I celebrate 2012 - God is good!!

My name is Travis, I am a grateful believer in Jesus that struggles with control and gambling.   As I look back over 2012, I see God’s hand in everything we’ve done…

·         In January 2012 we had our 6^th CR anniversary, and had a wonderful family testimony that evening. God is good!

·         In April we cancelled CR for the first time in many years due to some fake tornado warnings that never panned out however you never know how the weather will be in Oklahoma.  God is good, and HE was in control, not us!

·         In late April we had our Missions night that we raised over $700 toward missions.  We took a look at many different areas in the world where we have helped start Celebrate Recovery programs.  God is good. 

·         In May we had a wonderful couple’s testimony from Micah and Tara.  Their story was a story where God was in the center.  God has prepared both of them through Celebrate Recovery and we got to hear how their lives have been forever changed because of it.  God is good!

·         In June we sent out 6 people back to Honduras to continue the training and help finish the Ropes Course at Cerepa.  God is good!

·         In July we had our Annual CRT training that was a huge success with several different Churches of Christ in attendance.  We had over 60 People at our Monthly Training.  God is Good! 

·         In August we sent 17 adults and 2 children to the annual Summit in California.  We gained more tools to bring back to Oklahoma and share with our CR Program.  The trip was very important to gain more knowledge, build relationships, and further our relationship with God.  God is good! 

·         In October we had our Annual Fall Retreat at St. Groves Camp in Stillwater.  We had a wonderful time.  Scavenger Hunts, costume party, kids got to Trick or Treat, campfire devotional, and of course we got to worship together on Sunday as a body of believers.  God is good!  

·         In December we had our first annual Healthy Challenges and Healthy Risk night that was a huge success with several people that have never lead before lead in large group.  Also we had a special evening where we collected money for Anna’s House to donate gifts to foster children.  We raised almost $800 in one night for this ministry.  God is good!  

God has blessed our program so much in the past year.  God continues to lead this program.  Yes, we do have leaders that step up every week to serve, but it is all because of what God has done in their lives.  I cannot say it enough...God is GOOD!!!!

Grateful Believer,

Travis

Anna's House 2012

Each year as part of CR we help an organization called Anna's House purchase Christmas gifts for children who are in state custody. I've been in charge of this efforts for 3-4 years now and really enjoy it!

We do a big donation night and then I take all the money and spend it! The first year I did all the buying by myself. Bad idea. It was so overwhelming. Now I have one or two helpers, depending on the load.

I love buying these gifts for kids who I don't know. I just imagine the joy on their faces when they get these toys, clothes and other things.

Our CR family never ceases to amaze me. I have to admit in the days and even weeks leading up to the donation night I get nervous. I get doubts. What if we don't make our goal? Well, you guys are awesome -- not only did we meet our goal, $650, we blew it out of the water!! Raising almost exactly $800!!

Here's this year's loot. I bought for two boys, ages 6 and 9. Jen bought for three little girls (I don't have pictures of her stuff). Also, this year Anna's House asked if we could use any additional money to buy pjs, socks, underwear or other necessities in all sizes. Target had awesome fleece pants on sale so I grabbed 12 pairs in varying sizes. Then I found those cute shorts (with shirts, not pictured) at Wal-Mart for $3!! So I snagged a few sets.

They also said a couple families could use help with groceries. So, I got two VISA gift cards and loaded them with some cash.

I have to be honest, while my favorite part of all of this is imagining the excitement these kids will have Christmas morning I do get a somewhat sick thrill out of seeing just how much I can buy each kid. I set a spending limit for each kid ($75-$100 depending on their age) and do my best to maximize those dollars. I try really hard to buy them nice things too. I don't want to just get everything cheap. I figure why not get everything cheap but still super nice (mostly clothes, toys are really about the same everywhere).

For example, take this load below...

All of the clothes are from The Children's Place. Thanks to e-mail coupons and awesome Christmas sales I was able to get really nice jeans, wind pants, two t-shirts, one polo, one sweater and a hoodie!! The hoodie was just $9.99 (regular price $24.95)! In fact, I set the clothing budget and my total after the sale prices and extra 30% off coupon was $.02 under budget -- I consider that pretty awesome. Not only that, but my savings was $130!

I also make sure to include stocking stuffers -- like candies and small gifts.

I feel so blessed to be a part of this effort every year and hope to see it continue for years to come.

Thanks for your donations!

Grateful Believer,

~Chellie