A few months ago, I was waiting for a prescription in a local pharmacy. There were 4 people ahead of me, and a man rounded the corner and gave a very disgruntled sound at the sight of the line. He said he thought it was crazy for them to build a new Wal Greens but if he was going to have to wait in line every time he needed a prescription, then maybe we do need it. I simply smiled and said 'maybe it won't take too long.' I happened to have on last years 'Rock the Block' t-shirt. As we stood there, he inquired what that was about and I told him what our church does each year. As we talked, he asked what church I went to, and how long I had been there. Eventually the conversation turned to Celebrate Recovery and what it was all about. As we talked, I told him to go ahead of me in line since he was obviously in a hurry. He then shared with me about what church he attends. Then he said something that completely shattered my heart. As he talked about his church, he commented 'you know how it is, go to church on Sunday, serve if you just have to and get out as quick as possible.' I know I had a blank look on my face, as the comment stunned me. I told him that actually I don't know how that is. I love to serve within my church. I count it as great joy to serve for all my Savior has done for me. Then he had the blank look. He told me that he wasn't sure he could say he had ever served with an attitude other than 'hurry up and get it over with.' The reason for this whole story is this: No matter where you are or what you're doing, allow God to work through you and follow his promptings. He will place people in your path every day. I've prayed for that gentleman many times since then, believing God to change his heart and for him to truly know the Joy of the Lord. Did that encounter change anything in that man's life? Not that I'm aware of, but I do believe God placed me in that pharmacy at that moment, to have that conversation. Where has God placed you lately, with the oppurtunity to share about Him? More importantly, did you grasp the oppurtunity?
Have an awesome weekend! God Bless,
Laura S.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Devotional
During my morning devotional, I was reading Psalm 117:1-2. Wanted to share a paragraph from my devotion book:
You can have heaven on earth in your heart and in every situation of your life when you begin to praise Me. My people do not praise Me enough. If they would praise Me, instead of grumbling and complaining and expressing their fears and angers and frustrations, they would break forth into a new realm. Satan would shortly be overcome, and his kingdom would be defeated. - Gwen Shaw
This really made me have to stop and rethink my actions when things are not going well. I know I need to strive harder to praise Him, no matter what life throws at me.
Have a fabulously blessed weekend!
Laura S.
You can have heaven on earth in your heart and in every situation of your life when you begin to praise Me. My people do not praise Me enough. If they would praise Me, instead of grumbling and complaining and expressing their fears and angers and frustrations, they would break forth into a new realm. Satan would shortly be overcome, and his kingdom would be defeated. - Gwen Shaw
This really made me have to stop and rethink my actions when things are not going well. I know I need to strive harder to praise Him, no matter what life throws at me.
Have a fabulously blessed weekend!
Laura S.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Sponsor
"WHY DO I NEED A SPONSOR?"
1) It's biblical - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - Two are better off than 1, because together they can work more effectively. If one falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone....there is no one to help him...Two men can resist an attack that would defeat 1 man alone.
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
2) Sponsor/Accountability Partner(s) is a key part of your program. (There are 4 key elements to success:
A) Maintaining your honest view of reality as you work each step. We must be honest with ourself.
B) Make your attendance a priority in your schedule. (You may take a vacation, but your hurts, habits, and hang-ups do not)
C) Maintain your spiritual program with Jesus Christ through prayer, meditation, and study of His Word.
D) Getting involved in service.
3)Sponsor/Accountability partner(s) are the best guard against relapse.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A SPONSOR?
1) Their walk matches their talk. You see them living out the 8 principles.
2) They have a growing relationship with Christ.
3) They express the desire to help others in their recovery and do not try to "fix" them.
4) They show compassion, care, and hope, but not pity.
5) They are a good listener.
6) They are strong enough to confront you in your denial or procrastination.
7) They take an objective view and offer suggestions. (Sometimes we are unable to see options on our own)
8) They can share their struggles with you They are willing to be vulnerable and transparent.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A SPONSOR?
1) There to discuss issues that are too personal or take too much time during a meeting.
2) Available in times of crisis or potential relapse. (Remember that no one person is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.)
3) They serve as a sounding board providing an objective point of view.
4) They encourage you to work the principles at your own pace.
5) They are attempting to model the lifestyle that results from working the 8 principles.
6) A sponsor can resign or be fired. Sponsorship is not a lifetime position.
HOW TO FIND A SPONSOR AND ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER
1) First and foremost, the person MUST be of the same sex as you. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2) Can you relate to this person's story?
3) Meal and Solid Rock Cafe - invest some time in fellowship and get to know others in your group.
4) DO NOT take it as personal rejection if you ask someone and they say no. There is great responsibilty in being a Sponsor. They must be cautious not to get too much on their plate.
5) Most important: Ask God to lead you to the Sponsor and Accountability Partner(s) of His choosing.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPONSOR AND ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER?
A SPONSOR is someone who has completed the 12 step program. They meet the 6 requirements listed above in the "Role of a Sponsor".
An ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER is someone you ask to hold you accountable for meeting attendance, prayer, journaling, and so forth. This person can be at the same level of recovery as you are (unlike the Sponsor who has completed the 12 Steps) You can form an accountability team of 3 or 4.
The ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER or group acts as the "TEAM." The SPONSOR'S role is that of the "COACH."
God Bless,
Laura S.
1) It's biblical - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - Two are better off than 1, because together they can work more effectively. If one falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone....there is no one to help him...Two men can resist an attack that would defeat 1 man alone.
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
2) Sponsor/Accountability Partner(s) is a key part of your program. (There are 4 key elements to success:
A) Maintaining your honest view of reality as you work each step. We must be honest with ourself.
B) Make your attendance a priority in your schedule. (You may take a vacation, but your hurts, habits, and hang-ups do not)
C) Maintain your spiritual program with Jesus Christ through prayer, meditation, and study of His Word.
D) Getting involved in service.
3)Sponsor/Accountability partner(s) are the best guard against relapse.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A SPONSOR?
1) Their walk matches their talk. You see them living out the 8 principles.
2) They have a growing relationship with Christ.
3) They express the desire to help others in their recovery and do not try to "fix" them.
4) They show compassion, care, and hope, but not pity.
5) They are a good listener.
6) They are strong enough to confront you in your denial or procrastination.
7) They take an objective view and offer suggestions. (Sometimes we are unable to see options on our own)
8) They can share their struggles with you They are willing to be vulnerable and transparent.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A SPONSOR?
1) There to discuss issues that are too personal or take too much time during a meeting.
2) Available in times of crisis or potential relapse. (Remember that no one person is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.)
3) They serve as a sounding board providing an objective point of view.
4) They encourage you to work the principles at your own pace.
5) They are attempting to model the lifestyle that results from working the 8 principles.
6) A sponsor can resign or be fired. Sponsorship is not a lifetime position.
HOW TO FIND A SPONSOR AND ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER
1) First and foremost, the person MUST be of the same sex as you. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2) Can you relate to this person's story?
3) Meal and Solid Rock Cafe - invest some time in fellowship and get to know others in your group.
4) DO NOT take it as personal rejection if you ask someone and they say no. There is great responsibilty in being a Sponsor. They must be cautious not to get too much on their plate.
5) Most important: Ask God to lead you to the Sponsor and Accountability Partner(s) of His choosing.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPONSOR AND ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER?
A SPONSOR is someone who has completed the 12 step program. They meet the 6 requirements listed above in the "Role of a Sponsor".
An ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER is someone you ask to hold you accountable for meeting attendance, prayer, journaling, and so forth. This person can be at the same level of recovery as you are (unlike the Sponsor who has completed the 12 Steps) You can form an accountability team of 3 or 4.
The ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER or group acts as the "TEAM." The SPONSOR'S role is that of the "COACH."
God Bless,
Laura S.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Happy Fall
From one pumpkin to another!
A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'
The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'
Have a wonderfully blessed week!
Laura S.
A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'
The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'
Have a wonderfully blessed week!
Laura S.
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