Forgiveness….Who Does It Help?

Harboring hatred and unforgiveness toward somebody can really mess you up…..Sometimes the person that has “wronged” us has already moved on with their lives, yet we continue to fret and steam over things….

This constant dwelling and ruminating on past hurts can cause us such ailments as anxiety, anger, insomnia, nervousness, physical symptoms (high blood pressure), and a host of other ailments such as increased drug or alcohol abuse… God didn’t intend for us to live in such drama, and fortunately he has provided a way out….namely forgiving others…

People sometimes come to the conclusion that if I forgive somebody, then I am forgetting about the offense. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Forgiving is not “approving” of what happened….rather, forgiving benefits us in that we are releasing that person from the bondage that we are holding him or her in….letting them go….giving them over to God so to speak……and if the offense is truly horrific….God will vindicate those offended…so leave the discipline to him….

Forgiving someone will be a refreshing release FOR YOU…no more anger and hatred that will be stressing you….just give them over to God….the last thing you want to be is so stressed out of your mind that you start “self medicating”, especially after you have come so far……say a prayer for the person that offended you and move on…Life is too short to get caught up in such drama.

We at Christian Help For Addiction Online are always praying for you…..get a bible and start reading it…..you will be surprised how truly “relevant” it is to today’s problems…God Bless

Exercise..A Natural Stress Reliever

First of all, I’m not a doctor…so before you start any exercise program, make sure you consult with your physician and get a check-up to make sure you can start a program. If he or she clears you, then get started!

Probably one of the best stress reducers is exercise. There is a lot of research that has been showing how exercise can improve your overall well-being. Let’s face it,  it really does make it harder to “self-destruct” by abusing drugs and alcohol when you are trying to build up your body at the same time through a vigorous exercise program. When you start focusing on your overall health, then sometimes we put that destructive behavior on the back burner.

Now I’m not saying to start out by running a marathon, but take baby steps by walking or jogging at a light pace. Gradually increase the time you exercise each day, and you wil be surprised at how quickly you will improve.

I was listening to a story of an individual who was struggling with a Heroin addiction.  He was describing how his life was falling apart, and how his mind and body were wasting away by using the toxin. He admitted that he had an “addictive” personality and his game plan wasn’t to try to eliminate his addictive personality (sometimes difficult), but rather channel that personality into a “positive” addiction, namely exercise.

Well years later he was showing the world how he was now a “triatholon” participant, and would jog and swim and bike ride each and every day. He was sober now for over 15 years

So there is hope, and like I said, start off slowly. Give yourself a pat on the back after you walk your first mile. Take a deep breath and say thank you God for another day, and that you are getting stronger on a daily basis. Develop some positive habits and routines, and before you know it, some of those bad habits will be replaced with good ones that will lead to ultimate health.

Remember, we are always praying for you, and believe that God will eventually intervene in your life. Be patient and live by faith, your breakthough could be right around the corner.

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Finding A Moral Compass

Here is some great advice we found on establishing a “moral compass” to help guide us through life. Sometimes we are confronted with temptations that are overwhelming at times, and a true test of our character.  If we don’t have an internal alarm system, we could end up in deep trouble. 

The conscience looks at thoughts and actions to determine if they are in line with one’s principles and standards. It is important to keep our internal alarm system well maintained so it will be trustworthy.

For our moral compass to sound at the right time and for the right reason, we must:

• Accept scripture as our standard for behavior. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” If we choose to adopt our culture’s values, which are often at odds with the Lord’s, our conscience will be unreliable. Instead, we want our radar to alert us to the possibility of going off course.

• Align our thinking with the Lord’s. Romans 12:2 says to renew our minds. It is necessary and ongoing work to combat what this unbelieving world accepts as true and right. Our alarm system should help us identify ungodly ideas.

• Apply God’s Word to daily living. When our habits reflect godly values, our conscience will become more sensitive to what is right and wrong

In addition, it is essential that we rely on the Holy Spirit for understanding. Our conscience by itself is of some value, but it becomes indispensable when accompanied by the Spirit’s guidance (John 16:13).

The scriptures teach us how to live—in our thought life, conduct, and emotions (Gal. 5:16-23). As we make our standards align more closely with the Lord’s, our conscience will become increasingly trustworthy because it is based on what is important to our heavenly Father.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we pray for your recovery and ability to withstand temptations. Try to get yourself an easy to read bible, and read some bible verses. It just might turn your life around.

Addiction and Condemnation

There are a  lot of individuals walking around today who are struggling with addictions  and believing they are condemned. There are many who have been alienated by their family and friends, and feel hopelessly alone. Fortunately our God is a forgiving God, and his goal is not to condemn us. He might allow us to struggle for a period of time due to our sin nature (abusing substances), but eventually once we turn back toward God, our troubles tend to heal.’

Our ultimate goal should be to stay close to God in everything we do. He should be our “ultimate” support system, and come ahead of everyone else, including our family and friends. Once we “surrender” our struggles over to God, that’s when the healing begins Understanding that we can’t fight our battles alone, and that we need God’s help is the first step toward recovery.

Have you been reading the bible lately, and starting your day off with a quiet prayer? Give it a try if you’re not, and see if it changes your outlook. The way we feel is connected with the way we think. If we are thinking that we are nothing but a loser and an addict because others have told us so, then we will subsequently be feeling lousy and mentally drained. If we believe that we are a child of God, and with God we can overcome “all things”, then we will be on the road to recovery. 

Here’s some uplifting bible verses:

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us — they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5: 3-5 TLB

I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again I will see His goodness to me here in the land of the living. Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and He will come and save you! Be brave, softhearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and He will help you. Psalms 27: 13-14 TLB

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 TLB

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we pray that you turn your battles over to the Lord. He will sustain you through difficult times

It’s Tough Finding God Sometimes, But He’s There

Wow….just learned a friend of a friend has got arrested for driving under the influence…it was prescription drugs of all things….The woman was a nurse, and her license was suspended and now she is concerned about her professional license being taken away as well….when it rains it pours…

After talking with my buddy he revealed that she had gone through a difficult divorce and then developed some “back issues” that needed to be treated….she sunk into a deep depression to make matters worse….he states that the woman was actually “washing down” the pain killers with wine….ouch!

Further information revealed that she was so distraught over her marriage break-up, that she started neglecting the kids, who were now acting out in school…

Our lives can change in a moment at times….from marriage struggles, to finances, to some health issues, you name it, and life comes at you..

People ask me where is God in some of these “messes”, and I tell them right there besides you……this is truly a fallen world, and far from a paradise…when I think how Christ wasn’t even spared from it as they beat him unmercifully and nailed him to a cross….tough way to go out..

But the one thing he promised was that he will never leave us or forsake us, and he usually gives us only what we can cope with……Faith is really tested during tough times…..and sometimes it’s the “eleventh” hour when God shows up…

The main thing you want to do is to keep on praying…don’t take matters into your own hands…but turn “everything” over to God….if you are struggling with a current addiction, then surrender it to God….say, “hey you know what, I can’t do this on my own, I really need some spiritual intervention”

Get a good bible, and start reading it….turn off some of that “junk” on the television…and get reading the best ”help book” in the world…it’s the only book ever written that has withstood the test of time….

Don’t give up…your moment of victory could be so close…now’s not the time to throw in the towel…God is there for you….reach out and pray.

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Friends-We Use That Term Loosely

It’s interesting to hear people tell you how many “friends” they have. True, we as humans enjoy being surrounded by others who share the same common interests, but be careful who you label as a friend.

It’s easy for other people to be attracted to you when you have money, health and are essentially “drama” free. But watch what happens to these so called “friends” when your money runs out, your health deteriorates, or your life turns into shambles, and you need others for help to get through some difficult times.  It is during those difficult times, you will be able to determine who  your friends really are.

Now don’t get me wrong, there are some people that just run from stress and can’t cope with it in their own lives let alone yours. These people shouldn’t be condemned, but just seen for who they are. True, there are some so called “friends” that will take advantage of you, but for the most part, people just struggle with handling issues, especially when it involves others.

If you are struggling with an addiction, then you have to be extra “vigilant” with whom you call “friends” Let’s face it, someone caught in a vicious cycle of addiction might not be thinking to clearly, and might not have your best interests at heart.

If you are in recovery and hanging around some “friends” who are actively using, you are in dangerous territory.  Put these friends on the back burner until they get their lives together. Just tell them you still respect them as a person, but the temptation is far to great when being around them. If they don’t understand that, then you really have to question if they are a friend.

So be careful with the term “friend” A true friend will stand by you no matter what, and has only “your best interests” in mind. They are there for you when you are healthy and when you are sick. If they get the call at 3 in the morning  that you need help, they are there for you. They are supportive and quick to criticize you if you are engaging in “risky” behavior, (drinking/drugging) as a true friend should be concerned about your well-being.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we pray that you are becoming stronger each and every day. We hope that you are actively seeking “God” by praying and reading your bible daily. Christ is the best friend you will ever have, as he is there 24/7 365 days a year, hearing your needs. I always tell folks to read the book of Psalms when they are struggling as it can be quite comforting.  Stay well, and God Bless…

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (KJV)

Romans 8:38-39 #9 Bible Verse on Depression

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord

Depression-Getting Help Fast

Depression is a problematic condition in America today, and many people are not seeking support.  Some of the symptoms of depression are:

difficulty in concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

fatigue and decreased energy symptoms

feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness

feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

irritability, restlessness

loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

overeating or appetite loss

persistent aches or pains, headache, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings

thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Unfortunately many of those struggling with depression make matters worse by “self-medicating”, with drugs or alcohol. This is a great mistake, and will only make matters worse.

We recommend to seek medical/psychological help if you are struggling with any of the above symptoms. God did not intend for you to wallow in your pain, and by seeking out appropriate intervention is in God’s plans for your overall health.

Some inspirational bible verses in regards to depression are:

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (KJV)

The bible is a wonderful resource of strength and inspiration from God. Try to incorporate it into your daily living, and start the day reading some passages. You will be surprised how that will improve your overall thinking, and begin the day on a good note.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we are continually praying for you and your family. We wish you nothing but the best in life, and pray that your struggles may be few.

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Give A Loved One A Break

What is the greatest burden of all? It’s our sin. All of us have sinned; therefore, all of us must face the consequences of our transgressions. Although we may not realize it, our sins are wearing us out and discouraging us—they are draining the life from us.When we continue to live with such heaviness of soul and spirit, it destroys our body, devastates our soul, and fragments our thinking.

Sometimes the addictions that we are struggling with (sinful behavior) will not only tear us down, but tear down our families as well. We must learn to focus on others, and think about the pain that we are causing them. If anything, let’s make a good attempt at dropping this habit if not for ourselves, but for them. They deserve it. They have stood by us for years and deserve to be happy.

Sometimes taking the focus off yourself and putting it on others can do wonders in relieving anxiety and depression. Is there a friend or a family member who is not happy with your current behavior. Try changing it for a day. I had read some work from a well known psychologist who taught his patients to “Act as if”. Meaning to act as if they were a healthy individual, act as if they were fun to be around. Act is if they were the loving partner that they were meant to be. Give it a shot. Act “as if” for your family or loved one this week. You might see some jaw dropping results.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we pray that your life improves on a daily basis, and that you get closer to God by praying and reading your bible. Sometimes our prayers are not answered immediately, but if we stay strong in faith, you might be surprised with the results. Stay well..

 

Here Come The Holidays

Well the summer is kicking off with the Memorial Day weekend celebrations. Then comes the July 4th bash and some private summer parties as well. Temptations run rampant, as people enjoy “letting loose” so to speak for the nice summer months.

For someone in recovery, or others who are trying to minimize their drug or alcohol use, the challenge becomes great. That “just one” at times, suddenly turns into a couple, then a few, and then who knows.  It truly is difficult to remain sober and straight when the world seems to be self-medicating with everything from wine to ground up and snorted Vicodins.

One of the best methods to avoid these temptations is to avoid the “group” that is associated with these temptations. If your circle of so called “friends” are actively using or recklessly boozing, then find a healthier group to hang out with. The majority of those individuals aren’t going to change, so be advised, you are literally going into the Lions den when you hang out with them. Life is too short. Your health is more important then hanging out with active users who have yet to get their lives on track.

Politely tell them you have “other plans” and spend a peaceful day with somebody “healthy” or by yourself.  If you long to be near “people”  regardless of their shortcomings, then you have to quickly find a healthy group before the others bring you down with them. Say a prayer for them and move on.

Meeting “healthy” people can be a challenge for sure. But try to stay away from the summer “partying” group this year. It just might save your life.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we pray that your struggles are few and that your focus on God is increasing everyday. Learn to pray and read the bible more. Become happier with yourself as a child of God almighty. Enjoying some time alone with you and God can do wonders to clear a troubled mind. Take a walk on the beach or in a park alone. You will soon learn that you don’t always have to be around dysfunctional people, and that you are really becoming happy just by yourself at times. Avoiding that “risky” group will go a long way in maintaining your inner peace.

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Addictions And Stress

Greetings all from Christian Help For Addiction Online

Sometimes when we are under stress (relationship problems, money problems, health problems, kid problems, school problems, work problems, ) did I leave anything out, we tend to self-medicate. Self medicating can be dangerous, especially with such items as alcohol and drugs. What some people really need help with is healthy ways of relieving and coping with the stress in their lives.

What has been working for me lately is an exercise program. With the weather getting nicer I started to walk and walk and walk. Wow, what a stress buster. It seems the faster I walk, the more my head clears, and I can re-focus on the moment, and just leave those issues behind.

Now granted, exercise isn’t for everybody, so make sure you check with your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program, but if he gives you the “okay” then jump in. Life is stressful, and stimulating those good hormones by exercising will help us in coping with stress.

Meditation and prayer is another method that I use for coping with stress. Just refocusing your thoughts on God, and the promises that he has made (Hebrews 13) is therapeutic as well. Try reading the book of Psalms. It will tell the story of a mighty King named David, who relied on God for everything.

What I really like about that book in the bible is how the mighties King in the land fell short. He had an affair with a married woman, which led to death and an unplanned child etc etc. Incredible drama. But the good news is that our God isn’t a “condemning God” he is a forgiving God. David repented, changed his behavior and turned back to God who forgives us and allows us to move forward with our lives.

The good news is that your are “forgiven” Other people might not forgive you, but that’s ok, as long as you are forgiven in God’s eyes, and you have changed that sinful behavior.  Then you are on the road to spiritual recovery.  Read the bible, it does provide great insight.

Stay well..

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