Celebrate Recovery

2011-01-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

5 New Year's Resolutions For Your Recovery

2010-12-26T19:23:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from Celebrate Recovery FBCO! For a lot of us, the start of a new year means creating a list of resolutions. Things like getting in shape, spending more time with family and friends, and quitting smoking are among the top 10 New Year's resolutions.

We at CR know a little something about new beginnings, and would like to challenge you to align your New Year's resolutions with your recovery. Below are five suggestions for New Year's Resolutions that you can start doing today!

1. Attend Celebrate Recovery meetings regularly. If you're new to recovery, or maybe feel stuck in your recovery, commit to attending CR meetings each week to help you get on track. Recovery is not meant to be done alone! As Proverbs 27:7 mentions, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

2. Complete a daily or weekly inventory. Step 10 says, We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! (1 Corinthians 10:12). Take time each day (or once a week if daily is too overwhelming) to check in with yourself. We would suggest writing your inventory in a notebook or journal so you can review it at any time. It is important to list both victories and struggles with your area of recovery, so you don't get discouraged and remember God's grace. Even if you haven't completed steps 1-9 thoroughly, doing a short inventory is a great way to notice destructive patterns and see the progress that you have made in your journey.

3. Check in with your accountability partner or sponsor regularly. It's really easy to forget this part of your recovery process. Take some time to pick up the phone, send a text message, or even an email. Doing this once a week will help you stay accountable in your recovery process and give you encouragement when you need it most. If you haven't found a sponsor or accountability partner, make it a priority by praying for God to reveal the right person to you.

4. Volunteer! Step 12 says, Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs. In other words, give back and serve the Lord. Celebrate Recovery FBCO has many different opportunities for service. Here are some ideas: offer to bring snacks for our Solid Rock Cafe, volunteer to read either the Principles at Worship, be a sponsor for someone who is newer than you in recovery, or train to be a small group leader.

5. Join a Step Study. Sunday night meetings aren't the only option for you to work through your recovery. In fact, we highly encourage all Celebrate Recovery attendees to consider our step studies. These are smaller, gender-specific groups that meet once a week for 9-12 months (in addition to Sunday nights) and go through each of the steps in-depth. We are starting new step study groups each quarter, so take a risk and ask one of our leaders for information on how to join!

God has amazing things in store for you in 2011. Make the most out of your recovery and he will bless you tremendously!

Don't Miss this Special CR Event

2010-10-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

Friends or Foe?

2010-04-27T16:24:00.000-07:00

In CR we desire the VICTORY of God removing our defects of character. “Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind” (Romans 12: 2, GNB). We all have them; character defects. That’s not an excuse to let them run your life but more of an acknowledgment that you don’t have to do this alone.

When we ask God to help, all things are possible. Those shortcomings (anger, fear, resentment, impatience to name a few) that seem to rule your life- give them to God.

In CR, Scripture, the principles and the steps guide us and teach us to live as God intended us to do. They provide us hope and assurance that God is in control of our lives.

Principle 5: Voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects. “Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires.” (Matthew 5:6)

Step 6: We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

Step 7: We humbly asked Him to remove all our shortcomings. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Character defects are your feeble attempt at self reliance. They appear to be your friends but inevitably they become your enemy.

God is waiting to change your weaknesses into strengths. Ask Him to help you, to work through you and live through you. You will find freedom!

“Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires.” (Matthew 5:6)

FREEDOM found in Forgiveness

2010-04-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

Step 8, Step 9

“Happy are the merciful and the peacemakers” (Matthew 5: 6,9)

I forgive you

I think we all agree that forgiveness is a beautiful idea until we have to practice it. Forgiveness is not a lot of things BUT it is the key to finding freedom from hurt, anger, fear, sadness and many more emotions.

Forgiveness can truly change your life and provide you with the abundance Jesus Christ promises you. Here are a couple definitions of forgiveness that may help you.

To forgive is to release someone from the obligation of who you want them to be and accept who they are.

Forgiveness is an announcement that says, “I choose to live with the consequences of what you did to me and how that has impacted me”.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you bring to mind people and situations where forgiveness is needed. Maybe there is situation that still feels a little “raw” or unfinished. Then ask yourself if you are ready to extend foregiveness as described in above definitions. If so, it’s a simple choice.

Forgiveness is something done between you and God. He is eager to help you! Jeremiah 6:14 (TLB) reminds us that “You can’t heal a wound by saying it’s not there!” Talk with God about the hurt, anger etc. as he understands and can help you let go. Give it to him and ask him to help you live out this forgiveness.

Enjoy your new-found freedom found in forgiveness.

Forgiveness is NOT

2010-04-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

Step 8, Step 9

Many people have a hard time forgiving others because they think its something that it’s not. Forgiveness is not:

* Forgetting what happened

* Minimizing or denying what happened

* Saying you have to reconcile.

When you forgive you are actually validating the offense and saying you are ready to move on. But forgiving does not mean you have to reconcile or be in relationship with the offender. It MAY lead to reconciliation but it doesn’t have to.

Forgiveness is the first step to repairing damaged relationships. Sometimes it’s as simple as acknowledging the offense, the “sting” or impact of the offense along with a sincere admition of guilt that leads to a new level of relationship.

Here is a simple “formula” that will help you make an amend that could restore a relationship.

Step 1. State your intent: Let your friend/family member etc. know that you would like some time to make an amend. Example: I would like some time to share with you my amends for_______ so that we can be closer/remove this obstacle, etc.”

Step 2. Specific ways your actions/words caused damage. It’s important to understand how your words/acts have hurt your friend/family member and that you communicate that to them. “When I ______ I know that I hurt you, embarrassed you, caused you to feel angry, etc”.

Step 3. Responsibility statement. Take full responsibility for you actions. Example: “I take 100% responsibility for my actions and the _____ that this has caused you”.

Step 4. Intent to change. A simple statement that indicates your intent to change and to not repeat these acts/words again. Example: It is my intention to not repeat this action again and to not cause you____”.

Step 5. Accountability. Possibly the most important statement in this process. Ask your friend/family member to help you with accountability by asking them to address you specifically if the acts’ words happen again. Example: I am asking that you help me to be ccountable to my commitment by confronting me, setting boundarieds, etc. if I should repeat this behavior again.”

If you take these 5 steps (not necessarily easy) your relationships will move to a deeper more meaningful one. This also allows you to have a more open and fulfilling relationship with Christ; which leads to his Holy Spirit flowing freely through you. May you be blessed!

Easter Service and Lord's Supper at CR - April 4th @ 5:30

2010-04-04T11:11:00.001-07:00

What is Celebrate Recovery?

2010-02-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

Do you have control issues? Are you a people pleaser? Do you struggle with anger?

Are you tired?
Tired of running…
Tired of being afraid…
Tired of hiding behind a mask…
Then Christ's Church has a program for you…Celebrate Recovery.

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program designed to help people heal while addressing a variety of hurts, habits and hang-ups. Our weekly format includes worship and teaching, sharing life experiences in small groups, and fellowship.

Celebrate Recovery is a safe place where acceptance is the rule, not the exception. It’s a place where you can be real. It’s a place where you can see God’s fingerprints on those who have allowed His power to transform their lives. Life-change is the norm as you join others who have stepped from denial into the journey of healing. We open the door to recovery by sharing our experiences, strength and hope with one another, which leads to a greater capacity for accepting God’s grace and personal growth in our lives.

What is our purpose?

The purpose of “Celebrate Recovery” is to help people experience healing and transformation through God’s healing power. This is done by working through the Bible based 8 Recovery Principles. This experience shows the importance of open, honest communication, real friendships and a dependence on God’s power allowing us to “be changed” into who God designed us to be. By working and applying these Biblical principles, we begin to grow spiritually. We learn to deal with real life issues in a Christ-like way. We become free from our addictive, compulsive and dysfunctional behaviors. This freedom creates peace, serenity, joy and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with God and others. As we progress through the program we discover our personal, loving and forgiving Higher Power… Jesus Christ.

Small Groups (Open Sharing)

Open Share groups are available for those dealing with addictions and other issues. Groups are divided by gender (Men’s groups and Women’s groups).

Step Studies (Closed Sharing)

We also offer 12-Step studies throughout the year. Ask a leader when a new study is starting.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

2010-01-30T16:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

Are you struggling with Be-setting sin and in need of.........?

2009-12-30T05:32:00.000-08:00

Christian companionship to grow and become strong?

Supportive, respectful, and confidential sharing?

A place to learn, and to grow spiritually?

Finding a turning point in your life?

A safe haven of refuge, and caring?

Then Celebrate Recovery is a place for you.

Many Christians today struggle with be-setting sins and remain under the control of the world and all its vices and entrapments. Celebrate Recovery is a recovery ministry based on biblical principles with a goal to let God work through us in providing His healing power through a Christ-centered 12 Step program. This experience allows people to be "changed" spiritually by working through sound biblical principles. Participants open the door by sharing their experiences, strengths, and hopes with one another. In addition, they become willing to accept God's grace and forgiveness in solving life's problems. Celebrate Recovery provides a safe place for individuals to begin their journey of breaking out from their bondage and into God's grace (II Corinthians 12:9), by helping them to start dealing with their life's hurts, hang-ups, and habits.

Worship is a major strength and difference between a Christ-centered and a secular recovery program. Worship provides a time for everyone to put aside the busyness and hassles of the world and get in touch with the true Higher Power, Jesus Christ. It allows time for the power of the Holy Spirit to fill all those who attend with a peace and a safety that only He can provide. The main focus of every fellowship event is to help members develop healthy relationships that will grow into a support team of sponsors and accountability partners. Edgewood's Celebrate Recovery ministry hosts open meetings every Sunday evening beginning at 5:30 for a time of worship, followed by small group sharing, and ending with fellowship in our Solid Rock Cafe.

Celebrate Recovery is based on God's Word, the Bible. When Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount, He began by stating eight ways to be happy. Today we call them the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10). These 8 Principles are God's road to recovery, wholeness, growth, and spiritual Christ-like maturity. Celebrate Recovery utilizes the biblical truth that we need each other in order to grow spiritually and emotionally. It is built around small group interaction and the fellowship of a caring community that is built on the New Testament principle that we don't get well by ourselves. We need each other. Fellowship and accountability are two important components of spiritual growth.

Celebrate Recovery emphasizes personal responsibility. Instead of playing the "accuse and excuse" game of victimization, this program helps people face up to their own poor choices and deal with what they can do something about. Rather than wallowing in the past or dredging up and rehearsing painful memories over and over, Celebrate Recovery focuses on the future. Regardless of what has already happened, the solution is to start making wise choices now and depend on Christ's power to help make those changes. We cannot control all that happens to us, but we can control how we respond to everything. That is a secret of happiness. When we stop wasting time fixing the blame, we have more energy to fix the problem. When we stop hiding our own faults and stop hurling accusations at others, then the healing power of Christ can begin working in our mind, will, and emotions.

Celebrate Recovery emphasizes spiritual commitment to Jesus Christ. It calls for people to make a total surrender of their lives to Christ. Lasting recovery cannot happen without this step. Everybody needs Jesus. Celebrate Recovery addresses all types of habits, hurts, and hang-ups. Some recovery programs deal only with alcohol or drugs or another single problem. But Celebrate Recovery is a "large umbrella" program under which a limitless number of issues can be dealt with.

You may call First Baptist Church at (256) 831-1121 to reach a Celebrate Recovery representative for more information about the program.

Celebrate Recovery Christmas Celebration

2009-12-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

That's My King

2009-11-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

2009-10-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Recovery Cardboard Testimonies 9.20.09

2009-10-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

The only HOPE that doesn't fail.....Jesus

2009-06-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

You Don't Have Hide Anymore - Celebrate Recovery Can Help

2009-06-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Does Life Hurt? Celebrate Recovery can help.

2009-04-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Recovery Promotional Video

2009-03-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Our Celebrate Recovery meeting night is Sunday at 5:30 p.m.

2009-03-01T16:17:00.000-08:00

That's My King

2009-01-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

2008-12-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

2008-12-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

Advent Conspiracy

2008-12-06T18:07:00.000-08:00

During this Christmas season, consider giving a gift that will keep on giving. Donate to Celebrate Recovery. Your help may save a relationship, a family, a life.

2008-11-28T14:41:00.000-08:00

2008-10-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

“ABOUT“ CELEBRATE RECOVERY

This recovery program :

Is based on Gods Word, the Bible
Is 'Forward Looking'
Emphasizes personal responsibility
Emphasizes a spiritual commitment to Jesus Christ
Utilizes the truth that we need each other in order to grow spiritually and emotionally
Addresses all types of problems and addictions
Is not based on age, sex, race or religious background

8 PRINCIPLES

The First Step to Freedom
Realize I'm not God; I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.
“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor”
Matthew 5:3

Where to Get Help When You Hurt
Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to him, and that he has the power to help me recover.
“Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” Matthew 5:4

Letting Go
Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control.
"Happy are the meek” Matthew 5:5

Coming Clean
Openly examine and confess my faults to God, to myself, and to another person whom I trust.
“Happy are the pure in heart” Matthew 5:8

Making Changes
Voluntarily submit to any and all changes God wants to make in my life.
“Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires” Matthew 5:6

Repairing Relationships
Evaluate all my relationships; Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I've done to others when possible, without expecting any reward.
“Happy are the merciful" "Happy are the peacemakers”
Matthew 5:7,9

Maintaining Momentum
Reserve a daily time with God for prayer, Bible reading, and self-examination in order to know God and his will for my life and to gain the power to follow his will.

Recycling My Pain
Yield myself to be used by God to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words.
“Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires” Matthew 5:10

2008-10-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

You Don't Have to Hide Anymore

2008-09-28T11:18:00.000-07:00