Dysfunction Rules

People have been hiding from their problems for years. I prefer to call them our 'dysfunctions' because we simply cannot operate to our full potential in God's will when we have "junk" to protect. God has blessed me with many dysfunctios for just a time as this. When it comes to dysfunctional, our Celebrate Recovery Leader's rule!!! We're the people that others looked at, rolled their eyes, and didn't believe there was any hope for us. Then along came Celebrate Recovery! What a sense of humor God has!! Now, the dysfunctions we had are no longer a problem, they are a requirement to lead in this program. Who could possibly understand you better than someone else who has been through what you are going through? We are no longer considered "those people." People come to this program and follow 'dysfunctional people' because they understand! When it comes to being dysfunctional, you're not alone. Everyone has "junk" in their lives, it's just there are a few who are willing to admit it. They don't hide behind a mask of denial and pretense. We aren't the "B" Team anymore. We ARE a part of God's design. We have a unique ability to help others in a way that hasn't been offered before. The fact is; the church needs you now as much as you need the church.
Have a blessed week!
Laura Schonlau

What is Co-Dependency?

Frequently, I am asked this question.
Co-Dependency is when you relate to a relationship, in which you are psychologically dependent in an unhealthy way on someone else.
Here are some tips to identify co-dependency: *good feelings about who you are stem from being loved by someone *good feelings about yourself stem from receiving personal approval *your mental attention is focused on pleasing a certain person *your mental attention is focused on protecting that person *you put your own hobbies/interest aside, and spend your time sharing that persons interests/hobbies *you are unaware of how you feel but are aware of how the other person feels *all the dreams for your future are directly linked to the other person *your fear of rejection determines what you say or do *you use giving as a way of feeling safe in your relationship *your social circle diminishes as you involve yourself with this other person *you put your values aside in order to connect with that person *you value their way of doing things more than your own and/or *your quality of life is in direct relation to the quality of that person.
If you find yourself relating to these things, come share with us on Tuesday evenings. We begin with a meal at 6, Praise & Worship start at 7. Hope to see you there!
Have a great day, and God Bless
Laura Schonlau

Relating to Others

We had an incredible time last night at CR. It is such a peaceful feeling to be able to gather together and share our true hearts. Being able to let down the barriers we have spent years building and speak out about our deepest feelings and fears without feeling judged or like an outcast. The fact that there are others who are experiencing or have experienced what we're going through brings such fulfillment and hope where we once felt so empty.
We had a communion service last night led by Pastor Marilyn Murray. It was such a wonderful time where the Holy Spirit completely filled every area of the church, without one nook or cranny being left untouched. It was a marvelous time of revelation for one of our ladies, in an area of her life she thought had been put behind her.
If you haven't joined us for a Tuesday night service, why don't you make it a point. Just come and see what we're all about. It's an awesome spiritual adventure!
Have a blessed day!
Laura S.

When And Where

Changing our look!

We are preparing to change our look at CR. Pastor B.J. and Pastor Terry are working on our new flyers, posters, video, leader's shirts, etc. We will be canvassing neighborhoods and some businesses to help get the word out about our program. Wed. night our Pastor was speaking about word of mouth being the best way to advertise, and how sometimes we have to roll up our shirtsleeves and get out there. That's what we want to do for Celebrate Recovery.
When we are inviting someone to church or church activities, we come up against a lot of different excuses why people won't come. Trying to tell someone about Christ becomes an even bigger job, and folks can be rather cruel at times. As Christians we come up against a lot of hard knocks. I saw a saying the other day that I thought fit me very well. This is how I want to be as I continue to work in the Kingdom of God. "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ---WOW!!!--WHAT A RIDE!!!!!!"
Have a great day, and God bless,
Laura S.