~BOOKS~
~VIDEOS~
~MUSIC~
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These are some of the resources I have found most helpful in my journey with Chronic Illness. Many, but not all are Christian in content. I have inlcuded a short description and any helpful links. You can also click on the picture and it will take you directly to a website where the product can be purchased or ordered.
"The Biblical Guide to Alternative Medicine" by Neil T Anderson and Dr. Michael Jacobson
This book was very helpful in understanding the huge variety of medical options available to us today. It evaluates each option (including modern medicine) through fuve grids of faith, history, science, spirit and wholism. It helped me determine which alternatives were options to look in to, and which were not options for me at all.
"Shatterd Dreams: God's unexpected patheway to joy" by Larry Crabb
Larry Crabb is one of my favorite counselor/authors. His books have had great impact in my life and this one came into my hands at the perfect time. His premise is that there is an unexpected pathway to joy even through the most disappointing times in life. A very challenging and encouraging book
"When God Weeps" by Joni Eareckson Tada and Steve Estes.
Joni, having faced paraplegia since her teens, is willing to ask the hard questions that most of us, while well, want to avoid. A well written, sensitve but honest look at suffering.
"Am I Not Still God" by Kathy Troccolli
Written by one of my favorite vocal artists, Kathy Troccolli takes a look at God and who He is in the midst of our disappointments and discouraging days.
"31 Days to Overcoming Adversity" by Joni Eareckson Tada. This little devotional book has 31 short stories with devotional encouragement in dealing with adversity. A great book to read together with your family, spouse or friend.
"Daughters of Hope" by Kay Marshall Strom
Sometimes, we just get too self-centered. I would encourage everyone with chronic illness to read this book. Written by someone close and dear to me, it is a profile of women around the world and their struggles with being Christian women. It is an excellent devotional and prayer guide and gives each of us something to pray about other than ourselves!
"The Search for Significance" by Robert Mc Gee. (several journals and associated studies available too)
If you struggle at all with self image or doubt about your worth, I would encourage you to read and go through the workbook of "The Search For Significance". It's not our health and our activities that make us important and significant and this book will help you readjust the way you view yourself.
Books on tape have been very encouraging to me when I am unable to concentrate and read. I listen to the Bible on tape, and I order fun books from the library on tape (like "Murder She Wrote" mysterys}. If you click on the box at the left, you will go to a website that is for the blind, though several of my friends with chronic illness have applied and been accepted. They will send you books on tape for free.
"Day of Discovery" is produced by RBC Ministries. You may be able to find a channel on your TV to watch these specials, but you can also go to their website and sign up for the video club. Every six weeks or so they will send you a VHS or DVD of their program. There is a lot of interesting and informative information about the middle east and especially about Isreal. The most recent DVD I received was comparing differences and similarities of the major religions in Isreal. There is also a special feature about C.S Lewis. They cover a huge variety of topics and are fun to watch when those sitcoms on TV are just too much to take!
There are several different looks to the cover, but the Living Bible Matthew videos are one of the most unique depictions of Jesus and his life that I have ever seen. This is a Jesus I would want to meet!! The script is directly, word for word, the book of Matthew - one of the gospels in the New Testament of the Bible. Filmed in the middle east, the scenery is excellent and Jesus is portrayed in a friendly, loveable, real manner. A great way to spend some time in God's word, even when you can't read!
Kathy Troccolli's recent release was created just for us! The title "Comfort" is exactly perfect.. The messages in each song speak to those of us who know what trials really are. The songs, have helped me grieve, helped me pray, helped me trust and helped me hope. I wish I could give every one of you one of these CD"s for free! But alas, I can only give a referral on where to buy on. The link takes you to Kathy's website, where at least for a while, she has been offering a two for one sale on this CD! Buy one and give one to a friend!
When you can't get outside, Solitiudes CD's are the next best thing! Take a look at their website. I have four or five of these CD's and just love them. The combine soft music with the sounds of nature - birds, water, wind etc. I used to be an "outside" girl, but these CD's help me feel "outside" even in my recliner! My Favorites are "English Garden, Lakeside Retreat and Woodland Flute"
A local pianist, I have been hooked on Michael Allen Harrison's music for a long time! He has a unique and refreshing piano technique that has been my companion in my quiet times with God for many years. If you like piano music that makes you "feel" you'll like these CD's. He also has a few now with vocals, but I prefer the non-vocal CD's! And yes.... I do own the "Rose Garden Suite" CD!!! (He wrote this after spending many hours in the Portalnd Rose Garden in Washington Park. Each song is written to reflect a special rose!)
"A Caregiver's Survival Guide" by Kay Marshall Strom
A sensitivly written by book by someone who "knows"! My Aunt Kay took care of my Uncle Larry for over ten years through a degenerative and terminal neurological disease. A must read for all people who help care for those who are ill.
