That’s the situation Janet Lynn Mitchell faced and her story, recorded in her book Taking a Stand guides you through the emotions, the story of discovering x-rays that mysteriously disappeared, to court and then to the national capitol to change laws.

Read a portion of her story about taking a stand here at Rest Ministries web site or buy the book on Sale now for just $6.99 in Rest Ministries bookstore, Chronic Illness Books.

So you’re in a flare? Maybe you are sore, have a rash or just feel like you got run over by some large object yesterday and now the bruising is setting in. THAT can be depressing! But does it HAVE to be? No way! Who said we can’t have a sense of humor about it all?

In Lisa’s recent presentation she shared how “I used to be cute to look at and now I am just fun to watch!” If you’ve not seen this 6-minute video clip called “Side Effects” be sure to check it out for a good giggle at Rest Ministries Illness Support YouTube Channel. A bunch of people said, “I want that on something!” So. . . here you go!

Check out the video and then head on back here for some fun pick-me-ups to share with the world, that yes, you may walk into walls, yes, you may trip on a curb that doesn’t exist, but you DO still have your sense of humor and joy from the Lord!

Order today at our chronicillnessbooks.com Comfort Zone Bookstore. These 4 items are 20% off through Friday, June 11, 2010.

This book, When the Doctor Has Bad News is on sale for just $10 until Saturday 5/22/10.

It is written by Al. b. Weir and a foreward written by Joni Eareckson Tada is one that will truly bring a bit of comfort to you if you live with  a chronic illness.

Too often those around us think that once we have a diagnosis at least we can either figure out how to treat it or break the code to find out how to get healed. Most people who are not chronically ill don’t realize, that even if we do believe God can and may heal us, the days pass very slowly between our disease worsening and that healing we are hoping for.

As a practicing oncologist, Dr. Al Weir wanted to know why some patients he treated had hope . . . and others were hopeless. He works daily with patients who receive bad news and though he is a medical doctor he’s been told he has been gifted with “a pastor’s heart.”

And Dr. Weir has a really great understanding from experience that it’s the patient’s focus, not the diagnosis, that indicates whether one will slip into despair and hopelessness or have the courage to live each day fully. Resilience of spirit can powerfully influence recovery and healing, and within our crisis, the choices we make are important.

This book has:

• Real stories of patients and personal experiences of Dr. Weir
• Scriptural guidance for meeting the challenge
• Prayer guidance for opening and maintaining communion with God
• Balance between practical help and spiritual insight
• Short, easily managed chapters
• A foreward by Joni Eareckson Tada

Joni says, “Dr. Weir . . . guides the reader—especially the one who has received bad news—past the soul-numbing shock of a dismal medical report. He reminds us of the soothing comfort available in the Word of God, of the heartwarming precepts upon which we can build a new life, and of the simple steps a family can take to promote hope and healing.”

This is one of the better books we’ve ever read on chronic illness–especially from a Christian perspective–and that of a doctor! Read more about this great book  When the Doctor Has Bad News and order it today for just $10 (sale ends on Saturday, 5/22/10!) You will also find a Table of Contents that breaks down even more of what you will find in this gem.

It’s packed full of 320-pages of all the answers RM Director Lisa has given group leaders in emails for over 10 years. It also includes a chapters on Suffering, Healing, and How Churches Can Make a Difference.

• Here are some of the other things you will find in this new book!
• What a chronic illness is & does it matter if it’s invisible
• A brief history of illness ministry in the medical community
• Benefits of small group ministry for the individual & the church
• How to lead when you are ill
• Steps to formulate the purpose of your small group, the logistics, guidelines, & your vision
• Preparing your presentation to church leadership
• Planning your first meeting
• Promotion & attendance tips
• Maintaining a positive group when things get difficult
• How to answer tough questions about healing & suffering
• A special chapter on ways a church can make a significant difference in the lives of the chronically ill

• A bonus checklist to follow along while you plan!

How do you enter to win 1 of the 3 copies? It’s easy!

Below in the comments section tell us something that will catch our attention about small groups.

• For example, what is your biggest fear about starting a small group?
• What is the funniest thing that happened at your small group?
• What was the most surprising thing you discovered when you started a small group?
• What was your church’s response about starting a small group that was good or not so good?

We’ll announce 3 winners in a week, on Friday April 23rd. Winners will be chosen from the comments that jump out at us the most and the comments section itself will become a resource in itself!

Can you help us spread the word and post this web page to your twitter or Facebook profile? We’d love to let other people know!

Want to purchase a copy today? They are for sale on the Rest Ministries bookstore web site. And just a little reminder that Lisa donates ALL funds from the book to Rest Ministries!

Not By Sight

It gives them simple, pragmatic examples of “What to say” and “What not to say” in order to truly be a source of encouragement. This book is written by Sherri O’Connell, co-founder of Invisible Disabilities Advocate. It is full of Scripture and quotes from physicians who specialize in chronic conditions and many would say it should be a “must have” for all believers, church staff and ministry leaders.

Read more here at our bookstore chronicillnessbooks.com

These are all common questions that cross our mind when we find out that this physical pain we have is called “chronic.” And there is no such thing as a “silly dream!”

If you are wondering what God has planned for you and are a bit frustrated in this new year as those around you seem to be setting (and even reaching) goals, while you are just trying to get dressed each day, this CD presentation with Lisa Copen is for you! And we are marking it down temporarily to just $6.00 as part of our “Goodie Special” on our web site.

In this recorded presentation on CD, Lisa will walk you through the steps of deciding what dreams to discard and what dreams to hold onto. She discusses how to:
- prioritize your dreams
- go after your dreams when just daily living is so difficult
- serve God through your new dreams & more

Her “girlfriend” style, sense of humor and upbeat, yet realistic outlook on living with a chronic illness will keep you laughing, even when discussing the the deepest of subjects. You’ll feel renewed and motivated to take a second look at God’s plan for your life.

This material has been presented at conferences and workshops. 100% of profits are donated to the ministry. Approx 50-60 minute presentation. Order today!