Why I Stayed The Night At The Bigfoot Motel

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I had planned a fun family weekend on the way to my parents-- just us. But we didn't plan on staying at the Bigfoot Motel. WEGO Health asks for their daily writing challenge “share a descriptive story" Day #9. I hope this makes you smile. Lisa Copen We are driving over the mountains toward the Redlands. "We are going to see trees bigger than 2 cars, as old as since Jesus lived on earth," I tell my son with enthusiasm. His head watches a screen in the backseat. I want him to see something God made--not man. He is bored. So I look up the area on my ipad and find something to get his attention. "There are more big foot sightings here than anywhere in the world," I say. "Really?" he perks up. "Do you think Bigfoot really … [Read more...]

Where Do You Turn In Your Time of Need?

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Fiona asks, "Where do you turn when you are in need?" Fears and worries can take over our thoughts if we allow them to. Where do we turn instead? "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:1) Have you ever had one of those days when you thought things were going okay only to get some bad news about a friend or a situation that you had been praying about? Yesterday my husband heard that he may be losing his job due to another company downsizing. The first thing that he said went through his head was how was he going to take care of us, especially with my medical needs and our need for health insurance. This … [Read more...]

When Anxious Thoughts Get Buried Instead of Surrendered

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Anxious thoughts can easily overtake us. But Lisa reminds us not to bury them either. "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." (Psalm 139:23) Last week I woke up with many anxious thoughts after having a dream that my son had been placed in a classroom for both fourth and fifth graders. In the dream he had a fast-paced teacher that I was worried would leave him behind. The week before, I dreamed I had to move to get away from something dangerous, yet I was paralyzed. It wasn't fear paralyzingly me, but something I recognized as my disease preventing me from doing something, I am not really a worrier. The benefit to staying busy and keeping my mind focused on Rest Ministries "stuff" is that I will claim I … [Read more...]

Don’t Be Afraid, Despite Your Chronic Illness

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Illness gives us ample opportunity to hear the reassurance, don't be afraid. Marius shares why we need to hear this. "But He said to them, 'It is I; don't be afraid,'" (John 6:20). Jesus walking on water in the midst of a storm; out at sea: A display of His phenomenal omnipotence, which defies all human reasoning. The sea had no option but to respond and break every law of human science: keeping it's Architect afloat. Who can ever forget the barren fig tree which He cursed for been fruitless? Immediately it began to wither, and by the following morning it had succumbed--shriveled from the roots. When the disciples saw the supremacy of Jesus walking on the sea with such authority--perhaps they thought they were seeing a ghost. … [Read more...]

What Excuses Are You Making? – Video

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Happy Sunday! Have you just felt like not doing something lately? Avoiding it, even if there are consequences? Maybe it is not your physical pain that is preventing it, but a situation when you just can't get motivated. Let me introduce you to Matt Scott, who was born with spina bifida and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Here he participated in a variety of sports alongside his able-bodied peers. Now a member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wheelchair basketball squad, Scott has won four national championships. He was also recently selected to the Paralympic squad for the second time. The 23-year-old college senior attributes his achievements to a dedicated work ethic, and to a support structure of friends and family that … [Read more...]

God Is With You And Understands Your Illness Frustrations

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God is with you--in waiting rooms, exam rooms--wherever you may be. How easy it is to forget God is with you when worry overcomes us! “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) I’m facing a challenge that under ordinary circumstances would rattle me. But now I am downright scared and discouraged. I have previously faced it with my sons but this time have a body that is not working properly which adds additional stress--my 14-year-old daughter will have four-hour knee surgery soon. As a mom, all I want to do is be there to comfort. It will be an outpatient procedure and we will be at the hospital all day. I … [Read more...]

Trust In the Lord To Withstand The Force of Storms

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How do we trust in the Lord not just when things are good, but when the chaos comes. Where do you go to withstand the force of storms? That is where your real trust is! "But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content." (Psalm 131:2) We were among those hit by the recent storms that swept across the U.S. Midwest to the East Coast. We were without electricity for four days. I wish I could say that in the midst of the storm and its aftermath I was completely calm, but I was just as frustrated, irritated, and stressed as everyone else. I guess the big difference was that unlike some people, I knew where to turn for help and strength and to find a calm that alluded me. My … [Read more...]

Heaven IS For Real! – Video

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Happy Sunday! Have you ever wondered if heaven really is for real? This last Easter my pastor shared a great deal about the family behind the book heaven is for real, as 4-year-old Colton visits heaven during his near death surgery. If someone you love has died, I am sure this will bring you some comfort today. And if you are wondering how exactly we know Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, this little boy's story is certain to reassure you to continue to have faith that Jesus is the Son of God and he has already gone there to prepare a place just for you. If you are receiving this in your email, you likely cannot see the video within the email. Click the title above to go to our … [Read more...]

The Losses Caused by Illness, A New Perspective

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"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:8) In my once oh so busy life, I barely had room for God. Now, God has afforded me the luxury of time--time I can spend with Him. When I first became a Christian, I had a fervor to be with Him in prayer and Scripture reading. I made time for Him. Yet, as my life grew busier, my times with God grew fewer and fewer and my ardor for Him dimmed. Eventually God took a back seat in my life. But I had reasons for it, right? Family? Work. School. Surely God approved of all those things. Now, as I sit in the chair that has just … [Read more...]

Fear and Anxiety Is An Unwanted Companion to Chronic Illness

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Just when we think we have conquered most of the fear and anxiety of living with daily illness, it can start all over again. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). I met with a specialist who strongly believes that a new medical treatment is the best way for me to proceed to keep my body strong. He was caring and informative. The final decision is mine. He mentioned potential side effects but felt that they are remote for me. I came away from the appointment thankful for his care, but overwhelmed mentally and emotionally with one more thing. You all know that feeling. . . more fear and anxiety. I agree that this doctor is right. I know that God has created wonderful means in the medical … [Read more...]

Fight Thoughts Of Suicide With A Random Act of Kindness

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Feeling suicidal or blue can be normal when you live with chronic illness. One way to fight them each day is by doing a random act of kindness. By Lisa Copen, this is a reprint from http://thinkingaboutsuicide.com where Lisa is a contributor. The web site is a good place to turn during those rough days to help you remember that God cares about you and is here beside you even when you don't feel like it. Experiencing that rock-bottom depression and pain--both physical and emotional--can quickly convince you that there is nothing worth getting out of bed for one more morning. You may even be wondering if you should keep fighting those thoughts of suicide, or if it is finally time to just give in. Perhaps you are tired of fighting and … [Read more...]

How A God Rapper Encourages Those Depressed

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Dominic wouldn't necessarily call himself a "God rapper" but he certainly knows how to reach those who need the Lord. By Debbie Farmer Recently I read a letter from a young man named Dominic Cook (also known as "Dooch") who uses his pain to encourage others with his music. His testimony was such a blessing to me and I am going to share this interview with you now and hope that you too can also receive a blessing today. Dominic Cook (AKA: "Dooch") Please tell us about yourself and how you got into the music industry--became of God rapper. Where to start, where to start. . . Well, I’m a 27-year-old, husband, married, and going on 8 years. I have been a Christian going on 7 years now and a father of 5. My youngest Joshua, … [Read more...]