I Celebrate Redemption

That’s not fair!

Having grown up as the youngest child in my family, these words were all too often aimed at my parents so that I could appropriately express my disapproval for why my older brother received benefits that I was not yet able to enjoy.  Important benefits such as being able to stay up until 10:30 when my bed time was 10.  Or getting to ride his bike around the neighborhood without parental supervision when I was still using training-wheels.  And no matter how persistently I tried to convince mom and dad of how the treatment my brother received wasn’t fair, they would always answer my dilemma with a particular phrase:  “Life’s not fair.”

At the time I thought this was just a typical parent cop out answer.  You know, answers and phrases like:  Because I said so; Money doesn’t grow on trees; If so and so jumped off a bridge, would you?; or, my personal favorite, One day, God willing, you’ll have one JUST like you.  At the time I didn’t realize how much truth there was in the phrase “Life’s not fair.”

As I journey along this road towards recovery, I am recognizing more and more this unfair, sinful world in which we live.  Life is full of unjust pain.  People endure abuse.  Children suffer from their parents’ divorce.  Death occurs to the least expected.  Addictions are formed without realizing the lifelong consequences that follow.  Day in and day out people battle their hurts, hang-ups, and habits.  Some days are completed victoriously and with ease!  Other days, however, are met with continuous struggle and strife.  The weight of the world can really bog us down and make us feel completely worn.

 
The artist Tenth Avenue North describes in their song Worn a feeling which many in recovery can relate. Feelings of a heavy heart, a soul crushed by the world, hopeless despair, losing the will to fight, empty prayers, and the desperate longing for the death inside to be reborn. Thankfully we have a Savior who provides redemption to a hopeless world! It may seem like the enemy of this world, Satan, is on a dominating streak over the matters of our heart, but (SPOILER ALERT) God wins in the end! I don’t know about you, but I’m incredibly thankful I’m on the winning team! Join us this Friday night to learn how you can also join that winning team. I look forward to seeing you there!

Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.  Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.  May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.  For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.  Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

Psalm 143:9-11 (NLT)

Grateful Believer,
Bryant

Why Attend Celebrate Recovery?

My name is Bryant and I’m a grateful believer in our Lord, Jesus Christ.  I struggle with lust, overeating, total honesty, and am recovering from a divorce.

For many of you this is probably your first time reading the CR blog.  If that’s the case, welcome!  Whether this is your first visit to the CR blog, or you’ve been following the posts for a while, my guess is that some of you reading might have heard about Celebrate Recovery before but aren’t exactly sure why you need to “celebrate recovery”.  You might have heard about CR from your friend who talks about his/her strange love of Friday nights.  Maybe you have noticed the signs outside of Memorial Road’s church building, the MRCC Celebrate Recovery Facebook group, or the link on Memorial Road’s website.  Or perhaps you were one of the lucky ones who were blessed by hearing a testimony shared in chapel this semester.  Whatever the case, you probably have heard of CR before, but you don’t really know what the program is all about and you’re trying to get a feel on what to expect before making that first step to attend on Friday nights.  If this describes you and you’re thinking “Oh no – he’s on to me!!” don’t worry.  We’ve all been there, myself included.

The first time I attended CR I was incredibly nervous and had no clue what I was getting myself into.  I made that long journey across the parking lot, through the doors, and into God’s hands.  I didn’t know I was in His hands, but I can assure you that He was with me that night!  But if you’re thinking that I had only heard about CR one time before jumping on the recovery train, you are incorrect.  It actually took me about 6 years before I decided I should go.

While I was attending OC I saw my struggle with lust increase.  I heard that there was a great place to go on Friday nights at Memorial Road where I can take off my masks and start addressing my bad habits.  “A recovery group?  Is that really where I’m at?  What if there’s someone there who recognizes me?  What if I recognize someone else?  What are we going to do – just stand around, sing Kumbaya, give each other hugs and say ‘It’s ok’?  Is someone going to repeatedly tell me ‘It’s not your fault’ until I give in and cry?”  These questions filled my head.  I clung on to them as if I were constantly preparing to defend my stance against anyone who said I should check out CR.  I reasoned that I had my habits under control.  Even though I had that feeling deep inside of me, that “God feeling”, telling me I should take a look into attending at least one Friday night meeting, I would convince myself otherwise.  After six years of struggling with my hurts, hang-ups, and habits, here I am!  I still struggle with my three h’s, but the difference now is that I’m not doing it alone!  I have a Christian family who understands that I have daily temptations and accept me for being an imperfect human.  I have a safe place to go to be encouraged when I’m feeling heavy with sorrow.  I have spirit-filled people with whom I can share my weekly joys and victories!

So why should you attend Celebrate Recovery?  While it’s true that I don’t know you or your spiritual battles; I don’t know your past and all the stuff you have been through; and I don’t know the sacrifices you would have to make if you started to attend CR on Friday nights.  What I do know is that you are God’s beloved child.  Let me make you read that again:  you are God’s beloved child.  You DESERVE to be loved by God.  You are WORTHY of God’s love.  No matter what!  I have never, and I truly mean never, felt the love of God like I have while attending Celebrate Recovery.  There is a presence there that is incomparable; one that is only recognized as being the love of God.  And I guarantee you’ll notice it.  It may not be on your first night there, but as you continue to make CR a regular part of your week I have no doubt that you’ll see what I’m talking about.  All rhyming aside, give it a shot!  Come visit this upcoming Friday night.  If it makes you more comfortable, bring a friend!  And if you come at 6pm, you’ll get a wonderfully delicious and FREE dinner!  I mean who doesn’t like free food, right??

I look forward to seeing you there!

 Grateful Believer,
Bryant

God's Got This!

All of my life, I have had a paralyzing fear of public speaking. In fact, I have avoided things that I desperately wanted to do, when I discovered that public speaking would be involved. So, it is not surprising that up until about 6 months ago, I would have sworn that I would NEVER give my testimony. I specifically asked people on multiple occasions, to stop asking me to do so, because it was never going to happen. But something happened last August that began changing my heart.

I had the privilege of attending the annual Celebrate Recovery Summit in California. One of the very first speakers stood up, and started describing his journey into becoming an inspirational speaker. Now, let me just say, that I have ALWAYS believed that God speaks to me through others. So, this gentleman starts talking about how he went into the radio-industry, because he never had to talk in front of a visible audience. He too was deathly afraid of public speaking. And then he said something I will never forget. He said, "God uses people too" and began describing that God will place people and situations in your life, in order for you to receive a specific message. God put someone special in his life, that started his journey from overcoming his intense fear, to traveling around the country and using his story to inspire others. THAT day, God placed THAT man in my life, to tell me that it was time to share my story. And for the first time, I literally felt God breathing into me, the words that I needed to say.

That very day, I made the commitment to share my testimony, and I trusted God to deliver the message that He wanted, and not that I wanted. This isn't to say that I was suddenly relieved of fear, because I definitely wasn't. But God always placed the perfect people in my life to encourage me at just the right time, and to help relieve any insecurity or fear that I was feeling. One of my step-study sisters sent me a simple text almost everyday that said "God's Got This." This reminded me on a daily basis, to let go of my control and fear. I was also reminded on several occasions, that this was not MY story to tell, it was GOD'S. I was merely a vessel. Lastly, I was assured that any insecurity or fear that I was feeling, was not from God. Satan did not want me to share this story, and he was prepared to throw anything in my path, that would've kept me from doing so.

Two weeks ago, I finally did it!! I stood in front of a large group of people, and shared my story. My ugly, dirty, sad, redemptive, joyful, and beautiful story. And something incredible happened! People still loved me! I could not believe the out-pouring of love that I felt. Somehow, I pictured that I would feel ashamed after sharing the darkness of my past. To be honest, I have never felt as secure in who I am, as I felt that night. Since then, I have received countless phone-calls, text-messages, and emails, thanking me for sharing my story. I have been blessed by hearing how my testimony has touched other people's lives. God has truly taken my mess, and made it His message! And I hate that I kept that message to myself for so long!

If you've never given your testimony, PLEASE consider doing so! No matter what your hurt, habit, or hang-up, there will always be someone that God puts in your path who NEEDS to hear your story! And stop worrying...God's Got This!!

Grateful Believer,
Amy

CR@OC

Memorial Road has always had a tight bond with the neighboring university, Oklahoma Christian.  As a matter of fact, when Memorial Road opened its doors in the 60’s, it was actually known as the College Church, not MRCC.   This week our Celebrate Recovery ministry is front and center at OC – literally front and center!  Five Celebrate Recovery participants are sharing a mini-testimony each day this week in chapel!   God is good!

Two members of our CR team have been instrumental in getting things kicked off at OC.  Sheldon Adkins & Jen Escobar have worked hard to make sure this week would happen.  This is the 2^nd year that Sheldon worked with OC administration to get CR testimonies in chapel.  It’s amazing - CR introductions can quiet 1000 college students down pretty quickly!   But, CR introductions usually are attention getting, they do get people to stop and listen.  Why?  Because CR introductions are honest and transparent – and most people aren’t used to hearing such honesty.

Jen had an idea this past summer to see if OC would work with our CR group and offer the bible study Life’s Healing Choices on campus.   Life's Healing Choices offers freedom from our hurts, hang-ups, and habits through eight healing choices that promise true happiness and life transformation. Using the Beatitudes of Jesus as a foundation, Rick Warren and John Baker, developed the eight choices shared in this book.   OC was happy to offer the group study to their students and those groups will be beginning this coming Monday night! God is good!  Two men from our CR group will lead the guys group study, and two women from our group will lead the gals group study.  What a great way for our program to give back  by reaching out to these young men and women.  

I asked Sheldon to sum up what our goal is this week at OC’s chapel and I loved his response, “ It’s a great opportunity to share the redemptive power of Christ with students who sit where we sat.  I pray that our stories will let other see God’s love for every person – no matter how broken!”  That’s powerful. 

Most students probably won’t  jump up this week and say, “I need recovery!”  Our prayer is that we have planted a seed - that Christ has planted a seed.  A seed that someday, when that student is ready, or has hit rock bottom,  they remember the words of hope that they heard this week – and Christ will lead them to find healing through Him.

Please be in prayer this week that hearts are touched this week!

Grateful Believer,

Karyn

7th Anniversary

Have you heard?

We kinda have something BIG going on this coming Friday night.

We don't want you to miss it.

It's going to be an amazing night.

MRCC Celebrate Recovery is celebrating our 7th year this Friday night, and we want you to be there!

As always dinner is at 6:00 PM, our worship service will begin at 7 PM.  You will hear an amazing testimony - you won't want to miss it.  It's powerful!   At 8 PM we will have open share groups and then for those newcomers we will have a special class just for you! It explains why we do what we do at CR!   At 9 PM the party will start...complete with anniversary cake and 7-up sherbet floats!  (We had to keep the 7 theme going!) 

I am sure the team that kicked off CR that first night didn't know if the program would last 7 weeks...but here we are now, 7 YEARS later!  Why?  Because God is over this ministry, and He has richly blessed our program at MRCC.

This is a great night to invite folks to check out the program!  You might be thinking, "how do I invite someone to CR?"  Well it's easy....you just say, "I am going to church this Friday night to hear an amazing testimony of how God has worked in someones life - do you want to come with me??  Oh, and dinner's free!"   It really is that easy.  
{Disclaimer: Only invite people if you're ready.}

We also hope that you'll invite old CR friends that you haven't seen in a while. 

It's going to be a great night!!!  GOD IS GOOD!

Grateful Believer,
Karyn

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