Why You Gotta Make Things So Complicated?

Communication is the enemy of complication.

On the flip side…

Miscommunication or lack of communication is the friend of complication.

Yesterday, I took a trip to our family physician to pick up a prescription for my son. This is something I’ve done once a month for a past 3 years. Every month I drive to the doctor’s office, sign a form, and walk out the door with the prescription in hand. Did I mention I’ve done this for 3 years? Yes? Ok. I think you get the point. Not yesterday.

Upon inquiring about my son’s prescription I was informed of a new policy. I now had to give the doctor’s office 48-hour notice prior to picking up the prescription. This was news to me. Imagine my surprise (and frustration). I didn’t receive a phone call. I didn’t receive an email. I didn’t receive a letter. I didn’t receive any notice whatsoever (I just wanted to write that word). I walked out. I had to. I was mad.

Yes, following Jesus does NOT exempt you from emotions.

It made me realize, “Communication is vital.” This is something I KNOW, yet something I often neglect. Communication is vital to a healthy relationship… whether it’s a marriage or work or ministry or business… communication is VITAL. As I stated earlier, communication is the enemy of complication. Had I been notified prior to my arrival the situation would’ve been vastly different. Instead, the situation was made unnecessarily complicated.

I wanted to ask how it was my problem? I wanted to point a finger (maybe at them… maybe upward…). I wanted to yell and scream and shout and get into a fight. Then I remembered something, “Nick, you’ve done and do the same exact thing to others.” BOOM.

That same night, while attending Step Study (an amazing group operating under the umbrella of Celebrate Recovery), I confessed how I hurt OTHERS due to my inability to communicate clearly and consistently. There it was, right in my face. I wasn’t a VICTIM; I was a HYPOCRITE. I want others to live up to expectations that I myself don’t live up to. Craziness.

Leaders, communicate, communicate, communicate, and communicate some more. There’s no such thing as OVER-communicating. Somebody’s gonna miss that email. Somebody’s gonna look past that text. Somebody’s gonna forget to check voicemail. But chances are NOBODY will miss all three. If you, as the leader, have something important to say, SAY IT. Get it out there. Let your people know.

Communication kicks the feet out from under complication.
Communication brings clarity.
Communication helps you lead effectively (I ran out of C words, but there’s a C in effe-c-tively).

Set some time aside today to evaluate your communication skills in your marriage, your job, your ministry, or all of the above.

Are you communicating enough? Are you saying what needs to be said? Do your people know what’s happening around them? Are you forecasting what’s to come?

A Letter to Celebrate Recovery

Hello, my name is Nick and I'm a grateful believer in Jesus who struggles with pride and anger.

LAST WEEK:
Last week brought a close to SPIRITUAL INVENTORY. Well, I use the word ‘close’ but it’s a relative term. Spiritual Inventory is something you can do EVERY DAY. It’s an on-going process of self-evaluation and self-reflection. Spiritual Inventory is probably the BEST way to stay honest in your recovery (which is just another word for LIFE). So what is it? What are the things that need to change in your life, right now? In case you missed it, here are the points Steve covered on Friday:

#1 My MIND
#2 My BODY
#3 My FAMILY
#4 My CHURCH

THIS WEEK:
We’ve all got a story to tell. We’ve all experienced something. We’ve traveled. We’ve laughed. We’ve cried. We’ve stumbled. We’ve fallen. We’ve lost loved ones. We’ve been abused by loved ones. We’ve been betrayed. We’ve been lied to. We’ve lied to others. We’ve worn a mask. We’ve hidden. We’ve ran away. We’ve been both victim and offender. We’ve all got a story to tell.

The AMAZING thing about Celebrate Recovery is that every other week you and I get the opportunity to hear how someone’s life has changed during his or her time in the program. We hear about the ‘Old Me’ and the ‘New Me’ and how God is shaping his or her life into something BETTER. Join us this Friday for Testimony Night (testimony is just another word for story).

THE END:
I know there are some calendar items to put up here, but right now I just want to say, “I love you and appreciate you and I am SUPER EXCITED about the changes God is making in your life!” Thank you for joining me in this journey. Thank you for walking beside me. Thank you for picking up a chair or a broom or a mop or whatever it is and SERVING somewhere at CR! You are a DIFFERENCE MAKER! Don’t stop. Don’t give up. God hasn’t. He’s right beside you, holding you, cheering for you, trying to work all things out for your good. As your Father, He wants what’s BEST for you! Take some time today and tell Him ‘thank you.’

Wedding, Baptisms, and BBQ

What a weekend! I don’t know about you, simply because I’m not you, but I had a FANTASTIC weekend. It was jam packed with activity and friends and food and fun and laughter and crying and food and swimming and mud and dodge ball. Did I mention the food and dodge ball?

Ok.

First things first, Brazilian steakhouses make for an INCREDIBLE bachelor party. 6 men. 2 hours of meat. You do the math. 6 men + 2 hours of meat = OMG (for those of you who just read that and thought, “I can’t believe he just wrote that,” let it go, it’s called gratitude). There was so much JOY shared in those 2 hours as cow and chicken and lamb and pig and cow and chicken and lamb and pig was sliced onto our plates again and again and again. It was a vegetable free dinner. Like I’m pretty sure God was smiling and angels were celebrating. The only thing missing was a cot or a bed or a couch to comfort me as I entered a meat coma.

This was an amazing night because it reminded me of 1 thing that I would suggest I’ve forgotten or neglected due to the busyness of ministry and life…

I Need To Be With People Not Just Around Them—I’m around people every day of every week. Sunday through Saturday I am around people I love and appreciate and am working together with to change this community. I am AROUND them, but I’m typically not WITH them. Here’s the difference, when I’m around people I’m not focused on them but on the THING we’re doing. When I’m with people I’m focused on THEM not on the thing we’re doing because THERE IS NO THING. I was reminded that I need to get around people simply for the sake of getting around them and with them. Cut out the task. Remove the plan. Engage the person. I need to be with people not just around them. In other words, I need to make time to hang out.

The following day I was tired. Like REALLY tired. But that’s ok because it wasn’t anything that 3 Rockstars couldn’t fix (don’t judge me). Needless to say the day was filled with all kids of preparation for the evening’s festivities and these festivities were to include food, friends, singing, dancing, oh and the wedding of two people I LOVE and APPRECIATE. This was a day FILLED with the THINGS to do. Setting up chairs. Organizing sound equipment. Tying ties. Dressing tables. Taking pictures. Pinning flowers to shirts (and not getting poked). Let’s just say there was a LOT to do. And all the running around and all the heavy lifting and all the standing and smiling and busy finally made sense when rings were placed on fingers and husband and wife kissed for the first time… as husband and wife. I cried. I cried a lot. It was like watching your two favorite cousins getting married, but not to each other.

God’s Plans Are Greater Than The Plans I Have For Myself—What I LOVED the most about this wedding was watching two people who didn’t rush into a relationship or marriage desperately trying to fill a seemingly empty space in their lives. No! They “dated.” They got to know one another, which wasn’t terribly difficult since they were pretty much like best friends. They sought out counseling TOGETHER. They WORKED at it. They didn’t settle for a one-night stand. They didn’t settle for the stranger at the bar. They didn’t try and fix things up on their own. They prayed and waited on God to lead and guide and direct them TO EACH OTHER. I am grateful Ryan and Taylor realized God’s plans are GREATER!

My weekend could’ve ended right here and I woulda been happy. Up to this point my weekend had been nothing short of AMAZING. But it didn’t end there. As a matter of fact it got BETTER! The following day I stood by and watched and celebrated and clapped and cheered as person after person made the decision to follow Jesus, go public with their faith, and get baptized! All ages. I saw a mother get baptized and then turn around and baptize her daughter. I don’t know how many people were baptized, all I know is a bunch of people showed up dry and went home WET!

Then, that night, after a good nap at home recovering from the weekend’s festivities and a slight sunburn, I attended a BBQ with my Celebrate Recovery Leaders. Wow! What a night! Such AWESOME people! I haven’t met a group of people who are more passionate about following Jesus and sharing the good news of Jesus than the people of Celebrate Recovery. I think it has something to do with being pulled up from the pit of despair and depression and addiction and whatever other low you can think of… being pulled up FROM IT, rescued, saved, set free. When you have NOTHING and God steps in and gives you EVERYTHING you can’t help but be consumed with GRATITUDE.

It was a weekend filled with RELATIONSHIP. It was RELATIONSHIP after RELATIONSHIP. I got AROUND people and I spent time WITH them. I ENGAGED the people I was with. I was PRESENT. I played with kids. Oh, that’s right, yes I did. As a matter of fact about 1/3 of the BBQ was spent in a dodge ball game. It was adults versus kids so you KNOW it was fun! I am not ashamed to admit I was trying to peg those kids to get them out so I could be on the winning team. Is that healthy? I don’t know if it is or not, but I know I won a whole lot more than I lost. AND both sides had a GREAT time!

Moral of the story?
People MATTER.
Relationships are IMPORTANT.
God is GOOD.
Following Jesus is the BEST decision you can make.

Kids: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

When I was a kid I LOVED school. It was a big, giant hangout for my friends and I. It was consistent. I knew where I was going, when I was going, and who I was going with. It was fun.

When I was a kid I didn’t attend church, so I can’t speak to that. However, what I’ve seen over the past few years, in terms of kids and students in church, is quite similar to what happens to kids in school.

For the first few years of school I’d be willing to bet MOST kids love school. They get up. They get ready. They WANT to get going and get around their best friends (because back then EVERYONE is your best friend). They love it. They want it. They enjoy it. I see the same thing in the church. The kids have fun. They enjoy getting around one another. They love their teachers (and all the animal crackers and goldfish). But then something changes…

I can’t quite put my finger on it. It’s been something that has puzzled me from a LONG time. I initially went to school studying to become a teacher. I received my degree in Elementary Education with every intention of getting a job somewhere, at some school, to make a difference in the lives of kids. And all through school, and ever since, I haven’t been able to figure out what it is or what happens, but something changes inside these kids. Their perspective changes. It flip-flops. Whereas once they were in LOVE with school, eventually most start to despise it. They no longer want to go. They like their friends, but no longer like the school or their teacher. They don’t want to do homework.

Why?
Where’s the disconnect?
What happens?

Then I look in the church and see kids growing and changing and evolving into teenagers (or de-evolving…) and I see a similar pattern. The animal crackers become stale. The goldfish aren’t cheesy enough. The child who once asked and begged to go now stands as the student who smirks at the thought of going.

What happened?

Do they lose interest or are we less interesting?
Do they lose the desire to go or do we stop giving them a reason to come?

What is it?

When it comes to this topic I don’t have answers; I only have questions. Why write about it then? Why? Because this is a generation we can’t afford to lose. Every child you see and come across IS the future. They’ll be the ones running things. They’ll be the ones in charge. I hope to raise some bit of awareness. If we’re not careful we’ll lose them. We only have a few short years to truly influence our kids before they seek out answers from friends, from TV, and from the internet.

What are you doing to reach the younger generation? What are you doing to grab and hold their attention?

Kill The Excuses Not Your Dreams

Sometimes WANT TO doesn’t measure up to WILL DO or even DOING. I can WANT TO do a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean I’m actually going to do them. You probably have a couple things in your life right now that have yet to transition from DREAM to REALITY, from IDEA to ACTION. Why? What’s holding you back? I would like to suggest the thing that holds you back is the same thing that holds me back… me. I am my greatest obstacle. You are your greatest obstacle.

Satan wants nothing more than that OBSTACLE to remain an EXCUSE. He knows how much we secretly LOVE excuses. Don’t agree? How many excuses have you used this week? As long as we look to and dwell on excuses we’ll never see our dreams become reality. There’ll always be a reason to NOT do something.

Here are a few things you start doing right now to fight excuses…

#1 Get Up Off The Couch—we are creatures of habit. We sit down. We lay down. We stretch out. We DESERVE time off and time away. We EARN our ability to do nothing. We NEED to relax. So, what happens? We turn on the TV. We sit in front of the computer. We grab our phones. We do NOTHING for the sake of doing NOTHING. I can’t remember the last time someone’s dream came true because they watched enough TV or updated their status. GET UP! You want rest? Go to bed earlier. GET UP! Life is passing you by. Your dreams are fading away. GET UP! It’s the first step toward reaching your goal. GET UP!

#2 Stop Waiting, Start Doing—we are creatures of habit. Who or what are you waiting for? Have you convinced yourself that the right moment is coming? Has someone told you they were going to call? Do you know someone with the right connection? How long have you been waiting? How long has it been? Did you know that if you wait long enough you’ll become so accustomed to waiting that you’ll never do anything? We are creatures of habit, so start a NEW one! Getting up was the FIRST STEP taking ACTION is next. Devise a plan. Put some thoughts together. Set some goals. Do SOMETHING!

#3 Don’t Stop, Don’t Quit—we are creatures of habit. Chances are you’ve been lying dormant for so long you’ve forgotten what it was like to move and to work at something OTHER THAN the routine of life. And now that you’ve decided to GET UP and START DOING something your schedule’s off a bit. Autopilot is broken. GPS is recalculating. Something doesn’t seem right. I can’t deal with this. I feel stressed. What’s different? Oh, that’s right, I started actually DOING SOMETHING and chasing after my dreams… I need to stop so things can go back to normal. BOOM! That’s it. It’s over. Don’t stop. Don’t quit. Keep moving forward. Keep making progress. Keep chasing after your dreams. Do you want what you’ve always got or do you want to make a difference?

#4 Isolation Leads To Procrastination—we are creatures of habit. Don’t stop, don’t quit? Really? That sounds easy enough, but it’s not. If you try doing it on your own chances are you’ll fall flat on your face… or just sit back down on the couch. You need to surround yourself with people who move and challenge and inspire you. Sometimes you gotta change your environment and change the people you hang with to get UNSTUCK and start making some progress. You don’t have to completely ditch your friends, just give them LESS time and give your dreams MORE time. And here’s the AWESOME part…  you’re not alone. Somebody else has your same dream. Somebody else wants to do something amazing in this world. Somebody else is looking for somebody else to work with. Y’all need to connect and start dreaming and working and accomplishing things TOGETHER! You can’t do life alone, so stop trying. Stop procrastinating.

A Letter to Celebrate Recovery

Hello, my name is Nick Scott and I’m a grateful believer who struggled with pride and anger.

LAST WEEK:
In case you missed it, last week was testimony night at Celebrate Recovery. Lacey stood on stage and bravely and courageously shared her story, stepping out from the victim and stepping into VICTORY! Not everyone has shared his or her story, but everyone CAN and NEEDS to! Grateful for her willingness to share and excited about the men and women who were introduced to HOPE! Lacey, thank you for sharing!!

THIS WEEK:
This week Steve takes us through SPIRITUAL INVENTORY PART 2. Yes, a lesson so AWESOME it got 2 parts! Oh and THIS week isn’t any less personal than last week. It’s in you're your face. It’s necessary. It’ll step on your toes. It’ll slap you in the face. Granted, I’m speaking figuratively, but I hope you get the point. Steve will walk us through the following items: Your… mind, body, family, and church. Stop running. Stop hiding. Don’t give up. A better you and the life you want to live is just around the corner.

NEWS & UPDATES:
Here are 2 things I want to share with you…

#1 New Leader Training—On Thursday, May 23, from 6-8:30p at New Life Church (4102 Tabler Station Road, Inwood, WV 25428), I’ll be leading a training for NEW LEADERS (and potential leaders). If you’ve GOT what it takes or if you WANT what it takes to lead, plan to attend. This training is designed to walk you through what it means to be a leader, how to lead, and how becoming a leader is crucial to everyone’s recovery journey. Tell your friends, grab that person you see potential in, and INVITE them… better yet, BRING them! Email celebraterecovery@nlccwv.org to reserve your seat and materials.

#2 Celebration Station—We are in CRAZY need of volunteers to help lead our pre-covery program for kids (PreK5-5th). Celebration Station is the FASTEST GROWING part of our Friday nights. Last week we had 27 kids and 5 leaders (5 AMAZING leaders!). That’s a ratio of 5:1. That’s doable, but it’s not ideal. Ideally we want to engage kids on a 2:1 basis. This will provide our kids with a healthy amount of attention and interaction with other students AND volunteers. I want the best. I want the best of the best. Are you passionate about kids? Do you want to help grow a generation filled with HOPE? If yes, YOU are who I’m looking for! Email celebrationstation@nlccwv.org if interested and one of our leaders will contact you.

THE END:
When you focus on Jesus, he gets BIGGER and your circumstances get smaller. Where are you looking?

Set List 5.17/19.13

TESTIMONY
Celebrate Recovery: Fridays 7p
Redeemed—Big Daddy Weave
Always—Kristian Stanfill
With Us—Hillsong
Came To My Rescue—Hillsong
 
LIVE OUT LOUD (Part 1 of 2)
Weekend Experience: Sundays 8:15, 9:45, 11:15a
Like A Lion—David Crowder* Band
I Have Decided—Elevation Worship
No Other Name—NewSpring Worship
Greater—Elevation Worship

I'm Tired, Don't Bug Me

I’m tired.
There’s no other way to describe how I’m feeling.
Well, maybe, I’m REALLY tired.
That sounds about right.
I feel fussy.
I want to complain.
My eyes hurt.
My eyes are heavy.
I can’t quite put a complete thought together.
Huh? What was I saying?
Right.
Every noise distracts me.
My kids are annoying me.
I’m growing frustrated.
I want to scream.
I want to yell.
My temper is short.
I’m tired.
Who can I blame?
I chose to stay up.
I chose to avoid sleep.
My choice, not yours.
It’s still your fault.

How’s your sleep life? Are you getting enough rest? Who is affected by your lack of sleep? When you don’t get enough rest, how productive are you? How does it affect your attitude?

A Letter to Celebrate Recovery

Hello, my name is Nick and I’m a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who struggles with pride and anger.

LAST WEEK:
Last week I had the amazing privilege of sharing with my CR family on the subject of SPIRITUAL INVENTORY. It was the first half of an insanely life-changing lesson. Over the next few weeks I envision a movement starting in our family of hooligans and ruffians. I see people taking steps to let go of pain from past hurts. I see people knocking down the prison walls of habits. I see people taking a stand, moving forward, and moving on from hang-ups.

I believe we’re right on the verge of a major breakthrough and I want to personally invite you to join us as we pack up and head out on this adventure together. In case you missed it, here are the 4 areas of life I discussed on Friday:

1. My RELATIONSHIPS With Others
2. My PRIORITIES In Life
3. My ATTITUDE
4. My INTEGRITY

You can also listen to it by heading over to New Life’s website or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.

THIS WEEK:
I am PUMPED! It’s TESTIMONY NIGHT at Celebrate! This week Lacey will share her story of homelessness, helplessness, and hopelessness… but it doesn’t end there! Those words describe her PAST, not her PRESENT. She may have been stuck, but today she’s found VICTORY! Do yourself a favor a clear your schedule this Friday. You do not want to miss her story. Somebody is going to be introduced to HOPE this week. I hope it’s you.

Lacey participated in March’s Testimony Workshop. Her story is raw, real, and well-written. The next Testimony Workshop is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, from 6-8p at New Life Church (4102 Tabler Station Road, Inwood, WV 25428).

NEWS & UPDATES:
Here are 3 things I’d like to share with you…

#1 New Leader Training—Principle 8 says, “Yield myself to be used by God to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words.” I can’t think of a better way to put this Principle into action than by becoming a Leader in Celebrate Recovery. It is the natural progression to give back to the program that helped you find healing. On Thursday, May 23, from 6-8:30p, I’ll be hosting New Leader Training at New Life Church. I hope to give you a greater understanding of what it means to be a LEADER at CR and equip you with the resources to do it!

#2 Testimony Workshop—Everyone has story. Every story matters to God. Every story needs to be heard. You know that feeling of excitement, that feeling of joy, that feeling of “YES, IT’S TESTIMONY NIGHT!” You’re not the only one who feels this way. Listening to your story and my story and his story and her story we discover we’re not alone in this world, not the only ones struggling with life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Somebody needs to hear your story. Somebody is going to find the same hope in your story that you once found in someone else’s. On Thursday, June 13, from 6-8p, I’m hosting a Testimony Workshop at New Life Church. I’ll walk you through the process of writing your story, answer any questions you might have, and give you a solid two hours to start and, who knows, maybe finish your story.

#3 CR BBQ—We need cooks! We need servers! We need cleaners and setter-uppers! I’d LOVE nothing more than to see a team of misfits growing together each and every week in our kitchen. That would be nothing short of AWESOME! I use the term “team” because this area cannot and should not be handled by any one person. Remember, we cannot do life alone! Click the following link to sign up today!

VOLUNTEER @ CELEBRATE RECOVERY

THE END:
13for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13 ESV). This verse is a FANTASTIC reminder that it’s not about ME. Recovery is possible through a power GREATER than myself. I am powerless on my own, but with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. You don’t have remain stuck. You don’t have to be alone. Hope is real and healing is possible! Join us Friday night for Celebrate Recovery and discover what it means to truly live!

Set List 5.10/12.13

SPIRITUAL INVENTORY (Part 1 of 2)
Celebrate Recovery: Fridays 7p
I Am Free—Newsboys
With Us—Hillsong
You Revive Me—Passion
Always—Kristian Stanfill

SERIES: RIDICULOUS FAITH (Part 6 of 6)
Weekend Experience: Sundays 8:15, 9:45, 11:15a
Not Ashamed—Kristian Stanfill
Forever Reign—Hillsong
Nothing Is Wasted—Elevation Worship

Life Is Crazy, Pause For Sanity

Stop.
Write a gratitude list.
Pray.

5 Things To Improve Your Relationship

Here are five things you can do TODAY to improve your relationship TOMORROW…

#1 Apologize—chances are you’ve done something and don’t even know it. You might even have done something, know about it, and for some reason (pride… hello!) you won’t apologize; get over it, let it go, and apologize. If you’re a dude, you probably didn’t do something, but she thinks you did, so this means you DID. Make amends. Own up to whatever it is.

#2 Say “I Love You” And Follow It Up With Something You Love About Him/ Her—the phrase “I love you” has almost lost it’s meaning. It hasn’t quite yet, but when it’s ALL you say, then yes, it doesn’t mean as much. Tell him, “I love you.” Tell her, “I love you.” Then tell him WHY. What is it about her that keeps your attention? What is it about him that you can’t stop thinking about? What is it about her that makes your heart race? What is it about him that you wouldn’t trade for anything in the world? Be specific. Be encouraging.

#3 Do Something Special—there’s gotta be something that you’ve been asked to do in the past, but you simply can’t stand it… so you haven’t yet. Maybe it’s the laundry. Maybe it’s the dishes. Maybe it’s cleaning up after the kids. Maybe it’s the shelves downstairs. Maybe it’s the lights outside. Maybe it’s going to see a movie about… dare I say it… love and relationships. The term SPECIAL means: something the OTHER person wants, but you don’t. THAT’S special!

#4 Talk Don’t Text—set your phone down. Facebook can wait. Twitter will still be there. Your friends can plays words with someone else. The people on the other end of your phone don’t matter as much as the person who’s sitting directly in front of you or next to you or has already gone to bed because your typical routine is to keep your face in your phone… so why wait up? A simple, “How was your day?” could be all it takes.

#5 Buy Her Something—ladies you can skip this one. I’m not saying men don’t want stuff. I’m saying what we want you don’t have to buy (and I’ll leave it at that). Men, don’t wait until it’s her birthday or Christmas or Valentine’s Day or Columbus Day to BUY HER SOMETHING! She’s already told you the place she likes to buy clothes. You know her style. You’ve seen her jewelry. SIDENOTE: if you don’t know this stuff, you need to pay WAY MORE attention to your wife… just sayin’. Get her something. It doesn’t matter if it fits (make sure it’s too small if you’re unsure; buying something too BIG won’t go over well). This is one of those “it’s the thought that counts” kinda things. So, make sure you put some thought into it. Don’t wait.

Apologizing And Forgiveness

I’m sorry.
I forgive you.

Two phrases that could very well change the world. Well, maybe not realign our seasons or put an end to global warming, but could possibly alter the way we, as people, interact with one another. Think of how many relationships YOU have or have had in the past that have vanished, gone away, simply because someone (I’m not saying it was you) was unwilling to apologize or forgive.

Crazy, right?

I’d be willing to suggest that while you were reading this you’ve already thought 4 or 5 people, friends, family, co-workers, that you don’t speak to or hang around anymore because of the absence of one of these two phrases. Chances are, YOU have a role in the mess. Maybe you said something or did something that you just don’t think was all that bad. OR, on the other hand, they did something or said something to you or someone you love that you think is just horrible and unforgivable.

Jesus prayed, “Forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us,” (Matthew 6:12). Why couldn’t he just leave it at “forgive us our sins”? Wouldn’t that be much easier?

If God forgave you like you forgive others would you be forgiven?

Let go of bitterness.
Let go of resentment.
Let go of anger.
Let go of pride.
Apologize.
Forgive.

Grab a sheet of paper and write down their names. You probably still have his or her phone number. Call them up. Make amends. Do YOUR PART to bring restoration to the relationship.

If you must, stand in front of a mirror and practice saying it…

I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
I forgive you. I forgive you. I forgive you.

Take off the yoke of unforgiveness and walk around a bit lighter today.

A Letter to Celebrate Recovery

Hello, my name is Nick and I’m a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who struggles with pride and anger.

LAST WEEK:
Last week’s audition, I mean testimony, was AWESOME! Not only did Zena share her story of heartache and struggle and recovery and victory, but also she closed it out by singing a beautiful song. Testimonies never fail to amaze me. I LOVE sharing in the lives of those who once were hopeless, but have since found HOPE in Christ and the program of Celebrate Recovery. Ms. Zena, thank you for sharing.

THIS WEEK:
18"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool.
(Isaiah 1:18 ESV)

This week we get down to business. This week I’ll be teaching the first of two lessons on Spiritual Inventory. What is a Spiritual Inventory? It’s an evaluation. It’s a collection of good and bad qualities, experiences, both things we’ve done to others and things others have done to us. It’s a collection of victories and failures. This Friday we’ll take a look at the following:

1. Your Relationships
2. Your Priorities
3. Your Attitude
4. Your Integrity

NEWS & UPDATES:
Here are 2 things I want to share with you…

#1 Testimony Workshop—Thursday, May 9, from 6-8p, I’ll be hosting a Testimony Workshop at New Life Church (4102 Tabler Station Road, Inwood, WV 25428). Everybody has a story to tell. YOU have a story to tell. Once upon a time you walked through the doors of Celebrate Recovery feelings HOPELESS and, now that you’ve found HOPE, it’s time to share your journey with others are where you were. I’ll be there to answer questions and help and guide you along the way.

#2 East Coast Summit 2013—Wednesday, July 10 - Friday, July 12, the Celebrate Recovery Summit debuts on the EAST COAST at Restoration Church in Spartanburg, SC!! This is about as exciting as the invention of pizza (if you don’t think that’s exciting, something is wrong)! The Summit is… 3 days of learning. 3 days of growing. 3 days of surrounding yourself with CR families from all across the United States. I wouldn’t miss this for the world! Sign up and register here:

http://www.celebraterecovery.com/~celebra9/events/summit-2013/ecs
 
THE END:
You’re not the mistakes you’ve made. You’re not the labels you’ve been given. You don’t have to remain where you are doing what you’ve always done. If you’re ready to make a change, if you’re ready for a NEW life, come on out to Celebrate Recovery on Friday nights (7p at New Life Church).

Set List 5.3/5.13

TESTIMONY
Celebrate Recovery: Fridays 7p
Happy Day—Fee
Me And Jesus—Stellar Kart
I Am Free—Newsboys
The Lost Are Found—Hillsong

SERIES: RIDICULOUS FAITH (Part 5 of 6)
Weekend Experience: Sundays 8:15, 9:45, 11:15a
White Flag—Passion
Here In My Life—Hillsong
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)—Chris Tomlin
Nothing Is Wasted—Elevation Worship

5 Things You Can Do To Engage Your Kids

Your kids are too important to ignore. Here are 5 things you can do today, like right now, to increase your child’s chances of having a joy-filled day… and if you’re willing to do them on a regular basis, leave a lasting impression on their life.

#1 I Love You—you might think your kids simply KNOW you love them, but don’t assume anything. Be proactive. Tell them when you first see them. Tell them when they leave. Leave them a note or a card somewhere to find later. If they don’t know YOU love them, they’ll search for someone who does.

#2 Hugs & Kisses—hug your kids and let them know you’re there, you’re present, and you WANT to be around them. Physical touch is often forgotten and neglected because we believe our kids are too old for it or we, as parents, are too tired. Kids shouldn’t grow up knowing physical touch as only a part of punishment—spanking doesn’t often translate into, “I love you.”

#3 Word of Encouragement—chances are your child, regardless of age or grade, is going through something right now THEY deem to be difficult, stressful, and overwhelming. Maybe it’s a test. Maybe it’s a best friend who’s now friends with someone else. Maybe it’s self-image. Maybe graduation is nearing. It’s SOMETHING and they need to know SOMEBODY believes in them. Speak hope into their life.

#4 Put Down Your Phone—kids LOVE technology, but they love you EVEN MORE! I have yet to meet a child that prefers to look at and talk to the back of an iPhone than mom or dad’s face. Nope. Hasn’t happened yet. Nothing says, “I love you. I think you’re important. I value time with you,” more than setting down what your child already perceives to be more important than they are and BEING PRESENT.

#5 Meet Them Where They Are—your child is interested in stuff you could care less about. I know. That sounds rough, but it’s true. Here’s another truth, just because you don’t like it doesn’t give you permission to let your kids know it. Don’t be a selfish jerk. Meet your child where THEY are. Get involved with them in what they’re doing.

Parents, here are 5 things. 5 simple things you can do RIGHT NOW to help you child start off with a BETTER day…5 simple things you can do RIGHT NOW to help change the trajectory of their lives.

Pick one.
Start there.
Your kids matter.

My Way, My Time

Picture this…

You’re driving down the on-ramp to a major highway. Being mindful of traffic you hit the gas in hopes of merging AT or NEAR the speed limit of 70 mph. Seriously, who wants to be the person who merges at 25 mph and slows everyone down (and then ask, why is traffic backed up)? Ok, so you’re driving, looking in your mirrors, possibly looking over your shoulder, and it all seems relatively clear. Like, you should be able to merge with no problem. Smooth. However, there’s a giant truck and this truck just happens to be driving in the right lane, the lane you want to merge onto. There’s no other vehicle on the road. It’s just you and truck. It’s just you and truck. You’re about 10 seconds from merging and the truck is still there, unmoving, not budging, like as to say, “This is MY lane. You wait on ME.” So you slow down. I mean, who wants to get into an accident with a vehicle of THAT size? At the last possible second the truck begins to change lanes. The thought is nice, but the execution still doesn’t leave room for you to merge so you gotta almost stop. Then, as the truck finally passes, the lane opens and you can merge at 10 mph.

This scenario ALWAYS seems to lead me down a path of frustration and anger (my choice to feel this way). This scenario happened to me this morning.

This time was different.
This time I didn’t get mad.
This time I didn’t get frustrated.
This time I didn’t shout !@#$
This time God reminded me that I still like to be in CONTROL and still expect everything to happen in MY TIME.

Thank you, God.
Thank you for the reminder that IT’S NOT ABOUT ME.

What’s going on in your life that you simply need to LET GO? What are you trying to CONTROL? What area are you still struggling to TRUST God?

Supernatural or Superstitious?

I am PUMPED to be teaching tonight at First Wednesday (6:30-8p) at New Life Church. I believe tonight is going to be one of those nights when skeptics become supporters and doubters become believers. I believe tonight has the potential to bring New Life’s faith alive as we explore the topic of HEALING.

Who does it?
What is it?
Where is it happening (if it even is)?
When does it happen (if it actually does)?
Why does it seem so unbelievable?

Do NOT be afraid to ask questions. Do NOT be afraid to express your fears and doubts. Do NOT be afraid to simply say, “This doesn’t make sense to me.” I say, “Do NOT be afraid,” because you gotta CONFESS it to CONQUER it.

People are hurting.
People are sick.
People are dying.

And somehow our faith has gone from believing God can and will HEAL us to believing this sickness, this illness, this disease, this injury is merely our fate, our destiny, and we just gotta deal with it. Somehow we’ve become a people less interested in what God has SAID and what God can DO. Somehow we’ve become a people lost in the confusion of skepticism and cynicism. Somehow we’ve lost our faith.

Tonight, WE FIGHT TO GET IT BACK.