You are my Hiding Place

Recently I got my girls their first "real" Bibles (that is their term for Bibles without pictures on every page). We have been working to memorize a portion of Scripture every week, and last night we came across a verse that has special meaning to me.

"You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance." (Psalm 32:7)

I told the girls that my mom was an amazing musician, and that she used to play and sing this Scripture in song with a passion and power that still brings tears to my eyes when I think of it. I receive such peace hearing these words, and voicing them myself in praise to He who is my Hiding Place.

I would encourage you to never under-emphasize your worship time in your Celebrate Recovery meetings.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name." (Psalm 100:4)

There may be no more effective method of encouragement than to offer your CR participants an opportunity to worship their Higher Power, Jesus Christ. There have been countless occasions when someone has shared in our open share groups that they walked into CR dragging only to be lifted out of their malaise by a sanctuary filled with thankful worshippers singing songs of praise to God.

I encourage you to not only start your CR group with songs of worship to your Lord and King, but make a joyful noise of thanksgiving this morning, and every morning he lends you breath...

"...weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. " (Psalm 30:5)

-john

Make the Most of Your Moments with Celebrate Recovery Leaders

Jim and I just returned from a wonderful Celebrate Recovery One Day Conference at Christ's Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Many thanks to those who hosted us and to the many who labored in love with us to make this conference a success!

Everywhere the CR team goes, we find time to enjoy those little moments we have together and with the CR Leaders who host us! I have never been with a group who can cram so much activity into just three days. We work hard, but find time to enjoy some time together.

In my last blog, I shared the idea of a cupcake party. Have you noticed more cupcake shops in your area? I was inspired to buy cupcakes for Valentine's Day presents. Yum!

My latest new experience was a fudge tasting party. One of our team members purchased four different varieties of fudge from a local shop and declared a party. Tasting the varieties of fudge became the closing fanfare after a very long day! Have you ever witnessed the unveiling of a new car, a new outfit being modeled? Well, there was the fanfare of the fudge unveiling. Some fudge, a cup of tea or coffee, and lots of conversation resulted in a relaxing fellowship time!

You know what? Life is serious and sometimes very hard. Find time to laugh and enjoy those little moments with others. It helps to keep life balanced!

Be blessed in this day and don't forget to smile!

Paula

One-Day Celebrate Recovery Conference in Agawam, Massachusetts

The conference team has dispersed and returned home, but the memories still linger!  We had an awesome One-Day Celebrate Recovery Conference in Massachusetts. What a way to begin the FALL LINEUP! The leaves were magnificent, bright and colorful! Saturday's weather was glorious and most attendees were able to eat lunch outside! 

We had a great group of State Representatives to introduce to those attending. My new cohort in crime (our male Encourager Coach), John, was able to be there and even shared his testimony! The facilities were top notch and so were the volunteers! Thanks so much to Pastor Peter, the ministry leader, Art, the volunteers  and all of the hospitality crew that cooked in that beautiful kitchen. You worked hard with smiles on your faces.  Thanks!

Our next event is scheduled for October 25, in Raytown, Missouri!  See you there!

Paula

Encourager Coaches: The Little Things We Do Are Very Important!

During this Christmas Season and throughout the year, it is not hard to find Leaders in our ministry who are struggling under a burden of stress, broken family relationships, loneliness, identity crisis or any other number of issues. Seeing others in distress in seemingly impossible situations can tug unmercifully on one's heartstrings and even trigger codependency issues among friends and fellow Recovery Leaders. The desire to help is a very strong motivator when others are in pain. Yet, in reality, we can't fix the problem. We can, however, provide support and encouragement during those difficult seasons.

In my years of ministry, I have been amazed time and time again by individuals who are EXTREMELY grateful for a card that arrived at just the right moment, or a quick phone call during a moment of crisis. I had no idea at the time that such a little thing would be so helpful and encouraging.

Years ago, my husband and I were dealing with a difficult relative at a funeral. Smiles and polite conversation were doing nothing to bridge the gap between us. At one point, my husband had the creative idea to purchase a replacement bulb for a burned out tail-light on his van. It was such a little thing, but he was so amazed that we would help him in that way. He didn't even know that his light was burned out. That gesture warmed our relationship immediately and brought down some walls between us.

Some individuals around us are obviously in need of encouragement, but many hide their struggles behind a smile. Our means of "reaching out to others" is unlimited. There was a young lady in our church who thanked me profusely when I left an encouraging note on her facebook page. Use YOUR creativity and listen to the Holy Spirit as He leads you. The opportunities to reach out and encourage those around us are many. The smile we share, the prayer we pray, or the call we make can give hope where there is none!

Remember that those little things you do to encourage and support others is very important. When you get a nudge to reach out, follow through. Don't dismiss that nudge! God is up to something and He wants to use you!!

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