We lost another young man this last week to the drug heroin. It was a relapse. Most people who come off of heroin do not realize that if they relapse and take the same amount that they took prior to their abstinence that it is too much for their bodies. Prior to recovery an addict is taking a little bit more each time and when they come off of the heroin their body is healing. The amount they were taking before is too much and they overdose. It is in accident. They don'e mean to. They just don't know.
This disease is insidious. It destroys our children, our families our communities.
This young man has a young child and a wife he has left behind. He was (I believe) only 24. He leaves behind a large family, a large loving family that will miss him terribly.
To some he is one more statistic, but to us, he is a precious boy that was taken much too soon. He leaves us with memories that are etched onto our hearts. We will remember his voice and his heart, his laughter and his warmth.
This is a fight that is too much for the few who are fighting. Will you lift up your hearts in prayer for the protection of our families against this disease of addiction?? Your prayers are not unfruitful. God does listen. Let's raise an army of prayers to help combat this fight.
There is that story of the little boy throwing the starfish back into the ocean.. a man tells him he will never save them all, but the boy says, well, I have saved "that" one.
If we look at the problem as too overwhelming, we will never try. If we can look at the problem as "One person at a time" then there is hope.
Will you help us throw the one starfish back into the water? Help us help even one? Pray.. please pray.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
2010 OC alone...
Here is troubling news, last year 58 kids between 12 and 17 lost their lives to accidental overdose in OC, CA. Behind the Orange Curtain
http://performersacademy.blogspot.com/2011/06/documentary-behind-orange-curtain.html?spref=fb
Behind the Orange Curtain is a documentary film that will focus on the current prescription drug abuse problem with teenagers in South Orange County. This film will raise the awareness of the problem that is causing the deaths of numerous young boys and girls. The problem is now at a epidemic level. Where are these drugs coming from and why are they so readily available in Orange County High Schools?
Please get the word out...
Behind the Orange Curtain is a documentary film that will focus on the current prescription drug abuse problem with teenagers in South Orange County. This film will raise the awareness of the problem that is causing the deaths of numerous young boys and girls. The problem is now at a epidemic level. Where are these drugs coming from and why are they so readily available in Orange County High Schools?
Please get the word out...
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Detaching With Love
Often people get stuck in patterns when it comes to these cycles, and this can cause problems with those around them. You don’t need to suffer, if you have tried everything and they just don’t want to stop their addictions or you are in a bad relationship there are things you can do.
When you make the decision to detach you need to follow through. This does not mean that you don’t love them, it just means you cant take their problems anymore or have the constant struggles that go with it. Detaching with love means that you can live a healthy life and your loved one might see that they need to change and might seek help.
Co-dependency is a problem that a lot of people in these situations face. The loved one does not operate unless you are there doing everything for them, and this can be tiring and destructive to you. Enabler means that you allow something to go on or in certain terms you can even get the object of the addiction for the person using them, and this can be a problem because you are actually helping them cause the problem.
There are several ways you can detach from someone with these problems if you want to. Some of the ways are:
2. Think about what in the relationship you don’t want to let go and why you cannot detach.
3. Admit that there is a problem and the person who is harming you or others has a real problem and refuses to seek help.
4. Stop thinking that they will change, if you are enabling them then it definitely won’t change.
5. Let go of the emotional hooks that are keeping you there.
6. Affirm yourself that you are a person to and you are not getting what you need out of this relationship. You have needs also and they should not be ignored either.
7. Start to heal yourself from the relationship.
Detaching from situations like this does not mean that you don’t love the person or that you don’t care, it just means that you are not qualified to help the person in whatever means they need. This is not a problem that you need to combat and in all honesty you shouldn’t. You are a person to and you can get help for the loved one that is stuck in this problem.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Please Pray & Let's Believe in Miracles
I usually help out at my little one's school on Fridays. I love it. I help the teacher with odd jobs (much needed). I have gained so much respect for our teachers today. I can not believe how much work, love, guidance, and more this teacher shares with our children. It's kindergarten, but they are learning every minute of the day...they are never "not" busy!
I've met some wonderful moms too! One who is now a very good friend. She told me that she was praying to find more Christian friends. We have a lot to share.. She is a wonderful sweet soul and I am so happy that God put our paths together. I am meeting others too, who I care for..who I pray for..who I admire. I love how God works in our lives and shows us life through others.. we are always learning....as long as we keep Him foremost on our hearts and minds.
One of the moms shared with me today that it was her first day of chemo. She looked wonderful, I was amazed. She said she was really tired, and heard that the start of chemo isn't too bad. She is a tremendously bubbly woman with 2 boys that are all boy. My heart broke for her, knowing what she is going to be experiencing in her life in the near future. I don't know how bad the cancer is, but I do have friends who have been through chemo. She is a mom..mom's don't have time for chemo..they only have time for those in front of them and barely enough time for themselves.
I ask you all today, if you can find it in your hearts, and on your busy plates to pray for Amanda. Please pray for Amanda, and her husband and her boys. I don't know what Our Lord has planned for this family, but I pray that she would be surrounded by loving family, friends, helpers..That the Lord would bless her with no pain, a lot of energy when most needed. That her spirits would be up, that fear would be down..that she would seek her Heavenly Father with her whole heart and soul.
Please pray for Amanda..please keep our moms, our families, our marriages, our health, our teachers and our relationship with Our Lord ever strong.
Thank you Lord for being the One Who carries us in times of trouble. Who sends His Holy Spirit to us for comfort. Who loves us with an unconditional and never ending love. Thank you Lord...and I praise you for all you will do in the lives of this family and all of those we will carry up in prayer to you daily.
May God bless your evening...hold family and friends tight and near and remember to say your evening prayers :o).... He is listening...He will always be listening. Let's believe in miracles...They happen every day!!!
I've met some wonderful moms too! One who is now a very good friend. She told me that she was praying to find more Christian friends. We have a lot to share.. She is a wonderful sweet soul and I am so happy that God put our paths together. I am meeting others too, who I care for..who I pray for..who I admire. I love how God works in our lives and shows us life through others.. we are always learning....as long as we keep Him foremost on our hearts and minds.
One of the moms shared with me today that it was her first day of chemo. She looked wonderful, I was amazed. She said she was really tired, and heard that the start of chemo isn't too bad. She is a tremendously bubbly woman with 2 boys that are all boy. My heart broke for her, knowing what she is going to be experiencing in her life in the near future. I don't know how bad the cancer is, but I do have friends who have been through chemo. She is a mom..mom's don't have time for chemo..they only have time for those in front of them and barely enough time for themselves.
I ask you all today, if you can find it in your hearts, and on your busy plates to pray for Amanda. Please pray for Amanda, and her husband and her boys. I don't know what Our Lord has planned for this family, but I pray that she would be surrounded by loving family, friends, helpers..That the Lord would bless her with no pain, a lot of energy when most needed. That her spirits would be up, that fear would be down..that she would seek her Heavenly Father with her whole heart and soul.
Please pray for Amanda..please keep our moms, our families, our marriages, our health, our teachers and our relationship with Our Lord ever strong.
Thank you Lord for being the One Who carries us in times of trouble. Who sends His Holy Spirit to us for comfort. Who loves us with an unconditional and never ending love. Thank you Lord...and I praise you for all you will do in the lives of this family and all of those we will carry up in prayer to you daily.
May God bless your evening...hold family and friends tight and near and remember to say your evening prayers :o).... He is listening...He will always be listening. Let's believe in miracles...They happen every day!!!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Landon Cole Matthys
Please help us to Welcome
Landon Cole Matthys
~ parents - Clayton and Allison Matthys.
Two tiny feet
That wave in the air
Two tiny hands
That tug at your hair
Cute bottom for patting
Adorable face
A bundle of joy
To love and embrace
Monday, March 14, 2011
Praise God In All Things
When we praise, we are being obedient to God. Psalm 150:2 says, "Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness."
Praise helps us see and understand God in a deeper way! We take our eyes off of our circumstances and put them on the Creator of all things! Psalm 150:1-2 says, "Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness."
Praise puts the credit where it belongs. When we fail to praise, we often take the credit instead of giving that credit back to the true Source of all blessings. Ephesians 1:3 says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
Worship brings peace. Fear can not survive in praise and worship! We remember that we are God's child and He is in ultimate control of our lives! 2 Corinthians 1:3 says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort…"
I pray that you can echo Psalm 71:14, which says, "But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Rest in Peace Henry
posted by: mxdad100
It is with much sadness that I inform you that a dear friend passed away this weekend. Some may remember Henry as the Father of Tyler Kalisiak, and others will remember Henry as being a fellow racer and friend. There will be services in Southern California at the Life Church near Hwy 5 and Irvine this coming Saturday the 12th at 11:00am. Please say a prayer for Julie, and their children, Kelli and Tyler. Henry and Tyler were regulars in the NorCal Motocross scene until Henry and Julie moved the Family down South about 10 years ago. Always quick with a wisecrack, and a smile...he will be sorrily missed. Henry raced with the OTHG, and Tyler qualified for many a Lites Class main while riding for KTM. Henry was always the guy that wanted to GO BIGGER at Club Moto...
God Bless...
Memorial Service will be Saturday March 12th at 11:00.
SOAK
A New Day!
I am grateful for a new day of breathe, of life, of the gifts that I find all around me. I am so truly blessed. I have been re~awakened by the life of a friend who has passed and do not want to take one minute for granted! I will give more hugs, eye contact is a must, and smile at all I come in contact with. They might think I'm crazy..but that's ok... I'll just keep smiling!
What are you grateful for today???
Patience and Hope
Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:
Monday: Psalm 37:7-9
Tuesday: Isaiah 40:31
Wednesday: Proverbs 15:18
Thursday: Romans 8:24-25
Friday: Romans 12:12
Saturday: James 5:7-8
Sunday: Psalm 40:1
Prayer
Teach me patience Lord. Patience to endure hard times and loss. Patience to see that difficulties draw me nearer to You. Bring me to a higher level of relationship with You through the tough times in life. Amen. ~ Julie Clinton
Monday: Psalm 37:7-9
Tuesday: Isaiah 40:31
Wednesday: Proverbs 15:18
Thursday: Romans 8:24-25
Friday: Romans 12:12
Saturday: James 5:7-8
Sunday: Psalm 40:1
Prayer
Teach me patience Lord. Patience to endure hard times and loss. Patience to see that difficulties draw me nearer to You. Bring me to a higher level of relationship with You through the tough times in life. Amen. ~ Julie Clinton
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Giving Thanks!
For those of you who do not live in Orange County, CA. all that I can say is I am so sorry! The day could not have been more beautiful! We had a memorial service last night for Matthew Pack. I am not prepared to comment on it, because I'm feeling a little weepy right now. I've been holding back the tears and they are just there..at the edge...I'll have my time, alone, to cry..but not yet. I am still in denial, that he will not be here with us, just so thankful that he was here with us, even for a little while. More later...
This morning our praise and worship was beyond real...so angelic..Thank you Lord..it just took me away..and so many others too. We were there at your feet and feeling your presence so strongly today. Your Spirit is strong and covered us all...and I still feel you with me so strongly. You envelope us with your love and warmth and how can we ever feel less than grateful and blessed?
Thank you my husband, Pastor Dave for your message. I love how God takes all of the moments of your week and prepares you to make a relevant and moving message for us all. Today..Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz transported is visually to show us how we all have a journey..a walk to walk.. here on earth. We all need to do this to grow..to find God and who God wants us to be...if we do not move, we do not meet the people along the way that God intends for us to meet..He places them on our path to make a difference in our lives.. we are never the same. I love how God uses you Dave!
Please..if you did not make it to church today....watch for Dave's message on our website..coming very soon!
And, now..I leave you with this.. also from church today.
So live your life that fear of death can never enter your heart.
Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long and of service to your people.
Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the light,
Seek to make your life long and of service to your people.
Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the light,
for your life, for your strength.
Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks,
the fault lies only in yourself.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those
whose hearts are filled with the fear of death,
so that when their time comes they weep and pray
for a little more time to live their lives over again
in a different way.
Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.
Shawnee History ~ The Teaching of Tecumseh
God Bless you!!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Matthew Pack - We miss you!
Memorial Service at theeffect, Saturday, March 5th at 4:30pm. Come and share and celebrate Matt's life. So many memories, laughs and just wonderful moments! Love you Matt!!
theeffect
Capistrano Business Center
27122A Paseo Espada #904
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
http://www.theeffect.org/
949-218-2228
These are just a few pics..there are so many more. Matt lived his life so fully. He didn't miss a moment. He always had a smile and a hug and is dearly loved by all. A void is left behind...we're right behind you Matt! Can't wait to see you again!!
theeffect
Capistrano Business Center
27122A Paseo Espada #904
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
http://www.theeffect.org/
949-218-2228
 |
| Climbing...always climbing |
 |
| Matt and family, sooooo close!!! |
 |
| Nature lover to the max! |
 |
| Solitude |
 |
| Family Pack |
 |
| Just had to have this!! Mexico Adventures! |
 |
| Matt in his element! |
 |
| School life - Concordia |
 |
| A giver always! Matt in Mexico working with the children |
 |
| The smile that will live on in our hearts forever! |
Happy Birthday Frank and Ehren! A fun night at Farrell's!
 |
| Ehren... Happy Birthday- March baby |
 |
| Greg Shaw and Frank Billman..Frank's Birthday too! |
 |
| Thomas Mc! |
 |
| Lisa Jones |
 |
| Frank Billman enjoying his ice cream!! |
 |
| Ehren being a frog? :o) |
 |
| Frank got the chicken balloon! Fun! |
 |
| Pastor Dave having fun! |
2011 Post!
I can not believe that I have not posted to our Blog since last October! Well, let me explain.
It's been a tumultuous year, to say the least! Coming from a Pastor's wife that must sound horrible, right? Surely, I being a Pastor's wife, have all of the tools necessary to ride the waves of life and keep a smile planted firmly on my face and, of course, I have all of the right words to say at any given moment!? OK, time to kick the Pastor's wife off of the imaginary pedestal and realize she's just like everyone else :o) ... please!
While feeling sorry for myself, and feeling like absolutely "no one" was reading this Blog..and the words were just traveling through the circuitry we call the Internet...into no where... I abruptly stopped writing. And, when no one mentioned that they noticed. I realized.."I was right" no one was listening...reading...sharing.. so the Blog just quietly disappeared...no more mention on the enews that Pastor Dave sends out. No more pictures to take at church.. it just went away.
Then...tonight...as I sat with the most wonderful family. The Pack family. I found out that I had "one" follower. Now, our one follower didn't say he liked the Blog, or disliked the Blog. He did say that he shared some things...but I don't know if that was meant as a compliment or not... he's such a funny guy :o) ... but, our one and only follower, reinvigorated me to start up our Blog again!!
Actually, I have missed it. It had been like a journal for me. Sharing the days, thoughts and friends we have made at theeffect over the years. I can still look back at pictures taken so very long ago. Friends who have come, passed through, gone home to states across the nation. Friends who have gone on to fight the good fight and friends we have lost along the way. All memories that I will forever hold close to my heart.
It took me a long time to accept theeffect. I, myself, was married to an alcoholic, 20 some years ago. He was a wonderful man. An accomplished man. Funny, bright, handsome and he actually fell in love with me :o).. well, there is no accounting for taste :o).... We had a whirlwind romance and within 6 months were engaged to be married! During the following 6 months we planned for our marriage! I moved in and life was bliss. I didn't know he was an alcoholic! I had no clue. I thought he partied too much..but hey, he would outgrow that, right? There were days I came home from work and he was passed out..but when he came to, he would share what a stressful day he had and I totally understood! We married, and shortly thereafter the walls came tumbling down. Did you know that an addict can have a plateau period if something eventful is happening in their lives? My husband had a plateau period..and it ended when we got married. Life changed drastically after that. I won't go into all of the details, but I will say that I was not prepared...at all...
I tried Al Anon...but, I wanted to fix "him" .. there was nothing wrong with me! or so I thought! He would not go to AA because he felt he could control his drinking..and even after 2 rehabs...he still could not really admit that he had a problem.
He had a disease by the name of alcoholism. 20 years later..I have finally found the help that I needed to be a stronger me. 20 years later, I have met many men and women who have realized that they had a problem...that they needed help and are a part of our effect family now. Do they slip up sometimes...sure...but they know what life is like sober now and they hop back on. Those chips are cherished!! Believe me!! I have seen marriages grow stronger..I have watched them end. I watch men and women come to our Al Anon meetings and share their good moments and their bad. I see all of our AA family grow stronger all of the time. Our Tuesday night meeting is nothing short of a miracle! Young, old, men, women, families, spouses, friends...all getting a handle on life..one day at a time.
My 1st husband did not make it. Alcoholism took his life at a very young age. Too young, much too young. I would like to believe and I do..that he finally had a hold of his disease. He was desperately trying to detox himself. But, he was stubborn, and this time too stubborn. He tried to detox himself and his esophagus ruptured. He died in his town home, alone.
My heart is still broken, to this day, for the "what ifs". He left behind a beautiful daughter, who looks just like him. Who's mannerisms mirror his so very often. Thank goodness she has his intelligence! Thank goodness, she does not have his disease. I left him a few years into our marriage. I wasn't strong enough to keep going. I see other women who have been strong enough. I was not strong enough, I was not strong enough.
I was fortunate that God gave me another chance at love...My husband today, David, ..has a heart for all who are recovering from something..anything.. actually, we all are aren't we??? It wasn't until years into our marriage that he became involved with "The Bridge" in Capo Beach. He became very involved in Recovery...and wanted his ministry to go in that direction..He felt pulled, tugged and just flowed in the direction of recovery . With the help of Jeff Jones and Bob Beachamp theeffect was created. We now had a new church, a new fellowship..a new addition to our family. In the beginning I fought this internally.. I've gained 30 pounds.. I've gotten grayer... the lines on my face are finally showing my age. Darn it! I thought.."God, why???" Of all of the ministries in the world...couldn't you have thrown me over to China to hand out Bibles?? Wouldn't that have been easier for me? But, this wasn't about me, and yet a big part of it was.. What better way to heal from a major hurt, than to walk right through the fire you came out of and back in and out the other side???
Now, I love theeffect. With a passion! I still keep hoping we could have some normalcy...like a great children's program..or a women's program..but, I am finally getting it.. It is what it is supposed to be. A place for all who are recoverying from something...to find a place where they feel completely accepted. You should see our church... we have old and young, tattooed and shaved, beautiful and homeless, families and friends. Recovering addicts...those just out of rehab..trying to learn to live again. We have those who have been in recovery for 30 years... sharing their wisdom with grace, laughter and sometimes a few choice words. We have a message every Sunday that is relevant for everyone today.. We are not religious.. but we are spiritual. We are not fundamentalists..but we are non-denominational. We are raw..open...and seeking... all of us.... yearning to hear our Father's voice. We pull together when life becomes tough. We keep in touch with our our of staters...because they will always have a piece of our heart. We have lost beautiful people...who have added so much to our lives and will always be a part of us all.
We are theeffect.
And, if there is anyone out there...reading this.. and you know theeffect, have been to theeffect.. please share your thoughts of what theeffect has meant to you. It would mean so much!!
OK...the Blog is back.. even if I don't hear from you. I realized tonight that I will do this to keep theeffect alive with memories, pictures of people passing through, thoughts and tears and everything that theeffect evokes. There is no other place like it. It is one of a kind. It should be copied and planted everywhere...but it is so unique..just how we could do that I don't know. I will leave that one up to our higher power... If he can keep us going...he might want a few more out there.
God bless you all.. Seek your higher power.. Serenity Now!
If you are having a hard time tonight..call your sponsor please! Go to as many meetings a week as you can handle. check out our website for all of our meetings throughout the week. Go to AA online and check out all locations!! And for all of you who think you do not need Al Anon..take it from one who finally "got it" 20 years later! I am going now..and it is helping me now..and I don't even have an alcoholic in my life right now. besides the many who are around me throughout the week :o) !!! Go...run...to your nearest meeting.. if the 1st one doesn't wow you..go to another.. and another and another! Go at least 10 times! If, after 10 times you feel it doesn't work for you..ok..stop..but find counseling. You don't think you need it..but ..let me tell you from experience..you really do!
Good night! Peace Out! Sobriety works..you are worth it!
It's been a tumultuous year, to say the least! Coming from a Pastor's wife that must sound horrible, right? Surely, I being a Pastor's wife, have all of the tools necessary to ride the waves of life and keep a smile planted firmly on my face and, of course, I have all of the right words to say at any given moment!? OK, time to kick the Pastor's wife off of the imaginary pedestal and realize she's just like everyone else :o) ... please!
While feeling sorry for myself, and feeling like absolutely "no one" was reading this Blog..and the words were just traveling through the circuitry we call the Internet...into no where... I abruptly stopped writing. And, when no one mentioned that they noticed. I realized.."I was right" no one was listening...reading...sharing.. so the Blog just quietly disappeared...no more mention on the enews that Pastor Dave sends out. No more pictures to take at church.. it just went away.
Then...tonight...as I sat with the most wonderful family. The Pack family. I found out that I had "one" follower. Now, our one follower didn't say he liked the Blog, or disliked the Blog. He did say that he shared some things...but I don't know if that was meant as a compliment or not... he's such a funny guy :o) ... but, our one and only follower, reinvigorated me to start up our Blog again!!
Actually, I have missed it. It had been like a journal for me. Sharing the days, thoughts and friends we have made at theeffect over the years. I can still look back at pictures taken so very long ago. Friends who have come, passed through, gone home to states across the nation. Friends who have gone on to fight the good fight and friends we have lost along the way. All memories that I will forever hold close to my heart.
It took me a long time to accept theeffect. I, myself, was married to an alcoholic, 20 some years ago. He was a wonderful man. An accomplished man. Funny, bright, handsome and he actually fell in love with me :o).. well, there is no accounting for taste :o).... We had a whirlwind romance and within 6 months were engaged to be married! During the following 6 months we planned for our marriage! I moved in and life was bliss. I didn't know he was an alcoholic! I had no clue. I thought he partied too much..but hey, he would outgrow that, right? There were days I came home from work and he was passed out..but when he came to, he would share what a stressful day he had and I totally understood! We married, and shortly thereafter the walls came tumbling down. Did you know that an addict can have a plateau period if something eventful is happening in their lives? My husband had a plateau period..and it ended when we got married. Life changed drastically after that. I won't go into all of the details, but I will say that I was not prepared...at all...
I tried Al Anon...but, I wanted to fix "him" .. there was nothing wrong with me! or so I thought! He would not go to AA because he felt he could control his drinking..and even after 2 rehabs...he still could not really admit that he had a problem.
He had a disease by the name of alcoholism. 20 years later..I have finally found the help that I needed to be a stronger me. 20 years later, I have met many men and women who have realized that they had a problem...that they needed help and are a part of our effect family now. Do they slip up sometimes...sure...but they know what life is like sober now and they hop back on. Those chips are cherished!! Believe me!! I have seen marriages grow stronger..I have watched them end. I watch men and women come to our Al Anon meetings and share their good moments and their bad. I see all of our AA family grow stronger all of the time. Our Tuesday night meeting is nothing short of a miracle! Young, old, men, women, families, spouses, friends...all getting a handle on life..one day at a time.
My 1st husband did not make it. Alcoholism took his life at a very young age. Too young, much too young. I would like to believe and I do..that he finally had a hold of his disease. He was desperately trying to detox himself. But, he was stubborn, and this time too stubborn. He tried to detox himself and his esophagus ruptured. He died in his town home, alone.
My heart is still broken, to this day, for the "what ifs". He left behind a beautiful daughter, who looks just like him. Who's mannerisms mirror his so very often. Thank goodness she has his intelligence! Thank goodness, she does not have his disease. I left him a few years into our marriage. I wasn't strong enough to keep going. I see other women who have been strong enough. I was not strong enough, I was not strong enough.
I was fortunate that God gave me another chance at love...My husband today, David, ..has a heart for all who are recovering from something..anything.. actually, we all are aren't we??? It wasn't until years into our marriage that he became involved with "The Bridge" in Capo Beach. He became very involved in Recovery...and wanted his ministry to go in that direction..He felt pulled, tugged and just flowed in the direction of recovery . With the help of Jeff Jones and Bob Beachamp theeffect was created. We now had a new church, a new fellowship..a new addition to our family. In the beginning I fought this internally.. I've gained 30 pounds.. I've gotten grayer... the lines on my face are finally showing my age. Darn it! I thought.."God, why???" Of all of the ministries in the world...couldn't you have thrown me over to China to hand out Bibles?? Wouldn't that have been easier for me? But, this wasn't about me, and yet a big part of it was.. What better way to heal from a major hurt, than to walk right through the fire you came out of and back in and out the other side???
Now, I love theeffect. With a passion! I still keep hoping we could have some normalcy...like a great children's program..or a women's program..but, I am finally getting it.. It is what it is supposed to be. A place for all who are recoverying from something...to find a place where they feel completely accepted. You should see our church... we have old and young, tattooed and shaved, beautiful and homeless, families and friends. Recovering addicts...those just out of rehab..trying to learn to live again. We have those who have been in recovery for 30 years... sharing their wisdom with grace, laughter and sometimes a few choice words. We have a message every Sunday that is relevant for everyone today.. We are not religious.. but we are spiritual. We are not fundamentalists..but we are non-denominational. We are raw..open...and seeking... all of us.... yearning to hear our Father's voice. We pull together when life becomes tough. We keep in touch with our our of staters...because they will always have a piece of our heart. We have lost beautiful people...who have added so much to our lives and will always be a part of us all.
We are theeffect.
And, if there is anyone out there...reading this.. and you know theeffect, have been to theeffect.. please share your thoughts of what theeffect has meant to you. It would mean so much!!
OK...the Blog is back.. even if I don't hear from you. I realized tonight that I will do this to keep theeffect alive with memories, pictures of people passing through, thoughts and tears and everything that theeffect evokes. There is no other place like it. It is one of a kind. It should be copied and planted everywhere...but it is so unique..just how we could do that I don't know. I will leave that one up to our higher power... If he can keep us going...he might want a few more out there.
God bless you all.. Seek your higher power.. Serenity Now!
If you are having a hard time tonight..call your sponsor please! Go to as many meetings a week as you can handle. check out our website for all of our meetings throughout the week. Go to AA online and check out all locations!! And for all of you who think you do not need Al Anon..take it from one who finally "got it" 20 years later! I am going now..and it is helping me now..and I don't even have an alcoholic in my life right now. besides the many who are around me throughout the week :o) !!! Go...run...to your nearest meeting.. if the 1st one doesn't wow you..go to another.. and another and another! Go at least 10 times! If, after 10 times you feel it doesn't work for you..ok..stop..but find counseling. You don't think you need it..but ..let me tell you from experience..you really do!
Good night! Peace Out! Sobriety works..you are worth it!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Bible Study Suggestion
Love's Identity Crisis
"[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:7
Do you know that the Sanskrit language has 96 words for love? The ancient Persian language has 80 words, the Greek language has four, and English, one!
It is no wonder our culture has this whole “love” thing mixed up. Posted all over the headlines are stories of actors, actresses, athletes and singers falling in and out of love, week after week.With only one word to describe love Americans are confused. Relationships fail as people simply “fall out of love.” Many report not “feeling” the same way as they once did. Their passion runs dry.
As I look back on my relationship with God I cannot help but reflect on the times I have been unlovable. Yet through those times God chooses to love me and stick with me, encouraging me through my good days and my bad days. True love is to love others when they are unlovable, to persevere no matter what you may be feeling toward them. Kids and husbands included.
God calls us to display His love to others. Put your own feelings aside and persevere with somebody. Show them the same love that God has shown to you.
Love is a decision. God’s dream for you is that you would choose to love!
Julie Clinton, MA
Prayer
Dear Lord, in gratefulness for Your love to me, help me to love others more deeply, more consistently, more unselfishly. Let Your love shine through me in every aspect of my life. Amen.
Do you know that the Sanskrit language has 96 words for love? The ancient Persian language has 80 words, the Greek language has four, and English, one!
It is no wonder our culture has this whole “love” thing mixed up. Posted all over the headlines are stories of actors, actresses, athletes and singers falling in and out of love, week after week.With only one word to describe love Americans are confused. Relationships fail as people simply “fall out of love.” Many report not “feeling” the same way as they once did. Their passion runs dry.
As I look back on my relationship with God I cannot help but reflect on the times I have been unlovable. Yet through those times God chooses to love me and stick with me, encouraging me through my good days and my bad days. True love is to love others when they are unlovable, to persevere no matter what you may be feeling toward them. Kids and husbands included.
God calls us to display His love to others. Put your own feelings aside and persevere with somebody. Show them the same love that God has shown to you.
Julie Clinton, MA
Prayer
Dear Lord, in gratefulness for Your love to me, help me to love others more deeply, more consistently, more unselfishly. Let Your love shine through me in every aspect of my life. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)