Vicki Archives - Rest Ministries - Chronic Illness and Pain Support

Accepting Help From Others When Weak From Illness

July 3, 2012 By admin 5 Comments

“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy—” (Jude 1:24) Living with multiple sclerosis is an adventure. Just when I get used to specific symptoms, new challenges emerge, like weaker arms. These motivate me to find strategies that will help. But accepting help from others when weak from illness is something that can be difficult to do. At the food store, I asserted myself. “Please pack the items so the bags are light.” The checker loaded each bag with fewer items. But even several cans and a gallon of water feel like a ton of bricks to me. Granted, I don’t look like a weakling. It’s hard for others to understand. So, nowadays I place my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Devotionals, Explaining Illness, Overwhelmed, What's New? Tagged With: Amalekite, Amen., God, Jesus, Joshua, Moses, Vicki

Devotion: There’s No Need to Fear The Emotional Burn Summer Heat, Despite Our Illness

June 24, 2012 By admin 5 Comments

“‘If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’ ” (Daniel 3:17-18) The heat index is 105°. We’re in the middle of the first heat wave of the summer. Just like last summer. A year ago, I was asked to be a guest speaker for a fellow professor. The classroom would be air conditioned, so I agreed. The commitment required me to teach for seven hours straight. An impossible feat, given my limitedstamina. Living with multiple sclerosis means planning activities that last 4-6 hours. Any longer and I fade. Like a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Devotionals, What's New? Tagged With: ADHD In Teenagers, Air conditioning, Amen., God, Jesus, Multiple sclerosis, Schizoaffective disorder, Vicki

Devotion: There Is More to Life Than Illness

June 12, 2012 By admin 3 Comments

“I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.” (Psalm 34:1-2) “You look so good.” That’s often the greeting of a friend. My favorite response is, “It’s prayer and make-up.” I offer a brief reply in the attempt to divert attention away from me. My life has to be more than multiple sclerosis (MS). But should I be so quick to change the subject? Wouldn’t it be better to seize the moment and give God the glory? The message I hope to convey, but often fail to send is: The joy of the Lord is my strength. My challenge is to come close to the example set by Paul. “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Devotionals, What's New? Tagged With: Christ, God, God the Father, Multiple sclerosis, Psalm, Schizoaffective disorder, Second Epistle to the Corinthians, Vicki

Devotion: The Need to De-clutter With a Disease

June 5, 2012 By admin 7 Comments

“A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out. In faithfulness He will bring forth justice.” (Isaiah 42:3) Got clutter? Maybe you have an “everything drawer” where a variety of things land. Scotch tape. A screw driver. Lipstick. A puzzle piece. Several unidentifiable key. . . I’m here to admit I’ve accumulated tons of clutter. My corners, drawers, and closets overfloweth. I’ve saved every file from my teacher training 34 years ago. Every memento from family excursions were tucked away (never to be seen again!). My motto: you never know when you might need it. When in doubt, keep it. The wonderful thing about having multiple sclerosis (MS) is that I have an excuse. I’ve used all my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Devotionals, What's New? Tagged With: ADHD In Teenagers, Amen., God, Jesus, Multiple sclerosis, Psalm, Schizoaffective disorder, Vicki

Devotion: Enduring Those Painful, Sleepless Nights When Chronically Ill

April 11, 2012 By admin 4 Comments

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.” (Psalm 23:1-2) It’s 12:30 AM and I’m awake. Tossing and turning. Shifting to find the perfect comfortable position, to no avail. Desperate to get some sleep, I turn on the T.V. hoping the news might lull me into slumber. Half an hour later: still wide awake. Ignore the pain. Think of something else. Try praying 2:00 AM and I’ve prayed for all my loved ones. I advise myself: Instead of sheep, count your blessings one by one. Then you'll see what the Lord has done. Dear God, I'm grateful that I can still walk. And that my multiple sclerosis hasn't affected my vision. Thank you for a loving husband who … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Devotionals, What's New? Tagged With: ADHD In Teenagers, Amen., can't sleep, God, Illness, insomnia, Jesus, lying awake at night, Pain, Psalm, Schizoaffective disorder, Vicki

Devotion: Withstanding Disease

February 19, 2012 By admin 4 Comments

“Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” (Isaiah 44:8) As a child, I loved spending time at a creek. Peaceful rest awaited me on a huge boulder. My throne of private solitude planted firmly in the middle of the brook. A personal oasis. Smaller stones beckoned me to cross. They presented a facade of security – not to be trusted. I knew better. Oh, deceptive rocks! So wobbly. So undependable. You once pretended to be sturdy, then plunged me into cold water. Not this time. . ." An uneasy feeling engulfed me as I gingerly tested each stone. Arriving on the massive seat, I could breathe … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Devotionals, What's New? Tagged With: Christ, God, Isaiah, Lord, Multiple sclerosis, Psalms, Schizoaffective disorder, Vicki

Devotion: When People Cannot See Your Invisible Symptoms

January 22, 2012 By admin 4 Comments

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.” (Psalm 34:15) The alarm clock signaled it was time to wake up. The first challenge: get out of bed. Multiple sclerosis (MS) made my legs weak. So, I gave my legs time to support me before I took a step. I fixed my hair, ignoring the pain in my feet. Raising my arms was like lifting barbells. But I wanted to look presentable--to reflect His love, not showcase my pain. My husband walked by and said, “After church we have to. . . ” The sleepless night made it hard to process even one sentence. “Please say that again slower.” Lovingly, my husband obliged. As we entered the sanctuary, we headed to “our” pew. Before I arrived at my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Devotionals, What's New? Tagged With: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, God, Good Shepherd, Jesus, Lord, Multiple sclerosis, Schizoaffective disorder, Vicki

Devotion: Depend on Others? Who, Me?

January 12, 2012 By admin 1 Comment

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. . . . For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.'" (Isaiah 41:10, 13) My first sentence in life was, “Vicki by self.” As a toddler, I tied my own shoes, zipped my own coat. As a teen, I needed no help making dinners. As a young adult, I straightened my own waist-long hair. When I became a young mother, I needed no assistance taking my baby and toddler into the city. No problem. My goal in life: complete independence. Nothing was too hard for me to do--all by myself. Independence brought a sense of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Devotionals, What's New? Tagged With: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Christ, God, Multiple sclerosis, Schizoaffective disorder, special education, Vicki, Vicki Chandler