABC's Nightline, CNN Headline News, Fox News Channel, the History Channel, MSNBC, and many more. Joel is an evangelical Christian from an Orthodox Jewish heritage. His grandparents escaped Russian persecution of the Jews in the early part of the twentieth century. His latest book, Epicenter, focuses on current events inthe MId East. His web site is here: http://www.joelrosenberg.com

Blessings!

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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

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

DID YOU KNOW...
+ Nearly 1 in 2 Americans live with a chronic condition?
+ 96% of illness is invisible?
+ 75% of marriages end in divorce when illness is present?
+ 79% of suicides have uncontrollable physical pain as a factor?
My illness is invisible. But the pain is real.
Join me in supporting National Invisible Chronic Illness
Awareness Week, Sept 10-16. 2007. Care enough to be
Informed. Little things DO make a difference.
http://www.invisibleillness.com

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

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

OUR WEB SITES:
REST MINISTRIES CHRONIC ILLNESS SUPPORT

http://www.restministries.org

REST MINISTRIES PUBLISHERS

http://www.restpublishers.com

Hi, Friends!
We are nearly up and running with our Invisible Illness Week web
site. Many of you are asking for t-shirts and that is the last thing
I have to do for "fun stuff." If you can take a moment to let me know
if you would prefer a white or green shirt, that would help a lot.
And also if you plan to (or NOT PLAN) to order a shirt, that will
help me order just the right amount and not spend extra funds on them.
There is a quick survey here:
http://www.restministries.org/invisibleillness/polltshirt.htm
It you take the survey and plan to order a shirt, you will be pre-
notified when they arrive and also receive a free bumper sticker.
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

"We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
(Romans 5:3-4 NIV)
On my 38th birthday I had two of the most amazing experiences of my
life. I was vacationing in Colorado visiting a friend and she
surprised me with a rock-climbing adventure in Bryce Canyon, Utah and
a combined hot air balloon ride/bungee jump in the Colorado Rockies.
I asked my friend jokingly if she was trying to kill me. Her reply
was, "You only live once."
Between the two adventures, the rock climbing experience, for me, was
more difficult. It required my complete trust on a piece of
equipment called a carabiner. "What's that?" you may be
asking. "Some new medical device?" A carabiner is used to connect
climbing ropes and it protects the climber by making the lifelines
safe.
My life lately, with illness and pain, has been full of challenges
that seem like mountains. There have been times where I have relied
on the easiest choice because it seemed like a quick fix for a tough
climb. Then I hoped it was safe. Other times I have tried to do
things on my own, without securing my rope. I have experienced
numerous challenges in life without a firm hold.
I keep my keys on a carabiner. It is my daily reminder of the only
secure and steadfast lifeline: Christ. When I attach myself to Him,
I know that He will never let me go. He is the vision behind my
sight. I still have times of feeling helpless, but I know that when I
am securely hooked to Him, He holds on to me and protects me.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for holding on to us - for protecting us
even when we have not secured our rope to You. You are our safe and
steadfast lifeline - our carabiner on this climb through illness and
suffering. Amen.
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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.

"....but those who hope in the LORD will renew their
strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they
will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not
be faint." (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
We are blessed to have a home with a bedroom which
sits up high, so we can leave the French doors uncovered
at night.
What a beautiful sight we awaken to each morning. The trees
and bushes full of squirrels and birds playing and singing,
and this time of year they are busy getting ready for Fall.
This morning as I was laying there, praying and praising
the Lord, I was in awe of something else the Lord brought to
my mind. I noticed that the sun had begun to creep up over
top of our house, which allows it to touch just the tops of the
trees, illuminating the dark green to a golden color.
I watched as the sun slowly, slowly slid down until the entire
length of our small forest was in golden light, bringing it warmth,
and drying away the dew from each leaf.
I thought, "Lord, that is just the way you work with me,
isn't it?" Slowly, oh so slowly, you remove for a while
the "darkness,"
and dry the "tears" that living with chronic pain and fatigue brings
into my daily life.
But, I realized then that the key word in the above verse
is "wait!"
Having just gone through having gum/bone surgery recently
left me with a major fibro/chronic fatigue flare that doesn't want
to let up. I am getting a bit weary of having to stay in and down.
Then I thought of the lesson the Lord just taught me with His sun,
the trees
and how slowly it seemed to me He works.but He gets the job done.
Can I truly "wait" for Him to "renew my strength?" Oh, it's so
hard!
But, yes, I can and will "wait." He has promised not to "leave me
comfortless."
Thank you, Lord for giving me such a beautiful and
meaningful lesson this morning, right from my bed.
What a wonderful world you have made for us, and
all we have to do is be aware - You are constantly
speaking -- if we take time to listen."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alice Ervin lives in Dayton, Ohio with her beloved Husband, Dan.
Alice suffers daily with Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Multiple
Chemical Sensitivity, to name just a few. But, Alice never forgets
that she
doesn't have to suffer alone. Not only is Jesus ever present to help
carry
the load, but she has her supportive husband and HopeKeepers Group
who also help in so many ways.

Is it HOT where you live? Here in my town (near San Diego) we hit 106
yesterday! Here are some tips I'm passing on that are from NCEH's
Health Studies Branch.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp
Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and
Safety
Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable yet annually many
people succumb to extreme heat. Historically, from 1979 to 1999,
excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States.
During this period, more people in this country died from extreme
heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and
earthquakes combined. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by excessive
heat exposure.
People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to
compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools
itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't
enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly.
Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital
organs.
Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during
extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not
evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat
quickly. Other conditions related to risk include age, obesity,
fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation,
sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use.
Because heat-related deaths are preventable, people need to be aware
of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent a
heat-related illness or death. The elderly, the very young, and
people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk.
However, even young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat if
they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-
related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people
can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in
public facilities that are air-conditioned.
Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction
site, must be balanced with measures that aid the body's cooling
mechanisms and prevent heat-related illness. This pamphlet tells how
you can prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related health
problems.
What Is Extreme Heat?
Temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high
temperature for the region and last for several weeks are defined as
extreme heat. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the discomfort
of high temperatures, occur when a "dome" of high atmospheric
pressure traps hazy, damp air near the ground. Excessively dry and
hot conditions can provoke dust storms and low visibility. Droughts
occur when a long period passes without substantial rainfall. A heat
wave combined with a drought is a very dangerous situation.
==========================
During Hot Weather
To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember
to keep cool and use common sense. The following tips are important:
Drink Plenty of Fluids
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake,
regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to
drink. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four
glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you
drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while
the weather is hot.
Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar
these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very
cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
Replace Salt and Minerals
Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are
necessary for your body and must be replaced. If you must exercise,
drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A
sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before
drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.
Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen
Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose
lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Sunburn affects
your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids.
It also causes pain and damages the skin. If you must go outdoors,
protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also
keeps you cooler) along with sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen
of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum"
or "UVA/UVB protec