Vanity or Understandable Self-Esteem and Body Image Issues When Chronically Ill?

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By Lisa Copen Who out there has something they would like to conceal? Highlight? Tone? We are in a constant battle with ourselves as we look at the magazines and then read 1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Obviously, we can put too much “weight” (the irony, huh?) on trying to look gorgeous and constantly feel like we don’t measure up. But is it a bad thing to want to go get a little trim on our hair or wash some of that gray out so at least part of our body doesn’t feel older than it is? No, I don’t think so. Remember, our body is God’s temple. Surely He understands if our temple needs a little dusting or fresh … [Read more...]

When Chronically Ill People Are Assertive, Are We Not Taken Seriously?

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By Lisa Copen I had just received the third pink slip in two weeks from the lab that said my payment was passed due. Over three times I had called and my insurance company had assured me that the lab work was covered and that they would mail out a check that afternoon. This time, when I finally got a representative on the telephone, I was polite, but firm. I said that I wanted the problem taken care of immediately, and I wrote down her name and the supervisor's name. It was time to get even more assertive. When chronically ill people are assertive, is it not taken seriously? Is it assumed that we won't have the energy or stamina to fight all of the battles that we will face? When we do talk to someone in customer service, we are rarely … [Read more...]

Feeling Invisible?

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I am in the process of preparing a presentation for a church called "Showing Up!" My mom was recently forwarded the video below of Nicole Johnson. If you've attended a Women of Faith conference in the past you have likely been blessed by her talent & her message for Christ. There are different ways we can feel invisible: Sometimes we feel invisible because our disease seems to have taken over the ability for our real personality to shine through. Other times, we may feel like whatever we are saying is not heard. "How many times do I have to ask you to pick up your toys so I don't fall on them?" Or, "Could you please open this jar for me?" (After it's sat on the counter with a sticky note attached for four days.) I love my husb& … [Read more...]

Audio Bible is Exceptional When You Don’t Feel Well

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Can't concentrate to read? Missing reading The Word? Lisa saw the promotional video for The Bible Experience at a Christian retail show & was blown away! She bought it for herself for Christmas a couple of years ago. Now YOU can watch this video below, thanks to Zondervan & YouTube. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_OCovT8Y68 It truly brings the story to life & features voices from Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Cuba Gooding Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Blair Underwood, Yol&a Adams, Shirley Ceasar, Faith Evans, Kirk Franklin, & more. Do yourself a favor watch the video. It was originally priced at $50 so this is a great deal & you can listen to it in bed! Get it here. … [Read more...]

Longing for Someone to Say… “I’m Proud of You”?

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When was the last time you heard these words? A touching book that Lisa recently read & gives 5 stars is I'm Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers by reporter Tim Madigan. And if you really do have a hankering to hear someone say those words, drop by Mister Roger's web site where he will sing "I'm Proud of You" as well as other classics like "You are Special" & "I'm Still Myself Inside." And we thought this Presbyterian minister was ministering just to kids! Here at Rest Ministries we think most of us can relate with his messages. Related articles by ZemantaSpirit of Mr. Rogers warms neighbors in need (fremontuniverse.com)Give Back: Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood Sweater Drive (seattlest.com) … [Read more...]

How Being “Tolerant” Can Ruin Your Health

Start Your New Year Right by Eliminating These Common Energy-Drainers by Mary Yerkes My desk is messy. My clothes don’t fit. The dog needs grooming. Life coaches agree that people zap their energy & increase their stress by putting up with a multitude of things that bug them, what life coaches call “tolerations.” And for the chronically ill, lingering stress can translate into increased pain. So, why not start your New Year right by identifying—& then eliminating—those things that deplete your energy & dampen your spirit. Here are four common tolerations, along with practical suggestions for addressing them or eliminating them from your life: Health Tolerations If you live with chronic illness, you probably realize … [Read more...]

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