I think I have mentioned before that I attend a Recovery Group, commonly called a 12 - step program, weekly. It is vitally important to my serenity and ability to live life without going crazy. I wouldn't change a thing about what I have experienced, my family of origin, or even the one's in my life who are still actively in addictive behaviors because of what I have learned as a result of their influence. What I do want to change is my heart, my reactions, and the way that I look at and live life...which sometimes is off, self-centered, and co-dependant. What I do wish I could change is the fact that I did not start working a 12 step recovery program when I first realized that some of my (crazy) behaviors and thought patterns were directly related to my experiences with alcoholism. A counselor and pastor at my church years and years ago (about 17 years) suggested that I do this and at that time, I didn't. Regret won't get me anywhere, but I wonder how different I would be and how many relationships would be healthier (or even existent) if I had taken recovery seriously way back then.
Anyway, I say all of this because I have been working for many months on some particular things and can finally give credit to God that some serious (wrong) attitudes are gone!
Yes! Gone!
The slate is clean!
Don't you just love grace? Don't you just love miracles?
Ha ha! Yes, I believe that God changing my heart is certain areas is miraculous!
It is my pleasure to boast in Him today!
I want to share with you, a prayer that I pray every day. I have it on a book mark that I keep in my journal. I also carry it with me in my purse. If a moment comes along that I need to be reminded of what I CAN control (sometimes I get confused!), I pull this out and read it.
Dear God,
Just for today: I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle all my problems at once. I can do something for twelve hours that which would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
Just for today: I will be happy.
This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said,
*Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.*
Just for today: I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will Take my *luck* as it comes, and fit myself into it.
Just for today:I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought, and concentration.
Just for today: I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don't want to do-- just for exercise.
I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt: they may be hurt but today I will not show it.
Just for today: I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, keep my voice low, be courteous, criticize not one bit. I won't find fault with anything, nor try to improve or regulate anybody else but myself.
Just for today: I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: Hurry and Indecision.
Just for today: I will have a quiet half hour all by myself, and relax. During this half hour, sometime I will try to get a better perspective of my life.
Just for today: I will be un-afraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful,and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give back to me
For more information on Recovery Programs:
Comments
I haven't checked in for a while--haven't posted in a while lately either. I will be glad to get back into the book study in January!!
I like the "just for today" poem in todays post.
I would love to hear your thoughts on "The Shack". I just finished reading it. I had borrowed it from the local library and I have asked for it for Christmas. I want to read it again without a time hindrance. I found it really thought provoking--especially the "Papa" figure--and its many types of people. I can't wait to read it again.
have a good day!
Kim
This is so good, Liz. I am so proud to boast in HIm with you, friend! Only He can free us from some of those ingrained patterns that make life so difficult.
I rejoice with you today!
Love it and you are doing great.