“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” John 13:14
It’s Sunday morning and I’m writing this CR Monday early. I’ve got some family time planned for a few days at the YMCA; our grandkids will occupy our time and we love it. I am so grateful for family!
I hope you check out Pastor Dennis’s message on How To Begin A New Year. It’s a wonderful message that is full of insight; it’s a message that I so appreciate.
My tradition at this time of the year is to spend some time in reflection, do a little inventory and be grateful for what God has provided. What have I learned so far:
- 2011, in some ways, was a very tough year. My faith was tested, my learning curve accelerated, my growth abundant, and once again I received confirmation that God will get you through the really tough times (and in all times).
- You are never closer to God than when you surrender your troubles to him and learn to rely on him. Spiritual truth—the more we confess our weaknesses, the more God shines through us. His Grace really is enough (2 Corinthians).
- The power of Celebrate Recovery’s Steps 10-11 (daily inventory-prayer). I have learned through painful past experiences that I don’t have to carry my burdens any longer than I need to. I relied on Steps 10 and 11 a lot this year. Step 10 keeps me from my tendency to sweep things under the rug, ignoring issues until they overwhelm me, creating resentments that can be very destructive. The more we do a daily inventory—seek God’s direction as we look at our day and own our part when we are wrong, make amends and offer forgiveness—the less junk we have to carry around, and we have more energy and passion to focus on what God has planned for us today. There is power, direction and hope found in prayer, meditation and in reading our Bibles.
- Being grateful for what God has provided teaches us that we are all a work in progress under the Master’s hand. The process of transforming us from takers to givers is ongoing. I love Pastor Dennis’s comment about repentance: You know when you have repentance in your heart when you start serving others. That’s Step 12: Moving from pride and selfishness to humility and selflessness is a spiritual experience. As Jesus has washed our feet we are to wash one another’s. We are Family.
There is neither Jews nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
May 2012 be filled with the Love of Jesus for you. May we continue together as the Body of Christ in all we do.
Dana
Celebrate Recovery Crossroads Church Calendar
January 2-8, 2012
January 2-8, 2012
Friday—Large Group Meeting:
- Join us at 7pm for worship followed by a Step 5 and a teaching from Dana.
- Share groups at 8pm.
- Solid rock Café at 9pm.
Saturday—CR Leader Training:
If you are finishing up a 12-step group, or have been through one already and want more training, this is a great opportunity. Contact Perry for more information.
The Tuesday night CR open-share group meeting at the homeless connection is going great. Winter is here and any clothing/sleeping bags you can donate would be much appreciated.