CRA Christians in Recovery (anonymous)

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Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,247
25,715
113
August 19, 2019 First things first Page 241

"We apply effort to our most obvious problems and let go of the rest. We do the job at hand and, as we progress, new opportunities for improvement present themselves." Basic Text, p. 56

It's been said that recovery is simple-all we've got to change is everything! That can seem a pretty tall order, especially when we first arrive in Narcotics Anonymous. After all, not many of us showed up at our first meeting because our lives were in great shape. On the contrary, a great many of us came to NA in the midst of the worst crises of our lives. We needed recovery, and quick!

The enormity of the change required in our lives can be paralyzing. We know we can't take care of all that needs to be done, not all at once. How do we start? Chances are, we've already started. We've done the first, most obvious things that needed to be done: We've stopped using drugs, and we've started going to meetings.

What do we do next? Pretty much the same thing, just more of it: From where we are, we do what we can. We walk the path of recovery by picking up our feet and taking the step that's right in front of us. Only when that's been accomplished must we concern ourselves with what comes next. Slowly but surely, we'll find ourselves making progress down the path, visibly drawing closer each day to becoming the kind of person we'd like to be.

Just for Today: I will walk the path of my recovery by taking the step right in front of me.
 

calibob

Sinner saved by grace
May 29, 2018
8,268
5,510
113
Anaheim, Cali.
August 19, 2019 First things first Page 241

"We apply effort to our most obvious problems and let go of the rest. We do the job at hand and, as we progress, new opportunities for improvement present themselves." Basic Text, p. 56

It's been said that recovery is simple-all we've got to change is everything! That can seem a pretty tall order, especially when we first arrive in Narcotics Anonymous. After all, not many of us showed up at our first meeting because our lives were in great shape. On the contrary, a great many of us came to NA in the midst of the worst crises of our lives. We needed recovery, and quick!

The enormity of the change required in our lives can be paralyzing. We know we can't take care of all that needs to be done, not all at once. How do we start? Chances are, we've already started. We've done the first, most obvious things that needed to be done: We've stopped using drugs, and we've started going to meetings.

What do we do next? Pretty much the same thing, just more of it: From where we are, we do what we can. We walk the path of recovery by picking up our feet and taking the step that's right in front of us. Only when that's been accomplished must we concern ourselves with what comes next. Slowly but surely, we'll find ourselves making progress down the path, visibly drawing closer each day to becoming the kind of person we'd like to be.

Just for Today: I will walk the path of my recovery by taking the step right in front of me.
Thank you. You are a breath of fresh air.
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
8,281
4,383
113
"Spiritual Sobriety is a way of living that is joyful, conscious and intentional, supported by self-awareness, personal accountability and responsible action to effect positive change in the world."
'Praise God'
[Compiled from Web sources]


563e0526621ea_man_praying_silhouette-resized-600-Copy_jpg_0b82847a16daaa9ce48d0ca8f14dc4d5 - C...png
 

CharliRenee

Member
Staff member
Nov 4, 2014
6,687
7,165
113
Thinking this day about this thread.

He is the way, the truth, and the life out of addiction. I never was successful at just yearning not to do this or that. I only found freedom in Him, with the liberty He died for. I found freedom by seeking Him more than things of this world. How Great Thou Art.

Love to you and yours family in Christ. I pray we all are free from entanglement outside of Him.
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
8,281
4,383
113
Thinking this day about this thread.

He is the way, the truth, and the life out of addiction. I never was successful at just yearning not to do this or that. I only found freedom in Him, with the liberty He died for. I found freedom by seeking Him more than things of this world. How Great Thou Art.

Love to you and yours family in Christ. I pray we all are free from entanglement outside of Him.
"Amen"..........:)
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,247
25,715
113
August 22, 2019 Contribution Page 244

"We recognize our spiritual growth when we are able to reach out and help others." Basic Text, p. 58

To make a difference in the world, to contribute something special, is perhaps the highest aspiration of the human heart, Each one of us, no matter what our personal makeup, has a unique quality to offer.

Chances are that at some time in our recovery we met someone who reached us when no one else could. Whether it was someone who made us laugh at our first meeting, a warm and compassionate sponsor, or an understanding friend who supported us through an emotional storm, that person made all the difference in the world.

All of us have had the gift of recovery shared with us by another recovering addict. For that, we are grateful. We express our gratitude by sharing freely with others what was given to us. The individual message we carry may help a newcomer only we can reach.

There are many ways to serve our fellowship. Each of us will find that we do some things better than others, but all service work is equally important. If we are willing to serve, we're sure to find that particular way to contribute that's right for us.

Just for Today: My contribution makes a difference. I will offer a helping hand today.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,247
25,715
113
September 4, Cluttered spirits Page 258

"We try to remember that when we make amends we are doing it for ourselves. " Basic Text, p.41

As long as we still owe amends, our spirits are cluttered with things we don't need. We're carrying the extra load of an apology owed, a resentment held, or unexpressed remorse. It's like having a messy house. We could leave so we don't have to see the mess, or maybe just step over the piles of debris and pretend they aren't there. But ignoring the disorder won't make it disappear. In the end, the dirty dishes, the crumb-filled carpet, and the overflowing wastebaskets are still there, waiting to be cleaned up.

A cluttered spirit is just as hard to live with as a messy home. We always seem to be tripping over yesterday's leavings. Every time we turn around and try to go somewhere, there is something blocking our path. The more we neglect our responsibility to make amends, the more cluttered our spirits become. And we can't even hire someone to clean up. We have to do the work ourselves.

We gain a deep sense of satisfaction from making our own amends. Just as we would feel after we've cleaned our homes and have time to enjoy a bit of sunshine through sparkling windows, so will our spirits rejoice at our freedom to truly enjoy our recovery. And once the big mess is cleaned up, all we have to do is pick up after ourselves as we go along.

Just for Today: I will clear away what's cluttering my spirit by making the amends I owe.
 

Jimbone

Senior Member
Aug 22, 2014
2,691
815
113
44
That's the Idea. Jesus said "Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden. I will give you rest." Not go fix yourself first.
Amen, and is the whole point of EVERYTHING! The thing is that none of us can fix ourselves right? We all NEED Jesus. With the addict it's just more clearly seen because the destruction their object of worship causes, but the love of your success is just as deadly, or whatever we hold up higher than our King. We ALL need our Savior and King with the name above all names, Jesus! Holla-Boo-Ya!!!!:eek:(y):eek::LOL::ROFL::LOL:
 

calibob

Sinner saved by grace
May 29, 2018
8,268
5,510
113
Anaheim, Cali.
Yes absolutely. People tend to idolize things and place the things we love and desire on a pedestal. I recently realized that putting man made things on a pedestal in front of or beside God is similar to adultery against God and he sternly warned us not to do it and that he is a jealous God. Though he will give us the desires of our hearts. The main desire of our hearts is supposed to be him. Idolatry is not limited to statues, precious metals, stones or things like that. It can be intoxicants, food, Harley Davidsons, flags or computers too. Our focus in life is supposed to be God First! neighbors and ourselves are a tie for second. Even a spouse can be a stumbling block. Just read about Gideon, Sampson & Solomon.
"...clothe yourselves with the LORD Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."
Romans 13:14 NIV
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,247
25,715
113
They say life imitates art. That thought occurred to me as I have been making some headway with the clearing of space for the K9 team building management has hired to sniff out unwanted pests so they can move freely in the confines of my bedroom. I say that because, yes, I have too much stuff, mostly too many clothes, clothes that span many years of wear and many gains and losses of weight over the years. Some I have discarded. Some has been put in a pile to donate. And some has been sorted into appropriate categories and dispensed to a drawer or hanger where it belongs. Some I have hardly worn, and others were over worn. Some I may never wear again. I will need to go through the collection all over again at a future point in time, culling and sorting once more. Throwing anything away that I think may be of some future use has always been a challenge for me. My living space can get cluttered as a result, which creates its own set of problems. Clearing some space has felt good :)
 
Feb 28, 2016
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Magenta,
hub and I have had several (bon-fires) - only by the Grace of God!
as of today, we both hold absolutely (NOTHING) of any (VALUE) in
this demonic-fallen world - except our Conversion, which entails
(what our heavenly Father requires of us to do)...
 

calibob

Sinner saved by grace
May 29, 2018
8,268
5,510
113
Anaheim, Cali.
Where I heard the 'ISM' (I, SELF AND ME) explanation was at AA. If some says I suffer with alcoholism the real truth is that they suffer with alcohol but that's not the root of the problem their problem is with themselves, via self centeredness and selfishness. Take away the object of their attention and they don't have a spiritual awakening and start to change on the inside the same scenario will reoccur with a different object or false god in the place of the old ones. Be it alcohol, drugs, religion, sex/porn, food gambling or what ever. What we most easily recognize is what comes from the outside but where the real repair is needed is on the inside. A new paint job won't fix and old beat up car if real restoration is needed. Then we must examine the engine, transmission and running gear to figure out and repair what's running amok.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,247
25,715
113
Where I heard the 'ISM' (I, SELF AND ME) explanation was at AA. If some says I suffer with alcoholism the real truth is that they suffer with alcohol but that's not the root of the problem their problem is with themselves, via self centeredness and selfishness. Take away the object of their attention and they don't have a spiritual awakening and start to change on the inside the same scenario will reoccur with a different object or false god in the place of the old ones. Be it alcohol, drugs, religion, sex/porn, food gambling or what ever. What we most easily recognize is what comes from the outside but where the real repair is needed is on the inside. A new paint job won't fix and old beat up car if real restoration is needed. Then we must examine the engine, transmission and running gear to figure out and repair what's running amok.
That is so true, Bob: recovery is an inside job :):love::) And it has a language all its own that may take some getting used to for newcomers :D Just like some Bibles! I did not mean to post this yet but the site is being glitchy again :unsure::giggle:
 
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,972
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I definitely 'disagree with this - (self-centeredness & selfishness)??? (not saying that each of us can be thus), but -

did I rape myself? - did I drug myself as an infant and beyond? - did I offer myself to satan on an altar at (8)yrs old?

did I make myself-self-centered' in all of the years that I tried to 'cope' and 'medicate' myself in order to stay alive,
and try and keep a semblance of sanity???

are you presenting yourself as an all knowing guru and thus appointing yourself a 'judge' of my afflictions that I had
to suffer and only over-came' by 'the Grace of God alone'???

calibob, you have much to learn about this evil world - we love you, but don't ever presume anything about the
world at large and the depths of evil/power that can take hold of one's spirit/heart/mind...
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,247
25,715
113
I definitely 'disagree with this - (self-centeredness & selfishness)??? (not saying that each of us can be thus), but -

did I rape myself? - did I drug myself as an infant and beyond? - did I offer myself to satan on an altar at (8)yrs old?

did I make myself-self-centered' in all of the years that I tried to 'cope' and 'medicate' myself in order to stay alive,
and try and keep a semblance of sanity???

are you presenting yourself as an all knowing guru and thus appointing yourself a 'judge' of my afflictions that I had
to suffer and only over-came' by 'the Grace of God alone'???

calibob, you have much to learn about this evil world - we love you, but don't ever presume anything about the
world at large and the depths of evil/power that can take hold of one's spirit/heart/mind...
"What we most easily recognize is what comes from the outside but where the real repair is needed is on the inside."

I wonder why you disagree with this, and seek to disparage your brother in Christ.
It seems you lack understanding of what is being said and judge wrongly as a result.