8 Beatitudes, step work ✝️

I could go on and on. I could go through it all.
But, i think i shall keep it simple.

I’m just glad I got to know Jesus, that I can absolutely trust him and in that, I learned to trust and grow with other people.

To let go everyday, and ask Jesus when things come up.

Im broken and will always be, but, as time goes on. The sincerity growing around me because of Jesus.

The growth, the love, the care.

Why would I ever turn away?
I’ll. Just. End up bitter.
Why?
Because, I tried to do it myself, and Ill grow tired.

But watching me sit back and truly believe.

There is just a special place in my soul, where I can rest.

That final let go, that deep knowing.

Not in my own Glory, not a me thing.

But, in Jesus Christ, in His.

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Goodnight.

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PART 20. :latin_cross:

@JazzyS
@Amelie

Dear Heavenly Father, thank Ypu for another day, without You my sobriety is dead. Without You there would be no true growth, no purpose, no deep healing. Thank you. Though I am broken, and will always be, I’m just truly greatful that my heart opened up to you, Lord. Amen.

..

(Sorry for saying I, me so much, it annoys me too.)

I’m a blunt person, always have been. I’ll tell you as it is. For better or worse. I had rage, I had passion.

I had love, but I buried that so deep. Why?

I was surviving.
I was scared.
I wanted more.
I didn’t know what to do.

Well, Unless I wanted something to gain. Then I was quiet, charming, beyond all, I was narcissistic.

I could switch behaviors, i learned and gained knowledge, reading this and that. Studying human behavior, psychology, even witchcraft which was just a deep internal pursuit, but I used it twice, and quickly ran from it.

But, I studied people, then learned how to study people playing poker. Made money off it.

I loved knowledge, because I feared the world. But, never feared God.

I had fears, but beyond all, I didn’t want to be hurt, I didn’t want to be betrayed, and definitely not in a romantic relationship.

Being hurt by someone would have ruined me, me being outplayed by someone. My ego, my addicitons wouldn’t of allowed it.

But guess what all that lead too?

Spiritual death. Dead ends. Ruined people. Never actually buillding deep meaningful relationships.

I thought, when I got sober, I thought I worked on it. But no.

I had to let go of what I knew, for something better.

My son is the only person that brought a deep love in me. A deep care, a let go, a joy in this world. Without trying he did all that. Everyday, in our adventures, nothing can beat it.

Just watching him grow, watching him put Jesus first, watching him. I’ve learned so much from my son at times. Its just.. truly beautiful. To give to him, and see his smiles..

To just..

..thank you.

..how do I say this..

I’m just glad I can let go into Jesus.
I’m glad I hold no fears.
And that there is a deep hope in his name.

When I say it was because of Jesus.
Everyday, every hour.

I let go of what I knew for something better. Because my past was ugly.
It was weak.
It was scared.

It was only surviving, with no chance of thriving.

Jesus has my heart, my future, and I don’t need to play, waste time, find an angle, over think a relationship. I gave all that up for the Cross. When I said, “Jesus here you go, change me, make new.” I let go on it all. I didn’t want it anymore, anyways.

I was sick of the games.
Sick of this world.

Which is perfect for God.

For He will take you where you stand and change you..

There is love, there is Joy, there is deep healing.

In Jesus name.

Lets begin.

  1. What are some of the advantages of each of the three types of inventories in your recovery? How can they help you to “be careful that you don’t fall”?

Onging:
Daily:
Periodic:

  1. What do the following verses mean to you and how can they help you in this step?

“From a wise mind comes careful and persuasive speech.” (Proverbs 16:23) TLB

“Don’t use bad language, Andre. Say only what is good, Andre, and helpful to those you are talking to, Andre, and what will give them a blessing, Andre”. Ephesians 4:29, TLB

“The wise man is known by his common sense, and a pleasant teacher is the best.” (Proverbs 16:21 TLB)

“Anxious hearts are very heavy but a word of encouragement does wonders!” (Proverbs 12:25 TLB)

“If I had a gift of being able to speak in other languages without learning them, and could speak in every language there is in all of heavan and earth, but didn’t love others, I would only be making noise.” (1 Corinthians 13:1, TLB)

Watch with me and pray lest the Tempter overpower you. For enough the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak." (Mark 14:38, TLB)

  1. What is your daily action plan for step 10?

  2. What are the recurring events or issues that you are constantly needing to make amends for?

*with your family?
*with your friends?
*with those you work with, Andre
*with those in your church or recovery program?

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A heartfelt thank you for your generous sharing. I’m so glad to be on this journey with you. I’m grateful that I was able to read the latest Bible quotes, and was struck by the idea that rn I need a much more frequent periodic review than quarterly! I think that sessions with my sponsor serve in this way, plus longer quiet times. It takes what it takes. Feeling funny, too bc the often quoted: spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, is hitting me without pushback. I feel free of temptation bc I make sure to connect with and place my surrendered reliance upon God daily. I know, though, that human nature is by definition in a natural state of delusion, so, by tonight I may have fallen victim to my hubris. For today, I have placed my trust in God. And so far, it has gone very well! Honesty. Purity. Fearlessness. and especially Love.

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That’s what its about.

:heart:

I appreciate you.

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:pleading_face:

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All the brokeness was starting to build into something meaningful. No more than 3 months later, God was truly pushing me away from it all..

:pray: Beautiful :heart:

Part XVIII

Questions.

  1. How has Jesus Christ used your weaknesses and turned them into strengths?

    • By helping me be more self aware of myself and my behaviors.

Ø My OCD obsessions have lifted to a degree that lets me be more free in my space and also helped me keep a organized space to work / live in.

Ø Having a constant fog that keeps me from thinking clearly since I became sober is now helping me make task lists and tracking tools to stay on top of my schedule.

Ø My controlling tendencies can be honed in on my work details and with the help of God I have been able to let go of controlling my life and the people around me.

  1. How do you receive Jesus’ gift of Grace (Roman 5:2)?

    • By having faith. Believing in Him and all his Glory. Knowing that I have safely surrendered myself to Him and that He will take car of me as long as I continue to follow in His path and keep Him in my heart and soul :pray:
  2. How can you model God, Jesus gift of grace in making your amends?

    • In letting go and letting God in I have had to ask for forgiveness for all that I have done as well as forgiven all those who have wronged / hurt me.

    • I am grateful that God has received my repentance and accepted me. I am working on following His guidance in doing the same for my fellows.

  3. In what ways have you experienced Gods grace in your recovery?

    • Over the years I would say that I had forgiven so and so but when I looked back on my past experiences I would be filled with rage and hurt. This showed me that I was still traumatized and not fully healed. In letting go with God I have been able to fully let go of my trauma. Fully forgive and move past the hurt. I now have no feelings of hurt or pain or anger associated with past trauma. This is the biggest blessing indeed
  4. Jesus loved and accepted us while we were still sinners (Ephesians 2:5). How can you model that acceptance to those to whom you need to offer forgiveness or make amends?

    • I have sinned and caused harm to others and therefore am in no position to pass judgement or hold grudges for others.

    • This does not mean that I have to become friends or have these people be a part of my life but I also will not hold any judgements towards them.

  5. In Principle 6 we are not trying to get even. Christ paid the price for all of our wrongs. What does “speaking the truth in love” mean to you?

    • Honest communication. Speaking from the heart without a goal or agenda. Being your raw true self when communicating.
  6. Why is it important that you focus only on your part in making amends or offering forgiveness?

    • I can only offer forgiveness to those who have harmed me. Without expecting things to change or for them to say “sorry”. I need to forgive for me and not for them. SO that I may heal. In the same sense, I need to ask for forgiveness with the intent of not repeating my past mistakes. For being better in my daily life but not expecting to be forgiven.
  7. List some of the things that God has shown you through working principle 6.

    • Not being judgmental

    • Offering and asking for forgiveness without an end goal

    • Making amends and moving forward with God on His path

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This is a major step, a beautiful one.

A few months ago we talked about how some things would come back. That there was lingering effects.

Jesus’ power holds no barriers, for it is there.

Ever moving.

Indeed, the idea of guarding your heart is a vital teaching. Giving yourself away trying to fix things you were not meant to fix is not always on you.

People make a choice, they have free will..

To Jesus, not to Jesus. All choices.

People can continue to try by themselves, no judgement.

Sometimes people ask me some questions.

Questions about the future or what they should do.

I usually say, i don’t know what God wants you to do.

Sonetimes, i don’t even know what God wants me to do.

:rofl::rofl:

I remember in my past I would try and help people do what i thought was best.

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

I couldn’t even get my self good, look at me now!

Im still broken. :rofl::rofl:

I laugh at myself, how foolish i was then i get sad, at how demonic I truly was.

But, i gave up.
Look at what Jesus has done.

More than I could ask.

More than I even deserve.

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For sure. It’s remarkable how the same thought can have such a different effect, or I should say no effect at all.

Lol…yup. Following blindly (blind faith)!that the plan is best as He has designed it. We don’t know what the future holds and that is in itself beautiful.

:folded_hands:t4:. I love this for you :heart:

Nah friend. You are deserving of all the greatness. Don’t sell yourself short :people_hugging:

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Thank you so much Jazzy :two_hearts:

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It does remove fear, and gives the mind to grow and adapt.

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Thought this was the perfect spot for this :folded_hands:t4:

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PART 21 :latin_cross:

@JazzyS
@Amelie

All I want to say is this, I was sober for years.
It sucked. It was all dead.

Then I said, God, have it.

In Jesus mighty name.

..

Questions.

  1. What are some of the ways that you have developed in your recovery to prevent relapse?

  2. Do a H-E-A-R-T check right now. Are you..

H.urting
E.xhausted
A.ngry
R.esentful
T.ense

  1. What do you do when you are

Hurting.
Exhausted
Angry
Resentful
Tense.

  1. Rate your listening skills from a 1 to 10, 10 being the best.

What are some ways you could improve your listening skills with others? What do you feel at times?

What are some ways thst you could improve your listening skills with God?

  1. Describe what a “quiet time” means to you and why it is important.

  2. How could you improve your prayer time? Be super specific.

When do you pray?

Where do you pray?

  1. After you pray, do you slow down long enough to hear God? What does the word “meditation” in this step mean to you?

  2. What are some of the other things that you do in your recovery to help you on your journey and prevent a relapse?

  3. I think we all agree that recovery is a joy, but it also requires hard work. What do you do to celebrate your recovery - even the small victories?

..

Closing

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@Misokatsu

Hey Flo, to answer the idea behind it all.
I just brought you here, then arrowed it to an explanation I made about it weeks ago.

Lol.

Today was no short of remarkable, it literally wasn’t because of me.

Part 22 Wednesday. :latin_cross:

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