Rest Ministries* was founded by Lisa Copen & is affiliated with Joni and Friends to encourage those with chronic illnesses & chronic pain to live a full, quality life regardless of barriers. All members have at least one chronic illness &/or chronic pain, including myself. (I am a diabetic with hypertension, arthritis, degenerative joint disease & chronic depression.)
Today, I am facilitating the first HopeKeepers support group at the retirement center where I live. First we will get to know one another and exchange phone numbers. On bad days- days of not feeling well, of no energy, of increased pain- we can call each other to chat or to ask for prayer. Because of our bond via our chronic illnesses- often invisible to others- we will have an understanding that requires few words.
Outdoors the temperature is expected to rise near 100 degrees; inside, we'll be cool & comfortable as we share a poem, "Shelf Life," by Mariane Holbrook & discuss one of my devotionals, "Soaring Above Adversity."
It is with great joy that I begin this new opportunity of hope!
Shalom,
Connie
* "Rest Ministries, Inc. exists to serve people who live with chronic illness or pain by providing spiritual, emotional, relational and practical support." HopeKeepers Magazine and Rest Ministries Website are the foundation of their outreach.
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The deepest heartaches can become heartstrings to God's joy, peace, and love.
2 comments:
Rest Ministries and HopeKeepers reach so many that it's hard to fathom all the good they do. I was fortunate to have Lisa use several of my poems on her website and she also published a couple of my writings in HopeKeepers. I think this is a wonderful ministry opportunity for you and I pray it's just the beginning of something very rewarding. If you'd like free laminated bookmarks of the poem "Shelf Life" please let me know. God bless you in this newest endeavor, another indication that you're blooming where you're planted.
Mariane
Connie, how fun to read your blog about your group. I am so honored to have you be a part of our Rest Ministries and HopeKeepers family!
Lisa Copen
http://www.restministries.org
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