Don’t Forget to Say Thank You – Video

thankyou

Happy Sunday! I was in college driving to church on a Sunday morning when Boys II Men came on the radio. As one who loves gospel and jazz, I immediately turned it up and was surprised to hear this style of music on the pop radio channel. Here at Rest Ministries we talk a lot about struggles. We don't want to put a "Pollyanna" spin on things, because when we have an attitude adjustment it is because we gave our circumstances over to the Lord--not because we woke up and decided it would all be okay. But that is not to say our attitude can't use some adjusting! And one of the ways we can do this is to just tell God, "Thank You!" You may not be a fan of your situation right now, but there is still something you can find in your life to … [Read more...]

Devotion – An Attitude of Gratitude Is An Action, Not a Cliche

being-thankful

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:5-7) I have this theory: If I hear something once, it might be a random thing. If I hear it twice, maybe I need to pay attention to it. God might be saying something I need to hear. The third time? No doubt about it. I best listen. Today, it has all been about gratitude. It can be hard to be grateful when we face challenge after challenge – but that it what God calls us to do. I’m seeing over and over how I must seek out the positives in my life. My current literary “blessing” is a book study on Alice in Wonderland. In the book, this exchange occurs. 'Cheshire Puss,' [Alice] … [Read more...]

Chat Open in Sunroom Today & Tomorrow

Thanks to all who joined us in chat for Christmas in the Rest Ministries Sunroom. This is to let you know we will have it open December 31-Jan 1 in case you would like to drop in & brighten someone’s new year or find some encouragement for yourself. Go to restministriessunroom.com the morning of the 31st. USA time to participate. Please note: You must be a registered member of the Sunroom. … [Read more...]

Avoiding Holiday Feuds When You Are Ill

As the holidays approach our expectations rise, hoping that this will be the year that we remember everything as perfect. But when you live with a chronic condition it can feel like the odds are even less in your favor. “The hardest part of the holidays is the unrealistic expectations my extended family has of us,” shares Liz C. “They truly do not get that I have long-term health problems. The best I can do is pray that God will give them a big dose of underst&ing each year.” What most of us have come to realize over time is that the term dysfunctional describes nearly all families on some level. None of us function effectively, one hundred percent of the time. But that doesn’t mean we love our family any less. In a poll … [Read more...]

Emmanuel Faith Community Church Reaches Out To Ill at Turkey Time

I received this email from Emmanuel Faith Community Church & thought it simply wonderful. If your church has an outreach ministry to people at thanksgiving, let them know that there are many chronically ill people too who would love fellowship &/or food. I always say. . . remember that the Bible tells us not to "announce it in the next bulletin" or to say "call us if you need anything" but "Go out quickly into the streets & alleys of the town & bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind & the lame,"' (Luke 14:21). Thank you, Emmanuel Faith Community Church, for reminding of this! Dear Chronic Illness Support Group Members: Each Thanksgiving since 2003, the Married & Company Sunday School class at Emmanuel Faith Community … [Read more...]