I was walking through a store yesterday & overheard two women who were clerks at the gift shop speaking. The conversation went something like this: "She was recently diagnosed with MS, but she is doing really well. She has a really great attitude." "Well, she must be in remission then if she has a good attitude." "No, I don't think she's in remission. She has just decided to take whatever life throws at her & try to have best attitude possible." "Well, most people go into remission when they have MS. It probably can't be that bad." It took everything in me to walk by & not jump in & share exactly what I thought of the one woman's perception of chronic illness. One of the more difficult parts of illness is learning to live with chronic … [Read more...]
Living with Chronic Pain Isn’t Fun . . . But it Can Be Funny!
Pain Solutions Magazine Online Has Article by Lisa
Magazines continue to go through phases of trying to get off the ground and Pain Solutions is no exception. it was supposed to be out last summer of 2009, and just now their first issue has come out and it's only digital. But . . . we understand that all too well around here! Please note: Here is my paragraph of disclaimer: While it is a secular publication & Rest Ministries does not recommend or endorse it in any way, I am excited to be able to go out "into the world" so more people can hear about Rest Ministries. Still, did they have to put a half nude woman on the cover? I grow weary of this! . . . but this is one of the reasons Rest Ministries exists. So you have been forewarned; it's not suitable for everyone. I have an … [Read more...]
6 Reasons the Chronically Ill Should Shun Making Resolutions
"3-2-1 Happy New Year!" Is it? When that ball dropped in Times Square did you have some New Year's resolutions all ready to start January second? - I'm going to lose that extra weight - I'll really save some money this year - I'll give people more grace - I will exercise on a regular schedule - I will start some good habits We all start out with the best of intentions but as March 23rd rolls around we reflect on all the ways we've already let our goals slide. It's easy to feel like we are letting ourselves & those we love down. The concept of setting resolutions is worthy & helpful for most people. When you are chronically ill, however, resolutions can be wearisome & even scary. Most of the time our bodies & our health, … [Read more...]
Finding Hope Despite Depression – Mini-Bible Study
Depression is a difficult trial to endure. God has promised to carry us through each trial. In this Bible study below on depression, God’s Bible promises will shine a light of hope to carry you through. God is here for you in the present “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.” (Psalm 130:1-2, NIV) God hears our cries for help in the midst of depression. Have you been depressed? Describe a trial of depression you have experienced. How has God answered your cries for help? Journaling can be used as a form of prayer You can address it to God. You can then release all of your concerns to God. You can then end it on a positive note with … [Read more...]
A Progression of Praise
“You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain & new wine abound” (Psalm 4:7). I noticed an interesting progression in this Psalm. David began with a cry of distress, asking God to answer him (verse 1). He acknowledged that God heard & answered his cries (verse 3), & then meditated in his heart, offering the sacrifices of praise to & trust in God (verses 4-5). He ended the Psalm being filled with joy. I also noted that in other Psalms of distress, whether joy was a byproduct or not, the authors reminded themselves of God’s faithfulness & ended with victorious words of assurance. I began thinking of the way I h&le my times of distress. Yes, I cry out to God, begging for relief, but do I continue as David … [Read more...]
Reminder: Devotionals are Moving Friday!
Just a reminder that we are moving our devotionals! You can still receive them via email each day (at the same time event!), but you need to sign up! Friday WILL BE THE LAST DAY that you will receive them from this email address. We are UNABLE to transfer your membership. DIRECTIONS: Click below, enter your email & the confirm code. If you cannot read the confirmation code just hit the refresh button or click the link below again to open up a new page. Click here to get devotionals PLUS the other 1-2 postings/articles on Rest Ministries web site each day (best option) http://tinyurl.com/ydbcj8q Click here to get JUST devotionals: http://tinyurl.com/r4ol29c Still want Today’s Promise? Sign up directly w/ Pat … [Read more...]
HopeNotes #84 is Posted
Merry Christmas.Rest Ministries weekly issue of HopeNotes are an encouragement to you. Our newsletter, is now available for you. You can always find the most recent issue at this link: http://www.restministries.org/hopenotes/mostrecent.htm … [Read more...]
HopeNotes #82 is Ready
Rest Ministries weekly issue of HopeNotes is ready for you to read here. We share some great patient advocacy resources you will want to know about. You can always find the most recent issue at this link: http://www.restministries.org/hopenotes/mostrecent.htm … [Read more...]
HopeNotes #80 is Up For You
Happy Thanksgiving! Rest Ministries' weekly issue of HopeNotes is now available for you to read. You can always find the most recent issue at this link: http://www.restministries.org/hopenotes/mostrecent.htm … [Read more...]
Volunteering Can Ease Both Emotional and Physical Pain
Too often we find ourselves sitting in our home, wishing we could go and do something to feel better, yet not knowing if at the end of the day we will feel better-- or worse. Although you may think that volunteering will drain all your energy, you may find that it actually can ease physical pain. And sometimes, even if you are in more physical pain, you may discover that the mental and spiritual joy you gained still makes the physical pain worth it! Volunteering has been found to: Enhance self-esteem through the "good feelings" derived from helping others and feeling worthwhile and needed. Distract one from one's aches and pains, providing motivation for rehabilitation and activity, helping overcome social isolation, and … [Read more...]
Is Your Church Building Safe?
Many times we are prevented from attending to church due to everything from new carpet that has chemicals in it to mold in the walls that is making our chronic illness or chemical sensitivities worse. This article by James Rogdgers, "Blind Spots: Why we sometimes can't see problems with our facility," is an excellent viewpoint from a pastor. It's published by Christianity Today. I realized changing the nursery was not just a facility issue, but really a ministry issue. . . . With a nursery that smelled musty & had mold marks on the walls, we were sending a terrible message to visitors: "Your babies may not be safe here, & we aren't doing anything about it." Why did I miss this clear message? I love my children. I look out for their … [Read more...]
How Long Do I Have to Live With This Illness, Lord?
Excerpt from Think It Not Strange: Making Peace With Chronic Pain by Claudette Palatsky My prayer journal scribbling illustrates my desperation. "How long, O Lord? Will this ever end? Will it become worse before it gets better? Oh, God! I fear I can't bear another minute & still, time marches on. Can't You make it stop? Once, in Your Word, I read that the sun stood still & the moon stopped, for about a whole day. So surely You are capable, Lord, of just the opposite. How long till the withdrawing is final? How long till the morphine is completely out of my system? What if I can't wait? It seems I am hanging on by only a thread. You see me here, God. How long before this situation changes? In giant print I am writing to remind You that You … [Read more...]
