LAST WEEK:
This past week at Celebrate Recovery my buddy, my dear friend, and accountability partner Steve brought what could be one of the BEST messages I’ve EVER heard…EVER. It was that good. Here’s a recap of his message in 5 tweets (use the hashtag #CelebrateRecovery to find other tweets relating to this dynamic, life-changing ministry)…
- I'm so selfish I wouldn't let my son get a stubbed toe to better your situation, but God GAVE His son.
- God is in the restoration business
- In Step 2 I discovered a realistic view of myself AND others.
- God, give us eyes to see that we MATTER to You and You have the POWER to help us RECOVER!
- Stop EXPECTING something different; instead DO something different.
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of doing the same thing again and again and again expecting a different result. I’m tired of falling back into old patterns of thinking and behavior. I’m tired of convincing myself I have all the answers and that I’ve got this thing beat. I’m tired of being tired.
“Your Higher Power” is the Y in SANITY, but, truth be told, he’s the last point, the first point, and every point in between. He is my ticket to SANITY. He’s the answer, the remedy, the cure, the [insert word that means something similar to the other words]. Jesus + nothing = EVERYTHING…you and I need to look no further than Jesus.
Insanity = believing I can do it on my own (even though I’ve failed time and time again).
Sanity = trusting Jesus has my back, is in control, and will bring me through it.
THIS WEEK:
This week I have the awesome privilege of standing beside my wife, yes, husbands, y’all need to learn to stand side-by-side with your wife (remember, you’re in this TOGETHER), and SHARE OUR COUPLE’S TESTIMONY. This year we celebrated 11 years of marriage. Of those 11 years I’ve known Jesus for 8, been clean and sober for 5, and walked TOGETHER in Celebrate Recovery for 3 of them. I’d tell you Tracey’s part, but that’s HER story not mine (you’ll have to come on Friday to hear her mess). This program has been THE SINGLE GREATEST RESOURCE we’ve used in our marriage. I’ve learned more about what it means to be a husband and a father through Celebrate Recovery than anywhere else. I want to see you there. I want to share my story with you. I want you to know that whatever it is you’re going through, no matter how high the mountain may seem, God will give you VICTORY over it!
NEWS & UPDATES:
Here are 3 things I want to share with you…
#1 Celebration Station—I am beyond EXCITED for this program! For those who don’t know, Celebration Station is a 52-Week program for kids (PreK5-5th). It’s fun. It’s engaging. It’s entertaining! It’s Celebrate Recovery for KIDS! Our children are learning to develop healthy coping skills to deal with all of life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. It’s PRE-covery! And every week we’re seeing 20+ kids attend (and it’s steadily growing) while parents and guardians are working their OWN program (i.e. exploring the 8 Principles, working the 12 Steps). I believe God is going to use this program to transform our community. What happens when our kids no longer look to drugs, sex, and alcohol for escape and acceptance? What happens when our kids no longer feel left out, looked over, and alone? What happens when our kids grow up…healthy?
I’ll tell you what happens, the freaking world changes because our kids grow up embracing LIFE instead of racing towards DEATH. Yes, I believe Celebration Station is going to leave a long-lasting positive impression in the hearts and minds of our children. It’s for this reason I’m asking EVERYONE I KNOW to offer up 2, 4, 6, maybe 8 or 10 hours a month (you choose) to HELP SERVE OUR KIDS. You can be the difference, whether it be with your PRESENCE or a WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT, that leads a child in the right direction.
We meet EVERY Friday from 7-9p. I’m asking you to donate 1 Friday a month. That’s 2 hours a month. That’s 4 less TV shows a month…unless your shows are an hour long, then it’s 2 less shows. Here’s the reality, our kids MATTER and I want them to have THE BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE AT A HEALTHY, PRODUCTIVE LIFE! If interested, please email me at celebraterecovery@nlccwv.org
#2 The Landing—Don’t forget to tell your friends and your friends’ friends that The Landing, our student (6th-12th) program, has extended its time to 11p. Our leaders are doing an AMAZING job to create a fun, safe environment for students to hang out on a Friday night. Get the word out. Tell at least 3 people EVERY DAY this week!
#3 E-Newsletter—I’ve been working on a NEW newsletter to send out each week. I know I’ve been posting stuff to my blog, posting stuff to Twitter and Facebook, but not everyone connects with social media…sooooooo…I’ve developed a NEW and IMPROVED newsletter that I’ll be sending out to keep you up-to-date on all things Celebrate Recovery. I’ll be sending out pictures and videos and testimonies and all kinds of stuff to ensure you know what’s going on. After you get it, please let me know what you think (I’m ALWAYS trying to make something BETTER).
THE END:
This is the end.
This is the end my friend, the end.
Seriously Nick…are you even OLD ENOUGH to know that song? Yes. Yes, I am. This week, reach out to your leaders. Call or text or message your Open-Share Leaders, your Team Leaders (Greeters, BBQ, Band, etc.), your T.E.A.M., and let them know you’re PRAYING FOR them and LOVE them and want to SERVE them the best you can! Remember, we’re in this TOGETHER! I love you CR, and can’t wait to see you this Friday, 7p, at New Life. Hey, shoot me an email (celebraterecovery@nlccwv.org) and share 5 things you’re GRATEFUL for!
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