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Q & A: I Don’t Seem To Fit In To Online Support Groups!

June 13, 2011 By 9 Comments
annoyed-woman

Sometimes I feel very left out in the online support groups. I live with an incredible amount of daily pain and I just need someone who cares. It seems like everyone else in the group have people who support them and write them back. But when I share something from my heart all I get is a bunch of well-meaning advice. I don't need advice! Or . . . no one responds at all. What I need is someone who will listen and try to understand. -Sandy Hi, Sandy, I can hear the pain in your words. I am going to assume since you wrote to me you are asking for some kind of advice, so here is my best 2-cents. Ask yourself, "What would the perfect response to my post be?" When we say we want people to "listen" and yet we are typing our posts out … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Explaining Illness, Help! Q/A, Hurt Feelings, Person w/ Illness, Sunroom, Support Group Leader, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Testimony: Why Do Churches Need HopeKeepers Small Group Ministries?

May 27, 2011 By 1 Comment
woman-shares-about-hopekeepers

In coming months I will be sharing more of your testimonies about your involvement in small groups, the Sunroom, on Facebook, daily devotionals--wherever Rest Ministries has touched your life. Print, audio, or videos are all welcome if you're interested in sharing. Lisa From a woman we will call Samantha, who has been a part of a HopeKeepers in Southern California that has met for over 10 years. I was a young Christian woman, just starting my career, newly in love, and full of hopes for the future. Then, one day, chronic pain entered my life and set up a long-term stay. Now, over 20 years later, I live in constant severe pain. Do I have many moments of questioning, tears and frustration? If I said I didn't, I'd be giving false … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church Leader, Need to Know, Reflection, Share Your Story, Support Group Leader, Testimonies, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

New DVD From RM Helps Communicate Our Needs to Churches

May 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment
05-24-beyond-casseroles

"I just wish there was a way I could help my pastor understand what it's like to live with a chronic illness." If you've ever felt this way, we have a new and fabulous tool we think you will love! I have been working on this since late 2010 and am excited it's all ready! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beyond Casseroles, Church Leader, Explaining Illness, HopeKeepers Resources, Person w/ Illness, RM Shop E-flyers, Support Group Leader, Videos, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Why, As Christians, We Must Go Beyond “You Look So Good!”

May 12, 2011 By 4 Comments
awomen

I recently had a pastor asked me, "If someone comes to church who is chronically ill and they have not looked great recently, and now they look better than usual, is it not okay to then say 'You look so good'?" I thought about it for a moment and replied, "Well, if it was me, I would think, 'Gee, I must have been looking really terrible!' As much as I intellectually know it is a compliment, it would not make me feel good, but rather worse about myself." "I understand what you're saying," said another woman. "Because it is still a comment on our outward appearance." Scripture tells us, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) When we … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Caregiver, Church Leader, Founder's Blog, Invisible Illnesses, Need to Know, Person w/ Illness, Support Group Leader Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

“The Patch” – How God Used a Childhood Experience To Change My Opinion of Nursing Homes

April 24, 2011 By 4 Comments
hallway

By Carol Gray I have hated nursing homes ever since I toured one as a girl scout in 1978. It was difficult being an eight-year-old girl walking the hallways, passing rooms of the dying. I wondered, did I actually sign up for this? Did I really bring home a permission slip for this field trip? What was the sales-pitch by the scout master, oh yeah, I would get a patch…those darn patches! The "Service and Citizenship" patch would be the reward for entertaining the elderly for the day. I remember thinking that most of them did not look at us with sentiment, only desperation; as if they wanted us to help them escape the inevitable. How depressing. I took that patch and hid it away in my drawer hoping to forget about the entire … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Caregiver, Caregiving, Joy, Support Group Leader Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jenny Prokopy Features Rest Ministries in Speaking at International Technology Event

April 18, 2011 By 1 Comment
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By Lisa Copen Rest Ministries, specifically the Sunroom, was recently featured as "one of the organizations doing it right" by Jenny Prokopy who spoke a the SXSWinteractive technology conference. Her presentation was called, "Health Communities: Superheroes Who Need a Justice League." Many of you may know Jenny, the founder of chronicbabe.com, who has worked with us during Invisible Illness Week and other events. I was honored when she called to interview me the week before. I applaud her for including a faith-based organization in her presentation and examples! You can listen to her entire presentation online here. She speaks on health forums and social networks such as the Sunroom. She interviewed me the week previously, excited … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Announcements, Events, Health News, Sunroom, Support Group Leader, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

A Gift For a Best Friend Who Is Ill Can Be Patio Decorations

April 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment
patio-decorations-chronically-ill

When you have a friend who is ill, it can be difficult to think of some fresh ideas for small little things to bring some cheer to his or her life. In this video, Lisa Copen, author of "Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend" supplies ideas of gifts to cheer up a friend who is ill, which can be store bought or homemade wind chimes, gardening tools for arthritis or garden flags. It can be nice to bring real flowers or plants, but then the person who is ill can feel guilty when the plants die. See how a cute decorative garden flower or wind chime can be a wonderful present. You can find more of these videos all at one web site, beyondcasserolesvideos.com . … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beyond Casseroles, Caregiver, Church Leader, Friend Has Illness, Support Group Leader, Videos, What's New?

Have a Friend With Illness? Let Her Cry!

April 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
cry-woman-okay-illness

Okay, so this sounds a bit tough, but it's not meant to be. Too often tears make us feel uncomfortable and we are quick to offer biblical quotes of encouragement to suffering friends with illness instead of just listening. It can truly be an honor and a gift when someone feels they can cry in our presence. Join me, Lisa Copen, http://BeyondCasseroles.com author, as I explain that though we may be quick to say, "Big girls dont cry!" tears can be okay! You can find more of these videos all at one web site, beyondcasserolesvideos.com . … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beyond Casseroles, Caregiver, Church Leader, Support Group Leader, Videos, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Does Grief Have a Timeline?

March 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
garden0

By Georgia Shaffer "My friend is stuck in grief. . . what can I do to help?"  This is a question I often hear, and I've learned to ask, "What do you mean your friend is stuck in grief?"  Usually they will say something like, "Well, her husband died 14 months ago, and she's still very depressed.  Isn't it about time she moves forward with her life?"  Or, they may say, "His wife moved out a year ago, and he's in worse shape now than when she left him." Surprisingly, the problem isn't that these people are stuck in grief. The issue is that their friends don't realize how long it can take to heal and rebuild after a heart-wrenching loss.  As a psychologist and someone who has experienced deep sorrow, I've seen too many people hurt by … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Articles, Church Leader, Coping Skills, Depression, Friend Has Illness, Overwhelmed, Person w/ Illness, Support Group Leader, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Soul Surfer The Movie Releases 4/8; The Biography of Bethany Hamilton

March 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment
soulsurfersmall

SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again. Based on the Bethany Hamilton bio, the Soul Surfer movie has already inspired millions of people worldwide through the love of her family, her sheer determination, and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. The biography of Bethany Hamilton is pretty amazing: Soul Surfer casting is an all-star team, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. The Soul Surfer movie release date is April 8th. You can find out more details at the Soul Surfer IMBD web site, or www.bethanyhamilton.com , or read the biography of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Attitude, Church Leader, Events, Links, Parent of Ill or Disabled Child, Person w/ Illness, Support Group Leader, Teen w/ Illness, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Specialized Chaplaincy Organizations

March 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
military-chaplain

Specialized Chaplaincy Organizations Corporate Chaplains of America (CCA) The organization employs full time, long term, career chaplains who combine workplace experience with professional chaplaincy training. In addition to holding seminary level or higher degrees, all chaplains will pursue certification through 154 hours of continuing education within the first year of tenure. Federation of Fire Chaplains The purpose of this organization is to bring together individuals and groups who are interested in providing effective chaplaincies for fire service organizations. Its members exchange and share ideas and concerns that influence the quality of life of all members of the fire service and their families. International Conference of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Caregiver, Caregiving, Church Leader, Links, Medical Professional, Support Group Leader, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Study by Joni Eareckson Tada On Suffering Can Be Downloaded

February 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
joni-e-tada2

Whether you are looking for a personal Bible study or something fresh for your HopeKeepers group, Something Greater Than Healing study by Joni Eareckson Tada is available as a download for just $4.95 and you can make up to 1000 copies for your church. Christianity Today says, Joni Eareckson Tada dispensed with the superficial healing narrative decades ago. Paralyzed in a diving accident, Tada was forced to trust a God who doesn’t always heal, who doesn’t always prevent or alleviate our suffering. In her interview with Christianity Today, “Something Greater Than Healing,” Tada describes her hard-won understanding of God’s purposes and sovereign care for his peoplein the midst of their suffering. The 5 teaching points … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church Leader, HopeKeepers Resources, Person w/ Illness, Support Group Leader, What's New? Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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