Mosaic Moments: Devotionals for the Chronically Ill [Paperback]

Lisa J. Copen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 31, 2003

Will I ever be able to put the pieces back together? Where is God when we are in so much pain?

He may have the whole world in His hands, but sometimes it feels like He trips, hollering, "Oops!" as we are flung from His hands, and our lives shatter into pieces. We look at the fragments of our former self, relationships, careers and dreams and wonder, "Where did I go wrong? Why did God allow this illness into my life? Will God ever heal me?"

So What Now?

You weren't dropped. Okay, so you may feel like a broken pot, but God is taking you off that discount-shelf-life and transforming you into something noble: a mosaic! In "Mosaic Moments" Lisa Copen, founder of Rest Ministries, and more than 20 contributors will journey with you through putting the pieces back together. If you feel like chronic illness is crushing your spirit or you just want a friend for this unexpected path, you'll find hope and understanding within these devotionals from those who understand chronic illness. They understand the pain of being a broken pot, but they also lead you toward finding the joy in becoming God's precious work of art.

This isn't a book full of fluff, with generalize chronic illness devotionals finished off with a pat answer. Instead, it comes straight from Lisa's journal of ten years of living with chronic illness--rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. You'll read about the ups and downs of diagnosis, illness treatment, unexpected side effects, and surprise blessings. And all of these events carry a ton of emotions with them-- some easy to understand, but others that even the strongest of those in their faith grapple with. Thousands of people love the daily devotionals sent via email from Rest Ministries Chronic Illness Pain Support. Now keep this special book filled with devotionals for your bedside table with over twenty contributors.

Lisa shares. . .

"I wrote this book because I wanted people to have a 'real' and 'raw' expression of what it's like to live with chronic illness, but also know the Lord. Pain is never easy--and this book doesn't say it is--but it's certainly better when one has someone to comfort them in the darkest moments."

You won't be disappointed!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"There are times when chronic illness threatens to steal something new from every area of life. It is then that Rest Ministries has proven to be my lifeline, their daily devotionals I receive via e-mail providing manna for the moment. Mosaic Moments has stocked that manna in a single comforting compilation. A virtual cupboard brimming with heart-to-heart stories grounded in Biblical truth, it is written by real people in the trenches of chronic illness-people who deal with the very issues I face each day as I live with chronic pain caused by neurofibromatosis. I finished each serving not simply fulfilled, but encouraged to go on. Mosaic Moments is truly heaven's Chicken Soup for the Chronically Ill Soul." ----Roberta Messner, Ph.D., R.N., author of numerous medical and inspirational articles on living with chronic pain; co-contributor to Guideposts and Daily Guideposts

"The best, most poignant resource I have read... fills a big need for those who live with pain and limitations." ----Aubrey Beauchamp R.N., USA Hospital Christian Fellowship

I am so thankful to be able to offer Mosaic Moments as a resource to those who struggle with chronic pain and illness. Rarely are there words to convey my heartfelt concerns for suffering. With Mosaic Moments I am able to share a spiritual cup of cold water. It offers words of loving and caring I believe Jesus Himself would share." --Julie Russell, R.N., Parish Nurse, Stephen Minister

" These devotions are not empty morsels promising nutrition, but real meat from the Life Giver Himself for those so desperately needing spiritual sustenance. May God bless your work." ----Darlene K. Hanson, Librarian for Polio Experience Network and a Horizon Hospice volunteer

About the Author

Lisa Copen is the founder and director of Rest Ministries, a Christian organization that serves millions of people who live with chronic illness. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1993, and later fibromyalgia, she has found God's purpose in reaching out to others who live with daily pain.

Lisa has authored various books for people who live with chronic illness, including "Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those With Chronic Illness Seek and Why" and "How to Start a Chronic Illness Small Group Ministry."

Her work has been published in magazines and other books.

She is the founder of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and an uplifting speaker at conferences and other events.

Product Details

• Paperback: 218 pages
• Publisher: Rest Ministries, Inc. (January 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971660034
• ISBN-13: 978-0971660038
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #959,312 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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.

Her newest book is "How to Start a Chronic Illness Small Group Ministry," 320 pages packed full of everything from logistical steps in presenting your idea to the church, to the emotional and spiritual part of deciding if this is something to take on within the limitations your illness may give you.

As editor of HopeKeepers Magazine, founder of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, and host of Hope Endures radio program Lisa seeks to encourage churches to increase an outreach to the chronically ill nearly 1 in 2 people in the U.S. She was awarded the "Women's Health Hero" Award for 2009 as the "Audience Choice" given by Our Bodies Ourselves.

Lisa is also the designer of Scrapbook My Adoption, providing transparency overlays and other designs for baby books and personalized adoption albums.

Lisa's works have been published in periodicals such as Just Between Us and Faith Writers Magazine, and books including God Allow U-Turns. Lisa is a sought-after speaker and has been a guest of radio programs Decision Today, Family Life and Joni and Friends and national TV programs like "Peace in the Storm" and "Heroes Among Us."

She resides in San Diego with her husband and young son, and has lived with degenerative rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since 1993.

She is a member of AWSA, a Christian writers and speakers women's group and also helps author with internet marketing tips, presenting marketing ideas and tips at Christian writer's workshops.

Interesting facts? Hmmm. . . Lisa wore the same pair of sandals for over 5 years due to the inability to find shoes that fit her deformed feet from her disease, plus hammer toes. She has been a passenger on the prednisone roller coaster; as her dosages have gone up and down, so has her weight, gaining over 80 pounds, losing it in 2003-2005 and then regaining it. She's currently on the "down cycle" but the steroid continues to make it a fight. She is ready for a new "Author photo" too!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, August 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Mosaic Moments: Devotionals for the Chronically Ill (Paperback)

Thank you for finally providing those living with chronic illness a devotional that addresses the issues we face!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Too Good a Book to Keep to Yourself, March 29, 2007

By 

Janice L. Lewis - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mosaic Moments: Devotionals for the Chronically Ill (Paperback)

I am so grateful to have a book to recommend for those struggling with chronic pain as I am. Regardless of what chronic pain or condition one has, appropriate comments, advice, and understanding may be hard to come by. Often, additional wounds may unfortunately come to further our pain, adjustments, and loss from unexpected places such some friends, church members, family and yes, even our doctors.

These devotions are real words from people who have been there. Each one is welcome, soothing hope from honest people. It has been my best "medicine" yet. Mosaic Moments reminds us we do not need to be perfect and we don't suffer alone. One may never know all the answers to their questions. However, this book helps the reader know that God is still in control, He will never give up on us, and there is purpose somewhere in our pain. I keep this one near my favorite chair and fully expect it to become well worn. Mosaic Moments should be in every doctor's waiting room. I give it 5 stars!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars uplifting and comforting, June 14, 2011

By 

Diane (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mosaic Moments: Devotionals for the Chronically Ill (Paperback)

When I was on vacation last week I was having some very difficult moments I was so grateful to have my kindle and my downladed copy of "Mosaic Moments"!! It literally got me through the evening (tears, pain, and all) at one point! I am grateful to the author for such an honest and heartfelt devotional. It was so meaningful to me that someone understood and could help me bring my focus back to the Lord despite my pain and disappointments. I highly recommend this book regardless of what painful circumstances you may be facing. Despite Lisa's own painful experiences with chronic illness her words weave her love for the Lord Jesus throughout the book and helps the suffering one re-direct her eyes back to the One who understands.