Work the Program

I am so thankful to be able to continue learning at my age, and I don't think that I am all that old, yet! But it is a breath of fresh air to see God at work in my life leading me to study and learn even more than I ever would have thought possible.

As most of you know my son Anthoney is an addict in recovery.  I am so proud that he is seeing himself in a different light than ever before.  He is smiling and seems happier with himself and who and whose he is.  He is jumping in with both feet, getting involved spiritually and emotionally with God and that to me is wonderful.

One of the things that I have learned from being a part of the recovery process that he is undergoing is leaning about the "Twelve Step Program" that he is using to become more dependent upon himself and God and less on drugs and alcohol.  Their statement of "work the program" means to find the way to sobriety. 

Working the program can also be a good way for us as Christians to look at our spiritual needs and desires. 

God wants us to be active and working in His kingdom.  When we have problems with our lives, we need to "work the program."  We need to admit our sin and look to Him for the forgiveness He offers.

When rehab is completed and the addict or alcoholic leaves, one of the things that they are encouraged to do is to attend 90 meetings in 90 days to help them continue in overcoming their addiction.  Wouldn't that be a great way for us minister to each other and move out of a life of sin and into a life of Godliness?  90 meetings in 90 days.  Seems like a lot of commitment doesn't it?  Is it to much to ask to strive to walk closer to God?

I'll see you later.

Facebook Realities

Yes, it has hit me and hit me hard. The reality of the fact that past friendships that have been left alone for decades still twinge my heart when I find the outcome has been a death. Wow, I could not have been more saddened by news than when I found my dear friend's, Nick Stevens, daughter had tragically been killed in a freak accident last year. We hadn't seen each other or been in contact in over eighteen years. How sad?



We made connection on Facebook and I cried for two days as I read the story of his daughter's passing. It was as if I had lost a close friend myself. I felt hurt and pain in my heart unlike any I had ever had in a friend losing a child. I was amazed at how it impacted me emotionally and spiritually. I longed to wrap my arms around my friend and comfort him from his loss. But, it had been over a year. He had begun his healing and I found comfort in it.



I do not seek comfort for myself in all of this, I am just thrown back into reality that the world is getting smaller all the time and my days are numbered with nothing but better things to come.



Facebook, last week, brought me face to face with the loss of twelve friends I knew nothing about having passed away. I grieve that I had lost contact. I morn the fact that the only thing I will have for the rest of my life is a memory of them, as vague as they are. I have morned the loss of loved ones but for me to see my class and school mate's names on a list of those who have left this life hurt me and I cry.



I hope that now I can keep up better, because of Facebook, and let them know that they were special and still are in so many respects. Teachers, classmates, church family from the past, church camp friends, ministry friends and my relatives, thanks for letting me know how you are doing.



I'll see you later (on Facebook)