This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week
I am excited to announce the recipient of our first Hope Builder Award, Kerryn Wright
If you visit our website restministries.com or our Sunroom (currently undergoing updates) Kerryn’s name is familiar to you. We are so thankful she decided to “do something” here with us.
“Kerryn seems to pop up everywhere!” says Lynn Severance. “She is very active in the Rest Ministries Sunroom. Her graphics either have us in stitches laughing or in tears–being reminded of the hope we have in Christ.”
“Kerryn is a noticeable presence as she regularly comments on the daily devotionals,” shares fellow writer, Fiona Burrows. “She encourages the writers and other readers with how messages have touched her, arrived at just the right time, or caused her to think differently about something.”
Kerryn has been writing devotionals since October 2012. (You can find them here.)
Until recently, I didn’t know this came about until Lynn shared: “I first got to know Kerryn as she was making encouraging comments on the Rest Ministries daily devotionals. She had such an upbeat style of expressing herself that I was immediately drawn to her. She was someone I wanted to get to know! . . .
We talk to Kerryn
Kerryn shares a bit about herself…
I asked Kerryn to answer a few questions so I could make sure I got the details right as I shared with you about her.
So! You live in Australia!
I live in the beautiful Adelaide hills of Australia with my wonderful husband and 3 adult sons. We are blessed to have Aussie wildlife that visit us on our steep bush property including: koalas, kookaburras, bandicoots, and even an echidna.
Prior to illnesses I was a special education teacher and very involved in my church. Now my husband is my carer and he also cares for two of our sons that have illnesses and disabilities. Since illnesses I enjoy writing devotionals for Rest Ministries, meeting up with friends online in the RM Sunroom and crocheting.
I have CFIDS (chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome), MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and hemachromatosis.
Do you have a “life verse”?
My “life verse” is: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
My verse for difficult times became important to me when I first became ill and could barely lift my head due to fatigue. I is often the verse that I turn to in tough times.
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high” (Psalm 3:3).
What is a fun random fact you can share with us?
My husband was a clown for 20 years part-time and 5 years full-time. Can you imagine going to a bank manager together for a house loan and having to state his career as “clown”?! It was a special career that took our family to many interesting places in Australia and overseas.
Do you have any social media contacts you would like us to share with our audience?
Currently I’m not on any social media, as I find it too exhausting. I hope to change that sometime in the future!
I stumbled upon Rest Ministries one night when I was desperately lonely and sad. Through it God brought a light into the darkness for me when the losses were all engulfing–having lost my health, career, church ministry, energy for outings, and many friendships.
Thank you for Rest Ministries, Lisa.
Devotional writers share how Kerryn has become a Hope Builder
“We have become very good friends, even with the geographic distance–which does not seem a factor for those of us who are online friends. We began corresponding more personally. With more than a few nudges from me–seeing the joyfulness of her style of expressing encouragement to others–I suggested she consider submitting a couple of devotionals to Lisa, as I felt she would be such a wonderful asset to our devotional writer’s team. She did . . .
The rest is, as they say, history for now thousands have been able to see the spark she bringing light to others while going through her own very challenging times.”
Shelly says “Kerryn makes everyone feel like an immediate beloved family member…
…when they first pop up on the Rest Ministries site or in the Sunroom. She’s always wheeling us out into the ‘Sonlight’ and encouraging us to just be ourselves. Even in her own suffering, she’s always thinking of others and welcoming them in a way that feels like a hug.”
Fiona explains, “Kerryn is passionate about encouragement, faithful in prayer,
and uses the limited energy she has to bless others and point them towards deeper relationship with God.”
“Kerryn is a faithful friend and she is especially appreciated by those in the Rest Ministries Sunroom,” says Karlton Douglas. “She remembers and acknowledges birthdays, prays for those who are hurting and in need, and provides constant encouragement. Her kindness and compassion continually shines through as she lifts up those she communicates with in private and in the Sunroom groups and message boards.”
Julie Buckley shares “Even though I have been a writer with Rest Ministries for less than a year, Kerryn immediately made the effort to make me feel welcome with encouraging comments on my devotionals. She is warm and caring and has the ability to just make your day brighter, no matter what she is going through at the time.”
“I have come to ‘know’ her family through photos sent and prayer needs shared for them. I love this woman!” says Lynn.
I know I have witnesses Fiona’s description of her: “Kerryn’s enthusiasm is infectious and her sense of humour, priceless.”
Thank you, Kerryn…
So we would like to say thank you to Kerryn Wright, with our deepest appreciation for how you bless the people here at Rest Ministries. You create a joy bubble wherever you do, and you are always working behind the scenes to make sure those who visit our site feel comfortable, cared for, and seen by someone–especially God.
Fiona is one of the few of us who have been able to meet Kerryn in person! “It was a joy and a blessing to spend time with Kerryn last year–to see her love for God, love for people, the courage with which she faces her daily challenges, and the dedication she has to doing what she can for this ministry.”
Laura shares: “Encourager: to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence.‘Encourager’ describes Kerryn Wright perfectly. Regardless of her own struggles, she finds time and the words to write to others. She responds in words and prayers to many posts in the Sunroom. Her kindness is a breath of sunshine to all. She often talks of wheeling us into the sun and sharing ‘a cuppa tea.’ How lovely it would be to share tea with this grace-filled woman. It is evident Kerryn cares and prayers from across the globe. She is a priceless gem in this chronic illness journey.”
Congratulations to Kerryn as the first recipient of our new Hope Builder Award.
Do you know someone who should be nominated for the Hope Builder Award? Submit the details today.
Lisa Copen is honored to have such amazing, inspiring Hope Builders who surround her–especially when she is having a hard day herself. It is the relationships like this that build over the miles that make Rest Ministries a source of joy and Lisa can’t wait until we all get to sit and laugh together someday in heaven.
As you read through this perhaps you thought, ‘Sure, God has bigger plans for some people–and then there is us.’ As my grandmother always said, “Everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time.” We are all God’s children. Take a moment to ask God what He has planned for you. And then while you are waiting for His answer, do something. As Henry Blackaby always says, “Look for where God is doing something and go there.” (My paraphrase.) -Lisa
Yea! Kerryn you so are a true blessing here! Glad you are being honored!!! Hugs di
Awwweee…. thanks Di! Sooooo thankful for your friendship. 🙂
I was totally blown away when Lisa emailed me a couple of weeks ago about this. Kinda embarrassing actually, but really lovely. LOTSoluv Kerryn ♥
Congratulations Kerryn! I have been reading Rest Ministries Devotionals for over a year now and all of the writers are amazing. And today, I truly appreciate YOU.
I really related when I read your “bit about yourself”. I believe lots of us have made it to RM while searching the website in pain for some kind of answer. I believe RM is one of them.
And I hope to one day start a Hope Keepers ministry group. I believe that is a purpose that God has put in my life since my own on going issues with chronic pain.
Well, I just wanted you to know that you are touching so many lives with your devotionals and encouragement. And many of them you don’t even know 🙂
God bless and may his grace be with you always,
Donna
Oh thanks HEAPS Donna! 🙂 It’s been lovely to see your comments on devotionals.
Yes, I’m sure that the story is pretty common about the dark time we’re in & then God leads us to RM! Praise Him!! I still remember that it was an awful night I was having & found myself here. I read one of Karlton’s devotionals & suddenly felt like someone understood how I was feeling & yet still had deep faith in God. Special!
How exciting that you feel led to start a Hope Keepers group in the future. I pray for God’s perfect timing with that. I’m sure it will bless & encourage many &, in the process, will bless & encourage you too. God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn ♥
What a wonderful choice for the first Hope Builder award! Kerryn is such an encourager. Anyone who reads her devotionals or comments finds honest, human words. She identifies with our trials in such a relatable way. Every corner of RM is sprinkled with her gratitude to God. Her worshipful attitude is an inspiration to all who visit RM. I’m honored to know such a graceful, godly woman. And to count her as one of my friends.
Awweee…. thanks Vicki! You have no idea how much that means to me! 🙂
You know that I could EASILY place your name into what you wrote & it would be exactly how I feel about you too! ….. but thank you! 🙂
I’m sure you know by now that your devotionals ALWAYS seem to hit a deep chord in my heart. I guess that our very similar career paths, & even having a child with disabilities, makes that heart connection really easily. I’m DELIGHTED that I’m your friend Vicki. Thanks again. God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn PS. That prism in my lounge room window reminds me of you more often than you could possibly know!
Funny you should mention my prism. Each time I see it (and the display of rainbows), I think of you, knowing you have one too. Yes, we’re connected in many ways…can’t even believe you understood my love for mannequins (well, actually your husband understands my fascination with them!). Our paths have and still do mirror each other’s (teaching, child with special needs…). Guess that’s why I often read your words and think, “If Kerryn can say that, so can I. My God is her God and He’ll help me just like He’s helped her in that area.”
Congrats!
God bless,
Vicki
Although there are many wonderful encouragers among all who visit and volunteer here at Rest Ministries, Kerryn is surely the one I’d choose to be the first recipient of this award/honor.
I am so glad she was – the first! I loved reading through the comments within the article as each was so consistent as to the woman we have come to admire and know.
Congratulations, Kerryn – for gracing each of our lives in such beautiful ways!
Dear Lynn….. THANK YOU SOOOOOOO much for your beautiful words here AND your incredibly thoughtful words in the post. 🙂 What can I say?!!! Yes…. I’m in tears again!! 😉
I’m ever grateful to your promptings to suggest that I start writing devotionals for RM! I still remember exactly where I was when I opened up your email suggesting it!! I was at our friend’s beach house, so my beloved hubby could have some respite. I read your message to me, shut the laptop up & went to my bed & howled….. for sooooo many reasons!! Thanks HEAPS for your patience in guiding me through the process to be confident enough to finally post them to Lisa….. about 4 months later!! I’m incredibly thankful for your editing, encouragement & prayer at that time. Thanks for your ongoing special friendship & prayer… & being “Auntie Lynn” to my boys! God bless you dear friend. LOTSoluv Kerryn ♥
Love you, Kerryn! <3
Oh Lisa!!! Thank YOU!! 🙂
What can I say?! I’m so very thankful, encouraged, humbled AND stunned with this post! WOW! I’ve been speechless since reading this a few hours ago…. not like me!! 😉 Thanks HEAPS for the effort that went into this & sending my treasured award & tote bag, which I’ll use for my crocheting.
You are sneaky…… in a thoughtful way!! 😉 The comments from my dear devotional writer friends are such a treasure! Typical of me….. I was brought to tears! I chuckled at the cropping of that photo that I sent you from my son’s engagement party too!! Soooo much behind the scenes stuff that you’ve been doing for this. I’m so incredibly grateful to you Lisa. You’re amazing!
I sure don’t do what I do for an award, though it’s proudly displayed in our lounge room and it means a lot to me. I come here coz it’s a joy to meet up with a HEAP of “Hope Builders” to share life & faith with them. Thank YOU for creating this amazing site that’s brought me soooooo much joy & so very many wonderful friendships. I’m truly blessed! I thank God often that he brought me to RM and opened up a whole new world to me. I’m so incredibly grateful to you, Lisa, for being the Hope Builder that began it all! God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn ♥♥
Kerryn, I did get an email about this and asked about writing later, and I still missed it! So sorry! I tend to put things off until I think I can take time to “do it better”. I surprise myself sometimes, having lived this long and still not figuring out that “waiting until a better time” rarely works.
You are one of the best things that has ever happened to the Sunroom. You have continued to encourage and uplift others, no matter what you’ve been going through yourself. Even with having stepped back a bit, you do more than most here. When I would have stopped wishing birthday greetings to people we never “see” or have not seen in a very long time, you asked us to continue, having seen how much it mean to someone to be remembered.
Everyone who has been in the Sunroom for ANY length of time knows Kerryn, and is better off in some way because of it. I could say more but I’m tired and if I continued, Kerryn might not be able to float down off the ceiling or perhaps get her head through the door. [LOL] Just kidding.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Love,
Sarah and Roy
Oh Sarah!! Thanks HEAPS buddy!! 🙂
I’m quite overwhelmed with your beautiful comments. I saw them yesterday, but was speechless again & didn’t know what to say in thanks….. ‘coz “thank YOU” just doesn’t seem enough.
I really chuckled with your final comments!! 😉 LOVE how you keep me grounded!!! It’s actually been a good test from God to give the thanks & glory back to Him, so that I DON’T get a bruised head going through doorways!! 🙂 Quite seriously it has been a good lesson amongst this.
I have been floating on the ceiling for a couple of weeks now & my “love tank” is full to overflowing with the encouragement from everyone. Thanks for taking time from having reno people at your house. I’m truly thankful dear Sarah & Roy. ♥♥ Lotsoluv Kerryn
Kerryn, I was so happy to hear you won this award! You are a great blessing to me and all the groups you are a member of. I agree with everyone else’s comments as to all you do for us. Wish you lived closer so we could meet sometime. But, since I’m homebound due to MCS also I understand your inability to leave house much. Big hug to you, my friend! May God send many ore blessings your way and answers to all your needs!
Awweee….. thanks soooooo much Gail! 🙂 You are thoughtful writing that to me, as I know you’ve been having a rough time lately with energy. It means a LOT to me, so thanks buddy!
I wish we lived closer too!! Wouldn’t it be great to have safe homes to go to visit each other?! Oh well, it will have to be a cyber visit to your loungeroom while I have my cuppa! Sending chemical free hugs to you dear Gail. ♥. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Vicki, I chuckled at your mention of mannequins!! Here we go connection again!…..
It was only in the past week that I sent a funny memory about mannequins to Fiona. It had me in stitches writing about it & gave her the giggles too! I might see if I can find it to send it to you too!
Yep…. there are plenty of connections for us both Vicki! NICE! 🙂 Enjoy your weekend. ♥ Lotsoluv Kerryn