Category Archives: SELF-HELP, RECOVERY

Are you a Woeful Worrier or a Wieldy Warrior? (Tammy Bolt Werthem)

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Be a Warrior, Not a Worrier (

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25 (NLT)

A worried person approaches life with fear and trepidation.  They allow their circumstances to dictate their lives. Their perspective is that something bad is bound to happen and it will likely happen to them.

A worrier can walk into a room and suck the life out of a perfectly good party.  Apprehension and self- concern is written all over the face of the worrier.  Dragging through the tasks of the day, the worrier is debilitated and sapped of energy, due to lack of peace and security.

Worriers are often in a hurry, racing to the next task or project.  Worriers think the world rests upon their shoulders and have difficulty asking for help.  Worriers talk about their problems and dwell on the negative.   Worriers trust little and seek to be in control.

Worry is the sin of distrusting the promise and providence of God, and yet it is a sin that Christians commit perhaps more frequently than any other.- John MacArthur

Warriors embrace each moment and live life to the fullest.  They operate from a place of trust and look for the good in others.  Warriors seek out opportunities to be of service and often advocate for the underdog.

Warriors look for ways to champion others in their dreams and achievements. Warriors are the life of the party and people enjoy their company.

Supportive and affirming, a warrior loves to offer praise and encouragement.  Warriors recognize that every word written or spoken counts for eternity and that missed opportunities can be costly. Warriors are not afraid to speak the truth in love.

Warriors approach life with a sense of urgency, creating a life of intention and purpose.  They seek a balance between accomplishing tasks and building relationships.  Warriors function well on teams and are inspired by the lives of those they lead and follow.

Warriors pray and trust that God has already prepared the way. Warriors live in constant dependence on God for guidance and direction. Warriors lean in and rest in the arms of the Father and trust that He alone is the only refuge in times of sorrow and tragedy.

 Warriors lean on others to support them in their journey and are committed to living and growing in community.

Proverbs 3:5 and 6 from The Message

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.  Run to God! Run from evil!”

Which one are you?  A Woeful Worrier or a Wieldy Warrior?  Answer with all honesty and you are likely a combination of both.  I choose to be more of a wieldy warrior, relying fully on Christ to mold me and shape me.

Remember, we seek progress not perfection!

I would love to hear your thoughts on your experience as both worrier and warrior!

How has worry kept you from serving God?  How has living from a place of trust and dependence on God helped you step into new life experiences?

WE would love it if you joined our Facebook Community!

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JENNY

TAMMY

MICHELLE

 

5 Reasons Why Pink Clouds can be Dangerous (Tammy Werthem)

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Union Square, San Francisco

Union Square, San Francisco

Have you ever had an experience that was so amazing you never wanted it to end.  Doing work staff at Windy Gap was like that for me.  I made so many new friends, fell in love and saw lives transformed.

I was only 17 at the time and I remember thinking that this feeling of connectedness and intimacy would never end.  The bonds that were formed with the people I was on work staff with were special.  We stayed in touch through college and really cared for one another.

Pink clouds are fun and magical, but rarely do they last.

The term pink cloud tends to be used negatively to describe people who are too high on life. They are individuals who have lost touch with reality and are now living in a fantasy land. The emotions that this person is experiencing do not properly reflect their actual situation. The pink cloud syndrome in addiction recovery was first described by Alcoholics Anonymous.   RESOURCE

Here are 5 Reasons Why Pink Clouds can be Dangerous:

  1. Pink Clouds can be Misleading
  2. Pink Clouds are usually fueled by Emotion
  3. Pink Clouds can lead to Distraction
  4. Pink Clouds can be Unstable
  5. Pink Clouds Call for an Explanation

Another experience I had with pink clouds came when I was newly sober.  My sponsor warned me and I heard in the meetings that early in sobriety, I was at risk for a pink cloud.

My pink cloud experience came while I was newly engaged to my now husband Jacob.  I was super high on life and exhilarated by the emotions of being in love….

I made the following declaration to my sister:

“I can see everything with my eyes closed”.

She thought this was strange.   Clearly, she was not on the cloud with me.  Needless to say, I followed her loving advice and went to check in with my psychiatrist.  Jenny attended the appointment with me, anxious to see that I was in a safe place mentally and emotionally.  At the time, I was taking Seroquel for bipolar disorder.   The doctor tripled my dose and suggested to my sister that “this too shall pass and there was nothing to be worried about”.

I came down from the cloud within weeks and got married a few months later.

I am grateful for pink clouds and the lessons they teach. I am more grateful for the loving community of friends and family who help me out of dangerous places.

Can you describe a time you were on a pink cloud?  Was it a dangerous place for you?  I would love to hear from you!

WE would love it if you joined our Facebook Community!

You can do so by clicking HERE: Facebook Page

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JENNY

TAMMY

MICHELLE

Finish Lines are Forever (Michelle D. Howe)

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My heart sank as I heard of the bombings yesterday in Boston.  What a horrific scene!  My mind could not comprehend this act of violence at the finish line of the marathon.

My triathlon finish!

My triathlon finish!

Finish lines are supposed to be celebratory.

People cheering.

Bands playing.

Medals hanging.

Hearts full of confidence and gratitude for crossing that line.

Sort of like a slice of Heaven.

But not on this day.  The finish line would be interrupted, terrorized and completely devastated.

Isn’t that just like the enemy to want to distract us when we are about to cross a finish line?

We have many opportunities for finish lines in our life:

Learning to ride a bike without training wheels

Making the team (sports, dance or academic)

Graduating from high school and college

Finally getting the job you wanted

Completing a project at work

Marriage and birth of children

Finishing a 5k, half or full marathon

Finish lines are an important aspect of our lives to gain evidence.  This evidence provides us with the confidence to go out and do it again.  Without this kind of evidence, we may remain paralyzed, unable to see or move ourselves forward.

You may have past evidence in your life or generationally passed down to you of not finishing anything.  We usually follow the example we are given.

The ultimate example of finishing is from our Lord Jesus Christ when he went to the cross and finished what He was called to do for you and for me.

When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. John 19:30

At that time, the enemy thought he won too but he did not!  God had a plan to raise Jesus and bring redemption to all of humanity so we could have salvation and hope eternal.

The same is true in this tragedy in Boston.   The enemy might have distracted the moment but God’s love prevails!

There are many stories of runners who went the 26 miles then ran over the hospital to give blood.  Many more stories of hope and healing will come out and I encourage you to pay attention to them.  This is the evidence God wants us to focus on not the evidence of the tragedy.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  Hebrews 12:1-2

God’s faithfulness is true.  He will see us to the end when we put our faith fully in Him and not in this world.

You may be distracted by these recent world events or events in your own life right now.

Let me encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus and to finish what He has begun as a good work in you.

 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Phil 1:6

Don’t let the enemy keep you from experiencing the finish line especially the eternal one that Jesus is preparing for all those that know Him.

He is there with the people cheering, bands playing and crowns crowning.

Man will it be an awesome sight!

What is your reaction to the Boston Marathon finish line bombings? 

What other perspectives can we gain from this experience?

Are you lacking the evidence and confidence needed in your life to finish?  Are you desiring to experience a 5k or half marathon? 

Then, I encourage you to be part of the next Weekend of Wins.  We will be training teams for Halloween Half Marathon in Stuart, FL. in October and for Women’s Running Series in St. Petersburg, FL. in November.  Learn more at www.weekendofwins.com

My 2nd book, It is Finished! Lives Transformed by the Race, will be out June 2013.  This book will take you on a journey through the book of Nehemiah as it relates to the rebuilding of your life so you can finish the race strong.  The book includes real life transformational stories of some of the women from Team 1 Weekend of Wins.

Would you like a free copy of “It is Finished” before it releases?  Then I invite you be part of the launch team.  Will be selecting a limited number of people who will be receiving many incentives for their participation.   If interested, message me at michelle@everydaylifeline.com.

suicide is NOT the unforgivable sin, Jenny Price

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suicide 2I wasn’t going to write today.  I wrote yesterday.

But, there’s too much at stake.

Someone you love is depressed.

Someone you love could be suicidal.

And you don’t even know it.

Rick and Kay Warren, from Saddleback Community Church, lost their son this week to suicide.

So did two sets of grandparents I know about – this week - lost their grandsons.

In December of 2005, Tony Dungy’s son killed himself.

The list could continue.

I posted on Facebook a couple days ago something that became rather controversial.

“His grace is enough.

In suicide.
In divorce.
In sexual sins.
In drug addiction.
In righteous acts.
In all our efforts to work it out on our own.

His grace has Him at the center.  Not us.”

I believe this. Others don’t.

Romans 8 says,

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nor anything else = nothing = every single thing you could think of that might = nothing!

AND I pray, pray, pray that no one takes lightly the Life that God has given.

It’s not a way out.

Suicide is murder. It is sin. It is selfish.  It is sick.

And, if you’ve never been depressed, you have no idea what else suicide is.

It is darkness. Being alive and yet fully dead.

It is devastation.  Being present and yet spiralling further and further away.

It is desolate.  Being with people and yet, being completely alone.  Isolated. Lost. Unable to even speak a feeling.  Or think a cohesive thought.

Suicide is never the way out.  And for the one who jumps the bridge, pulls the trigger, lights the fire - it’s the ONLY way out.

But suicide is NOT the unforgivable sin.

Nothing – nor anything else – not even Suicide – will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The reason it’s nothing is because Jesus already paid for everything – with His blood.  Not ours. With His righteousness.  Not ours.

We have nothing to do with keeping ourselves close to God – only Jesus can do that.  If we are IN Christ.  We are IN. Period.

My dad was suicidal.  More than three times that I know of.

He was hospitalized over three times and shock treatments and regulated med brought back his sanity.

In my 30s, I wasn’t ‘suicidal’.

I just wanted to sleep longer.  Longer.  And longer.  For days on end.

I just didn’t want to wake up.

Is that suicidal?

Is it suicidal to say, “I just want to vanish.”

“If I could end it all, I would.”

How do we know if someone really wants to kill themselves?  They do it.

That’s the only way we know if they really mean it.

When it’s too late.

That’s when we know.

When we can’t do anything about it – and likely – we never could.  That’s when we have to let go.

It’s not our fault.  It’s not even their fault.

Depression (and other mental illness issues) that leads to suicide – is not something we get to understand.

But it is something we get to learn about.  Educate ourselves on.

It is something we need compassion and grace for.  Not judgment.  Not “it’s the unforgivable sin”!

Someone you love is Deathly Sad.

Deeply afraid.

Desperately alone.

Denying their suicidal thoughts on a daily basis.

Listen.  Learn.  Look.

But more than that.  Love.

Love when you don’t understand.

Love when you think they should just “pray more”.

Love when you think they are crazy, hopeless, or a helpless cause.

Love the way Jesus did - freely.  Without reservation.  No holds barred.

SOME OTHER READINGS ON DEPRESSION/SUICIDE:

What Christians Need to Know about Mental Health

7 Questions about Suicide and Christians

from i woke up yesterday pages:

Inseperable: Secrets Unburied

13 Truths you must know about Depression

Just who do you think you are? by Tammy Bolt Werthem

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Just who do you think you are?

How we think about ourselves in large part determines how we show up in life.

I used to believe I was a loser drug addict incapable of giving or receiving love.   I used to think that I was unforgivable and too much of a mess for God to handle.  These thoughts fueled a life that was shallow and meaningless and completely destructive.

I entered the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous where I learned to change my thinking.  I would hear people in the meetings say:  Your best thinking got you here.

HERE for me were jails and institutions.  HERE for me was a bottom full of brokenness and a trail of tears.

Clearly, it was time to change my thought patterns.

After years of recovery and healing, I think of myself much better.  I think I am pretty fabulous.  Not because of me, but because of HIM.

You see, Christ in me has changed my thinking.  I yield to HIM, moment by moment and He changes my heart, my mind and my life.

Who do I think I am?

I am His, beloved, bought with a price, a treasure, a saint, holy, purified, completely forgiven, totally accepted, made whole and brand new.

I challenge you to think of yourself as HE thinks of you.  The Scripture is full of promises that are true for every believer.

May you walk in HIS thoughts about you and get rid of the old stinking thinking.  It does not serve you or the people around you to think of yourself poorly.

Would you like encouragement or prayer?  I would love to pray for you today.  Leave me a comment and I commit to praying for each one.  Thanks for being a blessing in my life.

WE would love it if you joined our Facebook Community!

You can do so by clicking HERE: Facebook Page

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Click on our names to go to our Twitter Pages:

JENNY

TAMMY

MICHELLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is This What Grief Feels Like? (Michelle D. Howe)

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Yesterday I woke up to feeling angry, irritated, wanting to control life somehow.  Today I woke up crying watching the Today Show talk about golden retrievers going to Newtown, Connecticut to offer unconditional love and comfort.

What is wrong with me?  I can’t seem to focus. I just want to go and wander through a store and buy something that will make me feel better.  Yes this is my vice.  Some have alcohol others have food.  Why do I not want to snuggle with my girls or allow my husband to hug me? This feels like I’m PMSing but I know I’m not.

Lord, tell me, show me what is going on cause I don’t like feeling like this.   The Lord says, Michelle you are grieving – grieving the loss of those children and families who won’t have their little ones there to tuck in and give a goodnight kiss to.  Who won’t have any lunches to make or dance recitals to go to because of one man’s decision to take revenge on others and himself.  This man who Satan must have whispered in his ear life isn’t worth living and you must take control.  The same lie he has been telling since the perfect garden was molested by a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Friday morning I was with 42 children from a local elementary school buying them their essentials at Wal-Mart.  Each adult there was matched with a child.  These children were ages 6-10 and were full of joy for the opportunity to buy something new rather than be handed down something old.  They were grateful.  They were full of smiles.  My child was a girl age 7.  Wow such a cutie.  She knew what she wanted and I just helped her gather it all up.  It was a joyful time and one that helped me keep Christmas in perspective.  It’s not about me but about helping and encouraging those in need.

It’s hard to believe that at same time I was shopping with these kids was the same time 20 kids were being killed.  Truthfully it was a busy day and I did not hear the news until around 2pm.  Not but a few moments later, my youngest daughter came home from her elementary school and I hugged her like crazy but I didn’t cry.  I needed to be somewhere else in an hour so I rushed.  I didn’t think or process at that time.

Until today, I am processing all that happened and realizing that I am grieving.  I can’t be the only mom or person going through this right now.  Grieving is a natural process and it comes with many stages of life from death to divorce from empty nesting to retiring.

The stages of grief are as follows:

1. Denial and Isolation  – It is a defense mechanism that buffers the immediate shock.  This is why I didn’t react right away.  I saw it unfolding on the TV but didn’t attach myself to it in that moment.

2. Anger -  The anger may be aimed at inanimate objects, complete strangers, friends or family.  This is why I was being short with my husband and sister yesterday.

3. Bargaining – The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is often a need to regain control.  This is why I was avoiding stuff yesterday and straightening up my house.  It was what made me feel some sense of control.

4. Depression - Such a strange feeling of being lost and lonely.  This is why I took an extended nap yesterday.  I didn’t feel well in my body.  I felt off and achy.  I just didn’t understand the feelings.

5. Acceptance – This phase is marked by withdrawal and calm. This is not a period of happiness and must be distinguished from depression.  Not sure I’m there yet but writing today is helping me with this process of grief.

Even though I realizing I’m grieving the loss of these precious lives, I am choosing joy and hope.  Joy in the opportunity to share about my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ more than ever and hope that comes from knowing the end of the His story. 

One of the most precious things I read on Facebook yesterday was a poem called Twas 11 days before Christmas.

‘Twas 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 When 20 beautiful children stormed through Heaven’s gate. Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air, They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. They were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say, They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day. “Where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse, “This is Heaven.” declared a small boy. “We’re spending Christmas at God’s house.” When what to their wondering eyes did appear, But Jesus, their savior; the children gathered near. He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same, Then He opened His arms and He called them by name, And in that moment was joy, that only Heaven can bring, Those children all flew into the arms of their King. And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, One small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face. And as if He could read all the questions she had. He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.” Then He looked down on earth, the world far below, He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe, Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, “Let My power and presence re-enter this land! “May this country be delivered from the hands of fools, I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!” Then He and the children stood up without a sound. “Come now my children, let me show you around.” Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran, All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, “In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”
 I am not aware of who wrote it but it was beautiful and so encouraging to me.  I even read it out loud to my girls.  I think it encourage them too.
So are you grieving right now?  Do you recognize any of these symptoms you are experience as grief?  I pray that you will allow yourself to go through them and heal.  It may take time and a friend or two to come alongside of you.  God bless, Michelle :-)

How can we be praying for you right now?  Please comment so we can lift you up to Jesus – the one true lover and healer of our souls!!!

WE would love it if you joined our Facebook Community!

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Click on our names to go to our Twitter Pages:

JENNY

TAMMY

MICHELLE

Is it selfish to work on me? (Tammy Werthem)

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step into your greatness

Home improvement is on the rise.  Many people are upgrading their existing homes rather than purchasing a new home because they are upside down on their mortgages.  It makes more sense for them to invest in their existing home because they are sort of “stuck”.

We are more accepting of people doing home improvement over self- improvement.

What exactly is the problem with a little personal development? 

If I did not have the exposure to programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery, I would not be the woman I am today.  These programs were powerful mechanisms in making me whole.

I choose to further my enrichment by saying YES to opportunities which help me grow and make me better.

I know people who won’t read a self-help book, in fear that it may cause them more harm than good.  I believe that God has equipped a lot of influential thinkers to create books and programs that when used with the Bible serve as an incredible supplement to personal growth.

Is it selfish to want to make yourself better?

  • Healthier?
  • Happier? 
  • More successful? 
  • More influential? 
  • More powerful?

Am I selfish to spend three mornings a week in the gym, improving my body?

Am I selfish to spend time in a supportive class with other women, exploring ways to improve me, my marriage, my role as sister, aunt, mom, friend, coach and author?

Am I selfish to believe that I can co- author a book, hire an agent and produce a book that will change people’s lives?

Am I selfish to invest time and energy into researching and implementing new and exciting ways to eat healthy?

I am selfish if my motive is to get people to notice me. 

I am selfish if I refuse to allow my getting healthy to have an impact on those around me.

I am selfish if I don’t share my personal growth with others.

I believe that any investment we make in our personal development is an eternal investment.

If I am healthier, the people around me will be inspired to be healthier, especially my family and close friends.

If I am happier, than folks around me will be happier.

We are naturally drawn to and seek to be around people who make us feel good about ourselves.

So, my challenge to you is to be selfish today!  Do that one thing that you have been avoiding, just for you.

  • Sign up for a race.
  • Join a support group.
  • Write your blog or book.
  • Attend a workshop for personal development.
  • Volunteer for something that stretches you.

Do something fabulous for your future, for your family, for your friends, for YOU!

You may be surprised how “you choosing you” is pleasing to God who made YOU!

Are you interested in better family relationships, a better job, or improved health?

If you live on or near the Treasure Coast, we have a great opportunity for you to attend a Champions Workshop on January 14th, 2013:   Champions Workshop

The Champion’s Workshop is a valuable training that produces results. Take a small step to make a large difference in your life. Come join us for a time of self discovery!

Please email Jenny at jenny@everydaylifeline.com to purchase your Champions ticket.  Trade $20 for some life transformation!

WE would love it if you joined our Facebook Community!

You can do so by clicking HERE: Facebook Page

AND we’d love to have you follow us on Twitter?

Click on our names to go to our Twitter Pages:

JENNY

TAMMY

MICHELLE

Off the Couch and Crossing the Finish Line by Tammy Bolt Werthem

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I woke up yesterday and believed I could RUN!

I believed I could release weight and become a runner again.   I believed I could, so I did.

In high school, I was on a cross country team that won the state championship.  Although, I was the last runner on the team, I was still considered a great asset.

Somewhere along the way, I lost my passion for running and exercise.  I no longer cared to make the effort required to “be fit”.

In less than 6 months, I have been transformed from a “couch potato” to a fitness fanatic.  I said goodbye to almost 40 pounds; I changed the way I eat and I shifted my mindset around exercise and physical health.

This was an amazing process in which I fully relied on Christ to keep me focused and on track for my goals.  One day at a time, I choose to honor God with how I take care of my physical being.

I began running and exercising moderately in early June.  As the weight came off, the exercise got easier and I wanted to push myself further.  My business partner, Michelle decided to host a Weekend of Wins for women who wanted to run a 5k or a half marathon. I said YES!

In July, we started training for our half marathon.  We meet up on Saturday mornings and run together at a local park.  These runs started small and have built up to 10 and 11 mile walk/runs.

In addition to running twice a week, I enjoy body combat, spinning classes and cross training at the gym.

I competed in my first 5K two weeks ago and won the female “Masters” Division with a time of 28:03.

This race was an opportunity to get some practice in racing before my half marathon, which is taking place on Sunday, November 18th in St. Petersburg.

I am so blown away by my passion to exercise and thank God for a healthy body every day.

I thank Him also for friends who give me the push I need to dig deeper and move forward in every area of my life.  What an inspiration to train with amazing friends.

I can’t wait to cross the finish line with each of you!

Thanks also to all my friends and family who have cheered me on along the way.  Your encouragement has been extraordinary and so rewarding.

STAY TUNED as I share my experience from my Half-Marathon race weekend on November 23rd.

Do you have a WIN or a STRUGGLE you would like to share?  We would love to hear from you.

I would LOVE to support you in achieving your health and wellness goals.   Please contact me @tammy@everydaylifeline.com

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Recognition Won’t Last or Satisfy by Michelle D. Howe

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Recognition is so powerful.  It can raise us up to a level that makes us feel loved, appreciated and special.  It feels good to be recognized for a job well done.  Unfortunately it is short-lived and it is addicting.  A taste of it and you will want more but like any drug it will not satisfy you very long.

Recently, my daughter Julia had an incidence at school with some kids that landed her in the Vice Principal’s office.  Due to this event, she received a NO under two areas on her report card – respect for others and follows rules and regulations.  Therefore, she will not be recognized on stage for having earned honor roll for the first nine weeks of school.

Now, I could be the parent that says wow that’s unfair or I can use this event to build her character and create an eternal mindset in Julia.

She cried about 3 different times yesterday thinking about all her friends who would be recognized on stage and herself having to watch from her seat.  I could tell it really was hurting her and it was hurting me watching her deal with these emotions.

So at bedtime last night I asked her, “why are you so upset.”  She said, ” because I won’t be recognized for being on honor roll.”  I then asked her, “how does it make you feel when you are recognized?”

She said,  “SPECIAL AND LOVED.”

Isn’t that what everyone desires to feel special or significant and loved or approved?

We will use or find anything to fill that hole.  Unfortunately, nothing in this world will fill that empty space – not a person, not a drug, not a wedding dress, not a cookie, not a trophy or ribbon.  I know cause I’ve been there living my life in instant gratification mode for most of my life.  But what I realized is the only One that can satisfy our yearning to feel special and loved is God!!!

He made us that way to desire those things so we would desire that relationship with Him.

What I reminded Julia of and I believe the Spirit was reminding me too last night that when we die no one at our funeral is going to be talking about whether we were on the 5th grade honor roll or not or have our certificate of recognition on display.  No, they are going to talk about our character and how we affected them through the life we lived.

That is what I reminded her and what I want to remind you.  Regardless of what others see or don’t see of what you do it doesn’t matter.  God sees!!!!  He sees the good, bad and the ugly of our lives and He still loves us regardless.

He truly does satisfy our souls so that we won’t desire anything but Him.

So she is still learning, I’m still learning and I’m sure you are still too.  Those temporary fills won’t satisfy so decide today to drink the cup of our Savior Jesus so He can fill you up and then you won’t desire anything from this world. 

How has the crave for recognition affected you?

Are you holding onto all those old trophies and certificates to prove your worth?

You are worthy and approved already through Jesus.  Won’t you accept that today and live life in Him?

Michelle :-)   1Cor 6:19

I encourage you at www.iwokeupyesterday.com

I enlighten you at www.everydaylifeline.com

I empower you at www.weekendofwins.com

Find me on twitter at @MichelleDHowe

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Inseparable: A Letter to my Dealer (Tammy)

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This is an excerpt from our book “Inseparable”, our life story as identical twins. 

Dear Dealer:

I see your brother every now and then.  He lives in my hometown.  He smiles like he knows me.  I smile back.

I wonder if you still keep your Bible by your gun, near your stash.

I wonder if you still deal that deadly substance. I wonder if you are in prison.

Maybe you are dead.

I don’t ever want to forget my worst moments with you. Memories are a great tool in recovery from substance abuse.

You almost killed me, more than once.

I took more risks with you than Bonnie did with Clyde.  I could have spent my life in prison for the errands I ran for you. 

My payment was always the drug I craved.  No money was ever exchanged.

I was paid in little white pellets, filled with poison, laced with destruction.  The drug I refer to is crack cocaine.

“Crack cocaine is the freebase form of cocaine that can be smoked. It may also be termed rock, hard, iron, cavvy, base, or just crack; it is the most addictive form of cocaine.[1] Crack rocks offer a short but intense high to smokers. The name “crack” refers to the sound generated during its manufacture and when smoked.”  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crack_cocaine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crack_cocaine

I asked God to help me forget how to find you.  When I was getting clean and sober, I moved to a halfway house in the town we had lived.  I used to drive by your old place.  I had no plan, other than to simply see.

I moved back home in a few short months.  I knew this was not a chance encounter that I could afford.  There was more to our relationship than a simple exchange program.  I gave myself to you in hopes that you might keep me safe.

You saved my life one night.  I had smoked too much crack and hadn’t slept in days.  I passed out and fell to the ground.  My heart was in overdrive.

When I came to, I was covered in cold towels and ice in your apartment.

You were more experienced than me at recognizing an overdose.  You knew I was close to cardiac arrest.

My drug use was so excessive that my tolerance was lowered.  I smoked for days on end and would sleep very little.  There was a lot of hustling involved in maintaining a habit like mine.

You’d almost killed me (multiple times) before with the drugs, and my wide lines of dependence.

But this time, you saved me.

Next month, I celebrate 8 years clean and sober, living for Christ.  My life is way beyond my wildest dreams.

I hope you have cleaned up too.  I hope you have given yourself a chance at the good life.  We used to talk about things that really mattered. In fact, I know you have knowledge of a God who loves you.  You told me so.

I pray you have found a meaningful relationship with Him.  I pray you are not offering this heinous substance to anyone, including yourself. 

You are worth so much more.

I am so glad I finally woke up.  It took what it took to get me to the place of surrender, but I am grateful for every moment that led me to TODAY.