March & April are wonderful months. St. Patrick’s Day & Easter bring cheerful images of pastel colors & sunshine. The bright, Kelly green, Irish shamrock is not just about leprechauns & good luck. The shamrock represents God in three persons – the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit. Even the “lion & lamb” idea of March winds comes from scriptural references in the book of Revelation. April is a great relief to the winds of March. The light rain showers refresh us & settle the l& making it ready for the new birth about to take place. When the sun breaks through the clouds after an April shower, another God-given image – the rainbow – appears. It is an awe-inspiring moment when we first see a rainbow. As it appears in … [Read more...]
Love Endures When Your Spouse is Ill
In the process of loving someone with a chronic illness, we often feel a recurring pang of grief and fear that overshadows the happy moments of our lives. Because the shadow never lifts completely, we must depend on the healing power of love when medical science has no answers. I have come to understand that love endures when it is based more on friendship, respect and commitment than on romance. Such love carries with it a sense of belonging, a feeling of home. Couples who deeply love each other become so interwoven that it is difficult to tell where one stops and the other begins. They think alike, talk alike, even begin to look alike. As one devotes one's self to caregiving and weathers the storms of illness and recovery, you … [Read more...]
Happy New Year
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”(Philippians 4:4 NIV) It’s that time of the year when people greet you with “Happy New Year” – in shops, on the street, at parties & at Church too. Even if you hardly know them, it’s customary to respond in the same way. Sometimes though, I find myself wondering if indeed I will be happy in the coming year. As time goes by, my physical problems seem to get worse & I hear again the words of a specialist who told me I’d probably end up in a wheelchair & only be able to work for about 10 years. Up until now, he has proved to be wrong with those forecasts. While there has definitely been deterioration over the 20 plus years, & I am no longer able to work … [Read more...]
Seeking Peace in The New Year
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled & do not be afraid." John 14:27 (NIV) It is the day before New Years Eve, & all through the house it is crazy! Our tree is still up, but boxes are out to put part of the Christmas decorations away. I am writing a grocery list, & coupons & paper inserts are spread out over the table. My poor husb& is looking for files that will help him find out why the furnace is acting up, while he also fielding phone calls about updating our insurance! Both of our college kids are home & are watching, yes, Sponge Bob Square Pants. But underneath the noise & mess of family living is a sense of immense blessing. Last … [Read more...]
Resource Guide of 40 Pages for Young Adults
This web site, "Breakout" leads you to online reading material called “Breakout” The Complete Lifestyle Guide for Young People with Arthritis. What a wonderful website with an uplifting & positive message! You can sit in the comfort of your own home & read forty pages of useful information, without having to worry about going to a bookstore & spending time, energy, & money. It discusses a number of issues & challenges particular to young people with arthritis. Some of these include how to express your feelings, surviving school & university, leaning on your support system & many more. It’s an easy read that is interesting, interactive & unique in the fact that it is able to go much deeper than what is seen on the … [Read more...]
The Christmas Shoes Video – Tear Jerker!
The Christmas Shoes – If you need a good cry? this is the video to watch. (Get a tissue!) … [Read more...]
Looking Forward to a Silent Night…
While trying to figure out how it's 3:35PM & I just now got out of my pajamas & through the shower, I reflected back on my day & saw a pattern. I couldn't help but hear the 12 days of Christmas song! 5 kinds of entertainment for my little shepherd boy 4 loads of laundry 3 blogs posted 2 quiche made (1 burnt) 1 in gingerbread house makeover (previously collapsed) all while (still) wearing this (cumbersome) splint! ...& we even got skype working so we can watch the rest of the family open gets 1000 miles away! Now, 30 minutes "resting" in my "work out splint" & then get ready for church - whew! … [Read more...]
Celebrate Jesus’s Birthday at our Christmas Party in Sunroom Today
We are having a holiday party this afternoon, 12/23, in the Sunroom. I am opening up the chatroom feature all day today so if you’d like to talk with friends “live” just scroll down to the bottom of the page at www.restministriessunroom.com . You can also see the enlarged window (which is easier to see) at http://restministriessunroom.ning.com/chat Join us for our virtual party to celebrate the Lord’s birth, play some fun games & more from 4-6 pacific time, 6-8 eastern time. See a time zone converter her at www.timezoneconverter.com A Sunroom member, Sue Ellen, will be facilitating activities. (Thank you, Sue Ellen!) I am going to do my best to get there on time (I have physical therapy appointment) & will be typing w/ 1 … [Read more...]
Counting the Blessings Hidden in Illness
With the holidays nearing once again we are urged by everyone from Hallmark commercials to our local newspaper editor to take a moment to count our blessings. If you live with a chronic illness you may find that blessings are a bit more hidden in your life than they were previously. Holidays past you may have easily sat around the table of relatives before the feast & play the "I'm Thankful For. . ." game. When it was your turn, without hesitation, you chose one of the many things you were grateful for to share: "I'm thankful for my job, my family, my financial security." And--&, ah yes, there was that thing called "health." Now though, the ease of being able to list health on your thankful list has disappeared. And perhaps you are … [Read more...]
A Soldier’s Christmas Prayer
Dedicated to the soldiers in all the armed forces—& their many families—who are serving & sacrificing this Christmas. We are proud & blessed to live in a country where we can openly celebrate the birth of our Savior. Thank you! 'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give And to see just who in this home did live. I looked all about a strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with s&, On the wall hung pictures of far distant l&s. With medals & badges, awards of all kind A sober thought came through my mind. For this house was different, so dark … [Read more...]
