Showing posts with label Rest Ministries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rest Ministries. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Invisible Illness Week Conf Workshops

My last few posts have been about Invisible Illness Week. Here is a list of the workshops. If you can't listen live, don't worry, the sessions will be archived. So you can listen when it fits your schedule. 
I'd recommend listening to all the topics, even if you don't think they apply to you directly. Often ideas and information is shared that fits many situations. 
If you want to CREATE A POSITIVE WEEK... be sure to listen to Invisible Illness Week Conference Workshops!
Invisible Illness Week Conf Workshops

ABOUT THE WEEK

  • Programs will occur M-F, September 13-17, 10:30 – 12 PACIFIC time; 12:30-2 PM CENTRAL TIME; 1:30 PM – 3 PM EASTERN TIME USA.
  • You listen to them live on your computer or can listen later. They will automatically go to itunes too if you wish to download them your ipod of MP3 player.
  • To listen, click here InvisibleIllnessConference.com and turn up your speakers. If it is the right time, the program will start playing immediately.

YOUR HOST

Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries, the largest Christian organization that specifically serves the chronically ill. She has authored nine books, including resources for over 300 HopeKeepers groups, a small group program of Rest Ministries. Through various sources including National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, which she started in 2002, she seeks to encourage churches to increase an outreach to the chronically ill nearly 1 in 2 people in the U.S. Lisa’s works have been published in a variety of periodicals and books and she has been a guest of radio programs Decision Today, Family Life and Joni and Friends. She is a sought-after speaker who brings joy and humor, as well as hope, to those who are suffering or live with chronic illness.
Lisa resides in San Diego with her husband and 7-year-old son, and has lived with degenerative rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since 1993. She will be hosting the programs for Invisible Illness Week out of her home office.

MONDAY – SEPTEMBER 13, 2010

LIVING WITH INVISIBLE ILLNESS, WHY IT HURTS, HOW TO COPE

Georgia Shaffer is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and a certified life coach. For over 15 years, she has enhanced people’s lives by teaching how to identify: “What needs to grow? What needs to go?” She is also is on the teaching staff of the Christian Leaders, Authors & Speakers Seminar (CLASS) and Personality Plus. She has great insight into why we do what we do, which she has shared in her books and will be sharing with us!

Author and speaker Maureen Pratt lives with multiple illnesses, including organ-involved lupus, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, and chronic back pain. Through her books, including “Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness,” articles, and talks, she encourages others to deepen their faith and Christian walk in spite of and with living with chronic illness.

Mary Yerkes is a professional life coach who specializes in working with the chronically ill. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases in 1997, Mary combines years of practical experience with her professional training to help the chronically ill build meaningful and significant lives, of which illness is only a part. She is also an author and speaker. To learn more about Coach Mary and the services she offers, visit www.newlifechristiancoaching.com .

TUESDAY – SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

RELATIONSHIPS

Allison Bottke is the woman behind God Allows U-Turns and now Setting Boundaries. Do you have an adult child who is breaking your heart? An aging parent taking up your whole life? A problem with food? Allison’s resources can help you discover SANITY and take back your life. Between books and support groups around the country, Allison is one who has “been there” and knows it’s hard to set boundaries, but necessary for your own sanity!

Pam Farrel is a relationship specialist, international speaker, and author of over 30 books including best-selling Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti which she wrote with her husband, Bill. Bill and Pam are frequent guests on radio and television including Focus on the Family, where their interviews with Dr. Dobson were ranked Top 10.  She is the founder and President of Seasoned Sisters, a ministry to women 40-65.

Cheryl Ricker is the author of the new book, Friend in the Storm, which is a collection of poems she wrote to a friend who was coping with cancer. She shares about her childhood, “I thought everybody was staring at me through big critical eyes. My self-consciousness affected my confidence which affected my relationships. Insecurity was my gift that kept on giving. So what did I do? I wrote poetry to process the pain of childhood rejection. It was as if some part of my restless brain knew the power of poetry to reach the broken places.”

WEDNESDAY – SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

EXPLAINING INVISIBLE ILLNESSES

Wayne Connell is the president of the Invisible Disabilities Association which he founded with his wife Sherri. Wayne’s desire to help others who struggle with disabilities has become a passion for him. He obtained a BA in Television and radio broadcasting in 1990. We will be talking with him about invisible illnesses and also the role he fills as husband and caregiver.

PARENTING

Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms and the author of co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-At-Home Mom. She graduated from Grace University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development/Family Studies and Bible. Jill has worked from home since 2000 and started her own home-based business to assist other Christians who desire to work from home while maintaining a godly life. Jill and her husband, Allen of CWAHD.com (Christian Work at Home Dads) reside in Nebraska with their two children. Jill also lives with a chronic illness.

Kelly Young is the founder of the blog RA Warrior for people who live with rheumatoid arthritis and she’s rather qualified to speak on parenting since she is also the mom of 5 children (yes, 5) that range in all ages.
.
Christine Miserandino is a writer, speaker, patient advocate, wife and mother living in Massapequa Park, NY. Christine is the founder of www.butyoudontlooksick.com, a website that provides resources and useful tips for living life to the fullest with a chronic illness. Her writing which has won various awards has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, medical newsletters and television media. She has been living with lupus for over 15 years, and has been volunteering for the Lupus Alliance, Long Island/ Queens Affiliate for 12 years.

THURSDAY – SEPTEMBER 16, 2010

GETTING ORGANIZED AND TIME MANAGEMENT

Karen Whiting, a freelance writer and author of ten Secrets of Success for Women: Time. Her more than 400 articles and devotions have been published in over four-dozen magazines including Brio magazine, Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Women, Reminisce, and Devo-Zine.

Marcia Ramsland, entertaining media guest expert, speaker, and professional organizer, is well known as “The Organizing Pro” for her practical tips and clever solutions in homes and offices. She appears non national radio and TV, and her tips in national magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Woman’s Day, and Real Simple magazines. Marcia is the author of the popular “Simplify for Success” book series, Simplify Your Life, Simplify Your Time, Simplify Your Space, Simplify Your Holidays Ages and Stages of Getting Children Organized and booklet. Marcia has a daughter that got Fibromyalgia at age 17 and knows well what it’s like to have an invisible illness in the home.

GIRL TALK – HOW CONNECTING WITH OTHERS HELPS US ALL

Jenni Prokopy is founder and editrix of ChronicBabe.com , an online resource for young women with chronic illness. An award-winning writer, speaker, and expert on healthy living, she shares her personal experience – and rallies the expertise of hundreds of others – to help women live beyond their illness and be total Babes.
Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, and she has worked with dozens of organizations large and small, local and multinational, to create compelling messages that empower people to work better, play harder. . .and be their best.

Kerri Sparling is the founder of 6 Until Me, one of the largest patient blogs for those with diabetes. She is married to a “frantically funny, sharp-witted, and brilliant man who is both handsome and caring.” And  on April 15th, 2010, her daughter joined the Sparling family. She is also a freelance writer and patient advocate.
Christine Miserandino is a writer, speaker, patient advocate, wife and mother living in Massapequa Park, NY. Christine is the founder of www.butyoudontlooksick.com, a website that provides resources and useful tips for living life to the fullest with a chronic illness. Her writing which has won various awards has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, medical newsletters and television media. She has been living with lupus for over 15 years.

FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

CAREER, WORKING, STARTING OWN BIZ

Rosalind Joffe built on her own experience of living with chronic illnesses for 30 years, including multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis, when she founded cicoach.com. This career coaching firm is dedicated to helping professionals with chronic illness develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers. Rosalind Joffe is a recognized national expert on chronic illness and its impact on career. She is the co-author of Women, Work and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend!

Jennie Krogulski is the founder of Hilton Head Nannies. Despite living with a chronic illness, she has started a successful business and will share some of her best tips.

Trish Robichaud is a Maximum Life & Healthy Relationship Coach who lives with multiple sclerosis & major depression. She teaches women living with chronic illness or disability how to build the confidence necessary to establish effective communication, set comfortable boundaries and nurture trust in their loving relationships. Download her free motivational audio at ChangingPaces.com.

IN CLOSING

LISA AND TWILA FOR THE LAST HALF HOUR – CALL WITH YOUR COMMENTS!

Twila Belk is the “Gotta Tell Somebody Gal” and her family has experienced its share of invisible illnesses. Her energetic, passionate joy in life is sure to encourage you as we sign off for the week.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Crutches = Better Parking

My apartment complex has a series of handicap parking spots. For years, there were only 3 places by the door I use (only entrance with no steps) and the rest of the spaces were at the front door (many steps). This past year, all the handicap parking was moved to the side door since it is the only door that is "handicap accessible". 
It didn't take long for each of us "handicapped" people to get to know each other. And we each had our "spots". Then new comers arrived and we soon found our regular spots filled. So we were playing "musical chairs" with our cars. We simply took an empty spot. 

One day as I was returning from my chiropractor, I met a few fellow Handicappers. It didn't take long for them to share their frustration that some of the newbies were parking in "my spot". My spot? I didn't know I had an assigned spot. However, they had decided since I use crutches that I should have the spot closest to the door. I thanked them for their thoughtfulness, and then kindly reminded them that we all have some difficulty walking.  
As we continued talking about INVISIBLE illnesses vs VISIBLE, we each realized that we find it easier to give aid and sympathy to people when there is a visible sign. We each went our separate ways deep in our own thoughts:
If we who suffer from illness and pain
aren't acceptable "our own kind",
how can we expect those
who are healthy and well to accept us?

My crutches are a physical sign something is wrong, and people react to that knowledge (see post: Tues Aug 31, 2010)However, many people suffer from INVISIBLE illness. They don't use crutches, yet are suffering just the same. 

National Invisible Chronic 
Illness Awareness Week 
September 13-19, 2010 
is an annual event sponsored by Rest Ministries.  Visit www.invisibleillnessweek.com and learn more about invisible illnesses. If you have an invisible illness yourself, you will find hope and encouragement. If you want to know more about helping and encouraging your friends and family members, you will find helpful information as well.

Creating a positive day is possible whether you have an illness or not. Although creating a positive day is a personal choice, it's much easier when you have help and support.
You can find help and support
at www.Restminisitries.com.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Free Ebook of 263 Tips

Invisible Illness Week Team
Offers Free Ebook of 263 Tips
ebook chronic illness Press Release   Invisible Illness Week Team Offers Free Ebook of 263 Tips20 Experts share their best tips about living with a chronic illness, from coping with illness and relationship tips to travel and homeschooling.
San Diego, CA — (SBWIRE) — 09/01/2010 —

National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week
is September 13-19, 2010.

 A free 80-page ebook is now available
for download to anyone who signs up
for daily updates from the website: www.invisibleillnessweek.com.

Chronic Illness Tips: 263 Ways To Do More Than Just Get By” is by Invisible Illness Week founder, Lisa Copen and friends. Friends include chronic illness career specialist Rosalind Joffe, relationship expert and best-selling author Pam Farrel, advocacy authority Jennifer Jaff, and illness advocate Jenni Prokopy.
Over 20 contributors share their best tips to live successfully with chronic illness on a variety of topics.
“These experts are people who have the credentials,” says author Lisa Copen, “but more importantly, they have experienced illness themselves or health issues of someone close to them. Their tips come from the experience of living with the challenges illness gives us.”
The chapters include coping tools, relationship issues, career, faith, and practical tips, from traveling with an illness to homeschooling. There are also many tips on how to encourage someone who lives with a chronic illness.
National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week is an annual event that features a free virtual conference online 9/13-17 with speakers each morning 10:30 – 12 USA Pacific time.
With nearly 1 in 2 people living with a chronic condition, about 96% of those people are suffering silently with invisible illnesses.
For more information visit http://InvisibleIllnessWeek.com.

If you or someone you know has an invisible illness or deals with a chronic condition or pain, I recommend that you visit this site. You will not only be encouraged, but will gain many insights to making each day positive no matter the situation. Creating a positive day is possible, if you have the right tools and encouragement. Take a moment to check out www.InvisibleIllnessweek.com and/or www.restministries.com.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week

Today, I stopped at a grocery store to pick up some vegetables. I was moving slow, since my pain level was high. As I went down one narrow aisle, a lady hurriedly tried to get past me. I did my best to quickly move the cart out of her way, but I wasn't fast enough. The lady let out a string of swear words....then she suddenly stopped. Her face turned red and she quickly started to apologize...she had seen my crutches. Her attitude changed when she realized that I wasn't trying to be in her way.

People can see that I have a disability because I use crutches. Yet, nearly 1 in 2 people live with an "invisible illness" (arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, MS, etc.). Many people may "look normal" from the outside. (We do try to look our best when we are out in public... don't you?) However, we suffer from pain, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, etc. And those illnesses effect our everyday activities. Next time you are shopping and someone slows you down, take a moment to think, "that person may be suffering from chronic pain or illness".

Perhaps you are the 1 in 2 people who doesn't suffer from an illness or pain; however, you know someone who does. Oh you might not "know" they have an illness, but there are some signs—if you think about it. They may cancel plans at the last minute. Or they leave the party earlier than most. Or they just move slower than you'd like. The signs are there—if you want to notice.  If you'd like to know more about living with invisible illness or supporting your friends, check out: http://www.invisibleillness.com.
National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week September 13-19, 2010 is an annual event sponsored by Rest Ministries, (a Christian organization that specifically serves the chronically ill). The hope of the people involved at National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week is to remind people that although they may feel like they are alone in their pain, there are people who do care and understand the unspoken language of invisible illness. 

Today, I could have let my shopping experience ruin my day. But creating a positive day is about looking for the good in each situation. Today I was able to share God's love with a lady. And I was reminded again, that many people are dealing with an illness or pain, and each one deserves some kindness and a positive word.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Avocados Good for Liver Function

If you’re on medications that cause stress on your liver, dip into the guacamole!


Studies have shown that eating just one or two avocados each week can boost your liver function in as little as one week. Avocados are a cholesterol-free, sodium-free, low saturated fat food with only 5.0 grams of fat per serving (20% of the fruit).
It’s believed by some that avocados protect against heart disease and some cancers.


This article is from REST MINISTRIES. Check out their website for more relevant and interesting articles and information.

Note: If you have a parakeet, please keep the Avocado away from your bird. Avocados are poisonous to birds. That includes guacamole or anything made from avocados. 

Creating a positive day means taking care of yourself. That includes eating healthy foods and drinking LOTS of water. Don't like just plain water? Then add a few drops of lime or lemon juice. The water remains sugar and fat free while having a "kick". I like to add the lemon and lime juice or wedges to my ice cubes. As the ice melts it gives a nice flavor to the water.