Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am
doing, but later you will understand."
  (John 13:7 NIV)
    How sad the two disciples were as they made
their way towards Emmaus.  It had been three
days since Jesus had been crucified and their
hopes were shattered.  They had believed that
Jesus was the promised Messiah.  Now it was all
over.  He had been crucified and, along with His
death had come the death of all of their hopes.
    Many of us, with chronic pain and illness,
  know how they felt. We also at one time put our
hope in Jesus as we heard how He could turn our
lives around and make something beautiful out
of them.  Then the trials began.  As the trials
perhaps became more severe our faith in Him
began to weaken.  Perhaps we began having
doubts about God and His goodness.
    O, child of God.  Have you been disappointed
in Jesus since you began having chronic pain or
illness?  Has your hope in Him been dying?
Have you been offended at His ways with you?
     Let us look at how Jesus addressed His
sorrowing disciples along the road towards
Emmaus.  As they traveled, He came alongside
of them, began conversing with them and He
opened up the scriptures to them.  He showed
them that His suffering and death had been
predicted and that it had to happen for our
eternal life to be secured.  As He spoke with
them, their hearts burned.  Then He opened their
eyes so that they could clearly see Him.  Hope
and joy burst forth in them once more as they
spent this time with Jesus; the one who they
thought had disappointed them.
    Dear one, if your faith in Jesus has been
faltering, will you once more constrain Him to
stay with you and open up the scriptures for you
as the disciples did?  He says to you today:
"Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If
anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will
come in…."  Revelation 3:20.  He will bring
hope again to you as He did to the disciples at
Emmaus and your heart will leap for joy once
more.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Virginia has known times of despair and
times of great joy during her journey
with chronic pain.  As she increasingly sees
God's purpose for her life being fulfilled through
her pain, her trust in Him grows.

----parting words----

  BIBLE STUDY: "When Chronic Illness Enters Your Life"
New Cover Design - same great book!
  Just $6.50

  http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itmidx2.htm


  Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
  Who live with chronic illness or pain.
  Rest Ministries, Inc.
  http://www.restministries.org
  PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
  toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
  copyright 2002
  Do not reprint without permission.


  ==============================================
  Did you receive this from a friend and
  would like to subscribe? It's easy!
  Just send a blank email to
  chronicpaindevotional-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
  or go to:
  http://www.restministries.org/pro-devotion.htm

  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
  chronicpaindevotional-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

  TO CHANGE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
  Step-by-step instructions:
  go to http://www.restministries.org/pro-devotion.htm

  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
  http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

"He turned the desert into pools of water
and the parched ground into flowing springs"
(Psalm 107:35 NIV)

Another year has past, and another year of
chronic illness and pain we have endured.
Some of us may have found relief and solace
in our providers, our medications or in friends
and loved ones. Others of us, still ache, we
feel a desewrt parched deep within and we long
to fill its parched ground. But where do we go?
How do we find these flowing springs?

Beloved, look to God. "For as high as the
heavens are above the earth, so great is His
Love for those who fear Him." (Psalm 107:11 NIV)
The mercy of our God and Savior, the LORD Jesus is
unending. His compassions never cease. "The
angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear
Him and He delivers them." (Psalm 34:7 NIV)Do you
understand this? You matter so much to God that He has
sent His own angels down to encircle you with
His Love; to protect, to strengthen and encourage
you. Why?Because He Loves you.

Are you fearful of what lay ahead of you? Look back,
see how far you have come, even if it is a simple
act of faith saying, Jesus, I cannot make it on my
own, take over and lead me to your providers, your
physicians and keep your angels watching over me.
A simple child-like prayer. That is what God wants,
for us to come to Him and be true to ourselves and
rest in the shadow of God's mercy and grace

Then we can turn and say to others about our lives
that"He turned the desert into pools of water
and the parched ground into flowing springs"
(Psalm 107:35 NIV) The desert of our life, once
barren, is now filled with milk and honey as it
springs from life eternal.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kay DeCarlo, devotional coordinator for Rest Ministries,
lives with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a form of congestive
heart failure, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Depression
and Panic Disorder. Kay also lives with her husband
and two sweet dogs, Daphne and Alice in beautiful
New England. Through her many trials, Kay has never lost
sight of God's Grace and prays that her faith in Christ
will encourage others today in a powerful way.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

BIBLE STUDY: "When Chronic Illness Enters Your Life"
New Cover Design - same great book!
Just $6.50

http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itmidx2.htm


Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in
our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character,
hope. (Romans 5:3-4 NIV)

Have you ever heard of the "Methuselah"
tree?  It is the name given to a bristlecone
pine tree which is estimated to be nearly
5,000 years old and is one of the oldest
living trees in the world.  Bristlecones
grow in the mountains of the western
United States in elevation of 10,000. They've
been able to survive some of the harshest
living conditions on earth: arctic
temperatures, fierce winds, thin air and
little rainfall.  It is strange but true
that these harsh conditions are what have
produced the strength and endurance for
these trees to survive.

In Romans 5:3-4, Paul reminds us that
suffering produces perseverance and
perseverance in turn develops character.
Could it be that as we struggle with our
chronic illnesses and pain, we are becoming
closer to God?  When we become totally dependent
on God,  we can know true peace even as we
cope with the trials of illness.  It is a
wonderful feeling to know that God will
always be faithful and that He will give us
sufficient grace to deal with any trial life
may bring.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under
trial, because when he has stood the test, he
will receive the crown of life that God has
promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12 NIV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to find comfort as we
depend on You for all of our needs especially the needed
strength to see a purpose in our pain.  Help us to always
remember that real peace and joy comes from knowing that
You will always give us sufficient grace to deal with our
trials.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Armstrong lives in Va. Beach, Va., with her
husband, Richard.  Patricia suffers constant pain from a
nerve disease but finds comfort in knowing God will
always give sufficient grace to deal with life's trials.
Church activities, reading, gardening, and working with
her Chronic Illness Support Groups are things which
Patricia enjoys.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

BIBLE STUDY: "When Chronic Illness Enters Your Life"
New Cover Design - same great book!
Just $6.50

http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itmidx2.htm


Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"Praise be to God and Father of our LORD
Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and
the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in
all our troubles, so that we can comfort
those with in any trouble with the comfort
we ourselves have received from God."
(2 Corinthians 1:3,4 NIV)

My husband and I were invited
to attend a Christmas party with my in-laws
at a restaurant that they frequently visit.
The party was free, with an open bar, a DJ
and dancing with quite an array of food to
eat. We had a wonderful time. After dinner,
some of the people decided to get up and
dance on the dance floor. Oh, how my heart
ached....I used to dance all the time, but
now dancing has been taken away from me.
My heart cannot withstand the moves as I
fatigue and become short of breath.

Later that night I had a heart to heart
conversation with God asking Him "Why?"
His silence bestilled my aching heart. Living
with chronic illness and pain, I am sure
you have asked this of God on many occasions.
Through my tears and anguish, I heard God speak,
"I have not caused this, but have permitted
it to happen to draw you closer to Me. There
are two lords of this world,Satan, the lord of
evil who causes pain and suffering and Me,
The Great I Am, Who loves you dearly and cares
for your every need. My Son Jesus died for you,
He suffered for you. Through My Son, you have
life eternal and your comfort overflows.

"For just as the sufferings of Christ enter our life
so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
(2 Corinthians 1:5 NIV)  No we may not be able
to do things like dancing, but oh, precious one, our
souls will dance with delight in God's grace by
holding fast to His promise to us.

" To him who overcomes, I will give some of the
hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with
a new name written on it, known only to him who
receives it.'" (Revelations 2:17 NIV)

A new beginning is waiting for you. Call upon the
Name of Jesus and He will answer you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kay DeCarlo, devotional coordinator for Rest Ministries
lives with her husband and two sweet fur-children, (dogs)
Daphne and Alice in Connecticut. As a survivor of numerous
trials, Kay's faith in the power of prayer and in Jesus
has sustained her. Kay suffers from Dilated Cardiomyopathy,
a form of Congestive Heart Failure; Bipolar Disorder;
PTSD, Depression and Anxiety. Kay enjoys the ocean, scenic
photography, writing and reading. It is her prayer to become
a published author.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

DO YOU LIKE THESE DEVOTIONALS?
"MOSAIC MOMENTS" is Rest Ministries OWN DEVOTIONAL
book with devotionals from Kay, Debbie, Virginia,
Lisa and more.  PRE-ORDER TODAY and you will
buy 1 get 1 FREE!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itm00217.htm

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

BIBLE STUDY: "When Chronic Illness Enters Your Life"
New Cover Design - same great book!
Just $6.50

http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itmidx2.htm


Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"'I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you.'"
  (Isaiah 41:9-10, NIV).

As I was reading this in the New Living
Translation, it really hit me between the eyes:
"For I have chosen you and will not throw you
away. Don't be afraid, for I am with you."

Sometimes I feel like God has thrown me away.
"Oops,this one is so flawed I'd better put her
over on the bone pile  can't use her anymore."

Have you ever felt that way, too?

But I have discovered that God will never, ever
do that! Isn't that good news?! He gave His
promise through Moses in Deuteronomy 31:6:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid
or terrified for the Lord your God goes with
you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
And again in verse 8: "The LORD Himself goes
before you and will be with you; He will never
leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid;
do not be discouraged."

So take heart, my friend, God isn't finished
with us yet! In fact, I like to think of it
this way: there must be something very good
in store for me, for Him to put so much
time into me like this!

God makes no mistakes, and I believe He
never wastes His time, either!"....He Who
began a good work in you will carry it on
to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 1:6 NIV).
"....for it is God who works in you, to will
and to act according to his good purpose"
(Philippians 2:13 NIV).

The hymn writer, Ron Hamilton, said it best:

God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.

Oh, rejoice in the Lord.
He makes no mistake.
He knoweth the end of each path that I take.
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

Be encouraged, dead friend, God is in charge
and He will never throw you away!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

About the Author:

Beryl Henne lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband
of 34 years. Her challenges include myofascial pain
syndrome/fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and hypoglycemia.
She is a freelance editor and writer, and works with
her husband, as she is able, for a Christian custom
book publisher.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


----parting words----

CHAT TODAY - JOIN US!
http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm
3 pm pacific, 6 pm eastern
A great way to meet people and get your holiday
blues off your chest :)

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the
hills be removed, yet My unfailing Love
for you will not be shaken nor My
Covenant of Peace removed,'" says the
LORD who has compassion on you."
(Isaiah 54:6:10 NIV)

We live in a world of uncertainty. Those
of us who live with chronic illness and
pain knows this more than the average person.
We make plans and then have to back out
and cancel due to a bad flare day. There may
be days that we feel fine and others are
found listening to our bodies and giving
ourselves the extra tlc that we need. There
are some days when we feel our world that
we knew is now falling apart and we don't
know how to cope or face the circumstances
that we face.

Some of us may face our trials, head on; others
however may be so paralyzed with fear that they
find it hard to find another day. We surround
ourselves in a cube, surrounded by walls on
either side so no one can get in, nor get
out. We may feel that we have been rejected
by others, that no one can fully comprehend
what are feeling. In doing so, we isolate
ourselves not only from others, but also from
God.

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD
is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends
of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary,
and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives
strength to the weary and increases the power of
the weak." (Isaiah 40:28.29)

God understands what you are going through. No
one can fathom His understanding. He loves you,
will increase your strength with His grace to
allow you to carry on. You however must make
the first move. You have always be His child.
The question is, "Will you be His?"

May you find hope and peace in God's grace,
mercy and peace today and always.

God's Blessings.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kay, devotional coordinator for Rest Ministries,
lives with her husband and sweet fur-child dog,
Annie in Connecticut. Kay also lives with
dilated cardiomyopathy, (her heart is enlarged
and the ventricles not not pump properly). She
also has major depression, post-trauamtic stress
and anxiety. As a survivor of Hodgkin's Disease
and Congestive Heart Failure, Kay has never lost
sight that God is bigger than any trial or
circumstance and longs to share her Hope of all
hopes with others. It is Kay's prayer to someday
to become an hospital chaplain.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

LOOKING FOR WAYS TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT REST?
http://www.restministries.org/admin-connect.htm
(Thank you!!)

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)

kay@...
  Account Options...Set My PreferencesChange My SignatureChange My
PasswordChange My User InfoEdit My Address BookManage My FoldersSet
My Auto-ResponderChange My Vacation MessageChange My Processing
RulesChange My Finger Information
   Menu     View Mail     Compose     Search     Help     Log Off



        Back | Prev | Reply | Reply All | Forward | Delete | Move To
AnnieCheyenneDeletedDraftEbaySaleFootersMainrgtratnRMSentAngel.PawsDog
.TreatsPrayer.JournalProverbs.31.Info

Message: 13 of 13     Printable Version
        From: Debbi Farmer <debbifarmer@...>   Save Address

"When you pass through the waters, I
will be with you. (Isaiah 43:2 NIV)

My children and I decorated a tree in
our home.  We put up the stockings and
decorated the house.  We played Christmas
music and had refreshments....and despite
all of my efforts I could not find that
spark of holiday excitement that year
after year I find myself searching for.

I know that superficial traditions are not a
substitute for the "Spiritual Renewal" that
we can experience from celebrating the
birthday of our personal LORD and Savior,
Jesus Christ, yet there I was trying to grasp
on to a little joy and glee, pretending all
the while for the sake of my children to be
happy and content.

Inside my heart felt heavy and my mood was
dark and cold.  Sickness and Pain had taken
it's toil.  Why do I allow the pain to be
my main focus?  Why does the scars from the
wounds in my life cloud my mind from
seeing hope.  In the mist of all the people
who are around me, I can still find myself
feeling so very alone.

God states in Isaiah 43:1-2 (NIV): "'Fear not,
for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you
by NAME, you are Mine.  When you pass through
the waters, I will be with you, and when you
pass through the rivers, they will not sweep
over you.  When you walk through the fire, you
will not be burned, for the flames will not
set you ablaze.'"

There it is....my thread of hope and reason
for joy. I am not alone.  No matter what I am
facing today, I have a promise of security
from a loving and caring God who wants me to
grow and endure, as I pass through this trial.

When you feel alone and burdened this holiday season,
remember that the birthday we celebrate is that of a
Lord who loved us so much that He gave His life for
us.  WOW...WHAT LOVE.....  We can grasp true "JOY"
from a "Savior" who is with us where-ever we may
tread.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Farmer lives in Bunn, NC with her family and
suffers from several illnesses including Fibromyalgia.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

DO YOU LIKE THESE DEVOTIONALS?
"MOSAIC MOMENTS" is Rest Ministries OWN DEVOTIONAL
book with devotionals from Kay, Debbie, Virginia,
Lisa and more.  PRE-ORDER TODAY and you will
buy 1 get 1 FREE!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itm00217.htm

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

Rest Ministries apologizes about the misprint of the Scripture
passage. It should have been Psalm 34:10, not Isaiah 34:10. We
apoplogize for this inconvenience.

Blessings,

Kay DeCarlo
Devotional Coordinator
Rest Ministries

"The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who fear the LORD lack no
good thing." (Isaiah 34:10 NIV)

Those who fear the LORD God lack no
good thing. What a wonderful promise to
hold onto; not only at Christmas but
throughout the year. We may feel that our
strength is gone, our bodies have changed,
are abilities dissipated, yet the promise
that if we place our trust in our LORD
God, we will lack for nothing. "The LORD is
my Shepherd I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1 NIV)

What is the greatest gift, the best thing
that we can receive this Christmas? The gift
of God's Son, Jesus. Jesus came down to earth
in the form of a baby, to grow and live
admidst us, showing us how to be in perfect
union with The Father;  lacking in
no good thing. What about you? Where do you
place your faith and trust this Christmas?

Are you lost in the pain and frustration of
a degenerative disease? Are you suffering in
physical or emotional pain? Do you feel like
you have to be strong like the mighty lion,
only to realize how weak and hungry you are?
Come to the stable in Bethlehem and see the
new born King.

"And a highway will be there; it will be
called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will
not journey on it; it will be for those who
walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go
about on it.  No lion will be there, nor
will any ferocious beast get up on it; they
will not be found there. But only the redeemed
will walk there, and the ransomed of the
LORD will return. They will enter Zion with
singing; everlasting joy will crown their
heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away."
(Isaiah 35:8-10 NIV)

You, precious one, are redeemed, all this is
waiting for you. Just invite Jesus into your
heart. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and
tell Him that you cannot make it on your own. You
need His help to guide you. A new Christian you
will be. What a wonderful Christmas gift to give,
your heart to the New Born King!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kay DeCarlo, devotional coordinator for Rest Ministries,
lives with her husband and two sweet dogs, Daphne and
Alice in Connecticut. As a survivor of many trials,
including surviving Hodgkin's Disease and Congestive
Heart Failure, Kay hasnever lost sight that God is
bigger than any trial she faces. Kay now lives with
Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a form of Congestive Heart
Failure,Bipolar Affective Disorder, Depression
and Anxiety.

She prays that all who read today's devotion wil
give their hearts to Jesus, the New Born King.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

Visit our Share & Prayer Message
board at:
http://www.restministries.org/pro-sharepray.htm

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take
Mary home as your wife, because  what is
conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She
will give birth to a Son, and you are to give
Him the Name Jesus."  (Matthew 1:20-21 NIV)


As we hear from the angel the announcement
to Joseph of the conception of our LORD, we
are introduced to the thinking that would be
prominent throughout the ministry of Jesus.
Joseph was told to not fear because he would
soon be in the presence of God in the form of
baby Jesus.

If I could think of one thing that people in
this world need, but especially those with
chronic pain or illness, it is the need not
to fear.  Many of us with chronic pain or
illness have known times of terrible fear. God
does not want us living in fear. Throughout
His glorious ministry while here on earth,
Jesus was telling His disciples in one way
or another, not to fear.  I have heard it
said that He even came to us first in the
form of a baby so as to not frighten us.

But, you may say what is the answer to
inding the "peace of God" when in the throes of
fear?  Let us listen to our beautiful Savior's
words:

"'Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in
God; trust also in Me'" "'I will come back and
take you to be with me that you also may be
where I am.'" (John 14:1a,b; 3b).

Jesus was saying this to very sorrowful and
frightened disciples on the eve of His
crucifixion.  And He says the same to us who
  are fearful today.

Jesus desires to give us peace in the midst of
our troubled circumstances just as He did to
Joseph and the disciples 2000 years ago.  The
peace that He gives us will be in proportion to
the closer that we draw to Him.  Listen as He
whispers to you "So do not fear, for I am with
you" (Isaiah 41:10a).  Press in close to Him this
Christmas, dear one.  Turn to Jesus this
Christmas and receive from Him the peace that
He desires to give to you.


About the Author:  Virginia prays that we will
all draw closer to the Prince of Peace, Jesus this
Christmas.   She hopes and prays also that we
will know more and more of His great love for
us in 2003.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

CHRISTMAS BOOKS AT THE COMFORT ZONE
ON SALE TODAY!!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itmidx11.htm


Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

I have chosen you and have not rejected
you. So do not fear, for I am with you"
"(Isaiah 41:9-10, NIV).

As I was reading this in the New Living
Translation, it really hit me between the
eyes: "For I have chosen you and will not
throw you away. Don't be afraid, for
I am with you."

Sometimes I feel like God has thrown me
away. "Oops this one is so flawed I'd better
put her over on the bone pile can't use
her anymore." Have you ever felt that way,
too?

But I have discovered that God will never,
ever do that! Isn't that good news?! He
gave His promise through Moses in
Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified for the Lord
your God goes with you; He will never leave
you nor forsake you." and again in verse
8: "The Lord himself goes before you and
will be with you; He will never leave you
nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do
not be discouraged."

So take heart, my friend, God isn't
finished with us yet! In fact, I like to
think of it this way: there must be something
very good in store for me, for Him to put
so much time into me like this!

God makes no mistakes, and I believe He
never wastes His time, either!"....He Who
began a good work in you will carry it on
to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 1:6)."....for it is God Who
works in you, to will and to act according
to His good purpose" (Philippians 2:13).

The hymn writer, Ron Hamilton, said it best:

God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord though your testing
seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.

Oh, rejoice in the Lord.
He makes no mistake.
He knoweth the end of each path that I take.
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

Be encouraged, dead friend, God is in charge
and He will never throw you away!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beryl Henne lives in Ontario, Canada, with her
husband of 34 years. Her challenges include
myofascial pain syndrome/fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis
and hypoglycemia. She is a freelance editor and
writer and works with her husband, as she is able,
for a Christian custom book publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

Visit our Share & Prayer Message
board at:
http://www.restministries.org/pro-sharepray.htm

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit: a broken spirit and contrite
heart you will not despise."
(Psalm 51:17 NIV)

Christmas is a time of giving, giving of
one's self to others. It is not meant to
be packaged up in pretty paper and bows,
but in a quiet humble heart, honoring the
Savior Jesus born to us over 2,000 years
ago.

For those of us living with chronic illness
and pain, Christmas can be a time when our
spirits are broken. Depression sets in. We
are not feeling like celebrating Jesus, the
whole purpose of Christmas. Yes, it is nice
to have friends and loved ones near, but the
whole purpose of Christmas was for us to
draw near to the stable where He was born.

"The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and His ears are attentive to their cry"
(Psalm 34:15) Draw near to the stable with
a humble heart and find the babe born for you.
Jesus was born in a humble stable with animals
surrounding Him. A perfect birth, a lowly birth,
God came to mankind.

Troubled this season? Cry out to The LORD! "The
righteous cry out and the LORD hears them; He
delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD
is close tot he brokenhearted and saves those
who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:17-18 NIV)

Jesus will meet your every need, listen to His
voice cry: "'I will instruct you and teach you
in the way you should go; I will counsel you
and watch over you.'"(Psalm 32:8 NIV) This
wondrous gift of Heavenly Love sent to set you
free.

Give Jesus your troubled heart in all humility.
Find the source of Hope in the stable at
Bethlehem.  "Sing to Him a new song, play
skillfully and shout for joy." (Psalm 33:3 NIV)
This Christmas season find the greatest gift of all,
Jesus, born for you. Celebrate Jesus! Celebrate!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kay DeCarlo, devotional coordinator for Rest Ministries
lives with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a form of Congestive
Heart Failure, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression and
Post-Traumatic Stress. As a survivor of Hodgkin's Disease
and other life traumas, Kay has never lost sight that
Jesus is bigger than any trial she faces and looks to Him
for all her needs. Kay enjoys spending time with her
husband Joe, and two sweet dogs, Daphne and Alice. She
also enjoys cooking, reading, writing, needlework
and nature.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

CHRISTMAS BOOKS AT THE COMFORT ZONE
ON SALE TODAY!!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itmidx11.htm


Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"(Mary) gave birth to her firstborn, a Son.
She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him
in a manger, because there was no room for
them at the inn." (Luke 2:7 NIV).

I thought today I'd share with you a poem I
wrote a few years ago....

HE CAME AS A LITTLE BABY

He came as a little baby
   Born in a stable bare
   Wrapped up in cloths, and laid in a manger
   The inn had no room to spare
He came as a little baby
   Cherished by His mother
   The angel had told her that this child would be
   Unique, unlike any other
He came as a little baby
   Mary's beloved Son
   She knew of the Kingdom awaiting this child
   He'd be Jesus, The Holy One
He came as a little baby
   An angel announced His birth
   "In the town of David, a Saviour is born
   To bring peace upon the Earth"
He came as a little baby
   To wise men a new-born King
   They followed His star to worship Him
   And precious gifts did bring
He came as a little baby
   In wisdom and stature He grew
   He sat in the Temple and questioned the teachers
   All astonished at what He knew
He came as a little baby
   With heart so tender and mild
   He understood all our grief and pain
   He welcomed each little child
He came as a little baby
   He was different from the norm
   He taught with great wisdom, was followed by crowds
   Great miracles He'd perform
He came as a little baby
   Unmarked as a pure white dove
   He was whipped and beaten, and left to die
   Scarred, to prove His love
He came as a little baby
   For God's redemptive plan
   He died on a Cross, sacrificed for our sin
   But He's risen and lives again
He came as a little baby
   This holy Child has grown
   He rules with the Father in Heaven forever
   Seated upon the Throne
He came as a little baby
   Tiny, helpless and sweet
   This great, mighty, powerful God incarnate
   Has made our lives complete

©  Janice McLaren


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice McLaren is a mother of four and a
grandmother, and lives by herself in Oamaru,
New Zealand. She has had ME (Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome or CFIDS) since 1984,
and has been restricted almost completely
to home since 1994, much of this time
confined to bed. She's thankful to belong
to God's wonderful family, and looks
forward to the future with hope in Him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

DO YOU LIKE THESE DEVOTIONALS?
"MOSAIC MOMENTS" is Rest Ministries OWN DEVOTIONAL
book with devotionals from Kay, Debbie, Virginia,
Lisa and more.  PRE-ORDER TODAY and you will
buy 1 get 1 FREE!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itm00217.htm

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"Love is patient, love is kind."
(1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV)


If I decorate my house perfectly with
plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights
and shiny balls, but do not show love to
family and friends, I'm just another
decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking
dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing
gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully
adorned table at mealtime, but do not
show love to family and friends, I'm
just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol
in the nursing home and give all that
I have to charity, but do not show
love to family and friends, it profits
me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering
angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend
a myriad of holiday parties and sing in
the choir's cantata, but do not focus
on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss
the spouse.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that
has coordinated Christmas china and table
linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get
out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are
able to give in return but rejoices in
giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things,
  hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs
will rust.

But giving the gift of LOVE will endure.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The author is unknowwn but was
submitted by Jean Lunt. Jean has relapsing-progressive
multiple sclerosis and is trying to learn the
important lessen that asking for and accepting help
is something God wants her to do.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

BIBLE STUDY: "When Chronic Illness Enters Your Life"
New Cover Design - same great book!
Just $6.50

http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itmidx2.htm


Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases
the power of the weak."(Isaiah 40:29 NIV)

Those of us who deal with physical pain know
that after a while, it can lead to emotional
pain and even spiritual pain. The frustration
of constant hurting and all the trials of
dealing with medical appointments, medicine,
insurance, lack of compassion from others etc.,
often causes emotional pain. We may question,
"Why God?", and may suffer with spiritual pain.

I recently read about a disease called familial
dysautonomia that  prevents a child from feeling
any pain.  This may at first seem like a blessing
but since broken bones, cuts, burns, etc., cannot
be felt, the child does not live very long.
So, in many  ways, pain can be good as it serves
as a signal.

Pain often seems pointless, but God assures us
that it is always purposeful (Romams 8:28).  God
can use pain to develop faith as we learn to
depend on Him and our relationship with Him can
grow stronger.  God can use pain to create humility
in how we relate to others.  Our thorns in the flesh
have a way of piercing pride and deflating an
overblown estimation of ourselves.
(2 Corinthains 3:13-15) Our suffering can bring
glory to God as we respond with grace.

Although we may never know all the purposes for
the pain in our lives,  we must remember that
God is always faithful. In Him, we find a light
in the darkness that leads us into a harbor of
peace that passes all understanding.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, even though we don't
understand why we suffer, give us peace we know
surrender to You knowing Your will for our
lives has a purpose.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Armstrong lives in Virginia Beach, VA, with
her husband, Richard.  She is a retired elementary
school teacher. Patricia enjoys fellowship and
activities at her church; reading, gardening and
fellowship with members of the Chronic Illness
Support Group which she started at her church.
She suffers with  pain from peripheral
neuropathy but knows God has a purpose in pain.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

DO YOU LIKE THESE DEVOTIONALS?
"MOSAIC MOMENTS" is Rest Ministries OWN DEVOTIONAL
book with devotionals from Kay, Debbie, Virginia,
Lisa and more.  PRE-ORDER TODAY and you will
buy 1 get 1 FREE!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itm00217.htm

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"In those days Caesar Augustas issued a decree
that a census should be taken of the entire
Roman world.  And everyone went to his own
house to register. So Joseph also went up from
the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to
Bethlehem in the town of David, because he
belonged to the house and line of David. He
went there to register with Mary, who was
pledged to be married to him and was expecting a
child. While they were there, the time came for
the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her
firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in swaddling
cloths and lay Him and placed Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn."
(Luke 2:4-7 NIV)

There was no room for them at the inn. Can you
imagine what that must have been like? Mary and
Joseph leaving all that they had, family and
friends to go to a city that they hardly knew
only to give birth to a child, not any child, but
God's child Jesus and have Him born in a stable
because there was no room at the inn?

Is their room for Jesus to be present in your heart
today, or have you shut him out too? Living with
chronic illness and pain is a day to day, sometimes
moment to moment cycle. Christmas today is so
commercialized, it can seem that we lose the true
meaning of Christmas, a child sent to us from Heaven
above to save the world from its sins. This child,
named Jesus, God with us, to teach us the heart of
God, forgiveness and compassion.

Imagine, this baby, born for you, so you would no
longer die to sin, but have eternal life. Beloved,
it's true. "For God so loved the world that He gave
His One and Only Son that whosoever believes in Him
shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 NIV

Can you make room in your heart for Him today? Make
room for the newborn King? He is waiting with open
arms.

God's Blessings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kay DeCarlo, devotional coordinator for Rest Ministries,
lives with dilated Cardiomyopathy, (a form of CHF)
Bipolar Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress. As a survivor
of numerous trials, Kay has never lost sight that God
is bigger than any trial she faces and looks to her
Savior Jesus for all her needs.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

BIBLE STUDY: "When Chronic Illness Enters Your Life"
New Cover Design - same great book!
Just $6.50

http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itmidx2.htm


Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"Five times I received from the Jews the
forty lashes minus one. Three times I was
beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three
times I was shipwrecked....I have been in
danger from rivers, in danger from bandits,
in danger from my own countrymen, in danger
from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in
danger in the country, in danger at sea,
and in danger from false brothers.... Who is
weak and I do not feel weak?"
(2 Corinthians 11:24-26).

I always marvel at the apostle Paul. Nothing
kept him from preaching the Gospel and serving
the LORD. He suffered much abuse, but he refused
to give in even though he felt weak. In fact,
he boasted in his weakness, saying that, when
he was weak, he was strong because when he
was weak he had no strength of his own and he
had to rely on the power of the LORD.
(1 Corinthians 12:10).

I have not been beaten physically, but my body
has been pummelled with health problems. I have
been wounded in battles with insurance companies
and government agencies as I attempt to obtain
a disability pension and the medical help I
need. I have faced the dangers of being
overcome by emotions of grief, despair and fear.

In all of the hardship, I think of Paul, and I
want to rise up the way that he did and keep on
going in spite of everything. To do that I have
to do just what Paul did. I have to rely on the
strength of God. I do not have the strength to
handle life on my own. No human being has the
strength to carry me through my battles. But
God is able to handle what I entrust to Him
(2 Timothy 1:12), and He wants me to come to
Him for help and guidance. He tells me that I
can cast my cares on Him because He cares for
me (1 Peter 5:7).

And so I exhort you, friends, to imitate Paul.
In weakness, let God be your strength and your
courage.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Lou Cornish lives in Canada where she
gratefully and humbly accepts God's strength
in helping her deal with fibromyalgia and
chronic pain syndrome.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

Visit our Share & Prayer Message
board at:
http://www.restministries.org/pro-sharepray.htm

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and
a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105 NIV)

During the Holidays, it is common to go out
at night and see homes covered in festive
lights.  These days we see electric candles
in the windowsills; but oh how inviting the
weary traveler must have felt when in the
days of old he spotted a home warmed by the
glow of a flickering candle in the window.
Often this signaled a home that would open
its doors to take in one who needed shelter
for the night.

With chronic illness in our lives, we often
approach the holidays with a sadness and
darkness in our hearts. We may have feelings
of sorrow, anxiety and depression brought on
by pain and heartbreak. Sometimes it seems
as though this fast paced world has just
trampled all over us, leaving us scared, alone
and battered.

In John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people He
said, "'I am the Light of the world.  Whoever follows
me will never walk in darkness, but will have the
light of life.'"

Life involves conflict between the God of love who is
good and the evils of this world that provides
darkness in our lives.  This evil can shut out the
opportunity for us to see God if we do not allow Him
to be our source of light to expose the darkness.
Jesus came to us in human-form to be the Light for us
to point our way to God.  This is what we must hold on
to this holiday season.

This Christmas season when you feel lost and
sorrowful, turn to the scriptures to light your path.
Remember that the holiday is not about worldly
expectations, but it is a celebration of the birth of
Christ who came to Light our world.  May you draw
strength today from a Lord who loves you so very much
dear child.  May you find a candle in the window of a
prayer warrior, when you are searching for warmth.
May you find shelter in the arms of a "Father" Who is
shining a "Ray of Hope" to light your path.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Farmer lives in Bunn, North Carolina, with her
husband and two teenagers.  She suffers from several
illnesses including fibromyalgia.  She wishes you and
yours a warm holiday season.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

DO YOU LIKE THESE DEVOTIONALS?
"MOSAIC MOMENTS" is Rest Ministries OWN DEVOTIONAL
book with devotionals from Kay, Debbie, Virginia,
Lisa and more.  PRE-ORDER TODAY and you will
buy 1 get 1 FREE!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itm00217.htm

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"Lord, I have heard of your fame; I
stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord.
Renew them in our day, in our time make
them known; in wrath remember mercy."
(Habakkuk 3:2 NIV)

Even though I know that I am not suffering
due to God's wrath, it can feel that way
and my heart cries for mercy.

Today, I came home a little depressed because
I am going to be involved in a drug study and
there may be some possible set backs in getting
the study started. I had missed being a part of
the first study by just a few weeks and thought
the second study was going to begin in November.
My hopes have been very high, and I realize that
there is the possibility that this drug won't
help my condition, and could even have potential
adverse effects.  I have tried to remain positive
and not even let myself think negatively.  I
constantly imagine myself well again someday.  As
much as it is important to remain positive and
hopeful, I'm beginning to realize that I must
also prepare my mind to accept potential
disappointment.  I need to trust what God sees as
best for me, and not my own will.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 says: "Though the fig tree does not
bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the
olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in
the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be
joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my
strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to go on the heights."

Someday, whether I am healed physically in this life,
I have the hope of a glorious body like Christ's.
Even now, in my spirit I am able to "go on the
heights" when I begin praising God.  My heart can sing
"Great is Thy Faithfulness"!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori Mortensen lives in Utah with her supportive
husband Paul and has two teenagers that have been very
helpful with chores and shopping.  She has been
diagnosed with CFIDS, but has found the "joy of the
Lord" to be her strength.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

CHRISTMAS BOOKS AT THE COMFORT ZONE
ON SALE TODAY!!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itmidx11.htm


Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, The Author
and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the
joy set before Him endured the cross."
(Hebrews 12:2a,b NIV).

The young man made his way around the
little chapel looking at the various
pictures that they had on the wall.  He
had stopped here for rest on his way
across the countryside.  As he glanced at
the pictures on the walls, moving slowly
around the chapel, his eyes, fell upon a
very mysterious and beautiful picture.  For
on that wall was a picture of the Son of God
as He hung agonizing upon the cross.  The
picture appeared so real. He was gazing on
it for what seemed like an eternity before
he finally noticed the inscription beneath
the One on the cross: It read: "All of this
I have done for Thee."

His name was Count Zindendorf and when he
finally left the chapel, he was a transformed man.
Now, aflame with love, He went on to become
the leader of a mighty revival. He was forever a
changed man since he saw the love flowing from
God's Son as He hung upon the cross.


How often we with chronic pain or illness
question God after a long time passes by and we
receive no relief from Him when we know that
He could heal us in an instant.  The days may get
darker and our emotional pain is only surpassed
by our physical pain.

It is during these times that we must do as
Count Zindendorf did.  We must gaze once more
at Jesus dying on the cross for us.

Our Heavenly Father knew that at times things
would become so difficult and dark for us that it
would take God's love displayed on the cross for
us that would convince us once again that He
does, indeed love us.

O, child of God, if the days are very dark for
you today and it is hard for you to believe that
God loves you, come and gaze at Jesus on the
cross for you.  His great love will someday
completely deliver you from all of your pain and
you will be forever a changed person aflame
with love for Jesus.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Virginia has known times of
terrible darkness during her struggle with chronic
pain and emotional pain.  Through it all, God has
been faithful to her and never let go of her hand
even when she could not hold on to His.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

BIBLE STUDY: "When Chronic Illness Enters Your Life"
New Cover Design - same great book!
Just $6.50

http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itmidx2.htm


Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.

Oh, that men would give thanks to The
Lord for His goodness, and for His
wonderful works!  (Psalm 107:21 NIV)

How do you feel when you hear someone
say, "If you have your health, you have
everything?"  Those of us who cope daily
with chronic pain and chronic illness
may feel we have been cheated when we hear
someone say this. However, there are many
folks who have excellent physical health
and are so unhappy.  How could this be
true?  I know this is because they haven't
found the really important thing in life--
knowing Jesus as our Savior and that our
happiness comes from our complete trust
in Him.

We are not living for this world but for
the joy of eternal life with God.  Knowing
this, we can use our health concerns to bring
us close to Him who is the real reason for
peace and contentment.

As we pause to thank God for every way He
has blessed us, it's good to remember that
our greatest treasure is His unfailing love.
Too often our thankfulness ebbs and flows
with our health or financial security.  We
equate God's blessing with freedom from pain
and sorrow.  But through faith and experience
we learn that God's great love for us expressed
in Jesus Christ can calm our hearts and minds
even in the most taxing situations.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to always
remember that it is not physical health, wealth
or fame that brings us happiness. It is knowing
your unfailing love and looking forward to eternal
life with you. Guide us in using our health
concerns to become closer to You and to lead to
know You.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patricia Armstrong is a retired elementary school
teacher who lives in Va. Beach, Va., with her
husband, Richard. Patricia deals with constant pain
from a nerve disease but finds comfort in knowing
God's unfailing love and using her health concern
to help others know this comfort. Patricia enjoys
church activities, gardening, camping and reading.
She especially finds fulfillment in working with
the Chronic Pain and Illness Support Group which
she has started at her church.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

----parting words----

DON'T FORGET TO VISIT OUR CHRISTMAS SHOP!
http://www.comfortzonebooks.com

FEELING LIKE YOUR HEART IS DARK?
Even in the darkest places of despair God is there with
a message of comfort and hope. "A Rose Will Grow
Anywhere" now at The Comfort Zone for just $7.99

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.
(but permission is easy! Just ask!)

"Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And
why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
for the help of His presence." (Psalm 42:5).

Last night, when I was unable to sleep, I
found myself attempting to count sheep.
When that didn't work, I began to pray.
When I finally fell asleep, I had a dream.
I saw Jesus, surrounded by many, many
sheep.  Each one had a name, and He
called them, one by one.  The sheep and
lambs were trying to get very close to Jesus.
It was as if they were dying of thirst, and
He was the water they needed to stay alive.
Jesus brought each one close to Him so
they would feel safe, secure, and loved.

This dream reminded me of our need, as
people who live with chronic illness and
pain, to be soothed and comforted when
we are hurting so badly.  When no drug,
pain pill, herbal remedy or treatment seems
to help, the only thing that can satisfy our
"thirst" for relief from pain is our heavenly
Father.  When we cy out to Him in our pain,
He offers us His comfort.  "God has said,
`Never will I leave you; never will I forsake
you'"  (Hebrews 13:5b).  He is there to
temper our pain and our despair, to give
us the strength, His strength,  to go on
when we feel we can't take another step
on our own.   He loved us enough to send
His Son to die for us, so that we might
have hope in the promise of eternal life.

Turn to the Gentle Shepherd today. He is
calling you by name.  He wants to help
you get through whatever you are facing
today and every day.  Let Him help you
find peace in the storm.  He knows what
you are facing -- whether it be depression,
pain, loneliness, fear, despair.  "Because of
the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail. They are new
every morning;  great is (His) faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22-23).

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Nancy Wilcox lives in
North Carolina with her husband and furry dog,
Mandy.  Nancy is a retired teacher who lives
with several chronic illnesses.  She is
thankful that the Gentle Shepherd helps her
to find her way when times get tough, and she
cannot make it on her own.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

Feeling depressed about the coming holidays?
"HAPPY HOLIDAYS: How to Beat The Holidays Blues"
is a great book to read now!
Just $5.99

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
FREE Christmas Tape of Wayne Watson with
any purchase of $10+ at the Comfort Zone bookstore.
Your purchases keep Rest Ministries GOING :)
http://www.comfortzonebooks.com


LOOKING FOR A PEN PAL?
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rmpenpals/?yguid=25437923


Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.
(but permission is easy! Just ask!)

"I will give him a white stone with a new
name written on it, known only to him who
receives it" (Revelation 2:17, NIV).

I am intrigued by the nicknames that people
choose to represent themselves on message
boards. One name that sticks in my mind
comes from a site devoted to chronic
illnesses where a woman calls herself
"MiseryinIowa."

Names were important in the Bible. They
often expressed the nature of the people
bearing them. To know the name was to know
the person. And sometimes people's names
were changed to reflect their characters.
For example, the apostles gave a Levite
named Joseph the name "Barnabas", meaning
"son of encouragement", because of his
positive demeanour (Acts 5:36).

Chronic illness can make us view ourselves
as powerless, useless, hopeless. Like the
woman in Iowa, we may identify ourselves
in negative terms. But when we invite
Jesus into our lives, He gives us new
names and new identities.

For example, Jesus tells us that He has
overcome the world and because He is our
LORD and Savior, we are overcomers through
Him (John 16:33). Christ tells us that we
are victors over sickness and death because
of what He did on the cross (1 Corinthians 5:57).
As we persevere under trial in His strength,
we become "the blessed" (James 1:12) and
are more than conquerors through our LORD
(Romans 8:37).

Overcomer, Victor, Blessed, Conqueror --
these are names that God gives us. And these
names apply to us whether we're healthy or
sick, on both good days and bad, even when
we're feeling weak and vulnerable. Eventually,
we will stand face to face with God. The
suffering will be over and we will live out
the truth of these names for eternity with
Christ in heaven. And that's when Jesus will
give each of us a special name that he has
chosen, a name written on a white stone, a
name of love which we will bear forever
(Revelation 2:17).

I encourage you, friends, to remind yourself
of who you are in Jesus. He has named you His
beloved and invites you to rest secure in him
(Deuteronomy 33:12).

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Lou Cornish is Overcomer, Victor, Blessed
and more than a Conqueror through Jesus Christ.
She prays that everyone will see themselves
through the LORD's eyes and live up to the
names He has given them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

GOT CHURCH? Be encouraged with online sermons from
the church of our director, Lisa. You can even
attend "live" with her!
http://www.maranathachapel.org

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
Do not reprint without permission
(but permission is easy! Just ask!)

He gives strength to the weary and increases
the power of the weak.  (Isaiah 40:29 NIV)

Those of us who deal with physical pain
know that after a while, it can lead to
emotional pain and even spiritual pain.
The frustration of constant hurting and all
the trials of dealing with medical
appointments, medicine, insurance, lack of
compassion from others etc. often causes
emotional pain.  We may question, "Why God?",
and may suffer with spiritual pain.

I recently read about a disease called
familial dysautonomia that prevents a child
from feeling any pain.  This may at first seem
like a blessing but since broken bones, cuts,
burns, etc., cannot be felt, the child does
not live very long. So, in many ways, pain
can be good as it serves as a signal.

Pain often seems pointless, but God assures
us that it is always purposeful (Romans 8:28).
God can use pain to develop faith as we learn
to depend on Him and our relationship with Him
can grow stronger.  God can use pain to create
humility in how we relate to others.  Our
thorns in the flesh have a way of piercing pride
and deflating an overblown estimation of
ourselves. (2Cor.3:13-15)  Our suffering can
bring glory to God as we respond with grace.

Although we may never know all the purposes
for the pain in our lives,  we must remember
that God is always faithful.  In Him, we find
a light in the darkness that leads us into a
harbor of peace that passes all understanding.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, even though we don't
understand why we suffer, give us peace we
know surrender to you knowing Your will for
our lives has a purpose.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Armstrong lives in Virginia Beach,
Virginia, with her husband, Richard.  She is a
retired elementary school teacher. Patricia
enjoys fellowship and activities at her church,
reading, gardening and fellowship with members
of the Chronic Illness Support Group, which she
started at her church.  She suffers with pain
from peripheral neuropathy but knows God has a
purpose in pain.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

~~~~~~~~DEVOTIONAL BOOK~~~~~~~~~~~
Rest Ministries has put together a devotional book
from all your favorite writers here at RM. Due out
in January, "Mosaic Moments" is available to pre-order
now. You won't be billed until the book is shipped in
JANUARY.

ORDER TODAY and you will get 2 copies for the
price of 1!! Just $12 gets you 2 books & free shipping!
We want to get it into lots of hands, so share a
copy with a pastor, nurse, counselor--
someone who can pass it on to lots of people!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itm00217.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.
(but permission is easy! Just ask!)

"Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do
not do what I say?  I will show you what
he is like who comes to Me and hears My
Words and puts them into practice.  He is
like a man building a house, who dug down
deep and laid the foundation on rock. When
a flood came, the torrent struck that house
but could not shake it, because it was well
built. But the one who hears My Words and
does not put them into practice is like a
man who built a house on the ground with a
foundation.  The moment the torrent struck
that house, it collapsed and its destruction
was complete.'" (Luke 6:46-49 NIV)

Honestly, sometimes I am so self-absorbed.
When the pain becomes intense, I begin
floating in the "Sea of Me," swimming in my
despair and drowning in my own tears. The
rains come and I momentarily collapse, yet
am not destroyed.

Those of us who live in the torrents of chronic
illness and pain contend with times such as
this rather often, I would say.  We get so
caught up in our own struggle that we lose
sight of our firm foundation in Christ.  Oh,
we read the scripture, we read the devotions,
we pray, but when it comes to standing firm
on that foundation, well, sometimes we just
get lost in the quicksand of our own carnal
minds.

Paul said in Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any
longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind."  This
is the key, my friends.  We must break free
from those paralyzing self-absorbing thoughts
and dwell on His Will and His Plan for our lives.
Let us put into practice the teachings of our
LORD in whatever way we can; whether it be writing
a letter of encouragement to a friend; hugging our
family and saying "You're special," or a simple
smile and hello to a neighbor.

Although we may not feel like letting our light
shine at all times, still we must press on.  It
is His Will and our greatest privilege.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tina Nahid lives in Hopkinsville, KY with her
beloved family and prays that each child of God
will renew their minds and let their unique
lights shine for Him today and always.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

DO YOU NEED PRAYER?

We have over 70 people that pray for the prayer requests
that Rest Ministries receives. We love to know how we can
encourage you!
Send any prayer requests to:
encclub-owner@yahoogroups.com

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission
(but permission is easy! Just ask!)

"'I will be a Father to you, and
you will be My sons and daughters,'
says the LORD Almighty."
(2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV)

Living with chronic illness and pain
can be so mechanical at times. Doctor's
appointments, medications, support and
help from our care-givers, family members
and friends.... sometimes it seems like
a never ending cycle as we seek for solace,
comfort and understanding. "I am not
asking for much," you may say, "just for
someone to listen to and to be compassionate
to me." Unfortunately we live in a society
where the hustle and bustle of daily life
of others comes first and to acknowledge the
fact that one's own mortality may involve
chronic illness and pain is too much for some
to endure. That's when the phrase, "But oh, you
look so good, "comes into play!

When this happens, I want to scream, "Thank you,
but if you only knew! So much of my life has
been taken away from me, yet you say no one would
ever know!" Not that I want the world to know I
am suffering, but a simple acknowledgment from
a kind friend can and does make all the difference.

What do you do when others treat you as such? Do
you run away and hide? Do you bury your anger inside
as you say thank you? How do you cope with your
desire for understanding? For me, I cry a bit and
bring my feelings to God. The LORD God has said,
"'I will be a Father to you and you will be My sons
and daughters.'"(2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV)

God is kind and compassionate. His love is
unconditional and His wisdom knows no bounds. When
you are scared or no not what to do, run to Him, dear
child and keep these words in your heart. "'....I have
chosen you and not rejected you. 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." (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

God is your Father. Run to Him. He is waiting for you
with open arms.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kay Decarlo, devotional coordinator for Rest Ministries
lives with her husband and two sweet fur-children, (dogs)
Daphne and Alice in Connecticut. As a survivor of Hodgkin's
Disease, Congestive Heart Failure and other life traumas,
Kay now struggles with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Bipolar
Disorder, Depression and Panic Disorder. It has been Kay's
strong faith in God that has helped her endure the many
struggles she has faced. She prays to inspire others as
she shares her "Hope of all hopes."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

JOIN US FOR CHAT TODAY
3 PM PACIFIC, 6 EASTERN
We have heartfelt conversations, prayer
and a time of getting to know one another.
http://www.restministries.org/pro-chat.htm

Special thanks to our volunteer, Pamela,
who leads chat for us each week.

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.
(but permission is easy! Just ask!)

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so
disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for
I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God," (Psalm 43:5)

Every person around
The country it seemed
Liked Christmas a lot...
All was joy, red and green.
But the Grinch,
Who lived with illness,
And had a heart of the blues,
Did not like Christmas!
The Grinch dreaded Christmas!
The whole Christmas season!
So much to do, so little energy,
there were all kinds of reasons.

It could be said that the medicines
were making her mind feel like putty,
She went shopping at last,
and forgot why she had gone---how nutty.
But we think that the most likely reason of all,
May have been that her heart was hurting,
trying to find her place in it all.

But, whatever the reason,
Her heart or her head,
She laid there on Christmas morning,
with a feeling of dread.
Staring up at the ceiling from the bed, feeling very down,
She wondered how to make it through this day,
without even the hint of a frown.
For she knew every friend and family member around,
Would be arriving soon,
ready to open the gifts and paint the town.
"I just want to feel decent!" she snarled with a sneer.
"Today is Christmas! It's actually here!"
Then she growled, with her grinch fingers nervously drumming,
"I must find a way to keep the pain from coming!"

For, later she knew...
...All the relatives would arrive
They would bring with them her nieces and nephews who would make a
mess
and tons of noise.
They'd rush for their toys!
And then! Oh, the noise! Oh, the noise!
Noise! Noise! Noise!
That's one thing she hated!
The NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! NOISE!
Then the family, young and old,
would sit down to a feast.
And they'd feast! And they'd feast!
And they'd FEAST! FEAST! FEAST! FEAST!
They would start on pudding, and rare roast beef,
With her irritable bowel,
the Grinch couldn't eat these in the least!

And then they'd do something she liked least of all!
Every family member, the tall and the small,
Would stand close together, and say, "You look so great!"
They'd all tell her she needed to get back to work,
Stop lazing around in her pajamas so late!
They'd talk! And they'd advise.
And they'd think
they were so wise.
And the more the Grinch thought of the Christmas-Nice
The more the Grinch thought,
"I must stop this whole thing!
"Why for over five years I've put up with it now!
I must either deal with it or convince them somehow!"
...But HOW?"
Then she got an idea!
An awful idea!
The Grinch got a wonderful awful idea!

"I know just what to do!"
The Grinch laughed in her throat.
And she made a quick run to the closet
for her lounging coat.
And she chuckled, and clucked,
"What a great Grinchy trick!
"With this robe and my slippers,
I'll look just like I'm sick!"
"All I need is a sniffle, a cough, maybe a cane..."
The Grinch looked around.
But since canes are scarce, there was none to be found.
Did that stop the old Grinch...?
No! The Grinch simply said,
"If I can't find a cane, I'll just look sick instead!"
So she got out her pale makeup
and tried not to use anything pink,
She made sure the circles under her eyes,
were not covered up, but seen.

Then she threw on some sweats
And put her hair up in a twist
It didn't look fancy,
It looked like you do when you're sick.
Then the Grinch said, "I'm ready"
They can start to arrive,
I'll be nice to everyone,
But I'm not going to lie."
The family members arrived
and saw the Grinch arrive at the door.
"What's happened to her?" They whispered and more.
The Grinch said, "Hello, come in, how are you?"
And when they asked her she just said, "Today's not a good day.
It may be Christmas but I still feel a droop."

Then little Cindy-Lou arrived
dragging her noisy toy behind her.
This was more than the Grinch could take!
She couldn't allow that noise to batter.
The Grinch reached out and took the toy,
"let me have that, hon.."
She stared up at the Grinch as asked,
"Auntie, why are you taking away my toy? Why?"

But, you know, that old Grinch was so smart and so slick
She thought up a lie, and she thought it up quick!
"Why, my sweet little tot," the Grinch lied,
"There's a better one under the tree,
we have even more to surprise!
"So I'm taking this one away for now, my dear.
"I'll put it away for now, and later, bring it back here."
And her fib fooled the child. Then she patted her head
And sent her to the tree to open up a quiet puzzle instead.

The Grinch thought she had it all figured out,
At least people understood. There was no more doubt.
She expected to hear people talking about her,
In the kitchen they surely must all be worrying about.
"That's a noise," grinned the Grinch,
"That I simply must hear!"
So she paused. And the Grinch put a hand to her ear.
And she did hear a sound rising through the wall,
It was joy and fun, at first it wasn't concern at all!
The sound wasn't sad!
Why, this sound sounded merry!
It couldn't be so!
But it WAS merry! VERY!

She stared into the kitchen,
The Grinch popped her eyes!
Then she shook!
What she saw was a shocking surprise!
Cindy Lou sat in her mom's lap and said,
"What's wrong with Auntie?"
Her mom told her quietly, "She's a very special lady.
When we visit her, she often tries to look nice,
But she still hurts inside,
She just acts like she's fine."
"I love Auntie, I don't want her to hurt," said Cindy Lou.
"I know," said her mom, "We love her too."

Family members were still having a great time,
They weren't worried about her,
or even of her appearance surprised.
She hadn't made them concerned,
because they already were,
She just didn't know
that they didn't know what to say to her.
And the Grinch, with her grinch-feet ice-cold on the floor,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could I be adored?
I look so awful, I'm in such a bad mood.
I've been such a fake hostess, I even took away a gift from sweet
Cindy Lou!"

"I thought no one understood,
but I never thought to ask.
I listened to what they said,
and didn't try to explain.
I assumed they should just know how I felt
I let them pull my chain."
And she puzzled three hours,
`till her puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something
she hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," she thought,
"doesn't come from feeling great.
Maybe Christmas...perhaps....
"comes from communicating straight!
Maybe Christmas comes from accepting the love
Of those all around us, friends, and God from above."

And what happened then...?
Well...in some parts they say
That the Grinch's small heart
Grew three sizes that day!
And the minute her heart didn't feel quite so slow,
She whizzed through the house, with a spirit that was no longer low.
The body still had aches, the pain didn't go away.
But the rest of the afternoon, her spirit felt at play.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lisa Copen lives with rheumatoid
arthritis and had a little help from Dr. Seuss on
this devotional.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----


FEELING LIKE YOUR HEART IS DARK?
Even in the darkest places of despair God is there with
a message of comfort and hope. "A Rose Will Grow
Anywhere" now at The Comfort Zone for just $7.99

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.
(but permission is easy! Just ask!)

"Dear Friends; do not be surprised at
the painful trial you are suffering, as
though something strange were happening
to you, but rejoice that you are
participating in the sufferings of Christ,
so that you may be overjoyed when His
glory is revealed."(1 Peter 4:12-13NIV)

Have you ever viewed a solar eclipse where
there is a partial blockage of the sun's light
because a celestial object has moved in
front of the sun, making the earth appear
darker. The Sun has not quit shining, it is
still there shining as bright as ever but
the light has been dulled to us by the object
that has crossed its path. As you know, we
cannot view this eclipse with the naked eye
for fear of permanent visual damage. We have
to rely on tools and instruments to give us a
pictorial view of the eclipse.

How often we experience spiritual eclipses
in our own lives. Trials and sufferings tend
to shadow our view of the brightness of the
LORD's glory in our lives. It is not that
God has left us, it is the fact that the pain
has dulled our spiritual vision of His
grace on us.

Today's scripture tells us to rejoice in our
sufferings, as we suffer like Christ suffered.
It is hard to see the blessings in the midst of
our pain because the suffering that we are
experiencing has blocked our vision of Christ's
glory to be revealed in us.  We cannot see the
blessings the LORD has in store for us when
pain has limited our sight. Perhaps we may
need to rely on our special spiritual
tools and instruments, such as faith, prayer and
endurance.

Today dear child when all we can see is the pain,
remember the Lord is still there, waiting to carry you
through this trial.  We may not see the light at the
end of our tunnel, but rest assured the Lord can.
This eclipse will also pass, and we will someday
understand our purpose in the trials we face.
Hang-in there today dear loved-one.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Farmer faces many eclipses in her life today.
May you find your way past the pain and into his
grace.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

~~~~~~~~DEVOTIONAL BOOK~~~~~~~~~~~
Rest Ministries has put together a devotional book
from all your favorite writers here at RM. Due out
in January, "Mosaic Moments" is available to pre-order
now. You won't be billed until the book is shipped in
JANUARY.

ORDER TODAY and you will get 2 copies for the
price of 1!! Just $12 gets you 2 books & free shipping!
We want to get it into lots of hands, so share a
copy with a pastor, nurse, counselor--
someone who can pass it on to lots of people!
http://www.restministries.org/comfortzone/itm00217.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.
(but permission is easy! Just ask!)

"Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And
why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
for the help of His presence." (Psalm 42:5).

Last night, when I was unable to sleep, I
found myself attempting to count sheep.
When that didn't work, I began to pray.
When I finally fell asleep, I had a dream.
I saw Jesus, surrounded by many, many
sheep.  Each one had a name, and He
called them, one by one.  The sheep and
lambs were trying to get very close to Jesus.
It was as if they were dying of thirst, and
He was the water they needed to stay alive.
Jesus brought each one close to Him so
they would feel safe, secure, and loved.

This dream reminded me of our need, as
people who live with chronic illness and
pain, to be soothed and comforted when
we are hurting so badly.  When no drug,
pain pill, herbal remedy or treatment seems
to help, the only thing that can satisfy our
"thirst" for relief from pain is our heavenly
Father.  When we cy out to Him in our pain,
He offers us His comfort.  "God has said,
`Never will I leave you; never will I forsake
you'"  (Hebrews 13:5b).  He is there to
temper our pain and our despair, to give
us the strength, His strength,  to go on
when we feel we can't take another step
on our own.   He loved us enough to send
His Son to die for us, so that we might
have hope in the promise of eternal life.

Turn to the Gentle Shepherd today. He is
calling you by name.  He wants to help
you get through whatever you are facing
today and every day.  Let Him help you
find peace in the storm.  He knows what
you are facing -- whether it be depression,
pain, loneliness, fear, despair. "Because of
the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail. They are new
every morning;  great is (His) faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22-23).

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Nancy Wilcox
lives in North Carolina with her husband
and furry dog, Mandy.  Nancy is a retired
teacher who lives with several chronic
illnesses.  She is thankful that the Gentle
Shepherd helps her to find her way when
times get tough, and she cannot make it
on her
own.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
----parting words----

DON'T FORGET TO VISIT OUR CHRISTMAS SHOP!
http://www.comfortzonebooks.com

FEELING LIKE YOUR HEART IS DARK?
Even in the darkest places of despair God is there with
a message of comfort and hope. "A Rose Will Grow
Anywhere" now at The Comfort Zone for just $7.99

Compliments of Rest Ministries, serving people
Who live with chronic illness or pain.
Rest Ministries, Inc.
http://www.restministries.org
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
toll-free 1-888-751-REST (7378)
copyright 2002
Do not reprint without permission.
(but permission is easy! Just ask!)