Carrie Cooper
How would you respond if you lost everything? What if chronic disease threatened you? Ankylosing Spondylitis—a debilitating autoimmune disease—wreaked havoc on Carrie’s family when she was diagnosed in 2006. She was painfully transformed from a vibrant wife and mother, to a suffering, crippled, and discouraged woman. Frustration and depression mounted as Carrie endured excruciating pain, limited mobility, and social isolation. While her physical health rapidly deteriorated, the real battle was spiritual. Her faith in Christ faced a new challenge: would she continue to love the Lord despite the intense, and possibly lifelong, suffering? Would she succumb to bitterness or give way to trust? It was in her brokenness that the Lord Jesus Christ began to strengthen her and restore hope. As she committed time with Him, whether through meditating on a Bible verse, or worshiping in pain-filled moments, Carrie’s relationship with Christ deepened. Now, several years later, God has mercifully granted Carrie physical restoration. Although she still requires medication to control the disease, she is able to stand, walk, and participate in life fully again. As her health improved she sensed God leading her to encourage hurting women. In 2009, Comfort and Compassion Ministry was created to effectively communicate the hope of Jesus Christ to the brokenhearted and wounded. Whether through writing, speaking, or U2HaveHope radio, Carrie is committed to delivering Christ’s message of hope to you!
Homepage: http://www.comfortandcompassion.com
Posts by Carrie Cooper
Faithful Living: A Study in Galatians
Jan 5th
This year I’m changing my approach to blogging. Rather than write about random topics I am combining my love for Bible teaching with my passion for encouraging and strengthening the brokenhearted. I pray God would transform our hearts and minds through the steadfast study of the Bible, so no matter our life circumstances our love for him grows and matures. Ultimately, that’s the point, isn’t it? Trials and difficulties come into our lives by many routes, but with one purpose: to draw us closer to the Lord. As followers of Christ, let’s intend to live out this year in faithfulness to God. My More >
Complaining Revisited
Dec 18th
One of the first verses I taught my children was Philippians 2:14,“Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Over the years we’ve memorized, discussed, and recited the verse, but somehow it became lost in the shuffle of our lives and forgotten. I intend to review it with the kids, but it just never gets done. However, this week I attended a women’s bible study which was centered around Philippians 2:12-18. When the speaker came to verse 14, I cringed; like a movie, my mind replayed all of my recent complaints and gripes. God had been preparing my heart for months to hear this one message, because I’ve More >
Final Key to a Successful Bible Study
Dec 14th
#5 OBEY: The final key is probably the most important and the most difficult to do. We can each decide to faithfully study the Bible, but if all we do is read it, put it down, and forget about it until tomorrow, then what have we really accomplished? We’re fooling ourselves if we think that’s enough to grow in our relationship with Christ. The real challenge is not to read Scripture, but to do what it says. A few days ago, while watching TV, I heard a quote that I thought was perfect for this topic: “With truth comes responsibility –that’s why most More >
5 Keys to a Succeessful Bible Study–Continued
Dec 2nd
I’ve been thinking long and hard about what makes a great Bible study. When I’ve had a great (or poor) time with the Lord, what were some of the integral (or missing) parts? I’ve realized that my successes and failures are dependent upon my thoughts and actions; God is always prepared to meet with me, but I may not always be ready for Him. I’ve already shared with you the two most critical components of spending time with God: diligence and prayer. But, there are still other key traits to a successful Bible study:
3. SEEK HIMYou may be familiar with Jesus’ parable about the merchant More >
5 Keys to a Successful Bible Study
Nov 30th
One of my greatest passions as a Christian, and part of my blog mission statement, is to encourage others to develop a thriving relationsip with Christ. So often we allow the burdens and busyness of life to interfere with our walk with God. There are many days when the entire day has gone by and just before bed I squeeze in time to spend with God. It’s no surprise that I fall asleep as soon as I start reading or praying. It takes hard work and effort to open up the Bible and have a meaningful time of study and prayer–and sometimes I’m too worn out More >
PLEASE VOTE!
Nov 21st
Ok, dear followers, I really need your input! My writing partner, Connie, and I are in the process of writing a book. Right now we’re preparing the proposal to send to an agent. We’ve come up with several rough draft ideas for a book title, but we really need fresh eyes–YOURS! Please vote on my poll in the upper right hand side of my blog. This is VERY important and I’m counting every vote to help us make a final decision.
Also, this month I’m going to work diligently to bring you a bible study series that will help keep us focused More >
