God is our Anchor

Hi again everyone…from Christian Help For Addiction Online…we pray that your troubles are becoming fewer…

The storms of life (Finances, Relationships, Health, Children, Work) can come at us at any time…trying to predict and or worry about the future is senseless, as the anxiety that worry creates, only fuels maladaptive behavior. Everyone worries, and everyone becomes anxious at some point in their lives….the key is how do we address and cope with this “anticipatory worry” as it is called…in a healthy way.

When anxiety hits…here is what I recommend to group members…

—Get a check-up:    Believe it or not, there are some physical conditions (Thyroid issues etc) that can create anxiety. Having a complete physical with corresponding blood work, can help in alleviating any physical issues that might be causing you anxiety.

—In-take:  What are you consuming?  Or better yet, what aren’t you consuming?  Having a healthy diet, and limiting or removing such things as “caffeinated” drinks can go a long way in alleviating anxiety.  Perhaps you are not getting enough vitamins and nutrients?  These are issues that can be discussed with your physician.

—Exercise:  If you physician gives you the “ok” then get out there and start walking or jogging.  This is one of the top ways to eliminate anxiety.  There are many anxious people who have and/or produce excess amounts of norepinephrine. This adrenaline can wreak havoc on the body…but fortunately, physical exercise can help in “burning it up”, and subsequently eliminating some of the side effects of excess amounts, namely, anxiety.

—Meditate:  Meditation can be a wonderful sedative for the anxious mind. Meditation can be accomplished in many different ways.  I suggest you Google “Ways to meditate” and get some ideas. Pick what’s right for you and get started.

—Prayer:  Oh yes, and last but not least, then there is God. Support systems (friends, relatives, therapists) come and go. But if you are looking for 24/7 help to get through the day…there is no better resource than God.  Christ told his followers that he came so “they might have life and have it more abundantly” …and having a life full of worry and anxiety was not part of the plan for you.  While we live out this “human experience’ there will be difficult times.  But when you come to the realization that you were created by an all knowing and all loving God, who wants to be part of your life, then “this life” takes on a different meaning.

Turning to God in Prayer and meditation can help in relaxing the mind.  A relaxed mind will make better decisions and won’t be driven by impulses.  Get a bible if you don’t have one and start reading it.  I tell people to focus on Proverbs…as this book is truly a biblical “Guide for Life” so to speak. You can begin to know the “Mind of God” as you read through the bible, and see how life situations are dealt with, especially in the New Testament.  The teachings of Christ are focused on “Forgiveness” and “Love”.  What better way to go through life.

Many of the members ask just how do they become a Christian and how do they accept Christ as their savior?  I refer them to the bible, namely the book of

 Romans; Chapter 10. Verse 9

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

What does Lord mean? That he came here to this earth to rescue us from sin, and to die in our place on a cross. He experienced “this life”, a brutal life that beat him into the ground and hung him up on a cross. So he knows our pain when we are beaten down by life, and there seems to be no way out…Turn to him for help today…you might be c loser to a victory than you could have ever imagined.

Stay well and God bless…

 

Christian Help For Addiction Online

Support System

Hi everyone, form Christian help For Addiction Online.  This week I would just like to stress how important support systems are, and if possible a Christian support system as well.

If you ask a dozen people who or what their “support systems” are, you just might get a dozen or so different answers.  I have heard people tell me everything from their immediate families, to friends, neighbors, pastors, counselors, and other spiritual sources (meditation, bible, nature) as well.

The key to your “support system” isn’t who or what it is, but the fact that it is there for you when then time comes, and it has your best interest at heart. If your support system is friends, family etc., make sure these are well “grounded” people, who are living a healthy lifestyle, and will provide healthy support and advice. When in doubt, turn to your bible for reference and guidance. The book of proverbs is a great place to start.

If you are looking for a more 24/7 “support system”, then look no further then Christ.  Having no specific time frames, and available 24/7, Christ can be a wonderful support system when you get to know him and his ways. How can we know him and his ways? By opening our bibles and researching deep into the word of God.  The life of Christ and his guidance is well documented in scriptures, and if you follow his guidance and direction, there’s a good chance that you will find many answers to life’s most difficult questions.

You can’t have enough “support systems” in your life, and putting Jesus on top of the list will be a step in the right direction.

We continually are praying for you and your family and we hope that your troubles are few.

 

Christian Help For Addiction Online.  Alcohol addiction. Drug Addiction. Pain Killer Addiction

Birds Of A Feather..Flock Together

Hi everyone, and we pray that you are well….I’m sure you have heard that above saying of “birds of a feather flock together” which just in case you haven’t means…people with similar interests and character will often choose to spend time together. In other words…who are you hanging with and who are you attracted to?  And what if those so called “birds” that are drawing  you into their little flock turn out to be vultures in disguise?

So I know you have probably heard me say this before, but as the saying goes…”repetition reinforces retention and recall” so here it goes again…people, places and things. We truly do become a product of our environment, which includes those “birds” we hang around with.  Are your friends or acquaintances living a life that is filled with abusing and/or misusing alcohol or drugs?  If so run! Don’t feel that you have to be “strong enough” to put up with the temptation, and believe that you have to prove to them how strong you are. Forget it.  You don’t have to prove anything to anybody except God almighty. He is the only one of importance who will be judging you for the life you lived.

When we allow unhealthy people to frame our way of thinking, we get side tracked from the “big picture”. The big picture that God has put in front of you. Here’s one of my favorite versus…so try to put it to memory…

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity

Try finding some healthy and high functioning people that you can socialize with…I know it’s not easy…but if you look in the right places (church), you just might find some….Start flying with some Eagles and leave those buzzards behind…

Stay well and God Bless….

Christian Help For Addiction Online

Drug addiction…Alcohol addiction….Pornography addiction…..Internet addiction

Acquiring Faith

Hi everyone…we hope you are well……Many people ask us …how do we get faith?…That’s a difficult question to answer, as everybody’s  level of faith seems to vary.  I’ve met some people who have a rock solid faith that can’t be moved…while others seem to struggle with having any faith at all…..

The biblical definition from Hebrews tells us that…Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the eveidence of things not seen….which to me means that I’m hoping for things to get better, yet I haven’t seen this “better” come to pass yet…So how long do I wait?…Should I do anything while I’m waiting?….Should I take matters into my own hands?

A lot of those answers depend on who or what I am putting my Faith in….If I am putting my faith into “somebody”…I might be in for a big let down, as fellow human beings fall short quite often….Or maybe I am putting my faith in the economy…and hope that it will turn around some day and make me prosperous….

Where we really want to steer our faith is into our creator, God almighty, who ultimately has our best interests at heart…..People and the world can letr us down…but if we put our faith and trust in God…..our troubles become more manageable, as his strength and guidance can bring us through the most difficult struggles life hits us with….

Here is a great devotional from intouch.org….

I’ve had people tell me, “I wish that I had great faith.” While most of us would like God to just drop that kind of confidence into our laps, it’s not the way He operates. Faith increases as a result of our obedience in little things. We all marvel at Abraham’s willingness to offer up Isaac at the Lord’s command. But have you ever stopped to consider all of his smaller steps of submission that prepared the way for this enormous test?

Throughout his lifetime, Abraham obeyed God. At the Lord’s command, he left his country (Gen 12:1-4), was circumcised (17:10, 26), conceived Isaac in his old age (21:1-3), and sent his son Ishmael away (21:9-14). By the time he was asked to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, he already knew that his God would always be faithful to His promises. His previous experiences had taught Him to trust the Lord.

In the same way, each small step of obedience solidifies our confidence in God. Then, when He challenges us with a more difficult assignment, a firm foundation of assurance enables us to trust and obey Him. Great acts of faith flow from our past interactions with the Lord. By neglecting His simple commands, we miss priceless opportunities to witness His faithfulness.

Having trouble trusting God for something big? Maybe it’s because you’ve ignored those “small” and “insignificant” promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Lord considers each of His commands important and promises to reward every act of obedience, regardless of size. Great faith begins with little steps.

Try putting your faith in God….get a bible and read it…..The book of Psalms is a great chapter on faith…..and will comfort you in times of despair….

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online…we hope and pray that your struggles become fewer….and that your faith will become stronger each and every day……God Bless

 

Alcohol addictions—Drug Addictions….Marijuana Addictions….Internet Addictions…..Online Help For Addiction

I’m Drowning In Debt…..

Hi everyone…I hope you are well…..Wow, how many times do I hear from people that they are “buried in debt up to their eyeballs”…as the saying goes….I mean those credit cards and the fee’s and penalties they hit you with can almost make it impossible to dig yourself out of the hole!

Add to that mounting bills and daily expenses (car gas), and it could literally drive someone to “destructive behaviors”….yes I know…but it was better then the old cliche …’to drink”…So what do we do to get out of this financial mess in our lives….Well I’m not a financial planner or attorney, but if your debt is so bad that you don’t know if you can afford the mortgage or rent the next month, then I would recommend getting some legal advice…..

Starting your own budget is a good first step…When you lay all your expenses out on paper…then you can sometimes see some things you can cut out….A friend of mine had to not only cut-off just about all his leisure activities (Movies, Ball games, Beer), but had to cut out his cable and cell phone…yea I know…that’s pain….but you have to “prioritize” at times….and the rent comes to the top of the list…

Reaching out to God in prayer can do wonders to relieve some of the stress you might be facing….here’s a start…”Dear Lord, I have made some foolish mistakes when it comes to money, I know I have overspent and spent foolishly, but I need some guidance and discipline now to get through this.  Help give me strength and the discipline to avoid temptations when it comes to spending, and help me to focus on you and your love when I am stressed”…That’s an easy starter prayer. God didn’t mean for us to live “broke” and he wants the best for us.  Unfortunately our “choices” have messed us up  a bit….but if we start living a “Godly” life…..we will be on the road to recovery…

Here’s a great devotional from intouch.org on finances….

Every citizen has the responsibility to submit to governmental authority. Obeying the laws of the land which do
not contradict scriptural commands is an essential part of honoring the Lord. Verse 7 of today’s passage says, “Render to all what is due them.” Just as we are obligated to pay our taxes, we’re also to repay all of our debts (v. 8).

The Lord expects anyone who borrows money to be diligent about making regular repayments. By withholding what is rightfully due, we are guilty of stealing from the lender. Not only that, but we also ruin our testimony for Christ. Since the offense of defaulting on a loan is serious, we need to be diligent about getting ourselves out of debt and staying out.

Perhaps this is hitting close to home. As daunting as the task of debt reduction may seem, you are not alone. God wants you to be financially free, and He will show you the way. However, His method is usually not a fast fix, but a slow and steady approach, which will also effectively train you to avoid future debt. Confess that you haven’t been a good steward of your resources, commit to making some sacrificial changes, and consistently work toward your goal. Then watch the Lord faithfully lead you out of debt.

Does a mountain of debt seem bigger to you than almighty God? If so, your focus is on your own inabilities instead of His faithfulness. For those who turn to the Lord in genuine repentance and surrender, He’ll supply the needed resources as well as the persistence to repay what is owed.

Have a great weekend everybody and God Bless

Christian Help For Addiction Online…Addiction Help Alcohol Addiction Drug Addiction Withdrawal Tolerance.

Life’s About Choices

Hi everyone…from Christian Help For Addiction online….I will never forget what one of our group members said one evening as he attempted to define life….”life is a series of events we experience…stemming from the choices we make”…how true that is…when we look back at some of the poor choices we made and the subsequent consequences…one wishes…”wow, if I could only do that over again”…

But not to worry…..God didn’t intent that we live a life full of worry and guilt based on some wrong “choices”…that is not what he is all about…even Paul in the bible states how we are to …..move forward and forgetting what lies behind…..I don’t know about you, but that gives me great hope knowing that my past is “my past” and just that…not something to dwell upon and wallow in guilt and shame every day….

We have all made some bad choices and mistakes….God calls it sin in some instances….but always remember that our God is a forgiving God…and when we repent of our sins and mistakes and come to him…we are “forgiven”…you really don’t have to live in guilt and shame…regardless of what others might tell you….Listen to God….not other human beings who might have hidden agendas or not your best interest in mind…

Here’s a great devotional from intouch.org on “walking wisely”…give it a read….

When Paul exhorts us to walk wisely, he gives three instructions to help us make godly choices. First, he says to
“be careful how you walk” (Eph. 5:15). Because we live in a morally corrupt society, we must be vigilant about the way we think and act. Unless we deliberately choose to guard ourselves, we will simply do what comes naturally and go along with cultural influences.

Next, in verse 16, the apostle instructs us to make the most of our time. The Lord has entrusted each of us with 24 hours per day and various opportunities to participate in His plans for us. But so often we are tempted to squander our time and energy on our own pursuits without a thought of what our heavenly Father may have in mind for us.

In verse 17, Paul lays out the final exhortation: to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” In its broadest sense, God’s will for us is that we would each become the person He created us to be and do the work He planned for us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10). Knowing this, we should look at every decision with consideration of whether our choice will further or hinder our heavenly Father’s purposes for us. To live thoughtlessly outside of His will is foolish.

The Lord wants us to walk wisely so that we can enjoy all the marvelous benefits that He’s promised in His Word and longs to give us. Wasted opportunities and time misspent can never be reclaimed. Let’s commit to make our lives count for Christ instead of merely living for ourselves.

Christian Help For Addiction Online is an outreach ministry that hopes to shed some light on difficult issues in life, including addiction and its affects on the  family…we hope and pray that your struggles become fewer as this year moves forward…God Bless

Get Your Mind Off Yourself

Greetings all…and we hope you are well….re-focusing our thoughts is sometimes the best medicine in helping us get through some difficult times….sometimes we dwell on ourselves and our current problems too long, which can lead to depression, anxiety and self-medicating.

So here’s a good trick to get your mind off yourself….focus your thoughts on somebody else, especially someone in need….what better way to show love during this holiday season then to reach out to a friend or elderly person that could use a hand or some friendship…..let’s face it, there are a lot of lonely people out there, and sometimes just giving some of your time to sit and talk with them is powerful medicine….it’s not only powerful medicine for them…but powerful medicine for us as well….

Getting our minds off ourselves and onto others in need is therapeutic to our thought process….we all have a “human” side to us, and know when others are hurting or lonely…but sometimes it’s so difficult to put the wheels in motion, get off the couch etc., and reach out to that person.   I would start with a phone call if you are really pondering how to proceed.  Just a simple phone call to wish them well during the holidays, and perhaps if it would be ok if you could stop by to say hello…..you would be surprised how many people would jump at the opportunity of having someone stop by….it truly is a lonely world…

So this Christmas, why don’t you try to re-focus some of your negative thoughts, and try focusing on others in need…Christ said….. whatever you do for those (in need) you are doing for me….find somebody you can help….it will truly make you feel good, and leave you with a special Christmas memory…

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we are continually praying for our members.   During these holiday times, there seems to be additional stress that can exacerbate ones addiction.  Be it an alcohol addiction, drug addiction, or addiction of any sort, the pain you feel is real.  Turn it over to God and allow him to perform a miracle in your life.  The road to recovery can be long at times….but our faith must hold on, as your greatest victory could appear at any moment…stay well and God bless….

Waiting On God

Waiting on God when struggling with an addiction is a key to recovery.  Sometimes we want to jump ahead of God’s timing and do things our own way. God takes us through valleys and over mountains in order to strengthen us, and make stronger men and women. Here’s a wonderful devotional from intouch.org. It just emphasizes the importance of waiting on  God.

On life’s road, crucial decisions are like intersections that call for a choice of direction. If we barrel through without seeking the mind of Christ, the road we pick may lead to regret and heartache. Although the Lord is ready and willing to offer clear direction, He doesn’t always give it quickly. Knowing that He has very good reasons for withholding immediate instruction can help us wait patiently at the intersection for His guidance.

At times God leaves us in our confusion because He wants to get our attention. When everything is running smoothly, we tend to forget the Lord. But uncertainty draws us back to Him like a magnet. By aligning our steps with His and walking in submission to the Spirit, we open our ears to hear His voice.

Our waiting time is God’s preparation time. In bringing about His sovereign purposes, He may put us on hold while He coordinates events to line up with His will. Sometimes the Lord has work to accomplish in us before we are ready to handle what He has planned for our future. If we instantly received His direction, we would never grow in faith. Spiritual maturity is evidenced in the ability to wait in peaceful confidence, trusting that in His time, we will know what to do.

If impatience tempts you to jump ahead of God’s timing at a crossroad of decision, you risk stepping outside of His will and missing His blessings. But by waiting until He gives clear direction, you will walk in His peace with certainty, instead of stumbling around in anxiety and confusion.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online, we pray that your struggles are becoming fewer. Hang in there. The road is difficult at times, but when you focus on God and how he loves you and I, it makes the struggles that more bearable. Read your bible daily. Your breakthrough could be right around the corner.  God Bless….

Habits Can Form Quickly

Greetings all from Christian Help For Addiction Online..we hope and pray you had a safe holiday weekend…

My buddy was telling me how he thinks he’s getting hooked to his laptop computer and/or the Internet….he was saying…”I don’t know, I use to go on to check some financial news and then surf the web for about 15 minutes, but now I’m stuck on facebook for hours at a time and then, still surfing for a couple more…before you know it, it’s like 4-5 hours on the computer”

Years ago I would have thought wow….but I actually find myself spending m0re and more time in cyberspace then I use to years ago…..

Where it starts to get sticky is when your “cyberspace” time….compromises other things in your life.  What I mean by that is let’s say that you’re married with kids, and it’s a weekend, and the family wants to do something together (that’s a good thing) but we blow them off saying I “just have to check a few thing on the web first”….next thing you know….you lost a coupe hours of good quality time…

The compromise could be in the way of spending less time with family and friends….neglecting school work…..isolating yourself from life’s pleasures…and the list goes on and on..

Remember…we are creatures of habit….and for some…habits form quite easily. Before you know it, your innocent web surfing from years ago has actually turned into a “cyberspace habit”  and possibly an “Internet addiction” in extreme cases…

Try to discipline yourself…set aside a set period of time each day or night that you will do your web thing…..and then walk away from the computer….if you find yourself struggling to walk away….you might need some professional intervention….

Life is short…and we don’t want to spend the majority of it in “cyberspace”  We should be spending time with people we enjoy….go for a walk…walk your neighbors dog….call a friend….read a few bible verses….

Just be careful you don’t fall into “another habit trap”….they really do develop quickly and before you know it….your struggling to break free…

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online, we pray that your life is ever improving, and that you are getting closer to God by praying more and reading the bible. God can really make a difference in your life if you give him a try….stay Well

Keeping Life Simple

The world bombards us with messages that nourish feelings of inferiority. Happiness and satisfaction are promised if we will only drive the latest car, wear the newest styles, or build up those muscles while losing unsightly pounds. If we do not guard against the onslaught of commercialism, it will drive the truth of God from our minds, and we will pursue a fruitless search for adequacy and value.

So often we look at externals to prove to ourselves and others that we’re valuable. Or we think, If only I were better-looking, richer, or smarter, I would be accepted and esteemed. It’s not wise to let others’ opinions and standards determine our feelings about ourselves; the only accurate assessment of our worth comes from looking into the eyes of the One who loved us enough to die in our place.

Christ loves us just the way we are, whether we are rich or poor, addicted or not. We don’t have to impress others, or be influenced by their dysfunctional behavior. Read your bible this week. Start with the book of Psalms. It will help give you guidance and strength in difficult times. God bless…

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