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!

Bible Study Suggestion

Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:

Monday: Psalm 91:14

Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 2:9

Wednesday: Deuteronomy 11:13-15

Thursday: Deuteronomy 7:9

Friday: Proverbs 8:17

Saturday: John 14:21

Sunday: Ephesians 6:24

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.
 

God’s grace knows no boundaries. It can flow through prison bars and over church pews. It covers those in cancer wards and school yards. It softens the hearts of the runaways and the throwaways and calls to those who refuse to join in the celebration too. It is love. God’s grace is love-felt. It is the outstretched arms of God that catch us when we fall. -Sheila Walsh

The Whisper of God Thought for the Day: “Never underestimate anything you do. Even the smallest act of kindness can bring God into someone’s life. You are God’s ambassador, represent Him well.” Have a sensational day today my friends! – Elmer Laydon

I Wrote and the Young Answered

I was having a bit of an attack this morning. Ok, let's call it Spiritual. Just feeling down and apart from God. It happens to us all, yes, even a Pastor's wife!

I wrote "Sometimes life feels like a puzzle we are meant to put together but we don't have all of the pieces, and yet we are meant to complete the puzzle."

A young sweet girl that I love dearly wrote back to me that she felt the same way until she met Jesus. He was the missing piece of her puzzle.

I took this thought right away and took my prayer to Jesus. She was right. I had blocked this missing puzzle piece and found it... now my day feels more complete...with a sense of direction and peace.

Love you my sweet friend.
Praise God!

God is so much more than a Donut and Coffee :o)

Come and share Donuts and Coffee with us every Sunday morning. There will be so much more you will take away with you. Take a little bit of Jesus with you for the week ahead and help us celebrate and praise Him for a little while. He gives us His all, let's give Him what we can.
God bless you throughout your week.

Praying for you

In His Name

Lost Emails

A glitch on my computer took all of my email addresses over a month ago. I have lost all of you. If you would like to be on the Women's Ministry email list, please forward your email addresses to Marian@theeffect.org. Thank you!!!

Encouraging Each Other

We are the hands and feet, the eyes and ears, here on this earth for our Lord. I pray that we would pray continually to know how He would have us use our gifts to edify, lift up and encourage our brothers and sisters. We are all a family, we are all related through Christ our Lord. Let us treat each other with respect and admiration, for our paths may cross for just a little while. Let us thank God for putting people on our paths that he may use us for, and for those that are there to help us also.
If we see someone hungry, will we feed him?
If we see someone crying, will we comfort them?
If we see someone bleeding, will we get help?
If we see someone with need, our Lord will provide, but most of the time, that is "through us."  Let us all be The Good Samaritan.

Lord I pray, that as we pray daily, unceasingly, we will hear your whisper, we will feel your nudge, we will understand and have discernment for our brothers and sisters. You love us so completely, please show us how to love our brothers and sisters as you love us.

God Bless you all!

We Will Miss You Vanessa

Vanessa Corielle Porter passed away on Wednesday, June 16. She was just 22 years old.

She will be so very missed!

Please keep Vanessa's family and her friends in your prayers.

The Elephant in the Living Room

Bobby: "Psssst. Don't tell anyone. It's our secret! There's an elephant in the living room, but we're pretending it's not really there and it's not really an elephant."


Billy: "But it smells and it's enormous!"
Bobby: "Just ignore it. Maybe it will go away."

Sounds pretty silly, doesn't it? Ignoring an elephant in the living room. How could anyone ignore an elephant in the living room?

Just think for a minute what it would be like. An elephant would take up most of the room. It would be difficult to see the television, out the windows, or each other. Carrying on a conversation with an elephant in the living room would be tricky. And think what an elephant could do to the carpet! If the floor would even hold it, that is. And if it didn't rear up and knock a hole in the roof.

How can you think of much else except how to clean up the mess the elephant makes? What do you do when company comes -- put a doily on it? How can you even have a telephone conversation when there's an elephant trumpeting in the living room? And how do you convince the children, your friends, your family, and yourself there's not an elephant there?

Okay, so no sane person would have an elephant in their living room.
But, now think about living with alcoholism in the home... isn't it just like having an elephant in the living room?

Try as you may, it won't be ignored. It continues to make messes, continues to dominate the house, and continues to drive you crazy despite all your best efforts to ignore it.
The elephant's there. It's real and it's not going away. So why tell the children it's a secret? Alcoholism screws children up. Lying about it makes it worse.

Admitting the elephant is there is what we in recovery call getting out of denial.

Admitting we're powerless over it and need help can start us on the road to recovery.

Instead of it being the end of the world, acknowledging the elephant is often the beginning of a new life.

And, ironically, once you admit the elephant is real, you'll probably discover everyone around already knows about it anyway.

From a Believer ~ How Would You Answer???

Over the years, I have really been hurt by people in my church, and also people at my job as a teacher at a Christian school. Now I realize that we are human and make mistakes. Sometimes we hurt others without even realizing it! But I have experienced some real doozies of hurtfulness which have been deliberate and callous by those who claim to be very righteous. I'm not talking about romances that didn't work out, either. I'm talking about "friends", coworkers, and people in the ministry. It has really caused me to examine my own heart. Have I ever done this to someone? Have I deserved it? Am I somehow "reaping what I've sown" and yet not able to discern what I've done to deserve it? While I am examining my own heart, I also have to admit...my heart is broken by these experiences. And instead of having my faith strengthened through the adversity, I feel I'm becoming more scarred and less trusting...even bitter. I'm terrified of being bitter! I'm taking it all to the Lord, but I'm just wondering....anyone else out there with the same experience?
How would you answer this? This happens so often. I have noticed that a lot of people who come to our church have been hurt so deeply by other churches. It happens in all denominations. If we are truly walking with Christ, how can this happen? When the Bible tells us “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1).

What would you say to this person?

1 John 4:18 Do Not Be Afraid

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.