4 Steps to Take to Get Rid of Resentment You May Hold Against Others

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By Leslie Vernick When someone hurts us, is foolish, or sins against us, the consequences of their behaviors often impact us more than the other person. Anger, bitterness and resentment can be the result. Even when someone hasn't intentionally inflicted harm, these negative emotions creep into our spirits and are hard to get rid of. Here are 4 things you can do if you find yourself stuck in resentment. 1. Ask yourself what purpose do these negative emotions serve? Is it payback? Is it an attitude of I get to be right? Or, is it that you haven't been able or willing to forgive Or, perhaps it is an indicator that you're angry and need to have a conversation with someone who has sinned against you in order to bring healing … [Read more...]

4 Lies About Anger

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By Leslie Vernick "Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper- it only leads to harm." (Psalm 37:8) Anger is a normal part of being a human being but it can be a dangerous emotion and has the potential to wreck our relationships and our lives. Here are the four most common lies about anger. 1. When I feel angry, I must let it all out. Too much damage has been done to people we love by blurting out angry feelings in the moment of their greatest intensity. Doing this might provide some sort of relief but it is never beneficial to the hearer or the relationship. I liken it to vomiting. You do feel better getting it out, but vomit belongs in the toilet, not on another person. Proverbs 12:18 says, "Reckless words pierce … [Read more...]

Latte With Lisa – Can Fear Spur on Anger?

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Hi, friends, Join me in this 5-minute clip below to hear what is new here at Rest Ministries, where I can use your prayers, and see what I've been struggling with lately as my body doesn't "do" as I think it should! If you are receiving this via email and do not see a video below, click on the title of this "blog post" to take you to the video clip. You can also watch it on our YouTube Channel. Related articles When Family and Friends Are Not Around to Help You When You Are Ill (chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com) God Doesn't Need You to Set New Year's Resolutions (chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com) … [Read more...]

I’ve Had it! I’m 32 & Now Have Another Illness!

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I am 32 years old & was recently diagnosed with diabetes on top of having another chronic condition. I am very frustrated, & I feel like I have always had a gracious spirit & have been patient to discover the Lord's plans for my life despite the challenges of chronic illnesses. But lately I am more discouraged than ever & if one more person tells me that I should be thankful that it's not worse, I am going to scream. Any advice? –Jackie Hi Jackie. I know what it's like to live with chronic illness. I've struggled for several years with an autoimmune form of arthritis that keeps me in a lot of pain. Mornings are the hardest, so I've tried to remember to start each day by reading my Bible & praising God. There are days when I have to … [Read more...]

Nick Vujicic – A Ministry You Should Know About

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Nick Vujicic, 26, has a ministry called Life Without Limbs & it is an affiliate of Joni & Friends, as we are here at Rest Ministries. He says on his web site, "I was born without arms or legs & given no medical reason for this condition. Faced with countless challenges & obstacles, God has given me the strength to surmount what others might call impossible. Along with that, the Lord has placed within me an unquenchable passion to share this same hope & genuine love that I've personally experienced with more than two million people all over the globe." Regardless of what one may believe, I can't fathom how they could watch this man & the joy he has & not want to know more about the God that gives him his strength & ministry. Be sure to … [Read more...]

Fireproof – A Good Valentine’s Rental Movie

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Fireproof is an amazing movie that was out in 2008 that set records for any independent film. Starring actor Kirk Cameron, heplays a fire chief & a man who is well-respected by those in his community. But his marriage is nearing the end. It’s not because of an affair with another person, or some dramatic event that takes place; but rather because, day by day, both spouses take one another a little more for granted & move away from each other than toward each other. Both are searching for validation of their emotions & even simple appreciation. Despite the fact that the movie was at the theaters two years ago the ministry of this movie continues to impact lives & change marriages. They have set up a Fireproof website specifically for … [Read more...]

Why Won’t My Doctor Treat Me?

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What do you suggest to a patient who likely has a chronic illness but whose doctor refuses to treat her or refer her to a specialist? I have a friend whose doctor insists on treating her with antibiotics to treat the symptoms, but not the illness. It has been going on for over a year. She is suffering & getting depressed. —name withheld Does your friend have an HMO that requires her primary physician to be a “gate keeper?” In this model, doctors must cut costs by limiting referrals. It may be necessary to contact the HMO administration to dem& a second opinion. Read the fine print in the insurance packet before calling. Alternatively, she may request a new primary physician. These two processes will take … [Read more...]

The Raging Sea – Poem

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A wave, crashing against the shore Shaking me from my reverie I was lost in my thoughts once again Lost within the confines of my pain An infinite jumble of emotional fears & doubts I struggled to make some sense Of my life thus far In a world tinged in darkness & pain I know that my heart remains pure But not untouched by it My life of pain has left an imprint upon me The valleys & crevices are emotions pool Often overflow within me Drown me in feelings of despair And now the wave, lapping at my bare toes Sends it's icy fingers up my body Refreshing & terrifying all the same Reminding me of the coldness I once carried Reinforcing this need to grasp onto the only person that has given me Hope. And claim Him as my … [Read more...]

YOU Hurt My Feelings! When Illness Causes Strife In Your Relationship

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By Lisa Copen Have you felt a great divide in a relationship that could compare with the parting of the Red Sea? In the midst of trying to redefine who we are with chronic illness, we often encounter a torrent of remarks that are hurtful. Sometimes, the “wounds from a friend can be trusted,” (Proverbs 27:6), because the remarks are made out of ignorance: “If you just prayed about it more, God would heal you.” It hurts, but we know they aren’t purposely trying to hurt us. You may even feel abandoned as friends and companions avoid you because of your wounds (Psalm 38:11). Or perhaps you’ve felt that the comments from friends or family are outright abusive, and you leave with tears flowing down your cheeks, wondering what … [Read more...]

Forgiveness Is Healthy For Body & Soul

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Yes, our feeling will get hurt, & yes, we will likely be "wronged" in this lifetime. It's all part of human interactions, & we are all imperfect. It can be hard to let it go sometimes, but that's just what we ought to do. Scripture tells us, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins," (Matthew 6:14, 15). Now, science & studies have also proven, however, that forgiveness is not just for our soul, but for our health as well. Bitterness really can eat us up inside! If you are struggling with this, you may be interested in our article, "YOU Hurt My Feelings!" Through a survey of 1,500 people a researcher … [Read more...]

Living with Invisible Illness: 5 Ways to Get Over Aggravations

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"You look so good! You can't be as bad as you say. You look perfectly healthy." "You think you have fatigue? Try working full-time plus having four children! Then you'll know what chronic fatigue is." "I think you're spending too much time thinking about how you feel. You need to just get out more." "If you really wanted to get well, you'd at least try that juice drink I gave you last week. It won't hurt to try it." And the comments go on. . . and on. And it really hurts. You may be surprised to hear that nearly 1 in 2 Americans has a chronic illness or physical condition that impacts their daily life. The range of diseases and included everything from migraines to diabetes, back pain to fibromyalgia, and arthritis to cancer. One of … [Read more...]

Can I Be Mad at God About My Illness? 3 Ways to Know

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"When I was first diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, I was relieved at first," shares Cindy. "So many doctors kept telling me to see a psychiatrist, but I knew it was my body, not my head, that was in trouble." She explains, "I had spent so much time before my diagnosis being mad, having my illness finally validated was a great feeling. But six months later, the anger set in the pain management of the illness seemed to barely exist." Many people are familiar with the book "On Death and Dying," written by a well-known doctor in Switzerland, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. The book explains how people deal with any kind of loss, but especially that which they face when coping with an illness. It includes a description of the cycle of … [Read more...]

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