How has everybody in the blogger world been doing? Good I hope! Me you might ask? I am doing very well, thanks for asking.It is only because I choose to do good and choose to do the things that make me feel good.
Suchas going to NA meetings,going to church, hanging around people that give a rip about me, going to work, and so forth. All these things make me feel good because I allow them to. Today I have a choice in what goes on in my life. Not to long ago I didn't that is because I allowed the drugs to rule my life. When I say rule my life that is exactly what they did,they where in controll of every area of my life, full control. Kinda like doing something against your will,like being forced to do things you didn't want to do,things I said I would never do. Ever since I surrendered (step one) to drugs and that lifestyle I have come to realize that I can make choices that are best for me. I now want what is best for Bernie"Mac" The God Of my understanding knows what is best for me so I must keep in contact with Him (Jesus) in order to do what is right. Sometimes it is not always easy but whoever said it would be? I don't mind the tough and hard times because that is when you grow if you so choose to, the choice is ours.
When I first started going to the NA meetings it was suggested that I change one thing. That onething was everything,when this was said to me I thougth there was no way but anything is possible for us, all we have to is beleive in this. If we rely on God anything is possible all we have to do is have Faith. The definition of Faith in the Bible says Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews11:1) We must have faith> That tells me that if I hope for A good future and do the best that I can do I can expect a good future. How simple is that? We must also pray that God will help us to make the right choices in our lives. It is just as easy to make the right choice as it is the wrong one. That is why we need help from each other and God of course. Every choice we make is an action and for every action there is a reaction. If we make the right choices we will have good reactions. The thing is we might not see it for a while sometimes. I pray that whoever reads this will ask God to help them make choices in thier lives. Sometimes we make the wrong choices,but that is ok we are only humans we are not perfect just try to learn from our mistakes. My mother just gave me something that a wonderful lady at her office gave to her to give to me it says "Preperation in the pass will give you confidence in the future to complete the task God has set before you. Today is our divine oppurtunity to accomplish all that God said we can accomplish for his glory. But the key words are(preperation with confidence.)May God continue to Bless and keep you in his holy care. I see you doing great things for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
What is so awesome about what she wrote is that she said God gave her that for me,how awesome is that?
I have a bunch of good friends in the NA meetings they all mean so much to me everyone of them help me in my recovery. I just hope I can help them someway someday. I know if I choose to keep going to the meetings oneday somebody will be able to take something I say home with them that will help them in thier recovery. I want to help others so much but first I must help myself. I have a good friend that I met at NA that was having a hard time yesterday because of his job. He had to ride with somebody at work yesterday that chose to do drugs while at work and around him he was pretty disturbed about the whole matter but he had a choice to stay with or leave this situation. He chose to stay and thank God he didn't do anything he shouldn't have but that will only last so long. Pray for this fellow to get a new job or to whatever it takes to do the right thing. I personally would have got out of that car wherever I was because I CANNOT be around that stuff or that kinda people. People that obviously don't care about you at all. Anything that interferes with me and my recovery has to go. I know that if I ever got in that kinda situation that I could get a ride from many, many people.People that want to help me in my recovery not harm it. When he told me what happened I started to get mad because we are in charge of our lives, he could have got away from the situation but he didn't he left his life in this active drug addicts hands how scary is that? Not me !!! I told him he needed to get a new job but that is his choice. Hopefully he will go job hunting. Or that other guy will get fired or something. Something has to change if not it is only one choice away for him and who knows what will happen. I know I must keep him in my prayers. God has so much more in store for us all.All we have to do is believe this and do our very best and all will be well. All we have to do is step out of our comfort zone. We cannot get comfortable with where we are we must continue to strive for more. It doesn't take anymore effort to believe and stay filled with faith than it takes to develop a negative attitude. We must get up every morning and say it is going to be a good day. And believe in Faith that it will be, no matter what might happen. we don't always understand why certain things are required of us in our recovery. When our sponsors or friends that have been in recovery longer than us tell us to stay away from certain friends and hangouts,or to avoid certain substances and situations,there is a good reason. Sponsors seem to to know far better than we do what can lead to a slip -not because they are godlike, but because they've experienced firsthand just how far we will go to deceive ourselves. They can usually see through our rationalizations, and won't hesitate to to give strong advice, even if it seems to cramp our style.
There is wisdom behind the consel of those who have been in recovering longer than we have. It isn't always what we want to hear,and we may not understand the reasons,but if we heed the instructions,our recovery will be strengthend.
I pray that God will help each and everyone of us to make the right choices in our lives not to go for that quick fix,help us to think about what we our doing before we do it. God I pray that we will look at our motives,our past history, and the potential consequences.
I guess I will go for now. Good to back on line again. I realized I didn't need to be comfortable with not blogging cause somebody out there needs to read what I have to say I just pray that God will direct them to my blog spot. I will try my best tyo make a couple entries a week ,so keep coming back,If you would like to the,CHOICE IS YOURS !!!
Whoever reads this just know that I love you and so does God!!!!
Don't forget it's up to us to Make the right CHOICE !!!If we don't no what is right than pray about it,if that don't work I suggest you just ask somebody that you know that cares about you. If not sure about that I DO CARE ABOUT EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU! KEEP THE FAITH THAT GOD HAS BIG THINGS INSTORE FOR YOU, BELIEVE IN THAT FAITH!!!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Do You Know Your ABC's?
To acheive your dreams, you must remember your ABC's.
A- Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.
B- Believe in yourself.
C- Consider things from every angle.
D- Don't give up and don't give in.
E- Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.
F- Family anf friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches.
G- Give more than you plan to.
H- Hang on to your dreams.
I- Ignore those who try to discourage you.
J- Just do it.
K- Keep trying no matter how hard it seems, it will get easier.
L- Love yourself first and most.
M- Make it happen.
N- Never lie, cheat or steal, always strike a fair deal.
O- Open your eyes and see things as they really are.
P- Practice makes perfect.
Q- Quitters never win and winners never quit.
R- Read, study and learn about everything important in your life.
S- Stop procrastinating.
T- Take control of your own destiny.
U- Understand yourself in order to better understand others.
V- Visualize it.
W- Want it more than anything.
X- Xcellerate your efforts.
Y- You are unique of all God's creations. Nothing can replace you.
Z- Zero in your target and go for it!
A- Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.
B- Believe in yourself.
C- Consider things from every angle.
D- Don't give up and don't give in.
E- Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.
F- Family anf friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches.
G- Give more than you plan to.
H- Hang on to your dreams.
I- Ignore those who try to discourage you.
J- Just do it.
K- Keep trying no matter how hard it seems, it will get easier.
L- Love yourself first and most.
M- Make it happen.
N- Never lie, cheat or steal, always strike a fair deal.
O- Open your eyes and see things as they really are.
P- Practice makes perfect.
Q- Quitters never win and winners never quit.
R- Read, study and learn about everything important in your life.
S- Stop procrastinating.
T- Take control of your own destiny.
U- Understand yourself in order to better understand others.
V- Visualize it.
W- Want it more than anything.
X- Xcellerate your efforts.
Y- You are unique of all God's creations. Nothing can replace you.
Z- Zero in your target and go for it!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Pray That He Stays !
How is everybody? Hopefully good! If not stop and think about it for a minute before you read on any farther. Then pray about it. Then thank God for how good you really have it. Be honest with yourself always.Itcould always be worse but as long as you are alive and are willing to change it can definitely get better. Just have faith in God.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)Trust in the Lord with all thine heart ;and lean not to your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths.
(I Peter 5:7)Casting all your care upon Him for he careth for you.
(Psalms 51:10) Create in me a clean heart, oh God ; and renew a right spirit within me.
Today while I was at work I got a call on my cell phone ,but when I went to get it my battery died. I didn't think much about it at the time ,but I then talked with my mother at work and she said someone had called her phone asking for me. She said they had said something about the Faith Home so I called them immediately. When I got the number I realized it was a local # . When my call was answered I asked who was speaking they did not answer with their name but asked if this was Bernie Graves so I said yes it is. The man on the other end started to tell me that he had called the faith home to try to get some help because he struggles from drug addiction. There was nothing they could do for him over the phone but they would put him on the waiting list and pray for him. We all need to pray for this man,his name is Andrew. They told him to call me since I was in the same area as him here in Bft. The man was so disturbed when I talked to him on the phone i could feel his pain through the phone. He said that he had been to jail & when he got out he admitted his self to a mental institute ,but when they found out that he wasn't suicidal are was not wanting to injure anybody else they made him leave the institute. I do not agree with that at all they should have helped the man out some how or another but instead they sent him back to the streets.
Like I said I was at work when I called the man back and was pretty busy. I felt very sorry for this man even though I didn't know him. I had to do something.He was crying out for help he said he was very scared. You know my heart goes out to this man because i know what he is going through even though I never got that bad off I know where he is coming from, right where I could be today if i wouldn't have cried out for help. Many prayers went up for me that is what happened in life prayers were answered. I still thank God daily for the people that continued to pray for me. We should all pray daily for the people around the world who suffer from drug addiction or alcoholism. Anyway, I got this mans name and told him I would have my father call him. The man asked me to please call him back cause he was scared. If yall could have just have heard the fear in this mans voice yall would completely understand. I called my dad and told him about this frightening call I had and asked him to call this man and at least talk to him. He said he would. I called dad back about 40 minutes later and he was already with this man. He said he was going to take him to a place called The Christ Center in Ridgeland,SC and he would call me back. It made me feel so goood that he was doing this for this man. I know this man was probably very grateful also. I also am grateful that Pete at the Faith Home told this man to call me. Now he might have a chance if he reall y wants it. You know we all have a chance if we want it. No matter what it is if it is Gods will and we strive for it we can do it. (Philipians 4:13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. All we have to do is allow him to strengthen us.
My dad said this man was about 52 years old and didn't weigh much more than that. He said that this man was living in a car with his wife and his wifes father.
I sure hope he stays at the place my father took him today . We all need to pray that he will stay and allow God to work in his life.
(Exodus 14:13) Fear not,stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show you today.
(Psalms 34:17-18) The righteous cry out , and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Dear God< I pray that Andrew will allow you to come into his life and be his guide. I pray that he will have a burning desire to get to know you if he doesn't already know you. I pray that you will strenghten this man to be the man of christ you have created him to be. Lord,I pray that your will will be done in his life. It is in the name of Jesus I ask that he will stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Lord I pray that you will be with this mans family and strengthen them as well. Lord your Word tells us that if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; old things are passed away ; behold all things are become new . Lord I pray that you make all things new in this man life. It is in the name of Jesus that Ipray,amen. I love you Andrew and I will continue to pray for you.
I also Love the rest of you guys. Please pray that he will stay where he is and allow God to live in his life and direct his everystep. God Bless you all!!!!!!
Love your brother in Christ,
Bernie "Mac"
(Proverbs 3:5-6)Trust in the Lord with all thine heart ;and lean not to your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths.
(I Peter 5:7)Casting all your care upon Him for he careth for you.
(Psalms 51:10) Create in me a clean heart, oh God ; and renew a right spirit within me.
Today while I was at work I got a call on my cell phone ,but when I went to get it my battery died. I didn't think much about it at the time ,but I then talked with my mother at work and she said someone had called her phone asking for me. She said they had said something about the Faith Home so I called them immediately. When I got the number I realized it was a local # . When my call was answered I asked who was speaking they did not answer with their name but asked if this was Bernie Graves so I said yes it is. The man on the other end started to tell me that he had called the faith home to try to get some help because he struggles from drug addiction. There was nothing they could do for him over the phone but they would put him on the waiting list and pray for him. We all need to pray for this man,his name is Andrew. They told him to call me since I was in the same area as him here in Bft. The man was so disturbed when I talked to him on the phone i could feel his pain through the phone. He said that he had been to jail & when he got out he admitted his self to a mental institute ,but when they found out that he wasn't suicidal are was not wanting to injure anybody else they made him leave the institute. I do not agree with that at all they should have helped the man out some how or another but instead they sent him back to the streets.
Like I said I was at work when I called the man back and was pretty busy. I felt very sorry for this man even though I didn't know him. I had to do something.He was crying out for help he said he was very scared. You know my heart goes out to this man because i know what he is going through even though I never got that bad off I know where he is coming from, right where I could be today if i wouldn't have cried out for help. Many prayers went up for me that is what happened in life prayers were answered. I still thank God daily for the people that continued to pray for me. We should all pray daily for the people around the world who suffer from drug addiction or alcoholism. Anyway, I got this mans name and told him I would have my father call him. The man asked me to please call him back cause he was scared. If yall could have just have heard the fear in this mans voice yall would completely understand. I called my dad and told him about this frightening call I had and asked him to call this man and at least talk to him. He said he would. I called dad back about 40 minutes later and he was already with this man. He said he was going to take him to a place called The Christ Center in Ridgeland,SC and he would call me back. It made me feel so goood that he was doing this for this man. I know this man was probably very grateful also. I also am grateful that Pete at the Faith Home told this man to call me. Now he might have a chance if he reall y wants it. You know we all have a chance if we want it. No matter what it is if it is Gods will and we strive for it we can do it. (Philipians 4:13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. All we have to do is allow him to strengthen us.
My dad said this man was about 52 years old and didn't weigh much more than that. He said that this man was living in a car with his wife and his wifes father.
I sure hope he stays at the place my father took him today . We all need to pray that he will stay and allow God to work in his life.
(Exodus 14:13) Fear not,stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show you today.
(Psalms 34:17-18) The righteous cry out , and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Dear God< I pray that Andrew will allow you to come into his life and be his guide. I pray that he will have a burning desire to get to know you if he doesn't already know you. I pray that you will strenghten this man to be the man of christ you have created him to be. Lord,I pray that your will will be done in his life. It is in the name of Jesus I ask that he will stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Lord I pray that you will be with this mans family and strengthen them as well. Lord your Word tells us that if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; old things are passed away ; behold all things are become new . Lord I pray that you make all things new in this man life. It is in the name of Jesus that Ipray,amen. I love you Andrew and I will continue to pray for you.
I also Love the rest of you guys. Please pray that he will stay where he is and allow God to live in his life and direct his everystep. God Bless you all!!!!!!
Love your brother in Christ,
Bernie "Mac"
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
What A weekend!!!!!
How is everybody doing? I am doing good. I am very tired though. I have had a long weekend but it was a very good one.It started out friday night with Sandy at the movies. We went and saw The Nativity Story. It was a very good movie. It is about the birth of Jesus. You know anything about Jesus is good. Can I get an AMEN on that? It was kinda weird because today in church the preacher talked about the same thing. That's just one of those God things. Just letting me know he is there. It is good to be in the presence of God or the Holy Spirit. I rolled out of the bed saturday morning at about 7:00 am. I met my buddys Jack & Jeremiah at the Hardware store to get some stuff. We then headed down to the church to meet up with our friend Andy to go out in the river to pick some oysters for an oyster roast we had planned for saturday night. We all went out in Andy's boat to pick them. We got in the river around 9:00 am. We spent a few hours out there picking. Man what a job!!! By the time we got done picking & washing the oysters at Andy's house it was around 3:30. We then went back home to get cleaned up. Man were we dirty. I believe next time we have an oyster roast we need to have a fund raiser of some sort to purchase the oysters. We sure did have a good time out there picking them though. I enjoy anytime I get to spend with some people that care about me. True friends are what they are. I know that any one of them would do anything for me as I would do anything for them to help them out. But I believe that we were all wore slap out by the time we got to the oyster roast but we definetly had a great time of fellowship in the river and at the cook out. I wish we could do stuff like that more often. We had a good turn out. Quite a few people showed up to the oyster roast. I honestly believe everybody that showed up had a good time. We cooked the oysters, some shrimp, everybody brought a side dish or something. We had plenty to eat that's for sure. We also sang some karaoke. That was pretty fun everybody participated in the singing. Even I did and I can't carry a tune in a bucket, but that didn't matter we were there to have fun so that is what we did. My friend Colton called me while were picking Oysters. I told him about the oyster roast and invited him to come and he did. He had a great time also. He used to be bad off in the drug world but he like me is in recovery now by the grace of God. He also made it to church this morning which was great. I am so glad he made it to the cook out and to church. He hasn't been to church in a while. We all need to keep in contact with God without Him will be living our lives aimlessly missing the whole purpose of our lives because we will find our purpose in Him. We will have a void in our lives and try to fill that void with anything. Me I tried to fill it with drugs but that did not satisfy me. As a matter of fact it made it way worse. I now allow Jesus to live in me and now I no longer have that void in my life. God is all we need he will supply all our needs.Maybe not our wants but our needs for sure. Colton called me a few minutes ago. He is on the way back home from dropping off his daughter with his ex-wife out of town. He called to tell me he enjoyed sunday school and the church service this morning. He said it has got him thinking about some things. It sounds as if he might be hungering for the same thing we should all hunger for. God!!! I have invited him over to my mom & dads on monday night to join us during our prayer meeting. Hope he comes!!! How about keeping him in your prayers ??? Ya'll know prayer changes things,look at me!!! Anyway after church today was the Beaufort christmas parade. My sisters and friends had a float in the parade. They have a group called the Flip Flop Club. Man what a group !! I had volunteered to drive in the parade for them. I was still wore out from the oyster roast. I really didn't want to do it but man I am glad that I did cause I had a really good time. Plus I know that they all appreciated it. For one they had an extra two hands to help decorate the float in the rain. It was pretty cold also but I didn't care. I know that anybody in the flip flop club would do anything in their power to help me in my recovery. Believe it or not hanging out with them helped me out alot. They all took part in keeping me clean another few hours!! Thank you all!! I now have to go. Actually I am back my computer was acting up so I had to wait for some assistance before I could complete this. It is now Tuesday 4:20 I just got home from work. Another good day for me thank you Lord!!!
Colton ended coming over last night for the prayer meeting so did one of Jack's friends. We had a great time of fellowship. Shoooont what choice did we have a few of Gods children gathered in the name of Jesus we are definetly going to have a good time. If you dont beleive me come over on any monday night and witness it for yourself .
FRIENDS WE CAN TRUST
When we look back at our struggles with addiction or whatever , who were the ones who "stuck with us "? Who are the ones who are still with us now? Who can we trust? Who is walking with us now ?
Our twelve step groups or whatever groups we are involved with that help us are devoted to friendship and equality. Every meeting is a safe and secure place to meet friends who won't run out on you or us. Recovery is for companions who walk hand in hand together. It's not a "do it yourself project" or "Everyone for himself ." We are together for us all to get put back together.
In other words we must all stick together for the good . ( The Body of Christ) anyway gotta go but don't forget that I love you all whoever reads this. May God bless you all in the name of Jesus I ask this.
Colton ended coming over last night for the prayer meeting so did one of Jack's friends. We had a great time of fellowship. Shoooont what choice did we have a few of Gods children gathered in the name of Jesus we are definetly going to have a good time. If you dont beleive me come over on any monday night and witness it for yourself .
FRIENDS WE CAN TRUST
When we look back at our struggles with addiction or whatever , who were the ones who "stuck with us "? Who are the ones who are still with us now? Who can we trust? Who is walking with us now ?
Our twelve step groups or whatever groups we are involved with that help us are devoted to friendship and equality. Every meeting is a safe and secure place to meet friends who won't run out on you or us. Recovery is for companions who walk hand in hand together. It's not a "do it yourself project" or "Everyone for himself ." We are together for us all to get put back together.
In other words we must all stick together for the good . ( The Body of Christ) anyway gotta go but don't forget that I love you all whoever reads this. May God bless you all in the name of Jesus I ask this.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Working Hard
How is everybody today? Me? I am doing great.
I just walked in the door from work. Just another day in the office. It is actually my second day back on the counter at Grayco Building Center. I work with contractor sales. It is a position where you have to be on your toes all the time.
I have been back at Grayco now for a month. Prior to that I was at a place called Faith Home. Faith Home is Christian based Rehab for drug addicts & alcoholics. It is a truly awesome place to get started in recovery. I feel so lucky to have been a part of Faith Home. That was defenitly the start of a new life for Bernie "Mac ."
Well anyhow when I returned back home & went back to work I was supposed to get my position back at the counter doing sales but I was put in a different position. I was a little disappointed but I realized that if it was Gods will for me to get back on the counter that there was no reason to worry about it. After being there in that other position for about three weeks I was moved back to my original spot. While I was in the other spot for those three weeks I worked my tail off & it was noticed by everybody. The only thing is I did not do it for recognition I did it because that was my job. My boss was keeping a good eye on me just for the simple fact that I am a recovering drug addict. He said he is very pleased with me since I have returned. He also said I have alot to offer the company and they would be crazy not to put me back on the counter so I am back.I know my job has alot to offer also. I am so glad that they all know what I have gone through because they will continue to support me at work with my job and my recovery. I work with a really great group of people. I get along great with everybody. They all hold me accountable as a matter of fact I had to go and take a random drug test today. Man I was so excited to have to take a drug test just because I knew I would pass it. It is actually the only one I have ever passed. I have taken a few. It is only by Gods grace that I am in recovery now. I also realize the my only chance to stay in recovery is to stay connected to God ( as my dad says I have to stay plugged in so my light will shine )& surround myself with people that are in recovery at N A meetings or wherever they might be. If I continue to rely on God he will direct me where to go.
5)Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding ; 6) in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) This verse is very simple to understand for me. I tried so many different times to do it Bernie's way and kept getting the same results but was expecting different ones everytime. That's what I call insanity doing the same thing over & over again and again and expecting something different to happen. Until I called on the Lord to lead, guide & direct me in my life I would keep getting the same results. I still fall short everyday but all I can do is do my best everyday & I will succeed.
I know I have gotten off the subject I started on but that is alright I never claimed to be a writer. Remember I am a recovering drug addict but a very grateful one at that.
Today was pretty busy. My brother-in-law kept me pretty busy. Which is a good thing. It makes me feel good that people can depend on me again. Before I got strait I might say I am going to do something but you defenitly could not count on it. Today is a different story, if I say I'll do it or I'll be there you can count on it. I know that the people around me see the difference. If not they soon will. All I can do is my best and God will do the rest. I have faith that my God will take care of me shoot He has gotten me this far hasn't he ? There is no reason I should worry about anything if I give it to God He will take care of it as he sees fit. (Let His will be done.)
Well it is now 11:11 pm & I am tierd I need to go to bed. And no I haven't been writing this since I got off of work I have been to an NA meeting & to the upper room praying with my father & Vincent what a blessing that is. (The upper room is above the garage at my mom & dads house. We have a prayer meeting up there every monday night come on over and join us. It is a real blessing. Prayer changes things )
PRAYER
God of health and wholeness. I ask you to unify all that is fragmented in my life.
Unity is the entire theme of recovery & life - the wholeness of body, spirit and soul. When we are whole , then we experience personal unity-serenity.
Since I focus less on controlling other people, circumstances, or events, I can spend that time bringing about unity in my own life. Then I can pray that others close to me will also begin and maintain a recovery in their own life. Regardless of what others do, I can keep working my program, taking appropriate steps of recovery. When our pain is acknowledged rather than hidden, we are moving toward wholeness. And with wholeness comes unity.
Personal unity is easier to attain than unity with others. But often when we have laid aside our grievances, forgiven others, and , given our lives and wills over to God, we no longer have the need to get even. Therefore we may even experience unity in relationships. God is the author of unity, & he knows what needs to happen in each life to bring about unity.
LET GO AND LET GOD !!!!!!!
He has created us, how else can we figure out what we are to be if we don't go to him to find out ??
Well good night to all.
In case nobody has told you that they love you today ,I LOVE YOU !!!
I just walked in the door from work. Just another day in the office. It is actually my second day back on the counter at Grayco Building Center. I work with contractor sales. It is a position where you have to be on your toes all the time.
I have been back at Grayco now for a month. Prior to that I was at a place called Faith Home. Faith Home is Christian based Rehab for drug addicts & alcoholics. It is a truly awesome place to get started in recovery. I feel so lucky to have been a part of Faith Home. That was defenitly the start of a new life for Bernie "Mac ."
Well anyhow when I returned back home & went back to work I was supposed to get my position back at the counter doing sales but I was put in a different position. I was a little disappointed but I realized that if it was Gods will for me to get back on the counter that there was no reason to worry about it. After being there in that other position for about three weeks I was moved back to my original spot. While I was in the other spot for those three weeks I worked my tail off & it was noticed by everybody. The only thing is I did not do it for recognition I did it because that was my job. My boss was keeping a good eye on me just for the simple fact that I am a recovering drug addict. He said he is very pleased with me since I have returned. He also said I have alot to offer the company and they would be crazy not to put me back on the counter so I am back.I know my job has alot to offer also. I am so glad that they all know what I have gone through because they will continue to support me at work with my job and my recovery. I work with a really great group of people. I get along great with everybody. They all hold me accountable as a matter of fact I had to go and take a random drug test today. Man I was so excited to have to take a drug test just because I knew I would pass it. It is actually the only one I have ever passed. I have taken a few. It is only by Gods grace that I am in recovery now. I also realize the my only chance to stay in recovery is to stay connected to God ( as my dad says I have to stay plugged in so my light will shine )& surround myself with people that are in recovery at N A meetings or wherever they might be. If I continue to rely on God he will direct me where to go.
5)Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding ; 6) in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) This verse is very simple to understand for me. I tried so many different times to do it Bernie's way and kept getting the same results but was expecting different ones everytime. That's what I call insanity doing the same thing over & over again and again and expecting something different to happen. Until I called on the Lord to lead, guide & direct me in my life I would keep getting the same results. I still fall short everyday but all I can do is do my best everyday & I will succeed.
I know I have gotten off the subject I started on but that is alright I never claimed to be a writer. Remember I am a recovering drug addict but a very grateful one at that.
Today was pretty busy. My brother-in-law kept me pretty busy. Which is a good thing. It makes me feel good that people can depend on me again. Before I got strait I might say I am going to do something but you defenitly could not count on it. Today is a different story, if I say I'll do it or I'll be there you can count on it. I know that the people around me see the difference. If not they soon will. All I can do is my best and God will do the rest. I have faith that my God will take care of me shoot He has gotten me this far hasn't he ? There is no reason I should worry about anything if I give it to God He will take care of it as he sees fit. (Let His will be done.)
Well it is now 11:11 pm & I am tierd I need to go to bed. And no I haven't been writing this since I got off of work I have been to an NA meeting & to the upper room praying with my father & Vincent what a blessing that is. (The upper room is above the garage at my mom & dads house. We have a prayer meeting up there every monday night come on over and join us. It is a real blessing. Prayer changes things )
PRAYER
God of health and wholeness. I ask you to unify all that is fragmented in my life.
Unity is the entire theme of recovery & life - the wholeness of body, spirit and soul. When we are whole , then we experience personal unity-serenity.
Since I focus less on controlling other people, circumstances, or events, I can spend that time bringing about unity in my own life. Then I can pray that others close to me will also begin and maintain a recovery in their own life. Regardless of what others do, I can keep working my program, taking appropriate steps of recovery. When our pain is acknowledged rather than hidden, we are moving toward wholeness. And with wholeness comes unity.
Personal unity is easier to attain than unity with others. But often when we have laid aside our grievances, forgiven others, and , given our lives and wills over to God, we no longer have the need to get even. Therefore we may even experience unity in relationships. God is the author of unity, & he knows what needs to happen in each life to bring about unity.
LET GO AND LET GOD !!!!!!!
He has created us, how else can we figure out what we are to be if we don't go to him to find out ??
Well good night to all.
In case nobody has told you that they love you today ,I LOVE YOU !!!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Celebrate Recovery
Man talk about Celebrate Recovery, tonight I went to Charleston to Sea Coast Church to a Celebrate Recovery meeting. They had a time of praise & worship & testimony time which lasted an hour. After that we split into groups for open discussion meetings. Man, was it good!
The best thing about recovery is the fellowship. I had a great time of fellowship all the way there, while I was there , and on the way home, thanks to my good friend, Jeremiah. I really enjoyed the time we had together. I know he enjoyed it also. I am really thankful for the people God has put into my life. People that care about me and would do anything in the world to help me in my recovery. Just the one on one time with these people helps me tremendously. We have so much to be thankful for. As a matter of fact, the topic for discussion in the meeting tonight was things we are most grateful for. Man, do I have a long list. I didn't even know where to start. Actually I know what is #1 on my list :
1) I am so thankful for the cross on Calvary where the blood of Jesus was shed when Jesus laid down his life to save us. What a sacrifice!!!
Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13 NIV) If you stop and think for a minute about this verse and what it is saying, would you lay down your life to save somebody elses. We were not even born yet and Jesus did this for each and everyone of us . He paid the price in full for our sins. Now all we have to do is to give our lives to Him as living sacrifices & get as many to follow Him as possible. That should be our goal in life. That is His will for our lives to be servants for Him & tell the Good News to everybody!!
23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. (Luke 9:23-24) The choice is all ours.What we do in our life is all up to us. I choose to lose my life for His , but we all struggle in life with life. That is why we must always remember this life will soon pass away.
All we can do is do our best while we our here. (lead by example - somebody is always watching, if not, don't forget God sees all)
I could go on forever just talking about my #1 on my gratitude list, but I am sure ya'll get the point.( I sure hope so ) GOD should be your #1 ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!
2)I am so grateful for the fellowship I have with the people God has put in my life. What a blessing. God has put these people in my life for a reason. Each and everyone has a particular purpose, whether I realize yet or not. The people in the rooms of NA and the people in Celebrate
Recovery are there to support each other. They all understand the disease and what goes on in the life of an addict. It is not an easy road to go down. That is why they are so valuable to one another. They are always ready to help out. My family and church family are there to support and pray for me as I travel down this road of recovery. Man, recovery is good!!
3) Believe it or not I am grateful for the things I have gone through in my life. The good and the bad. I know it is all part of the plan, Gods plan for me. I know that all the things I have gone through have turned me into who I am today. A loving, caring , forgiving, and praying individual.
I could go on forever with my gratitude list but I will stop it here. There are so, so many things I am thankful for. Now that I am in recovery I am able to realize it. Shoot ,I am thankful to be in recovery now and not dead in my addiction. All I was doing was existing. Now I am living. Man it is good to be alive. I am also thankful for ya'll. Do not forget God loves you and so do I. We should honor the great commandments to love God with one's entire being, and one's neighbor as oneself. Love calls for a dedication of one's whole life, a consecrated self- giving so complete that the human will can never accomplish it. Because it is beyond the will, it is beyond all moral codes of behavior.
The greatest commandment goes to the very core of being, and there it depends radically upon grace. At this level the commandment of love is no regulation; it is a statement of the truth of life, it is an invitation to accept love's passion, commit oneself to it, and try to live it wholeheartedly.
Our yes to this commandment, this invitation, is a matter of simple caring, our hearts aching for the fullness of love for no other reason than its own essential goodness. In this simple, exquisite longing, awakening in each precious moment, we know who we really are. It is the likeness of God.
I can honestly say I love you all.
The best thing about recovery is the fellowship. I had a great time of fellowship all the way there, while I was there , and on the way home, thanks to my good friend, Jeremiah. I really enjoyed the time we had together. I know he enjoyed it also. I am really thankful for the people God has put into my life. People that care about me and would do anything in the world to help me in my recovery. Just the one on one time with these people helps me tremendously. We have so much to be thankful for. As a matter of fact, the topic for discussion in the meeting tonight was things we are most grateful for. Man, do I have a long list. I didn't even know where to start. Actually I know what is #1 on my list :
1) I am so thankful for the cross on Calvary where the blood of Jesus was shed when Jesus laid down his life to save us. What a sacrifice!!!
Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13 NIV) If you stop and think for a minute about this verse and what it is saying, would you lay down your life to save somebody elses. We were not even born yet and Jesus did this for each and everyone of us . He paid the price in full for our sins. Now all we have to do is to give our lives to Him as living sacrifices & get as many to follow Him as possible. That should be our goal in life. That is His will for our lives to be servants for Him & tell the Good News to everybody!!
23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. (Luke 9:23-24) The choice is all ours.What we do in our life is all up to us. I choose to lose my life for His , but we all struggle in life with life. That is why we must always remember this life will soon pass away.
All we can do is do our best while we our here. (lead by example - somebody is always watching, if not, don't forget God sees all)
I could go on forever just talking about my #1 on my gratitude list, but I am sure ya'll get the point.( I sure hope so ) GOD should be your #1 ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!
2)I am so grateful for the fellowship I have with the people God has put in my life. What a blessing. God has put these people in my life for a reason. Each and everyone has a particular purpose, whether I realize yet or not. The people in the rooms of NA and the people in Celebrate
Recovery are there to support each other. They all understand the disease and what goes on in the life of an addict. It is not an easy road to go down. That is why they are so valuable to one another. They are always ready to help out. My family and church family are there to support and pray for me as I travel down this road of recovery. Man, recovery is good!!
3) Believe it or not I am grateful for the things I have gone through in my life. The good and the bad. I know it is all part of the plan, Gods plan for me. I know that all the things I have gone through have turned me into who I am today. A loving, caring , forgiving, and praying individual.
I could go on forever with my gratitude list but I will stop it here. There are so, so many things I am thankful for. Now that I am in recovery I am able to realize it. Shoot ,I am thankful to be in recovery now and not dead in my addiction. All I was doing was existing. Now I am living. Man it is good to be alive. I am also thankful for ya'll. Do not forget God loves you and so do I. We should honor the great commandments to love God with one's entire being, and one's neighbor as oneself. Love calls for a dedication of one's whole life, a consecrated self- giving so complete that the human will can never accomplish it. Because it is beyond the will, it is beyond all moral codes of behavior.
The greatest commandment goes to the very core of being, and there it depends radically upon grace. At this level the commandment of love is no regulation; it is a statement of the truth of life, it is an invitation to accept love's passion, commit oneself to it, and try to live it wholeheartedly.
Our yes to this commandment, this invitation, is a matter of simple caring, our hearts aching for the fullness of love for no other reason than its own essential goodness. In this simple, exquisite longing, awakening in each precious moment, we know who we really are. It is the likeness of God.
I can honestly say I love you all.
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