Avoid Co-Addiction!

An addict expresses a physiological dependence on something or someone.  An addict may often be consumed with the presence of the habit or person that nothing else matters in this world.  Addicts reveal themselves pretty quickly.  Addicts cannot see beyond the substance or person.

Although addiction may be pinpointed by an outsider or doctor rather quick; what about co-addicts?  Did you ever think you could easily become a co-addict?  A co-addict does not necessarily supply the addict with the substance or "drug" of choice, but they do not take a stand to eliminate the addiction.  A co-addict may fear "rocking the boat" because it may send the sufferer further into addiction.  They may not want to add any more stress or problems by standing firm on the right choices in life.  Co-addicts allow the behavior to continue without reprimand, teaching or forcing the addict to own up to the problem.

Let me provide an example to explain my thinking.  My mother, which I love with all my heart and is my best friend (don't tell my husband or kids), was a co-addict.  My mom sat and watched me continue destructive, addictive behaviors for years because she knew not how to approach me.  She knew of the difficult life around us and did not want to create more by confronting my eating disorder.  I recall one instance when I first realized my mother was my co-addict.  She came to visit me in rehab once and I reached a level which allowed me to go out of the facility.  We went to grab some lunch (the first time I had eaten outside of the facility) and mom knew this would be stressful and difficult for me to choose a meal.  We suggested a few places and with each one she spouted off a "healthy" item on the menu.  She would say, "They have salads to choose from."  She did not want any stress in my life and knew I would feel comfortable eating a salad versus a full meal.  This is co-addiction in my eyes.  I needed to be challenged to fight my eating disorder and replace the lies of only allowing myself to eat salads with the truth that my body needed all types of food (YES, even carbs!).

My mom did this out of love.  She did not want to see me stressed, hurting or struggling with the destructive thoughts of inadequacy, imperfection or feeling unacceptable.  I understand her intentions and by no means blame her for anything.  The point is that we can become co-addicts and not realize the damage we cause to others around us.  What my mom did not see was that I did suffer, struggled and hurt severely inside regardless if I ate a salad or a juicy burger.  I needed a firm word, a wake up call and Truth spoken to me.  I needed intervention!

People of this world need intervention.  Let us not turn our heads when we see evil.  Replace evil with good.  Let us not listen to another speak about their troubles and the sinful choices they continue to make with a nod and a hug.  Replace sin with Truth.  Let us not allow addictions to continue in others for fear of losing friendships.  Replace addiction with teaching of Scripture, standing firm on His Word.

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Hebrews 13:16)   

Losing a friend by speaking Truth is nothing compared to keeping quiet and allowing your friend to destroy their lives with addiction, sin, anger, bitterness or other destructive decisions.  We were brought here by our Creator to spread His Word, to teach others the Way to go and lead them to Him.  Doing so, displays love towards His Children.  The other may not see or feel the love, but the seed planted will be watered as you lift them in prayer continually.  I am not saying to go out and beat others with the Bible or hound them with Scripture.  What I am saying is avoid co-addiction.  Do not condone other's behavior or try and make their world as happy and comfortable for them.  This behavior will exhaust you and the other will remain in a pit.  Help them out of the pit by loving them with Truth, prayer and example.  We cannot become cowards in spreading His Word.  Stay strong and bold in every situation.  You may lose some friendships, experience uncomfortable conversations or feel awkward BUT, we are not here to increase our friends list on Facebook.  God sent us here to be His hands and feet and increase in number those entering His Kingdom. 

I want to end with an excerpt from Brian Jones' book, "Hell is Real (But I Hate to Admit It)".

"Christianity is a religion meant to solve a sin problem.  It is not a religion meant to solve all the problems of this world."

No, we cannot MAKE all the problems in other's lives or in this world go away.  But, we can assure that we stand firm on His Truths, spreading the Gospel everywhere He leads us and NOT become co-addicts to nonbelievers.  Lead them with love and example.    

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for providing Truth into our lives so we may spread to others who suffer.  Help me teach, rebuke, correct and train in righteousness.  Give me the words to intervene with love.  I want others to see Your goodness and the freedom found only through You.  I want others to know that addiction cannot be their way of life.  I have seen the victory I have in You and I thank You for freeing me from bondage.  I want others to experience the same.  Help me plant Truthful seeds in others, everywhere You lead me.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Honor Him with your Body

I am currently taking a study concerning the chaos in life and finding a grip on all of it.  The author approaches six areas in need of balance.  I am passionate about one in particular, our bodies and health.  I want to share the closing prayer of the section and elaborate a bit.

Father forgive me.  Forgive me for all the "garbage" I put in my "tank."  Forgive me for how I have complained about my health problems, lack of energy, and aches and pains, when often these things are a direct result of what I choose to put into my body.  Forgive me for not conditioning my body the way it ought to be conditioned.  My body is the temple of Your Spirit; I should treat it with dignity.  Forgive me for not having the right motivation.  Forgive me for not offering my body as a living sacrifice to You.

You say if I confess my sins, You are faithful to forgive and cleanse me.  Today is a new day.  May I experience a fresh start as I dedicate myself to glorify You with my body.  I belong to You, inside and out.  I matter to You, my spirit and my body.  Teach me to live in a way that gives glory to You.  Amen.
~Bill Hybels "Getting a Grip"

Meditate on this prayer for a bit. . .

Did you catch that?  We are His.  Our bodies were created in His image for His plan and purpose.  These cells, tissues and organs all came from our Father, our Creator.  We exist because He cared.  We exist because He desired to shine through us.  His Holy Spirit dwells within; but, if we refuse to activate the Holy Spirit, nourish our physical beings, feed our spirit with Truth and follow Him, we are denying our Maker.  We continue choosing destruction for our bodies and diminish our functioning.  Slowly, we fade away from the original intention for our being - to serve Him fully.

My son will build a huge creation from his Lego's and stand so proud next to it.  If I were to slowly pick at his creation, one piece at a time, it would eventually crumble.  With each section, each piece, I destroy, the stability weakens.  As it crumbles and appears as a pile of broken pieces and my son would be disheartened for he worked hard.  Well, the same goes for our bodies and decisions we make daily to remain healthy.  With each bad habit, decision or disrespectful comment we make, we destroy our stable bodies.  God looks at His creation in sadness as we destroy ourselves with gluttony, starvation, lack of exercise, over exercise, laziness, lack of sleep, etc. 

How else could we understand what balance looks like than to seek the Maker Himself?  Ask God what your meal plan, exercise plan and habits ought to be each day.  Yours will be different than the person next to you.  God does not like to bake, therefore did not use cookie cutters to create His children.  Our bodies reflect His creativity and must receive the proper amount of "fuel" to function.  Fear not, He does not expect perfection.  I want to stress this because our health could become an obsession, which is not healthy either.  Moderation is the key.  Some days will be a very healthy day and others will be so-so; but EVERY day should be given to God for direction.  He wants you to enjoy the "junky" food from time to time, but in moderation.  He wants you to relax from time to time, but in moderation. 

Take care of yourselves so He may use you completely.  I know when I starved my body and over exercised, I remained unstable.  As I fed myself with proper nutrients and followed His meal plan, I was able to serve Him with full potential.  You can do it!  Reach to Him for strength every day, with every decision.  Seek your Maker and honor Him with your bodies.

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

See Luke 12:22-34.  You are precious to God and you matter to Him.  He will provide for your every need.  Crave Him and seek Him.

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for healing me inside and out.  Continue to show me where I fall short and out of balance.  I give my meal plan to You daily.  Complete my itinerary for the ways I should go and food I should eat.  You know just how I am to function for You are my Maker.  Thank You for caring so much to provide life to me.  May I honor Your temple daily.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

  

The REAL Thing

Typically when I clean our home, I use the cheaper brand of products and supplies.  The outside of the bottle clearly states the comparable ingredients to the name brand (more expensive).  I never really put much thought into the purchase.  I only knew that the few extra dollars saved added up over time.  My house seemed clean and all was well.

Until. . .

My husband stocked the cleaning supply closet.  He purchased all name brand products and supplies.  It came time for me to clean the bathroom, dust the living room and help everyone see better in the mirror.  Well, the difference in products was incredible.  I did not need to use as much of the name brand, it lasted much longer, left no streaks and gave a better aroma. 

I never knew the difference because I refused to spend more money.  The fake stuff seemed to suffice and saved me financially.  If I thought it through, the fake stuff probably lost me money because I had to use more of it and clean more often.  The real thing lasted and performed better.  Had I took the time to study and research, I would have saved myself lots of time and effort cleaning.  I also would have revealed the phony product much quicker. 

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

Okay, so the fake proclaimed to be the same product.  The outside seemed similar to the real thing, the liquid the same color, the consistency the same, even some of the ingredients appeared very much alike; but, the fake fell short in performance.  I wanted to believe it was good because my bank account wanted the cheaper grocery bill.  But was I really choosing correctly?  Was I allowing my need to save a few dollars supersede the right choice?  I must have been delirious from inhaling all those fake products.

Well, as Christians, we must be careful not to fall for fake prophesy.  The cover of the book may appear legit, the outside of the church looks great or the person preaches in confidence.  We must seek God for discernment between false doctrine and His Truth.  Some feed others only what sounds good from the Bible and leave out the Truth of need to change our sinful ways.  Yes, God is love, provides forgiveness and comforts at all times; BUT, to get to Heaven, we must read His Word and follow every piece.  We cannot skip over the parts that may feel uncomfortable or use the cliff note version of it to live according to His Word.  We must read every sentence, word and letter.  Then, do what IT says! 

Sure the church up the road saves you on gasoline, but is Truth being taught?  A friend may lend you a book to read; you do not want to offend her by refusing the offer; but, is Truth being fed by the words in the book?  A person confidently speaks about God to you, but is all Truth being told?

One way to know that your mind is fed the real deal - read the Bible yourself.  Study, meditate on and learn the Truth within the REAL thing.  Do not fall for anything less than His Truth.  Test what you hear with His Word and assure that the church you attend teaches sound doctrine (even if you must travel 25 minutes each week).  Don't believe everything you read, but test it with His Word.  Stand firm on Truth.

Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life.  Accept Him as your Lord and Savior and know His Father.  His Way lasts eternally, leaves no stain of sin, shines and clearly brings peace!

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for feeding me Truth.  Help me discern between false prophesy, guide me to books of Your teaching and lead me in Your Way.  I struggle to distinguish between false and true teaching.  Help me see clearly.  Help me understand fully the Truth I read in Your Book.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

No Limitations

As I listened to the radio, a father came on to speak about his young daughter.  A couple years earlier, his daughter received a diagnosis of cerebral palsy.  This debilitating disorder placed her in a wheel chair.  Cerebral palsy limits movement and posture.  Often these limits are accompanied by disturbances of sensations.  The disorder disrupts one's life. 

The father spoke about a report received from the teacher.  The teacher sent progress or event reports home to keep the family informed and up to date.  Well, the class took a field trip that he and his daughter will never forget.  The class went bowling.  His daughter bowled and her score was included in this report.  He began to cry as he spoke about this feat despite her limitations.  He was so proud. 

Meditate on this story for a minute. . .

Tears welled up as I thought about this man, his daughter and the experience they just enjoyed.  I imagined the little girls face each time she rolled the ball down the lane and the pins began to fall.  I pictured the teacher smiling, hugging the girl for her achievement and filling her heart with love.  It amazes me the love others display and the kindness shown with simple actions. 

The teacher not only created a memory for the little girl, but she provided hope for the parents.  She brought some 'normal' to the life of this family.  I don't know why disorders, handicap, disease or sickness come into our lives.  But, I do know, and this little girl's story is proof, that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.  We can choose to take a situation and feel defeated and remain in darkness.  OR, we can choose Christ and allow Him to provide light.  Then, hope, comfort and perseverance will follow. 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

(1 Thessalonians 5:11)

This little girl filled with hope that day.  Why?  Because someone cared enough to give love, encourage and bring joy.  Life is not all about pleasing ourselves.  Life is about spreading God's love, Truth and comfort.  He placed us here to care for one another.  You may feel incompetent, unable to provide any help.  Guess what?  God will provide all you need if you just GO!

I commend those individuals who care for the handicap, sick, poor, dying or impaired.  A simple smile, hug, encouraging word or presence is all they need.  Many fear and avoid these situations.  Please don't.  Take God with you wherever you may go and He will provide strength beyond your imagination.  You will come to find as you spread joy, you receive 10x the amount.  Individuals in need teach the best of lessons.  Their spirits reciprocate the joy given.  We find that we were in need as well. 

"Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can."

~ Unknown

Help others see what they CAN accomplish.  Every person lives for a reason and plan.  God knows that plan, but so many cannot see His light.  Show them His light, teach them Truth.  Use His Word to drown out society's opinions and limitations. 

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly."

~ Richard Bach

 

You may get news today that seems like the end of your world.  But, our Master sees beauty in all situations and works all things out for the good of those who love Him.  The little girl may have felt scared, that life had no purpose if she could not play like the others and did not see reason to all this pain and suffering.  Well, I am not sure of her plan or purpose either; but, I do know that He will provide so much for her life and she will touch many people with her beauty.  I can confirm that she already changed one heart!

 

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for my health.  Show me how to use my health and skills to bless others.  Thank You for the story of a young girl and her accomplishments.  I know that through You all things are possible.  Thank You for the daily strength to face whatever news, situation or pain I experience.  Please bless this little girl and her parents as they continue to live with cerebral palsy.  I love You.

 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

GET PREPARED!

The final games of basketball and football are approaching fast.  The NFL now knows the teams in the Superbowl.  They prepared the place to host the game, sold all the tickets, planned for extra staff during the event and worked out every detail to provide all the fans and players need.  Spectators not attending the game planned for the event as well.  They planned a menu of appetizers, invited guest to watch the game together and create and environment of comfort for their guests.  All know the date of the game.  All prepare accordingly.

Tournament time approaches for college basketball.  Americans all around fill their bracket out and watch the games in hopes the team they chose to win.  Fans prepare to watch the game, either at work in the break room, on the computer, in a restaurant or at home.  Workplaces prepare fun events for customers to get pumped about the tournament and support their favorite teams.  The excitement is contagious and those who never watched a game during season tune in for the tournaments.  All enjoy the festivities.  All raise excitement knowing the time draws closer each day.

Upon realizing an event approaches, we put it in our calendar, prepare accordingly, look forward to the day and know we will enjoy it.  What if the NFL and college basketball did not reveal the actual date of the game or tournament?  They left out the detail of the locations, times and even what teams will be present.  Would you still prepare, knowing that the day will soon come?  Would you still rave about the event?  Would excitement raise or deplete when unaware of the time and place of this huge event?

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."

(Matthew 24:36,42)

"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:3,8)

No, you cannot mark this one on the calendar.  You will not see it on the news or hear of the event on the radio.  No one knows the hour or day when the Lord will come.  Are you prepared?  Are you excited?  Have you told others?

We spend precious time preparing for big events here on Earth - sports tournaments, parties, etc.  We tell others, send out invitations and look forward to the event.  These events come and go, lasting temporarily.  Our preparedness for the Lord coming determines our eternal life.  We must give attention to this spectacular event and assure ourselves that we are ready to go to Heaven with our Lord.  He promises that He will come back for us.  He is the Alpha and Omega, beginning and the end. 

Prepare yourselves.  Seek counsel in His Truth of what this looks like.  He will guide you, transform your life and set you on the straight path.  Gain the tools necessary to reach others and guide them to Truth.  We love to have all our friends at our home for the big game.  We even meet new friends when at the restaurants watching and celebrating.  If we can boldly support our NFL or college basketball team by getting others excited, celebrating victory and inviting them into your homes; why do we struggle to boldly support our Creator by feeding others with Truth, celebrating the victory we have in Christ and inviting others to know Him?  Don't you want to see them in Heaven with you?

Get prepared, for we know not of the time.  Go to church to learn about and worship Him.  There is no word to describe the intensity or excitement of this event.  The time is now to spread the News of His coming.  Don't delay.

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for promising to come back for us and take us to Heaven for Eternity.  Consume my heart and soul so I may become bolder about Your coming.  Give me the words, opportunities and guidance to spread Truth.  Use me as a vessel.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig   

Cling to Our Father With BOTH Hands

Do you ever feel that. . .

your mind stores a place for the negative past while the rest of it strives for forgiveness and healing

you grip tightly the hand of a child while they are reaching for freedom to grow

you hold onto a piece of your addiction with one hand and recovery with the other

you give financial freedom a try but cannot quit visiting your local fast food chain every day for lunch

your mind maintains a portion for terrible habits while the rest of it strives to start fresh?

Well, I can tell you from recent experience, that we must LET GO and fully grasp the better life.  We cannot hold onto past thoughts, addictions, habits or wrong choices and live for Christ.  Holding onto God's HAND must change to holding onto God's HANDS.  In this way, we have no way to grasp on to the old. 

Take a look at the second question above, 'Do you ever feel that you grip tightly the hand of a child while they are reaching for freedom to grow?'  If a child is ready to leave the home, gained all the knowledge needed from the parents, graduated from school; yet, the parent still holds onto the one hand tightly, how will the child ever mature and grow as intended.  The parent holds the child back.  The child will find it hard to walk the path given when being held tightly by another. 

If we hold tightly to 'things' of this world, we will find it difficult to continue the path given to us.  Addiction, money, habits, the past and wrong choices hold us back.  These assist the devil in his wicked schemes and enable him to pull us back to our old life at any time.  Don't give the devil this power.  Refuse to hold on, let go and let God.  Cling to our Father with BOTH hands.

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

(Matthew 6:24)

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds;"

(Ephesians 4:22-23)

Personalize the first Scripture by filling in the blank. . . You cannot serve both God and ____.  Mine varies, depending on the season of life.  Recently, I found myself filling in the blank with Anorexia.  The first two weeks of semester bombarded me and I felt defeated.  Life seemed chaotic.  I kept praying and never let go of His hand.  BUT, I did let go of His hands.  I held on with my right hand, while my left hand grabbed a hold of Anorexia.  I did not begin restricting, but began increasing my exercise.  I found that I could control that part amongst the chaos. 

One day, in the second week of living this way, God broke me down.  He revealed to me that I allowed my old self to creep into my life.  He commanded that I let it go, give this chaos to Him and peace will follow.  This is His plan for my life and I must trust Him with all my heart.  The old self only corrupts life and places a halt on my journey to maturity.  The old self loved Anorexia and refused God (which equates to hating Him).  I did not want to go back.  The devil was not going to step into my life any further.  It stopped right there.  Tears rolled down my face as I realized what I had done/was doing.  I am not sure if the tears were out of remorse or because I realized AGAIN I am not in control.  Regardless, I knew what must be done.

I urge you today to let go of 'things' of this world.  Hold tightly to BOTH of God's hands.  Unexplainable peace will follow.

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for protecting me, guiding me and feeding me Truth.  I cling to You, hands in hands!  Thank You for saving me from the destructive path of my past.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig 

You Don't Want to Miss a Minute

You are given the opportunity to switch lives with ANYONE in this world for one day; who would you choose?  Twenty-four hours walking in the shoes of another may sound fun, exciting and be a desire of most.  Some might choose a movie star due to looks.  Others may opt for a business owner or doctor due to income.  Still, a few may decide on a best friend (they have it all- a nice car, loving spouse, stable job, etc.). 

If this question were presented to me 4 years ago, I would have multiple answers.  Deep in my eating disorder, unable to cope with life as I knew it and feeling like a failure; the grass seemed so much greener on the other side.  Other women appeared to have it all together.  They carried themselves confidently, beautifully and freely.  It seemed nothing in the world would bring them down.  I caught them a time or two eating donuts, drinking a milkshake, buying a value meal at a fast food restaurant or choosing to go home instead of the gym that evening.  I envied the clothing worn.  It fit perfectly and looked nice.  Their hair lay just right and looked great no matter the style chosen for the day.  I was certain their husbands adored them and expressed how much love they felt each day.  I wanted that life; even for just one day.

I wanted to escape all the junk in my life to go and live in another's.  I felt exhausted in my own skin and needed a break.  My heart, mind and soul weakened more each day.  A fresh start in another life would be the best gift ever!

"Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." (1 Peter 3:4) 

I heard once, that if all of us went in to one big room and laid out all our troubles, sadness, grief, worries and trials in the middle of the room; each would walk away with their own.  After examining the hearts of others, the mental battles given daily and the sadness within; our eyes see the greener grass now appears on our side.  Each of us experience trial and tribulation.  God will provide the strength, skills and tools needed to work through all of it.  Don't refuse these free gifts from Him.

I experienced a transformation in my life that is unexplainable.  He took what I saw as dead grass, fertilized it with Truth and shined His light upon it.  I did not need a fresh start through the life of SOMEONE else.  I needed a fresh start through Him. 

Outward appearance does not equate happiness.  All the money in the world cannot buy contentment.  I found out that God did not transform my life from outside - in.  He began with the most important part, my spirit.  He transformed my mind to believe Truth and my heart to be humble and surrender to Him.  He then adjusted my vision to see clearly the glorious life I have been given.  He did not give me better outward features, more money in the bank, a new wardrobe, etc. 

Turn your focus away from others and turn to His Truth.  He will explain all the glorious ways He created you and the wonder and beauty He placed inside.  Shine from the inside - out.  Stop right now, look around and thank God for each blessing that surrounds you.  Your life holds a specific plan, drawn out in detail by your Father.  Accept Him as your Lord and Savior, then carry out His plan.  Thank God for the body, mind and soul given to you.  He sees beauty in His Creation.  Don't wish for another's life, not even for one day!  God has so much in store for your every hour; you don't want to miss it.

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for transforming my life from inside - out.  I see clearly now that I am here for a plan and a purpose.  My plan and purpose differs from the others around me.  I desire to carry out Your plan for my life, not the plan of someone else.  Thank You for taking the time to plan my life in detail.  I give it all to You.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig