"You who bring good tidings... lift your voice with a shout... do not be afraid... 'Here is your God!'" (Isa. 40:9)

Resources–don’t miss out

Posted on February 28th, 2009 in Life Issues, Health News by Jonnie Wright

Lots going on at www.restministries.org  

 We are beginning Hope Endures Radio Podcasts every Tues and Thursday morning at 10 a.m. pacific at www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeendures. We will have special guests on Tuesdays and on Thursdays we will have callers share about leading HopeKeeeper groups, volunteering, what their needs are, news about Rest Ministries—basically just a time to connect with people and the voices behind the emails.

o       HopeNotes, our emailed newsletter is now weekly and getting great feedback. Read it at www.restministries.org/hopenotes/mostrecent.htm

o       We began Rest Ministries Sunroom, a “social network” in 2008where people can connect, share blogs, post on the forum, etc. We are just about at 900 “members” at restministriessunroom.com

o       Volunteer Jeff Kenyon is starting a strong branch of our ministry just for men. He plans to lead an online group, connect 1-on-1, write articles and devotionals and make sure the men don’t fall between the cracks.

o       I’ve finished a complete overhaul of the website and soon our new online store will go “live” in the next couple of weeks. People can write reviews, see what other people bought, etc. And… we are contracting out the shipping of all our merchandise, books, etc. With the degeneration of my hands and the time it takes this is a huge answered prayer!

o       Due to costs, HopeKeepers Magazine is going “digital.” We plan to have our next issue out Mid-March online. There will still be a $17.97 subscription price, but it will be considered a donation to Rest Ministries.

o       And lastly, we are discovering all the places we need help and trying to match those up with people who are eager to volunteer. After all, it’s the volunteers that keep things going around here!

 Keep up-to-date with FM Newsletter on latest research

FMOnline Newsletter Available: The latest issue of FMOnline—Vol. 9, No. 2—is now available to online members. (Visit http://www.fmaware.org/ and click on “Members” in the top toolbar to access the newsletter.) This month’s spotlight is on caregiving. The issue also includes information on tobacco and FM pain and the promising results of research into sodium oxybate in the treatment of FM. Questions have also been posted and responded to in the Ask an Expert section. (click here to learn about our online membership program)

1. Have You Been Denied Disability Benefits? Edward Swierczek, senior claimant representative at Allsup, a leading nationwide provider of financial and healthcare related services for people with disabilities, discusses why many people with fibromyalgia are denied SSDI benefits, why it can take several years to be awarded benefits and how people can improve their chances in obtaining approval during the initial application phase. Click here to read the Q&A. PLUS: For a list of the Top 10 Tips to Break Through the Backlog, click here.

2. Free and Discounted Prescription Medications: Access2wellness provides access to a broad selection of assistance programs that offer free or discounted prices on more than 1,000 prescription medications for those who qualify. Visit http://www.access2wellness.com/ for information. For additional assistance programs, click here.

3. Have You Seen the Fibromyalgia Segment on TV? Fibromyalgia and the National Fibromyalgia Association are the focus of a 5-minute segment on the national television series “Today’s Family.” The program has aired nationally and on several regional news networks. “The segment is an excellent avenue to bring hope to people who suffer from fibromyalgia and to educate the general public about this complex disorder,” says NFA President Lynne Matallana. The segment is available for your viewing through February 13, 2009.

4. Do You Know About 211? 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people with important community services. While services vary from community to community, 2-1-1 provides callers with information about and referrals to human services such as food banks, clothing utility assistance, respite care and more. The program is available in all or part of 48 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico. Millions of Canadians can also access 2-1-1 services. Visit http://www.211.org/ to see if your area participates in this service.

5. Have You Visited the NFA’s Updated Website? We’ve made several changes to the home page, making it easier for visitors to find the most requested resources. Be sure to browse through the “Fibromyalgia” section, which has been updated and expanded. Visit www.FMaware.org

Program Specials

Get a free DVD copy of the Today’s Family segment on fibromyalgia when you sign up for our new online membership program or for a subscription to Fibromyalgia AWARE magazine. Offer available through February 28, 2009.

Click here to order a subscription to Fibromyalgia AWARE.

Click here to become an online member.

Rest Ministries with new Radio website

Posted on February 25th, 2009 in Life Issues, Health News by Jonnie Wright

INFO ABOUT HOPE ENDURES

There are 2 shows per week. You can listen live and call in to ask questions or comment, or listen to the archived shows at any time.

SHOW DESCRIPTIONS

  • Tuesdays at 10 a.m. - Join us and a Special guest who will share how s/he has found hope despite living with chronic illness or pain and offer tips to encourage you! We take callers too, so you can ask our guest questions.
  • Thursdays at 10 a.m. is our “Rest Stops” program. Discover what is going on at Rest Ministries, meet volunteers, HopeKeepers leaders, call in to share what is on your mind, be encouraged with Lisa’s reflections and Christian encouragement. You never know what may happen on Thursdays so don’t miss this special program.

Gift of the Blessing–let’s not forget

Posted on February 25th, 2009 in Devotional, Life Issues by Jonnie Wright

InspirationalThe Gift of the Blessing: In Search of the Blessing
by Dr. Gary Smalley & John Trent All of us long to be accepted by others. While we may say out loud, “I don’t care what people think about me,” on the inside we all yearn for intimacy and affection. This yearning is especially true in our relationship with our parents. Gaining or missing out on parental approval has a tremendous effect on us, even if it has been years since we have had any regular contact with them. In fact, what happens in our relationship with our parents can greatly affect all our present and future relationships. While this may sound like an exaggeration, our office has been filled with people struggling with this very issue, people just like Brian and Nancy.

Read the rest

Coping with Conflict

Posted on February 25th, 2009 in Life Issues by Jonnie Wright

 Is Your Child Closed to You?
When we close our child’s heart, they no longer see or hear our love for them. There are hundreds of ways to offend your child and close their heart, but we consistently see several that top the list.

  • 1. Don’t let them think on their own. “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
  • 2. Inhibit their freedom to speak their mind. “Is there an end to this?”
  • 3. Regard their feelings as unimportant. “Son, you’ve got to get over those little things. Grow up!”
  • 4. Avoid spending time with them. “I’ve got only two days to finish this report, so no, I can’t go see your play.”
  • 5. Disrespect their individuality. “I don’t care how many of your friends are going. You’re not, and I don’t want to know your reasons.”
  • We have found four essential steps in the process of opening their heart.
  • 1. Reflect Tenderness. Express softness and tenderness showing your child (no matter what age) they are valuable and important.
  • 2. Increase your own understanding. It’s important to genuinely understand the pain your child feels and how she has interpreted our offensive behavior.
  • 3. Admit the offense. Admitting we’re wrong (when we obviously are) is like tending to our child’s wounds.
  • 4. Seek forgiveness. The final part of opening a closed heart is to seek forgiveness for whatever we’ve said or done.
  • We encourage you to model how Jesus taught us to treat others and especially our kids. Learn to be authentic with your kids. Treat them the way you want to be treated.

Gary (& Norma) Smalley
Editor, Smalley Relationship Center

PS —The resource to take you much deeper in this is our book and small group series, The Key to Your Childs Heart.

To reply to this newsletter: family@smalleyonline.com

Research Abstracts on FMS

Posted on February 14th, 2009 in Fibromyalgia, Health News by Jonnie Wright

This section contains a large volume of abstracts distilled from the scientific literature, which we hope will inform those working in the field and inspire further inquiry.

In 1990 there were approximately 200 published research papers on fibromyalgia studies. Today there are more than 4,000 scientific journal articles showcasing the wealth of fibromyalgia scientific thought and investigations. Visit here often to read abstracts of the most current fibromyalgia research and learn the practical application of published research information in the clinical environment (when appropriate).

We have divided the research abstracts into three major sections. Please click on the appropriate link to view the abstracts in each category.

Background

Basic Science

Treatment

more information

Where have all the heroes gone?

Posted on February 14th, 2009 in Uncategorized by Jonnie Wright

The Greatest American Hero
by Dr. Greg Smalley
01/27/03

Fifty years from now it will not matter what kind of car you drove, what kind of house you lived in, how much you had in your bank account, or what your clothes looked like. But the world may be a little better because you were important in the life of a child. (Anonymous )

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

Heroes come in many different shapes and sizes. A hero is a person of great courage and dignity, who is admired for his daring and risky achievements. Most importantly, a hero is someone we respect and, perhaps, try to emulate.

I can still remember watching a T.V. program called “The Greatest American Hero.” It was about an ordinary man who was given a special suit which gave him superpowers. Unfortunately, he lost the instruction manual and, while he tried his best to use the suit for the good, he could never figure out how to successfully utilize the special powers.

read more…

Another view of Love

Posted on February 14th, 2009 in Life Issues by Jonnie Wright

From the Gary Smiley Archives

I received an “F” in geometry the first time I took the course in high school. This qualified me for the “privilege” of taking the course a second time. I hated mathematics, and the second time around I was getting another “F.” Midway through the course our teacher became ill and was replaced with a substitute. When the substitute walked into the classroom for the first time, we all gasped silently. His face was so disfigured that for the first week we looked out the window when we raised our hands to ask a question. By the end of the second week, his face was no longer a distraction because we felt the love he had for each one of us personally. He had begun to seek out what each one of us needed to improve our understanding of geometry. It was obvious to us that his highest concern was meeting our individual needs for learning the subject. He demonstrated his genuine love for me by staying after class on many occasions, doing everything he could to broaden my understanding of the subject. His eyes sparkled and his smile made him a very attractive person. His hidden beauty was what we all began to see. I was so motivated by his expression of love that my grade went from and “F” to and “A” in only six weeks. I went on to minor in mathematics in college as a result of this experience.

read more…

Gluten Sensitivity

Posted on February 5th, 2009 in Health News by Jonnie Wright

Understanding Gluten Sensitivity

by Dr. Rick Petersen, D.C., C.C.N.

Finding out that you are sensitive to gluten may be one of the most significant and important discoveries you will ever make regarding your health.  It can be an important turning point in your current health and will most assuredly prevent many undesirable future health problems.  I have written this booklet for you so that you will have a better understanding of what gluten sensitivity is and what you need to do to treat the condition. 

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in the following grains: wheat, oats, rye, barley, spelt, kamut, couscous, amaranth, teff, quinoa and triticale.  If you are sensitive to gluten, the component of the gluten that causes the reaction is a protein structure called gliadin.  Gliadin (refer diagram below) is the substance found in gluten that induces inflammation in individuals that are sensitive.
The following diagram shows where the gliadin is found in the grain:

What is gluten sensitivity?

Gluten sensitivity is a condition that results from a person’s body being unable to properly digest the gliadin protein.  People without gluten sensitivity can digest and break down gliadin into very small particles and those small particles can then be easily absorbed by the small intestine and used by the body as a nutritional source.

read more…

No One Listens Anymore

Posted on February 5th, 2009 in Life Issues by Jonnie Wright

Smalley Relationship Center 
Listening is a lost art. No one seems to listen anymore! We all have our own agendas and we craft our response before someone gets finished talking. Everyone has feelings and needs that they want others to understand. People of all ages love to be listened to and understood. We recommend the drive-thru method. Just like ordering a cheeseburger! One person must be the listener and one must be the speaker. Whoever is the speaker has the floor without exception until he or she is finished stating feelings. When the first speaker is finished, the roles reverse, giving the other person the floor. This way, you will both have your chance to speak.Once you are done, repeat what you heard. Then ask them, “Do you feel like I understand you?” If yes…you then discuss possible solutions. You must know that the solutions cannot be the only goal here. You are practicing to be a good listener first! Solutions are much easier if you both feel understood.

Try it this week!

Blessings,

Gary Smalley
Editor, Smalley Relationship Center

New Study for IC

Posted on February 5th, 2009 in Health News by Jonnie Wright

Medical Research Study Recruiting Participants
Pfizer has begun recruiting throughout the United States for a new clinical trial that will study the effectiveness of an investigational medicine in treating the pain of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS).

Pfizer’s clinical study is currently underway in six countries including the US and Canada to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of A4291043 (NCT 00739739) for pain associated with IC.

The investigational medication, taken as a capsule, might help to regulate, especially in chronic pain conditions. This is now being assessed in this clinical study. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of an investigational medication compared to placebo (an inactive substance) for men or women who have IC/PBS and find out if they will benefit from 14 weeks of an investigational medication compared to placebo. Subjects will participate in the study for approximately 15 weeks. Subjects who take part will receive study medication and all study-related procedures without charge. Reimbursement will be provided for travel expenses. Click here to watch a brief video answering some frequently asked questions about the study, and how you can find out more.

Approximately 12 clinical research sites across the US are currently looking for men and women at least 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with IC/PBS and have had symptoms for at least 6 months.

This research study is now taking place at the sites listed below. If you wish to see if you are eligible to participate and live within reasonable traveling distance, please contact the site nearest to you for further information. You are under no obligation to participate. If you know someone who is suffering from the pain associated with interstitial cystitis, please share this information about participating in the research study.

  • Alabama: Dr. Madonia — Mobile, AL (Tel: 251-633-0793 x250)
  • California: Dr. Davis — Glendora, CA (Tel: 626-914-3295)
  • Connecticut: Dr. Peters-Gee — Farmington, CT (Tel: 860-678-7300 x15)
  • Massachusetts: Dr. Kotkin — Brighton, MA (Tel: 617-642-6767)
  • New York: Dr. Efros — Garden City, NY (Tel: 516-746-2190) & Dr. Goldfischer — Poughkeepsie, NY (Tel: 845-437-5052)
  • North Carolina: Dr. Evans — Burlington, NC (Tel: 336-538-2324)
  • Ohio: Dr. Karram — Westchester, OH (Tel: 513-463-2509)
  • Oklahoma: Dr. Parkhurst — Bethany, OK (Tel: 405 709 4591)
  • Pennsylvania: Dr. Oselinsky — State College, PA (Tel: 814-238-8418 x206)
Next Page »
Powered by WebRing.