enidcr.blogspot.com

Do You Have Your Helmet On?

2010-07-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

As I'm reading through the book "Warrior Chicks", I'm finding some gems in here I would like to share. The next several entries will be regarding our Armor.
"You and I are to put on the helmet of salvation. This helmet is to guard our minds. In the midst of battle, our mind must be protected. Most battles truly begin and end in the mind. The mind is the source for every action we take, every decision we make and every thought that we allow to linger. Every behavior we exhibit begins in our mind.
The helmet of salvation guards our mind and gives us confidence in Christ. You and I have been saved by what Christ did for us on the cross. God didn't establish a relationship with us because of our goodness. No, we can only come into the presence of God because of what Jesus did for us. No one can take that away."
So how is your mindset? All of us need to work on taking our negative thoughts captive. Most of us have done it for so long, that it is second nature to be negative about ourselves as well as others. Use the list "What God Says About You" to help change this pattern. As those negative thoughts begin to creep in, proclaim the positive of God's Word in your life.
God Bless,
Laura S.

Testimonies

2010-07-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Tonight we are having an awesome guest, Gena McSwain. She was delivered out of a lifestyle of homosexuality and today is serving in ministry in the prison as well as her church. She is a phenomenal woman. Join us tonight as we celebrate God's victory in her life. Our Large Group begins at 7:00 pm, hope we see you there!

A New Year...A New Beginning!

2010-01-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? It is 2010!? My how time flies when we are having fun! I am excited about this year. God has huge things up His sleeve and I am pumped for Him to unleash them! But are you ready for it?! I hope so. If not, there is not a better time than right now. 2010 is going to be a year of victory and freedom. We are going to truly know what it means to live. Are you with me or not!?

jasier-A

Importance of Friends

2009-12-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

Eccl 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a more satisying reward for their work. If one falls, the friend will be there to help the other up.

Wouldn't that stink to not have someone to help you up when you fall?

How important friends are! This includes accountability and sponsors. The fact is, we are all in the same boat. We are human and we all fall. We all need people.

So you can look at this verse in two ways. You can be that friend to encourage and stand by others who are having a rough time. Or you can humble yourself and let someone help you when you are having a rough time. Understand though, this is going to take you truthfully opening up yourself, letting your guard down and be ready for positive criticism. Our goal is to move forward, right? Why not go side-by side?

Jasie-A

Press On

2009-11-30T11:00:00.001-08:00

These words are on my heart and in my head today. PRESS ON. Don't give up. Keep running the race. Keep moving forward. You may want to stop and rest or maybe you want to quit...don't! Stay strong. Listen to the Voice of Truth. Move forward. Press on.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize! 1 Corinthians 9:24

jasier-A

Colder Seasons

2009-11-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody. Hope you are all staying warm. Just wanted to let everybody know how much GOD love's each and every one of us. We are planning a great Christmas Party.
I pray everybody has a wonderful Thanksgiving with all the trimmings. This is the time of year that a lot of people will need to be calling thier accountability partners and anyone else you may need to help get through the holidays. Remember: Church is a great place to go when any of us feel we cannot do it alone, so keep that in mind. To ask for help does not make one weak, it add's to our strength. We are here to help one another, through the Holidays as well. Hope to see you all on Tuesday Nights. This is where you can get numbers from accountability partners.
Everybody have a safe and wonderful Holiday. GOD BLESS

Karen (T)

October Events!

2009-11-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I had an awesome time this past October and Halloween season. Our walk through Mad Scientist/Hero's Cave was a hit and the Mystery Party following was a great time as well. These next couple months are sure to hold some fun moments and events as well. Keep in touch to the blog or to the announcements on Tuesday nights for information on these get togethers!

P.S. we would all love to see pics of the fun October events!

jaSier-A

It's Time for the Action Card

2009-11-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

There are times when we don't want to do things. Maybe we don't feel we have the time or the energy. That is when it is time to pull out the "ACTION CARD"! With a smile on our face...we have to suck it up and get off the couch! I have found this to happen a lot in recovery and becoming healthier inside and out. I have had to take on Nike's slogan and "just do it." What about you? Are there areas in your life where you need to take action?

jasier-A

Sept. 9th 2009

2009-09-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

Wow. When you miss one week it seems like a long time when you finally get back to CR, but when you miss a couple weeks, like I did, it seems like a lifetime. But coming back to people who care and feeling God's love is a wonderful balm to our hurts.
Everytime I hear the teaching on sponsor's I catch something I didn't hear before and it helps me understand a sponsors role. The first time I heard the teaching I was very confused. I didn't completely understand the difference between a sponsor and an accountability partner. But I approached someone to be my sponser and it has worked out great. Approaching someone to be an accountability partner was a little different thoug. I don't know why, I guess because I didn't understand, at the time why I needed them.
Then when I was doing the 12 steps my sponser and accountability partners became even more important. I began to understand, a little more, the "why" behind the need for them.
Then in sponsor training, it was like a curtain lifting. I had taken notes on sponsors during the first teaching. During the 12 steps we had been taught the importance, and I still couldn't grasp the concept. But going thru the 12 steps and the sponsor training and then the teaching last night, I feel I have come full circle and I understand. Yay me.
I felt a connection with my sponsor the first night I came to CR. I have been thru the 12 steps and I have overcome some issues, and I still struggle sometimes. But God has revealed to me some other ones that I need to work on. Just like Laura said would happen. Thanks Laura.
But now I know I can overcome anything. I may still deny some things, but God will not let me do it for long.
Bobbie -E

Reminders

2009-09-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to remind everyone of two things!!

1. Cookbook!
-Lets get all our recipes in asap! We need to represent CR well (considering that it was our idea to have the cookbook in the first place)! So get them in and remind others along the way!
2. Afterglow
-Also, don't forget where you'll be this Sunday night! AT CHUTCH! CR is having an afterglow and we want (and need) you there!

JasieR- A

Silly Samson...Silly me

2009-08-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

So, I was thinking and reading up on Samson today. Silly Samson got himself all tangled up with the beautiful yet deadly Delilah. Do you know the story? Strong Samson keeps getting asked by Delilah, "What is it that makes you so strong?" And Samson keeps putting her off lying about the source of his strength. However, this nagging goes on for days and possible weeks. It starts wearing on Samson until finally he gives in and tells her its his hair. If you are like me, you are yelling at Samson, "Samson...DON'T DO IT! DON'T TELL HER! THE MEN ARE IN THE OTHER ROOM TO CAPTURE YOU!!" I even went further to say, "Stupid Samson. He is pretty dumb to fall for that over and over. Surely he had to know she was up to something!" Then it hit me. I am Samson. I have let deadly sin nag and nag at me till I finally just quit and fall into it. The Bible says that satan comes sneaking around like a roaring lion ready to devour...to steal, kill and destroy. This is where we need to take guard and stand our ground against our addictions and compulsive behaviors. To fight and not be paralyzed! Also it is time to turn to God. We can not let our sin and guilt keep us from restoration and an upright relationship with the Savior. In the end, Samson turned to God and God came back to Samson. He stood by him and let Samson show his strength once more. Turn to God. He's still there.
JasieR-A

Sponsor Training Success

2009-08-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon! Wow what a great Sponsor Training we had saturday. I would like to thank all of you who came. Remember you were not there by chance! God has special plans for you in your journey of Recovery. This is just a way of giving back to Celebrate Recovery and any and all of the precious people God places in our lives. As for me I can not begin to give back what has been given back to me except to be there to serve for our Lord Jesus Christ. Not only in Celebrate Recovery, but in our church as well. I praise God and thank all of you who are an awesome part of my Recovery
KAREN (T)

Wait

2009-08-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

If you are anything like me, you hate waiting. But God has a few things to say about waiting. The most obvious is found in Psalm 27:14. It says, "Wait on the Lord. Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." If we have asked Jesus to live and reign in us, we know that His goodness and blessing will follow us. However, waiting for evidence of this is difficult sometimes. All in all it comes down to the foundation and key part of Christianity: having faith. This includes trusting that God has your best interest at heart even though, and espcially though, you cannot see the 'it' at the moment. So, I will wait. God has promised to complete the good work in us (Phil 1:6). Until then, I will not cease praising to Him for the present and the future.

JasieR-A

Testimonies

2009-08-05T23:13:00.000-07:00

Wow it has been an exciting couple of weeks.
First let me say a great big WOO-HOO!! I have finished the 12 Steps. I am so excited for myself, and the girls who worked it with me. There were times when it was hard, times when I wondered if I would be able to finish...but I stuck with it and it is so worth it.
I have been thinking a lot lately about the testimonies. Most everyone coming to Celebrate Recovery, has trust issues. It takes a while sometimes, to get to the point of wanting to share. When you are ready to talk there is someone ready to listen.
Once you start hearing the testimonies, you start thinking "Wow, I've been there. I'm not alone." You are able to relate and make friends. People you can trust and count on. For some people Celebrate Recovery is their only family.
As I have been in CR, heard the testimonies, made friends, and heard their stories, I have been amazed to see the way that God has worked in their lives. To be able to let go of their hurts and their habits, to forgive the ones who have hurt them, and accept God's forgiveness in their lives - is truly amazing. When some of my friends told me what they were recovering from, I couldn't believe it. They had victories in their lives and it shows. They are more than willing to help anyone who walks through those doors on Tuesday nights. Yes, they still struggle sometimes with day to day stuff,as we all do, but they trust God.
I think the main thing that kept me coming back, is the first night I was there, Karen showed me where to go, where everything was, and stayed with me through large group. Then in Solid Rock, Tammy was so nice to me when I told her I wanted to try Laura's group the next week to see if it was a better fit for me. I just felt welcomed and comfortable. In my walk with the Lord, in my recovery, and as the Encourager Coach, I can only hope I will be able to make people who come through those doors feel just as comfortable and safe.
Even tho I am finished with the 12 steps, I will still be learning. I will still stumble in my daily walk, but I know God will pick me back up again. And I know that I have friends now I can trust, who won't judge me, if I need them to walk beside me as I pick myself up and dust myself off.
The testimonies are a wonderful way to learn that you are not alone, but hopefully, you will learn how to continue your walk with Christ.
Bobbie-E

Giving up control

2009-08-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

So, I finally get why it is so hard to quit (cold turkey) my addictive and compulsive behaviors. In reading one of the Step 3 devotions in my Recovery Bible, it was all laid out very plain to me. (That's good, cause I need it simple!) It said, "When we give in to our dependencies and compulsions, aren't we giving control over to another power? Aren't we in some way giving up personal responsibility of our life? When we are overwhelmed and want to escape, our addiction can make us feel strong, safe, attractive, powerful, and/or happy. So, in a sense, we are very comfortable with the thought of giving up control of our will and our life."
I was right. I have a control problem. However, not the control problem I thought I had. I totally thought that I had no control concerning my addiction. I thought that I had no willpower and I couldn't understand how others have overcame huge and difficult things that have hurt them or even merely came in between them and God. But now I think I got it!! I have been giving up control this whole time....just not to the right thing. I have been giving control to my addiction because it made me feel safe, strong, and comfortable. But truly, these feelings are temporary. Only Jesus is the one who brings healthy and lasting changes.
Jasie - A

Sponsor Trainning

2009-08-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

Great news! We have a group of Ladie's that are completeing the 12 Steps.
We are very excitied about this. We are going to have a New Sponsor Training on Aug, 22 from 9 am until Noon in the Hospitality Room. Anyone who has finished the 12 steps, or is working in book 4, is invited! Give back as others gave to you.
Be a sponsor to those who are just beginning their journey at Celebrate Recovery
Hope to see you all There.
Karen - T

Living A Life of Worship

2009-06-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

By now, I hope you can tell I love worship. I love music. I love everything about being able to crank the tunes up and let God know my love for Him. But I am figuring out that it is more than music. I stand asking myself, "Am I cranking up my life in a way that is letting God know my love for Him?! Are my actions reflecting Him in the beauty and righteousness that He is?
Psalm 9:1-2
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth (recount and tell aloud) all Your marvelous works and wonderful deeds! I will rejoice in You and be in high spirits; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High!
If you read on in this passage, David goes on to say that even through his enemies have turned on him, God is the only one who will be there in the end and remain forever. I encourage you to read the whole chapter of Psalm 9. There are and will be times when we are in the valley. Times when we can't see our next step. Times when we are so hurt its hard to feel. Unfortunely those times come, but God last forever. Like it says in the verse..."I will recount and tell alound all your marvelous works and wonderful deeds! I will be in high spirits." Remember how God has been there for you in the past. He's not going to forget you. Don't forget Him.
Jasie - A

Seek Him first!

2009-06-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was DadFest and I believe it was the best one yet!
Then last night, we got to hear 4 different Pastors speak and it was phenomenal the way God used each one to get His message across to us. I'm going to touch on each of those messages over the next couple of weeks. They were each so powerful.
The first one I want to to talk about was by Pastor Mel. I encourage you to get the cd from last night's service and listen to what Pastor Mel said. He spoke on Matthew 6:32-34.
32)For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.33)But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34)Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.-NIV
Right there, in verse 33, it tells us to SEEK FIRST - all of us need to be seeking God first. We want so many things and think once we're saved we should just be blessed by God. We have to understand those blessings come as we SEEK GOD FIRST. Not as we seek what WE want, but as we seek God and his righteousness for our lives. I love the way the Living Bible says it: Matthew 6:33 and he will give them to you IF you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.
Every one of us need to take a step back and spend some time re-evaluating where God is in our life. Are we indeed putting him first? This is such a primary lesson for those of us in CR. We know putting ourselves first and following our own will hasn't worked. We need to strive every single day to seek God and His righteousness in our lives. When we are operating in our insanity of being "me" centered, we're not seeking God and His will for our life.
We need to be less concerned about what God is doing for you and more concerned about what He is doing "through" you. What I have written isn't what Pastor Mel said exactly - it's what I got from it. Again, I encourage you to get that cd and listen with your spiritual ears open.
God Bless,
Laura S.

Good Morning!

2009-06-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

Good morning,
If you were at the training Wednesday, I would like to thank you It was an awesome Teaching. God really has been great and I love him soooo much. I my self, have been experiencing how to use this teaching in my own life in the last couple of weeks. Nothing like hands on learning. I thank God for every day that I wake up to enjoy a brand new day doing his will not mine. I know that He will never give me anything I cannot handle.
Hope to see you all at the mini golf tonight.It will be so much fun, hanging out laughing and just enjoying each other's friendship, and company. Dont forget, next week we will be doing the Road Side Clean up. If this is your first time, let me assure you that the first two were a blast. We laughed and picked up trash. It sound's crazy but it was crazy fun while doing something for our community. So I hope to see more of you getting involved. Sign up with anyone of us or on Tuesday night.
Dont forget if you have not been through the 12 step's it is not too late. This also is an expereance that will allow God to help with your Hurt's Habit's & Hang-ups. You All have a very Blessed Day.
Karen-T

Turning to God

2009-06-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

First of all I am so happy Jasie is our "A". Woohoo! She will be a great asset and she already has some amazing ideas. I can't wait to see it all unfold. I think with the full TEAM in place we will each be able to give our full attention to the specific areas of CR that will help it grow. Wouldn't it be awesome if we could help everyone in Enid?
Ok so Laura, as usual, gave a great teaching. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to give it my full attention because I was taking some pictures for one of Jasies wonderful ideas. But think about turning your life over to Christ. What an amazing and scary thing. When you do that, you are not in control anymore. You are trusting in someone else to take care of you. I know a lot of people struggle with that. I struggle with that. But I know that when I just let go and give it to God, He does much better with it than I ever could.
One thing to keep in mind is that God does not change. He doesn't change his mind. He doesn't break His promises. Numbers 23:19 says: "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" Think about that for a minute. How many of us grew up with promises that were broken. The lies we were told. God will never do that to us. We can trust him totally and completely. And he will not change His mind. He makes the promise and keeps it. He says it and does it. Whatever it is. It may not come when we want it or when we are ready. But it will come in God's time. Does that mean He did not keep His word? No. He knows what we need and when we need it.
Wow! I've had that rolling around in my head for a while now and just haven't had time to blog about it. It also gave me more time to find the verse I was looking for.
Anyway, hope to see everyone for mini golf, Friday at Meadowlake. 6:30
Bobbie-E

teAm

2009-06-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I am it! The official "A". Truly, I am sooo excited about it! I think God is ready to explode in CR, and I couldn't help but be a part of it! Some of you may wonder why I chose to step up and involve myself fully in Celebrate Recovery. The answer is simple. At CR, I feel safe, I feel myself, and I feel free. To go one step further...I feel God. Hopefully you are experiencing these same feelings. This is the enviroment I want to be in and the people I want to surround myself with.
So many fun things are being planned and put into place. I hope everyone will jump in and join us! Some of these crazy activities you won't wanna miss!
Jasie - A

New Assimilation Coach

2009-06-13T13:02:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to have Jasie Randol join our TEAM, as the Assimilation Coach. She will be helping promote CR, along with keeping up with various CR materials. We welcome her creativity and innovative ideas!
Your Celebrate Recovery TEAM consists of:
T - Training Coach - Karen Smith
E - Encourager Coach - Bobbie Pacula
A - Assimilation Coach - Jasie Randol
M - Ministry Directors - Joe & Laura Schonlau
We are each here to serve and help guide you along your journey of healing and discipleship.
Blessed to be serving,
Laura S.

Mini Golf Date Change

2009-06-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

Since we will be doing the Adopt a Highway clean up on Saturday, June 27th, we have moved Mini Golf to the 19th of June. We will be at Meadowlake Mini Golf, starting at 6:30. Will have sign up sheets for both events tonight. Be sure to include your address and phone number on sign up sheet, as I will be sending out reminders.
Thanks Bobbie-E

Summer

2009-06-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

The dog days of summer are here. What a great weekend and the heat has already moved into Oklahoma. Here in Hennessey it got up to over 100 degrees. We will all be searching for ways to keep cool, and have fun. Sometimes we forget to put God first in our lives during this time. We look forward to vacations and forget about our recovery for a while. Even when we are traveling or just going to Splash Zone with the kids we still need our recovery. I would encourage everyone, if you can't get to Celebrate Recovery, where ever you are, take your Celebrate Recovery bible and read a devotional every day. Feel God's love for you. Know that He is still there to help you and will not leave you. You can still trust Him and He will hear your prayers no matter where you are.
Be thankful this summer in everything God has blessed you with. When your air conditioner breaks down and you feel like your melting, be thankful for running water and go play in the water hose with your kids. So many small things to be thankful for, that we forget them. But sometimes those small things can become big things when you don't have them anymore.
I hope to see everyone at CR every week. I will probably be one that is traveling this summer, at some point. During my vacation time, my prayers will still be with everyone, as I continue keeping up my role as Encourager Coach.
Bobbie-E

Gratutide not Attitude

2009-06-01T07:32:00.001-07:00

One of the most impressive and lasting lessons I have learned at Celebrate Recovery, is that we must have gratitude not attitude. To be thankful at all times for the life changing miracles God has made in our lives. I know I still have a lot to learn and am willing to do so. I just want to Thank everybody who has made this possible. Thank You ALL so much,
Karen

CR Bowling Night

2009-05-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

What a fun night of bowling and fellowship. We all started out bowling pretty bad, but we started picking it up and some of us bowled really well. I won't mention any names(*cough* Joe) but someone bowled really well with a high game of 212. We had a lot of fun and laughs and cheering. And then of course we carried over and stayed for Moonlight Madness. That is where they turn off the lights and everything glows and they show music videos. That really makes it interesting. But still fun. I had to leave early but I hear they continued on to IHOP. Next month is mini golf. I would definitely encourage everyone to come out. I plan to do some games and have prizes. Woo Hoo. I am really looking forward to mini golf with our group. That will be June 26th. So sign up early and arrange for those babysitters! It will be worth it.
Thank you for showing up guys.

CR - What we are and are not

2009-05-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

THINGS WE ARE:
*A safe place to share. *A refuge. *A place of belonging. *A place to care for others and be cared for. *Where respect is given to each member. *Confidentiality is highly regarded. *A place to learn. * A place to grow and become strong again. *Where you can take off your mask. *A place for healthy challenges and healthy risks. *A possible turning point in your life.

THINGS WE ARE NOT:
*A place for selfish control. *Therapy. *A place for secrets. *A place to look for dating relationships. *A place to rescue or be rescued by others. *A place for perfection. *A place to judge others. *A quick fix.

God bless each and everyone of you.
Laura S.

May 26,2009 CR

2009-05-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

Again what an amazing night! Jasie always speaks to my heart with the praise and worship. The songs she leads us in touch my heart. I feel uplifted and I search my heart to hear Christ. I know He's beside me.
I am so happy so many people surrendered thier stuff to God. How wonderful to see so many people reaching out to Him and trusting Him with thier lives.
Jeana's testimony.....how wonderful. To see her come out of her shell and share her life with us. I feel priviliged to hear her story. I pray that I will be that brave when it is my turn to give my testimony. I could feel her pain growing up because I know that same pain. Each person feels and reacts differently in every situation. Each person's pain is not the same. So I don't know her exact pain, but I can relate. I don't know very many people who can't. But not everybody will admit it. Thank you so much Jeana for sharing.
Friday night is bowling night! I hope to see everybody there. I am excited to be planning the events. I am excited about my part in this whole ministry.
I am looking at the last saturday in June to clean the highway for our Adopt-A-Highway project. Hopefully, I will have a sign up sheet next week. We need as many hands as possible.
Bobbie-E

The A - Assimilation Coach

2009-05-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

The "A" is responsible for: Promotion of CR to the members, church, & community. Develops and selects Resource Materials for groups and Information Table, along with recruiting and interviewing new Leadership Candidates. Ways to reach your members and church are monthly newsletters, information in church bulletin, and utilize church website to promote the program. In the community - brochures, newsletters, and/or a video. Utilize free advertising available to the community. Working with the Encourager Coach in promoting service oppurtunities. They will also develop an apprentice A. Each position has 8-10 hours spent fulfulling it.
If you have more questions about the "A", feel free to ask.
Have an awesome weekend!
God Bless,
Laura S.

2009-05-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Karen Smith, I am the Trainning Coach for Celebrate Recovery here at Enid First Assembly. I will be providing the training for Leadership Meetings, Small Group Leaders, Sponsors, and Step Study Leaders.
Next month we will have a Leadership meeting on the third wendsday, 06/17/09. The teaching will be on the Serenity Prayer and all of its awesome glory. Please come and join us if you have completed the 12 steps or are about to complete them.
This is a great honor and I thank our Lord for this chance to give back to Celebrate Recovery, what it has given to me Thank You All!
Karen - T

May 19th 2009 Celebrate Recovery

2009-05-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

What an amazing night! From the songs in praise and worship that Jasie leads us in to Laura's teaching to the Serenity Prayer. I just feel so uplifted and blessed to be a part of something so amazing.
The songs Jasie picks out for us make me feel so much closer to God and help bring me closer to Him. Tonight I especially enjoyed the music. It felt like God was speaking to my heart. If you are wondering what the songs were tonight they were "Salvation is Here" by Hillsong; "I Am Free" also by Hillsong; "Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin and "Marvelous Light" by Charlie Hall. You can find videos of these songs on Youtube. I haven't looked on Tangle or Godtube yet.
I always seem to learn something new whether it is a teaching or a testimony. Tonight was no exception. I never knew there was a difference between tithe and an offering. There were two thoughts for me every time i gave. It was that I was supposed too and also I was happy too. I knew that my money was going to help people in need. But I too always wondered why I wasn't as blessed as others who gave. I was not giving my full tithe and never an offering. Now I will pray about it and work it into my budget.
I know i didn't get with a lot of people tonight. I had to come home and spend time with my husband. He isn't home very often or for very long so our time together is important. But please get with me next week and I will talk with you and get your birthdays, anniversaries and addresses.
Will see you all again next week if not before. Know that you are all in my prayers.
Bobbie Pacula - E

Encourager Coach

2009-05-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is Bobbie Pacula and I will be the Encourager Coach for Enid Celebrate Recovery.
I will be keeping track of birthdays and anniversaries so, please get with me regarding your dates and your addresses please. I will be planning the monthly Celebrate Recovery events for everyone to attend. This month on the 29th we will be bowling at Oakwood Bowl. 6:30 P.M. We will have sign up sheets available for you Tuesday night. Sign up and join us for a great night of fun and fellowship.
I think this is something I will really enjoy doing. I am just learning this position and so it may take me a little bit to know all the aspects of this job.
I will try my best to make sure you feel safe and cared for at Celebrate Recovery so you can seek the help you need to move on with your life.
Bobbie Pacula

New TEAM members!

2009-05-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Recovery is designed to have a TEAM at the helm. You have the "T", which is the Training Coach, an "E" which is the Encourager Coach, an "A" who is the Assimilation Coach, and the "M" who is the Ministry Director.
Many of you know Karen Smith and Bobbie Pacula. These are awesome women that are now a part of the TEAM.
Karen Smith is our new Training Coach. Karen will be doing our training sessions. She will be working with me, recruiting new leaders, doing leader interviews, and leader orientations, as well as training sessions at the monthly Leaders Meetings. As the need arises for Sponsor Trainings, Small Group Leader Trainings, Step Study Leader Trainings, Karen will be scheduling those workshops.
Bobbie Pacula is our new Encourager Coach. She will be creating our fellowship events, making contact calls, sending cards, and taking care of our small groups needs. She will be encouraging participants to get involved in the service opportunities available in CR.
Currently we are still seeking the right person for the position of the "A".
Help me welcome these ladies as they have taken on these roles. We are seeking to make Celebrate Recovery bigger and better, through God's guidance.
Both of these ladies will be blogging on this site as well. You will be able to keep up with events, training sessions, and other opportunities.
Have an awesome week! God Bless,
Laura S.

Artcile in "Power Up"

2009-02-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

By Kingsley Fletcher
What are you saying about your life? Words have power, and when you speak, ultimately you empower your words to materialize. Each of us has the ability to speak curses or blessings into our lives.
Whatever you hear, good or bad, will have an impact on you. So what have you been accused of over the years that would make you believe you can’t be successful? What lies have been told to you that say you can’t live a wonderful and fulfilling life? What untruths have been planted in your mind about your ability to accomplish great things?
Who’s been talking to you and to whom have you been listening? Who said you have to keep listening? Who said you can’t be free? If God didn’t say it, then it’s only someone else’s opinion!
Let’s agree in the beginning that there is one sure and final authority in our lives, and He is God. If you can initially accept and agree that there is a power greater than your circumstances, experiences, perceptions and surroundings, then you can grasp that there is a divine plan for your life and a divine authority in place to help you accomplish it.
By whose authority have you been making decisions for your life? Are you still basing the outcome of your life on the words of someone who didn’t believe in you? Are you still being hindered by the negative influences of your childhood? Are the broken dreams of your past depleting the potential for your future?
No one enters the world void of a purpose, plan and destiny that has been assigned since the beginning of time. Our objective is to discover that individual and unique plan and then fulfill the potential of the life we’ve been assigned. Without questions, there will be difficulties, challenges, and obstacles that arise to distract and discourage us from discovering our purpose, but we’ve been given a divine promise of success, and it is our responsibility to accept nothing less than overwhelming victory.
God has given each of us an instruction manual that tells us that through faith, positive affirmation and perseverance we can do all things. That statement has the ability to alter your future and establish the foundation of your faith. Are you willing to believe that it is possible to live life without limits? Are you willing to believe that the best is yet to come? Are you willing to believe you can? Who says you can’t?
We live is a world of possibilities—a “can be” “can do” society where nothing is impossible. You are a person with a purpose, which means that there is a specific assignment or life task that you’ve been given and must fulfill before you exit this realm.
The plan for your life may lead you to different people, places and situations than you ever imagined possible, but ultimately it leads to your predestined purpose in life. Nothing happens by chance, but rather by circumstance. You alone are responsible for reacting and responding to the circumstances in your life.
As people with a purpose, plan and destiny, we cannot afford to use confusion, chaos and difficult circumstances as excuses for failure. You can no longer accept you can’t. You must simply believe that you can. If you can conceive it and believe it, then there’s no reason you can’t achieve it.
I believe that most of us have been through similar scenarios in life. There are things you were told you couldn’t do, and as a result, you didn’t even try. Without a doubt, I know that everything we need to fulfill the divine plan, purpose and destiny for our lives is inherently a part of who we are. Everything that man said I could not do, I am doing!
People may try to put limitations on you based on tradition, the past, or their own experiences, but don’t let them do it. Only you and your divine destiny can define the boundaries and limits of your life.
Have a fantastic week!
Laura S.

Thanksgiving Twist

2008-12-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful holiday we had. Trusting each of you had a great Thanksgiving. This year was a bit unusual, yet really cool. Once we were all together and getting ready to pray over the meal; my mom announced that my dad wanted to do something special this year. Rather than a group prayer, he went to each of us kids, laid hands on us, and prayed over each of us, our ministries, and our families. He did the same over the grandkids also, it was awesome!!!!!!! In turn both of my brothers and myself did the same for my dad and mom. The whole day was great, but nothing compared to that very special time. A time I will never forget.
Leave a comment and tell us your experiences this year! I look forward to hearing from you.
God bless each and every one of you!
Laura S.

Holidays are Here!

2008-11-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast this year has gone. Next month we have our Christmas party on Dec. 12, beginning at 6 p.m. Bring your favortie dessert or Christmas candy. We'll serve Phil's BBQ for the meal. Each of us need to bring a wrapped gift; price not to exceed $20. Nursery will be available. Please sign up so we can plan appropiately. Join us for a great night of fun!
God Bless,
Laura S.

Adopt A Highway

2008-11-11T04:59:00.000-08:00

Our signs are up! Although we haven't received our materials for our highway program, our signs have been posted. As you are driving west on 412, just as you pass Imo Rd, you will see our sign. The second one is located on 412, just east of the Highway 132 turn-off. Once we have our meeting with our officials, we'll be ready to begin. Due to the high amount of traffic, we are not allowed to have anyone under the age of 18 on our crew. As soon as the meeting has been set up, I will let everyone know. Thank you so much for your participation in this program!
Looking forward to seeing you tonight. Have a blessed week!
Laura S.

The Election's Over

2008-11-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I'm glad it's over. Regardless of how you voted, or what you may have wanted the outcome to be, now it's our job to lift up our new President in prayer. I've heard some grumbling, and that's not what we're to do. The Word tells us to pray for our leaders and that's exactly what we need to be doing. As our new President-elect Obama prepares to move into the White House and take over his role leading our nation, pray with me for God to fill him with wisdom to lead our nation.
God Bless you, have a wonderful week!
Laura S.

Redirection for Tonight

2008-11-04T03:48:00.000-08:00

Everyone attending Celebrate Recovery tonight will need to enter through the west gym doors. The church will be packed with voters. We want to be respectful of them and not be walking through the voting area. We appreciate your help in this. See you tonight.
God Bless,
Laura S.

Do you serve with joy?

2008-10-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I was waiting for a prescription in a local pharmacy. There were 4 people ahead of me, and a man rounded the corner and gave a very disgruntled sound at the sight of the line. He said he thought it was crazy for them to build a new Wal Greens but if he was going to have to wait in line every time he needed a prescription, then maybe we do need it. I simply smiled and said 'maybe it won't take too long.' I happened to have on last years 'Rock the Block' t-shirt. As we stood there, he inquired what that was about and I told him what our church does each year. As we talked, he asked what church I went to, and how long I had been there. Eventually the conversation turned to Celebrate Recovery and what it was all about. As we talked, I told him to go ahead of me in line since he was obviously in a hurry. He then shared with me about what church he attends. Then he said something that completely shattered my heart. As he talked about his church, he commented 'you know how it is, go to church on Sunday, serve if you just have to and get out as quick as possible.' I know I had a blank look on my face, as the comment stunned me. I told him that actually I don't know how that is. I love to serve within my church. I count it as great joy to serve for all my Savior has done for me. Then he had the blank look. He told me that he wasn't sure he could say he had ever served with an attitude other than 'hurry up and get it over with.' The reason for this whole story is this: No matter where you are or what you're doing, allow God to work through you and follow his promptings. He will place people in your path every day. I've prayed for that gentleman many times since then, believing God to change his heart and for him to truly know the Joy of the Lord. Did that encounter change anything in that man's life? Not that I'm aware of, but I do believe God placed me in that pharmacy at that moment, to have that conversation. Where has God placed you lately, with the oppurtunity to share about Him? More importantly, did you grasp the oppurtunity?
Have an awesome weekend! God Bless,
Laura S.

Devotional

2008-10-10T05:31:00.000-07:00

During my morning devotional, I was reading Psalm 117:1-2. Wanted to share a paragraph from my devotion book:
You can have heaven on earth in your heart and in every situation of your life when you begin to praise Me. My people do not praise Me enough. If they would praise Me, instead of grumbling and complaining and expressing their fears and angers and frustrations, they would break forth into a new realm. Satan would shortly be overcome, and his kingdom would be defeated. - Gwen Shaw
This really made me have to stop and rethink my actions when things are not going well. I know I need to strive harder to praise Him, no matter what life throws at me.
Have a fabulously blessed weekend!
Laura S.

Sponsor

2008-10-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

"WHY DO I NEED A SPONSOR?"
1) It's biblical - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - Two are better off than 1, because together they can work more effectively. If one falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone....there is no one to help him...Two men can resist an attack that would defeat 1 man alone.
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
2) Sponsor/Accountability Partner(s) is a key part of your program. (There are 4 key elements to success:
A) Maintaining your honest view of reality as you work each step. We must be honest with ourself.
B) Make your attendance a priority in your schedule. (You may take a vacation, but your hurts, habits, and hang-ups do not)
C) Maintain your spiritual program with Jesus Christ through prayer, meditation, and study of His Word.
D) Getting involved in service.
3)Sponsor/Accountability partner(s) are the best guard against relapse.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A SPONSOR?
1) Their walk matches their talk. You see them living out the 8 principles.
2) They have a growing relationship with Christ.
3) They express the desire to help others in their recovery and do not try to "fix" them.
4) They show compassion, care, and hope, but not pity.
5) They are a good listener.
6) They are strong enough to confront you in your denial or procrastination.
7) They take an objective view and offer suggestions. (Sometimes we are unable to see options on our own)
8) They can share their struggles with you They are willing to be vulnerable and transparent.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A SPONSOR?
1) There to discuss issues that are too personal or take too much time during a meeting.
2) Available in times of crisis or potential relapse. (Remember that no one person is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.)
3) They serve as a sounding board providing an objective point of view.
4) They encourage you to work the principles at your own pace.
5) They are attempting to model the lifestyle that results from working the 8 principles.
6) A sponsor can resign or be fired. Sponsorship is not a lifetime position.
HOW TO FIND A SPONSOR AND ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER
1) First and foremost, the person MUST be of the same sex as you. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2) Can you relate to this person's story?
3) Meal and Solid Rock Cafe - invest some time in fellowship and get to know others in your group.
4) DO NOT take it as personal rejection if you ask someone and they say no. There is great responsibilty in being a Sponsor. They must be cautious not to get too much on their plate.
5) Most important: Ask God to lead you to the Sponsor and Accountability Partner(s) of His choosing.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPONSOR AND ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER?
A SPONSOR is someone who has completed the 12 step program. They meet the 6 requirements listed above in the "Role of a Sponsor".
An ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER is someone you ask to hold you accountable for meeting attendance, prayer, journaling, and so forth. This person can be at the same level of recovery as you are (unlike the Sponsor who has completed the 12 Steps) You can form an accountability team of 3 or 4.
The ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER or group acts as the "TEAM." The SPONSOR'S role is that of the "COACH."
God Bless,
Laura S.

Happy Fall

2008-10-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

From one pumpkin to another!
A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'
The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'
Have a wonderfully blessed week!
Laura S.

Are you Jesus?

2008-09-27T05:49:00.000-07:00

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago . They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding. ALL BUT ONE !!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without
him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did. The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight. The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"
Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace. If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would.
Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
Let us live like we are worth the price He paid!!!!! Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Author Unkown
Have a blessed weekend!
Laura S.

Good Point

2008-09-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

Remember...Just "going" to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.
Have a great weekend!
Laura S.

How Time Flies

2008-09-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

It doesn't seem possible that Celebrate Recovery has been going for 4 years now. Looking back, over those 4 years, it's incredible what God has done in so many lives. So many that have come in thinking their was no hope left, and now they have a spring in their step as God has not only given them hope, but undescribable joy. The encounters with God that has changed lives forever. To hear those that came in so broken and hurting, shouting praises to God and sharing their stories with others, makes us look forward to more wonderful years ahead. To God be the glory for all he has done, and continues to do, in each of our lives.
God Bless You,
Laura S.

Upcoming Women's Step Study

2008-09-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

Our most recent Women's Step Study group has now closed. We have a new Step Study Sign Up sheet filling up for our next group. The potential start date will be Wed, November 5th. Of course, we must have at least 5 ladies to begin the group. We just put out the new sheet Tuesday, and already have 4 signed up, so it's looking good! The group I'm currently leading will be completed the end of this month.
Our Men's Step Study group is still open for any of you men that would like to take this awesome spiritual adventure!
God Bless,
Laura S.

Taking Notes.....

2008-09-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

Do you take notes during church? As different scriptures are being used, are you jotting those down? What do you do with them? Do they just stay in a notebook waiting for next week, or maybe, you wrote on your bulletin and they were tossed into the trash? Why do you take notes?
I'm one that takes notes during a sermon. I began taking notes to increase my knowledge of the bible. When I started going to church, I knew very little of the bible, and understood even less. As the pastor was speaking, most of the time I had no clue what he was referencing. Sometimes, it wasn't scripture I was jotting down. Sometimes, it was little sayings that I did not understand, so I would jot them down to ask someone what it meant. Other times I would hear him say "You know this verse, you've read it a hundred times". My thought to that was 'if they have read it a hundred times, I probably need to know what it says!"
The reason I was taking notes was for later use. I would go back to my notes and look them up. If I had a couple of verses, I would read the whole chapter to see what it was talking about. Then I would cross-reference the verses to see what else the Bible said about it. It was my way of applying the sermon to my life and learning what the Bible said. I didn't know how to study the bible, so this was the method I started out with.
I also took notes so I could try to relay the sermon to my husband when he got off work later that day.(Sometimes, that was pretty humerous!)
When I very first started attending church, it was impressed on me, that every sermon held something for me. I wanted to know what that was. Sometimes, it was very obvious, others it wasn't as clear.
So, what 'do' you do with the notes you take?
Have a blessed week!
Laura S.

Thank You!

2008-08-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

So many of you have called and e-mailed checking on our granddaughter, Grace. We appreciate all of your prayers and concern. She has had a lung infection and was dehydrated. She is doing tremendously better, and should get to go home today. She will still receive breathing treatments for a few days, but her mama can do those at home.
Having the 5 year old grandson here has been a big adjustment, but he is so cute! We're all a bit tired, but doing great!
Thanks again and have a wonderfully blessed weekend!
Laura S.

Victor or Victim?

2008-08-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Do you live in Victory, or do you have a Victim Mentality?
Here are 3 ways to know if you live with a Victim Mentality. 1) Is everything bad that happens to you, always someone else's fault? 2) Are you waiting for something else to go wrong? This is for those that always say "bad things always happen to me". If you have a bumper sticker, or you motto is: "If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all", you fall under this category. 3) You blame others for your circumstances, not accepting responsibility for you own actions.
A victim mentality has it's own physical appearance as well. It consists of poor posture, slumping in a chair, not making eye contact with others, mumbling when speaking, and/or walking with eyes downcast. The Victor or Victim mentality shows in the way you carry yourself.
In order to overcome, we must take responsibility for every action in our lives. Although you can't control your circumstances, YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR RESPONSE.
A Victim Mentality is bound by unforgiveness - past hurts, wrongs, choices, or abuse.
We MUST get to the place where our circumstances do not affect our joy.
Every one of our lives should affect and infect other people. We cannot do this with a victim mentality. We have to make a conscious decision, as to whether we are going to be God's worrier or God's warrior. Which do you choose to be?
Forgiveness sets the prisoner FREE!!!! There is nothing but the mercy of a gracious loving God that can set us free from our anguish. God's love is unfailing; His purposes clear; His righteousness unquestionable. When we come to God with our pain or setbacks, we gain a new perspective, when we ask Him.
Each one of us gets to make the choice. Make the choice to rejoice! Lets see how many people we can affect and infect, starting today.
God Bless,
Laura S.

The Other Hand

2008-08-18T09:04:00.001-07:00

The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five, waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, when she saw them.....a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.
"Oh Mommy, please, Mommy, can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?"
Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.
"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma." the mother said.
As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. James if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere; Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath, because Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?" "Oh yes, daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh, daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, daddy? The one you gave me. She's my very favorite."
"That's okay, Honey, daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?" "Daddy, you know I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."
"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss. A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. "What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?" Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl
necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, daddy, this is for you."
With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure.
So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures. Isn't God good? Are you holding onto things that God wants you to let go of? Are you holding on to harmful or unnecessary partners, relationships, habits and activities that you have come so attached to that it seems impossible to let go? Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand....but.....do believe this one thing ....
God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.
Have a blessed week!
Laura S.

Block Party

2008-08-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

This is yet another awesome outreach! Be sure to invite your friends and relatives. The kids will all receive a free bike helmet. If you want to help in serving our community, there's still time to sign up. We'll have the Rock Climbing Wall, Inflatables, Music, Food, and a great time of fellowship. The fun begins at 6 p.m.
See you there!
God Bless,
Laura S.

Stay in the Jeep!

2008-08-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

As each of us face trials in our lives, this is a great lesson to keep in mind. I feel very fortunate to have different mentors that sow into my life. This is one of the awesome 'lessons' I received recently.
"I heard a horrible story of a family who traveled to Africa to take a safari together. The husband sitting in the passenger side of the jeep, was so fascinated with being able to come within mere feet of wild lions he lost perspective. Lions do not like the sound, smell or feel of a jeep and when they look at the jeep they don't see people sitting in the jeep. They see one big vehicle so they are neither threatened nor are they motivated to attack. The man grew too confident where he was and without the guide realizing what he was doing, he stepped out of the jeep just for a second, to take a picture. A lion attacked and ate him right in front of his wife and children.
The vehicle is Christ. the enemy is "like" a roaring lion. You stay in Christ and you are completely safe. The lion's roar can sometimes be so loud we want to jump from the jeep and run but if you will hold still and remain confident the lion will leave and you will continue your tour through this world in complete safety - continuing to get others in the jeep."
After reading this, I found great comfort as I was reminded the enemy is "like" a roaring lion. 1 Peter 5:8 Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. The very next verse tells us to resist him, standing firm in our faith. As we keep reading, vs 10 tells us "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." What a relief to know it isn't a battle I have to fight, but one that has already been won!
Blessings,
Laura S.

A Process

2008-08-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

What a memorable weekend this is for me. 6 years ago, I walked into Enid First Assembly, not having any idea what to expect. God had stepped into the middle of my world and turned it around. My brother knew I was looking for a church, and he suggested Enid First. I sat alone taking everything in. Unsure what these people were going to think when they found out about the junk of my past; if I would be accepted. I was met with love and kindness I had never expected. I came in uncertain and afraid and left having signed up to bake cookies, joining a Bible Study, and even more hungry for God. It was an awesome experience that will always stay with me. It doesn't seem like 6 years have gone by. It's been a process as I've learned about God's Word, learning the things of God, and how to draw closer. It's been full of ups and downs! Over time, I learned to ride out the ups and downs, leaning on God and not to my own understanding. I don't know why some things happen, probably never will, but what a freedom to learn I didn't have to lean to my own understanding! It took the roller coaster ride I had been on during those ups and downs and made it much easier to handle. As I was reading last night, I came across this paragraph about a process. I found it in the book Joseph, by Charles Swindoll. Thought I would share it, as it might help you also, as we go through the process:
"There is no hurry up process for finding and shaping gold. The process of discovering, processing, purifying, and shaping gold is a lengthy painstaking process. Affliction is gold in the making for the child of God, and God is the one who determines how long the process takes. He alone is the Refiner."
Job 23:10 says "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."
Blessings,
Laura S.

Cell Phone vs Bible

2008-08-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat
our cell phones?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get it if we for got it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?
This is something to make you go...hmmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to
worry about our bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

author unknown

What am impact it would make on our lives, if we placed as much emphasis on our bibles as we do our cell phones. I see people on their cell phones every where I go. Rarely do I see someone reading/carrying their bible, wherever I go. If you haven't been in your Bible lately, I encourage you to go there; ask God what He has for you.
Begin prayerfully, and ask Him for revelation. You just might be surprised at the answers you find!

Have an awesome day!
Laura S.

Inspiration

2008-08-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

Currently, I'm studying in the book of Romans, and using the Life Lessons book by Max Lucado. My hearts desire is for people to come to know Christ and develop a personal relationship with Him. Throughout the Life Lessons book there are various pages titled Inspiration, and I wanted to share this one with you.
Inspiration: I've wondered at times what kind of man Judas was. What he looked like, how he acted, who his friends were...But for all the things we don't know about Judas, there is one thing we know for sure: he had no relationship with the Master. He had seen Jesus, but he did not know him. He had heard Jesus, but he did not understand him. He had religion, but no relationship.
As Satan worked his way around the table in the Upper Room, he needed a special kind of man to betray our Lord. He needed a man who had seen Jesus, but did not know him. He needed a man who knew the actions of Jesus, but had missed out on the mission of Jesus. Judas was this man. He knew the empire but had never known the Man.
We learn this timeless lesson from the betrayer. Satan's best tools of destruction are not from outside the church, they are from within the church. A church will never die from the immorality in Hollywood or the corruption in Washington. But it will die from the corrosion within - from those who bear the name of Jesus but have never met him, and from those who have religion, but no relationship.
Judas bore the cloak of religion, but he never knew the heart of Christ. Let's make it our goal to know him....deeply. (From Shaped by God by Max Lucado.
God Bless,
Laura S.

Men's Step Study Beginning

2008-07-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

We have a new men's step study group beginning next Wed @ 7:00. Joe Schonlau will be leading this group of men through an awesome spiritual adventure. It's not too late to sign up,and be a part of this group.
The step studies are designed to take an honest spiritual inventory of ourselves. Dealing with the junk in our lives, learning from it, leaving it in the past, and moving forward with God as our center. It helps us to establish a loving relationship with our Lord and Savior.
In these groups, we use the Life Recovery Bible (blue cover). It's full of devotionals and guides for each step. We also use Participant's Guides, that Joe will hand out at your meeting. Participants guides are $5.00 each.
If you would like to purchase a Life Recovery Bible, just let Joe know, or you can pick one up at Ruth's Christian Bookstore, in the mall.
God Bless,
Laura S.

Hurts, Habits, & Hangups - What does that mean?

2008-07-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

Everyone has been hurt at some point in their life. This can easily turn into a hang-up, where we focus on the hurt frequently. In turn, that hang-up can become a habit. We must remember: What we don't work out creatively, we act out destructively.
Do you harbor resentment/anger? It may be by someone that has hurt you or even by the loss of a loved one. Co-Dependence - Does your mood or happiness depend on someone else? This can be a spouse, parent, child, etc. Do you try to manipulate this person to get what you want and feel devastated if they don't react in the manner you were hoping for?
Or maybe you don't feel you can live up to everyone else's expectations of you. You don't have to.
When we have our focus of God, we realize His expectations are the ones that matter. Our happiness lies with our relationship with Him.
Perhaps you've been divorced. The pain can be emotionally crippling. We need to allow God to heal the hurt, so we don't carry that pain into our next relationship.
God wants to see us healthy and whole. That's why we offer CR. You get your focus off of your junk and onto God, allowing Him to heal you.
There are a tremendous amount of bondage's: financial, possessions, spending, eating, abuse, sex, anger, fear, jealousy, resentment, depression, divorce, drugs (street and prescription), loss of loved ones, prostitution, alcohol.....the list goes on and on. It doesn't matter "what" you're dealing with, God wants to set you free!! Don't continue to live as the victim, join us Tues @ 7:00 and allow God to make you the "VICTOR"!
God Bless,
Laura S.

Off to the Races

2008-07-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

This Saturday night, CR is going to the races! Come out and join us and bring your friends. We have 2 members of Enid First Assembly that race: Jim Ciampi and Justin Patoka!
You can purchase tickets at Hutch's Quick Shop, 3206 S. Van Buren, and receive $1 off the admission price. Advance tickets are $9 - adults, $4 - children ages 4-12.
The races begin at 7:00. We will meet at the church at 6:00.
Hope to see you there!
Blessings,
Laura S.

AND WE'RE BACK!!!!!

2008-07-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

It's great to have our blog back! When you see Pastor Terry, tell him thank you for getting this set back up for us, and on the CR site!
Has everyone been through the 99? This is the last weekend. It's a Reality Walk Through Theater. It's open Fri, Sat, & Sun from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. If you're interested in working this event, come on out and join us. It's absolutely incredible the number of decisions that have been made for Jesus Christ.
It's even more astounding (to me)the number of people right here in Enid, and the surrounding area, that do not know about Jesus. The 99 will move on to it's next destination after Sunday. We will still be here standing in the middle of a mission field. We must tune in to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. He will lead us to those whose hearts He has prepared, if we will only listen. We must be tuned in, and ready to do what God instructs us to do.
Most of you know I have a brother that is a Senior Pastor @ Destiny Christian Center in Del City. One of my favorite things I heard him tell his congregation (and there are many) was about the Great Comission.
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Fahter and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
He pointed out, the verse doesn't say "Ya'll Come!", is says "Ya'll Go!"
Although we aren't to be 'of' this world, we are to be in it. Every one of us are called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. It's time for us 'to go'.
Be blessed,
Laura S.

CR Training Event

2007-03-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, March 31st, we are hosting a Training Event. Nancy Reeves, our Western Oklahoma State Rep. will be joining us. We will begin at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast served until 8:30. Praise & Worship begins at 8:30. Workshop groups will begin at 9:30: Preparing to start CR - Nancy Reeves Open Share Leadership - Dawn French Step-Study Leadership - Laura Schonlau Sponsors/Accountability Partners - Joe Schonlau. We are located at 905 N. Oakwood in Enid, Ok. Hope we see some of you there.
God Bless,
Laura S.

Upcoming Events

2007-02-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

Sunday Shoes Concert in Tulsa on March 3. The concert is free of charge, a love offering will be taken. It is from 4-6 p.m. at Asbury Methodist Church in Tulsa. We will have a sign-up sheet for anyone that would like to attend.
Northwest Oklahoma Networking Event - March 31. This will be a training session for those beginning a CR, and for those interested in leading small groups, step studies, and becoming a sponsor/accountability partner. 8:30 - Noon. A light breakfast will be served from 8 - 8:30 per Dick & Velma Wood. We will take up a love offering to help offset the cost of the event. If you would like to attend, please feel free to sign up.
Have a blessed week.
Laura S.

Teaching Re-Cap

2007-01-15T20:23:00.000-08:00

We have a new women's step-study group beginning on Jan. 24th. We will meet every Wed. evening at 7:00 p.m. at the church. We have a sign-up sheet at the information desk every Tuesday night.

Quick Re-cap:
Last Tuesday we talked about God's Grace and God calling us to forgiveness. The fact is, the majority of us spend a lot of time dwelling on bad things that have happened to us. We keep them so fresh in our mind, it's as if it just happened.
REMEMBER: God's love and grace are so powerful they can heal anything in your life! Any bondage, addiction, or hang-up you may have. We must embrace that Grace that has been given to us so freely. Dwelling on the past is holding you captive. The Grace of God enables us to let it go. Not one of us deserved the grace we received from God. Jesus didn't HAVE to die on the cross for you. Now we have to learn to display that same grace within our own lives. No matter who has wronged you or how they have done it; you have the ability through the grace God extended to you, to forgive others....even if they don't deserve it. Forgiveness is a part of the renewing of our mind. We must forgive so we can focus of the Goodness of our God.
See you Tuesday!
God Bless,
Laura S.

Living Like Jesus

2006-11-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

I was reading an article recently that touched my heart. I wanted to share a small portion of it with you. As we are striving to live like Christ, I felt these were dynamic points for all of us.
"Jesus became one of us, but He did not become 'just like us'. If He had become 'just like us', we would have no one to become like. We need to lay aside some of our traditions and prejudices so that we can effectively minister to those among whom we live and help them truly encounter Jesus. I pray we will continue to be a people who will not be satisfied with church as usual, but that we will be about the Father's business, ardent in prayer, praise, and practice. I pray we will be flexible, teachable, and accessible. Lost souls are at stake." by Lewis Shelton First Assembly of God Albany, Ore.
We must strive daily to live up to becoming Christ-like. We want to reach people all around us, yet we must be careful not to transform ourselves into worldly ways. We must be loving, accepting, and inviting to all, yet, still live up to Christ's example. We can't be judgemental about who WE think should or should not be within the church. WE can't decide who we think God can or cannot reach. God can reach anyone, anywhere. We must be a people who are constantly about our Father's business. If we are not flexible, teachable, and accessible, we cannot fulfill what God has called each one of us to do.

Accepting change

2006-11-14T09:03:00.000-08:00

Our ability to see the need for change, and allowing that change are 2 different things. There is a space between recognition and willingness that can be filled with fear. We must build a foundation for the ultimate surrender. All that actually takes, is the willingness to let God lead us. You have heard the saying 'Let go and let God'. We have spent a lot of time with our old hang-ups, compulsions, obsessions, and habits. When God removes one of these, we need to replace it with something positive: recovery meetings, church activities, 12 step service, or volunteering. If we don't replace it, we open ourselves up for a negative character defect to return. As we allow God to remove our character defects (and accept that change) we find we have more time on our hands. We're not doing the old things anymore, so we need to fill that time with positive things that build our self-esteem rather than tear it down.
If your unsure where you would like to serve, let me encourage you to check out our hospitality desk in the lobby. You will find a list there with a multitude of areas in which you can serve.
Psalm 143:10 Help me to do your will, for you are my God. Lead me in good paths, for you Spirit is good.
God bless you,
Laura S.

Coming in November!

2006-10-31T08:44:00.000-08:00

Nov. 07 Testimony Brad Johnson (From Stillwater)
Nov. 14 Teaching Ready
Nov. 21 Testimony Laura Schonlau
Nov. 28 Teaching Victory
During the month of November, we are focused on things we are thankful for. I have so many things in my life TO be thankful for. The most invaluable one I have though, is my thanks to Christ, my Lord and Savior. He dramatically changed my life and everything about it. I know I can never begin to repay him for what he went through to set me free.
If you do not know Christ as your personal savior, but you would like to invite Him into your heart today, simply do the following:
1) Admit you are a sinner."There is no one righteous, not even one....for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:10,23
Ask God's forgivness. "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13
2) Believe in Jesus. Put your trust in Him as your only hope of salvation. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not persih but have eternal life." John 3:16
Become a child of God by receiving Christ. "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12
3) Confess that Jesus is your Lord. "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
If you have taken this monumental step in your life, please contact us so we can celebrate and pray with you. You can call the church office at 233-1742.
God bless all of you. Have a marvelous Thanksgiving!
Laura S.

New Women's Group to Begin!!!

2006-10-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

We will be starting a new women's group. On October 17, we will add: Mothers of Children of Alternative Lifestyles. This will be a phenomenal group, led by a woman who has suffered with the guilt, shame, uncertainty, and feelings of loss of having a child who has chosen an alternative lifestyle.
October 10 Testimony -- Jeana Boyd
October 17 Teaching -- Confess
October 24 Testimony -- Barbara Pack from Woodward, Ok.
October 31 Teaching -- Admit
We look forward to seeing you Tuesday night. Be sure to invite a friend. We just never know what someone else may be going through in their life.
Blessings to you and your households.
Laura S.

Second Anniversary

2006-09-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

It seems hard to believe. We have had our Celebrate Recovery program for 2 years now.
We had a wonderful time at our celebration this past Tuesday.
If you have been a part of this program, be sure to thank Pastor Dan and Pastor Marilyn for their support of CR. They are so good to us.
Also, for all of you that have been enjoying the wonderful meals that Dick & Velma Wood prepare for us each week, be sure and let them know how much you appreciate them and all their hard work. They are so dedicated.
I would like to thank ALL of our volunteers for their hard work and dedication. Back in the kitchen you will always find Dick & Velma Wood. You will also find: Austin Unruh, Faye & Jack Jackson, Henry Moyer, Marcelyn Roberts, and Kathy Crenshaw. These folks come in each week and help make the meal-time happen.
Others that we want to include in our thanks are: Larry Weber & Henry Moyer (ushers), Karene Theilen and Tammy Smith in the nursery, Connie Harris & Olivia Kai in Solid Rock Cafe, Richard & Sherry Wall/Mike & Debbie Bell/& Jessica Kirkendall who serve as greeters.
Solid Rock Cafe could never be complete without our wonderful ladies that provide our delicious desserts: Rita Murray, Phyllis Meeks, JoAnn Hromas, Gayle Stephens, Yvonne Chapman, Tammy Moyer, Arlene Hawkins, LaDonna Clover, Cerise McMullen, and Jessica Kirkendall.
Of course, we couldn't be complete without our group facilitators and co-facilitators: Jeana Boyd, Joe Schonlau, Misty Rhoades, Melissa & Jason Chapman, Tammy Moyer, Bob Davisson, and Richard Wall.
As you see each one of these people, be sure and let them know how much you appreciate them. CR happens due to each and every one of them.
Thank you to each and every one of you.
As we begin a new year with Christ as our only Higher Power, I look forward to an awesome year of healing and restoration!
God Bless!
Laura S.

No CR this Tuesday!

2006-09-10T04:47:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday evening (Sept. 12), we will NOT be having Celebrate Recovery. We will resume next Tuesday (Sept. 19) with our regular schedule, when we will be celebrating our 2 year anniversary. Can you believe it? 2 years already. It's been such an awesome experience! A wonderful time of learning, growing, and stretching for me.
Another change that's been made in CR: ALL step-studies will be moved to Wed. nights beginning Sept. 20.
Join us next week, Tuesday, Sept. 19 for a wonderful night of fellowship and praise & worship, in the midst of God's healing power for your life.
Have a wonderfully blessed week!
Laura S.

CR - Things we are: Things we are not

2006-08-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

Do you know Jesus?

2006-07-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

Do you ever stop to think how many people around you actually know Jesus? We are so hestitant to ask people to come to church, and we need to overcome that. Somewhere, we must come to the understanding that we are in contact with a large number of people every day that may be on a path that is leading them to hell.
Christ wants every single one of us to spread the good news! This job wasn't assigned only to Pastor's. They can't possibly reach the whole world by themselves.
It isn't enough to simply ask "Do you know Jesus" or "Do you attend church anywhere"? A lot of people will respond yes, that they know Jesus because they know who He is. That does not mean they have a personal relationship with Him. Many people attend church, but do not have the personal relationship with Jesus that Christ longs for. Unfortunately, they are missing out on the Glory and the Splendor that Christ has to offer. We have to stop shortchanging the world of the knowledge of God and His Word. People will never move out of bondage, if they do not know the freedom Christ has for them.
As you go about your day, make a choice! Choose to share Christ with at least one person that you encounter today. It doesn't matter when or where. It doesn't matter if it is someone that you know. All that matters, is our obedience to God and His Word. Part of our obedience, is to share the Good News!
Have a marvelously blessed week!
Laura S.

One another

2006-07-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article about ministering to others that really hit home with me. Many people don't think God can use them. Every single person is called to the ministry of one-anothering. We are all to love one another, serve one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, instruct one another, forgive one another, submit to one another, help one another, forgive one another, etc. You get the idea here.
The Kingdom of God is made of a body of many members - WE are those members. There is no place in His kingdom for only one person. His Kingdom is all about 'we'. And we are all called to minister to one another. The challenge in the article was to look up all the places in the New Testament that mentions "one another". I hope you will make the time to look it up. Your results will amaze you!
Have a wonderful week!
God bless,
Laura S.

The Fourth of July

2006-06-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

The fourth of July falls on Tuesday! Yes, we will still have CR that evening. We will have our tables outside for our meal of hamburgers and hot dogs. At 7:00 we begin Praise & Worship. At 8:00 we will get together and all go to watch fireworks.
If you don't have plans, come and join us for a great night of worship and fun. We will have pop, lemonade, and water available for you at the fireworks. We look forward to seeing you there! What better way to spend the evening than celebrating our freedom. Which, is also, the freedom we find in Christ.
God Bless each one of you,
Laura S.

June 06

2006-05-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

June 6 Testimony Jeana Boyd
June 13 Teaching Laura Schonlau
June 20 Testimony Charles Cox (from Stillwater)
June 27 Teaching Laura Schonlau

Again, we want to thank Dawn French (Woodward), Adair Welsh (Tulsa), and Misty Rhoades for sharing with us in the month of May. Each of you were awesome and touched others in a very special way.
God Bless,
Laura S.

CR in Oklahoma

2006-05-26T09:35:00.001-07:00

What an awesome week this has been! There are now 19 Oklahoma CR's with 102 up and coming groups across our state alone!
We currently have 3 women's step study groups and 1 for men. A few ladies are already inquiring when we will begin a new open group. I am currently giving this consideration and will let you know as soon as a new group is set to begin. If you would like to join a group, just sign up at our information table or let me know.
These studies take approximately 12 months to complete. They are an awesome tool in your growth with Christ and recovery. If you are seriously seeking Christ in your life, and more of Him, this is a great tool for you.
Have a wonderful weekend.
God Bless,
Laura S.

Pre-Pray

2006-05-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Many people have told me how much a difference it makes in their day when they take time to pray first. Every one of us should make time for prayer. Here's a tip I was given a couple years ago by my brother, and it helps me tremendously. As soon as I wake up in the morning, I pre-pray my day. I simply thank God for the day and all the wonderful things He's going to do. I boldly tell Him that I am expecting Him to do great things during my day. Then I simply spend some time in praise for God. This is simply a pre-cursor for my day. After I've made the coffee and started my daily routine, I have prayer time with the Lord. Pre-praying your day is not done to "replace" your time of prayer. It's just a wonderful way to start your day off communing with God, and get your day started right. Remember, during you're prayer time.....you don't have to be speaking the whole time. Try spending some of that time praising God and being quite. It's during this time, you can hear God speak to you. We can't hear Him if we're the one talking all the time.
Just give pre-praying your day a try. It takes a bit of time to get used to and into the habit of doing, but it makes such a glorious difference!
Have a wonderfully blessed day.
Laura S.

May 06

2006-05-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

May 2 Dawn French Testimony (from Woodward)
May 9 Adair Welsh Testimony (from Tulsa)
May 16 Laura Schonlau Teaching
May 23 Misty Rhoades Testimony
May 30 Laura Schonlau Teaching

I would like to extend our thanks once again to Brad & Dawn French for coming over from Woodward last Tuesday, and Dawn sharing her testimony. Also to Rod & Susan for leading Praise & Worship. They each did such an awesome job and we look forward to having them come back to visit.
Join us tonight and hear the testimony of Adair Welsh from Tulsa. We are thrilled to have her bless us this evening.
God Bless each one of you,
Laura Schonlau

Victim Mentality

2006-04-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

Do you live with a victim mentality? Some ways to decide if you have a victim mentality are: a)everything is always someone else's fault for bad things that happen to you b) you wait for something to go wrong because you have an attitude of "Bad things always happen to me". (if you have a bumper sticker or your motto is "if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all" you fall into this category.) or c) you blame others for your circumstances - when something happens you don't take responsibility for your own actions. A victim mentality appearance consists of poor posture, slumping in a chair, not making eye contact with others, mumbling when speaking, walking with eyes downcast, it shows in how your carry and present yourself.
In order to overcome, we must take responsibility for every action and circumstance in our lives. Although you can't control the circumstances, YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR RESPONSE.
A victim mentality is bound by unforgiveness - any past hurt, wrong, choices, or abuse.
We HAVE to get to a place where our circumstances do not affect our joy. Every one of our lives should affect and infect other people. We cannot do this with a victim mentality. We have to make a conscious decision whether we are God's worrier or God's warrior. Which one do you plan to be?
Remember, Forgiveness Sets The Prisoner FREE!
Nothing but the mercy of a gracious loving God can set us free from our anguish. God's love is unfailing; His purposes clear; His righteousness, unquestionable. When we come to God with our pain or setbacks, we gain a new perspective, when we ask Him.
Let's get busy and allow God to do the work in each one of us. Let's start today.....see how many people you can affect and infect, starting right now.
See you Tuesday,
God Bless,
Laura S.

Bondage of Unforgiveness

2006-04-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank Scott Trower for being a guest speaker at Celebrate Recovery. He did an outstanding job. In case you missed it, he spoke about the bondage of unforgiveness. How you can be so close to the cross yet not quite reach the full potential because of unforgiveness in your life. He spoke of areas in his own life in which he had to deal with unforgiveness and the freedom that he received once Christ enabled him to be able to forgive. He also describes unforgiveness to be like an emotional cancer that consumes your entire body.
If you are dealing with unforgiveness of any kind, now is the time to ask God to help you overcome. He's waiting, all you have to do is ask.
God Bless,
Laura S.

Wise Words Bring Healing

2006-04-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

How do you make your spouse feel? Proverbs 12:18 tells us "Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing." Do you make cutting, hurtful remarks that make your spouse feel inferior? Or do they bring healing and acceptance to them?
Men -- when you admire other women, be it by looking at other women, making comments about them, whistling, or whatever it is you may do.....I want you to know, all of these things make your wife feel inferior. As though she isn't good enough for you. Rather than feeling acceptance......she feels rejected and ashamed.
Women -- the same goes for us! Making 'innocent comments' about other men; the way he is built, how muscular he is, or how attractive he is......all of these things are out of bounds in a marriage!!!!
We should NEVER make our spouses feel inadequate or ugly.
Matthew 5:28 "But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Ladies, don't let the wording fool you. This verse goes for each one of us too.
Old testament law said it was wrong for a person to have sex with someone other than your spouse. (Exodus 20:14) But in Matthew 5:28, JESUS says that even the 'desire' to have sex with someone other than your spouse is mental adultery, so it is sin. If the ACT itself is wrong, so is the INTENTION!!!
Fulfillment cannot be if there is absence of complete acceptance between you and your spouse. And that acceptance begins with a single-minded focus on your mate --- just exactly as he or she is.
Blessings on every marriage!
Laura S.

Boldness

2006-04-06T03:03:00.000-07:00

Do you display boldness when you come before the throne of God?
God stands between us and our need, waiting to help us. It is for this reason, the Bible says, "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it." Hebrews 4:16 NLT
This verse does not tell us, He will help us only in certain circumstances. It doesn't matter what we are going through, we will find grace to help us when we need it. We may have problems at work, home, marriage, or with our children. God's grace covers us, we just have to be willing to accept it, and it has to be His way, not our own. During our hard times, our faith tends to dwindle. The antidote for this is the living Word of God. It has the power to penetrate the deepest denial. God knows everything about us, even the things we try to hide from ourselves. We can count on Him to expose the problems and needs we face in this recovery program.
God Bless,
Laura S.

New Flyers

2006-04-03T05:24:00.000-07:00

We have new Celebrate Recovery flyers! This saturday morning (April 8) we will have a neighborhood canvass. I hope to see all of you there. We will canvass from 10 until noon. We will meet at the church at 9:45. We want to let as many people know about CR as possible.
God wants to heal all of our hurts, habits, and hang-ups; to set us free to live the lives He has in store for us. Don't miss this wonderful oppurtunity to share the awesome and mighty things God wants to do!
God Bless,
Laura S.

God's Promises

2006-03-28T02:50:00.000-08:00

Do you know the promises God has made to us? In order to know them we have to read our bible. Where is your bible right now? Is it still laying where you left it after you got home from church on Sunday morning, or from CR last Tuesday? Or maybe it has a particular spot in which you keep it. Wherever it is, do you use it every day or does it collect dust until the next time you need it for church?
You see, we all want the promises of God, but sometimes we want to attain them our own way. It won't work. God has a plan for every single one of us. We can't expect to fulfill that plan if we don't know what God's word says. What is God's plan for you? When was the last time you thought about it? Without God's direction and guidance we are much like a fish out of water. We simply don't know what it is we are supposed to do and are unable to attain the happiness and prosperity that God wants us to have.
There are no quick fixes to the things we come up against in our lives. But God has a plan. First we have to let go and let God.....then as we learn to apply His Word to our lives, we can come to understand and enjoy the promises God has for us.
Standing on the promises,
Laura S.

April 06

2006-03-25T04:42:00.000-08:00

We have 2 awesome speakers this month. We invite you to come as they share about the hurts, habits, and hang-ups they have dealt with in their lives. Your heart will be touched as you hear how God has brought them to victory.
Don't forget, we have a meal at 6:00 p.m. at no charge. Dick and Velma Wood are our chefs, and our meals are fantastic.
Uncomfortable coming alone? Bring a friend and give them the gift of God's richness and glory.
April 4rth - Dan Luskey -- Testimony
April 11th - Special Music - Shannon Wesson
Laura Schonlau -- Teaching (Victim Mentality)
April 18th - Scott Trower -- Speaker/Testimony
April 25th - Laura Schonlau -- Teaching (Strongholds)
Look forward to seeing all of you. Every Tuesday evening beginning at 7:00 p.m.
First Assembly of God 905 N. Oakwood Enid, Ok.
Only with God's power,
Laura S.

Do you have a testimony?

2006-03-22T22:07:00.000-08:00

I hope the answer to that question was yes. God has done marvelous works in each one of our lives. Everyone has something God has done that they can testify to. There is no such thing as an insignificant testimony. There is always someone, somewhere that can relate to it. It may be something they are currently going through and you would be a shining light and hope in their life; or maybe they can relate to how God brought them through that time in their life also. That's what we are about at Celebrate Recovery. We celebrate the awesome things God is doing in each one of our lives. Each week, we have a testimony, teaching, or guest speaker. It gives hope to those that are at a point, they feel they have no hope left; or sometimes feel as though no one could ever understand what they are going through. That's the really cool part of CR. Everyone is a hope and a light to someone that hasn't experienced the miracles of God in their own life. Every one of us have something to offer to one another. We just have to be big enough to admit we actually have shortcomings. The truth of the matter is we are all sinners that fall short of the Glory of God.
At CR, we're simply willing to admit the we (and our lives) are not perfect, and we work together, one day at time/one step at a time, learning to live our lives for God every single day, in every single moment.
God Bless,
Laura S.

Radical Reconstruction

2006-03-21T01:35:00.000-08:00

The sermon on the mount......what Jesus promises isn't a gimmick to give you goose bumps, nor a mental attitude that has to be pumped up at pep rallies. Matthew 5 describes God's radical reconstruction of the heart: 1st - Recognize we are in need (poor in spirit) 2nd - repent of our own self-sufficiency (mourn) 3rd - Quit calling the shots & surrender control to God (meek) 4rth - So grateful are we for His presence, we want more (hunger & thirst) 5th - As we grow, we become more like Him (merciful) 6th - We change our outlook (pure in heart) 7th - We love others (peacemakers) 8th - we endure injustice (persecution)
You see, it's not a casual shift of attitude. It's a demolition of the old structure and a creation of the new. The more radical the change, the greater the joy.
My change was extremely radical. Yours can be too.....you just have to be willing to be willing!
Have a marvelous day! In God's love,
Laura S.

Step Studies

2006-03-17T23:05:00.000-08:00

We are beginning new step study classes on Monday nights for men and Thursday nights for women. If you are interested, these classes are held at the church and begin at 7 p.m. Anyone can participate in these classes.
The curriculum consists of the Celebrate Recovery Bible and Celebrate Recovery Workbooks. The 4 key qualities of this curriculum are: 1) God's Word is the central focus. 2) It applies to all areas in which you need recovery. 3) Keeps it simple.
4) Creates and encourages forward movement.
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
Romans 15:4 (NIV)
God Bless,
Laura S.

CR is for WHO???

2006-03-15T21:44:00.000-08:00

CR is for anyone humble enough to admit that their life is not perfect.
Wow! What an incredible way to explain it.
For the past 2 years, this has been the toughest question to answer. CR covers every area that anyone could possibly experience in life. Until now, the answer to this question has been rather lenghthy. When our Pastor has been asked this question he refers to the Armour Hot Dogs commercial. Do you remember it? When they would sing "What kind of kids love Armour Hot Dogs? Fat kids, skinny kids, kids who climb on rocks; tough kids, sissy kids, even kids with chicken pox." It was telling us they ALL loved the hot dogs. CR is for everyone!!
The response to this new answer has been very interesting. Some have thought it was great. Others have commented it was a great answer but not one they liked to admit to or think about. Ask yourself why that would be? Answer - it takes more courage to be humble than proud. Talk about stepping out in faith!!!
Now that I have you humming or singing the Armour Hot Dog song.......
Have a blessed week.
Laura S.

Celebrate Recovery's Purpose

2006-03-13T21:06:00.000-08:00

The purpose of Celebrate Recovery is to encourage fellowship and to celebrate God's healing power in our lives as we work our way along the road to recovery. We are changed by our experiences, strengths, and hopes with one another. In addition, we become willing to accept God's grace and forgiveness in solving our life's problems.
By working through the principles, we grow spiritually, and we are freed from the trials in our lives. This freedom creates peace, serenity, joy, and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with Jesus Christ and others.

Recovery Chips?

2006-03-08T21:13:00.000-08:00

What in the world are recovery chips? At CR, we offer recovery chips. The first chip offered is a surrender chip. This chip is given to anyone that has identified an area in their life they want to surrender over to Christ. Once you've realized it is something you can't manage on your own, you come up when this is offered. The surrender date is written on the chip to remember it. Or perhaps you've had a relapse. The most important thing to remember is 'there is no shame in coming back'!
Every one of us know what it feels like to give a problem over to God; then the next thing we know, we have picked that problem back up and are trying to solve it ourselves, again. This folks, is a relapse. For some reason, most don't look at the big picture. We only see relapse for those who suffer with eating disorders, drugs, or alcohol.
Some have asked for these chips after service. These are only handed out during the service. When I say no, it isn't to be cruel. If you won't stand up for Christ in the midst of all of us who love you and want to see your life flourish into everything God meant for it to be; you wont stand up for Him outside the church. That's a thought for you to ponder.
Every one of us have felt the fear that has held us back from walking up to that altar. The fear that wonders what people are going to think, or worse, what they might say!! I want to take this opportunity to tell you...I have been there, gripped with that fear. It's okay. I just want you to know that when you turn loose of that fear, what we are going to say is "hallelujah"! And then, the best is yet to come. We break into small groups and you have the chance to talk about 'why' you took the chip. You don't have to talk about it, but remember this; when you verbalize what you're dealing with, it removes the power it has over you. It decreases in size, AND, you're going to be in a group that will have someone there that is going through the same thing or has before! You find real hope in that group because you also see that you're not alone!
After the surrender chip we offer 30, 60, & 90 day, 6 month and 1 year chips for you to be able to celebrate your perpetual motion of moving forward with Christ at the wheel.
Come and join us. And bring a friend! All of us deal with or unable to let go of something.
God Bless You One & All!
Laura Schonlau

Unconditional Love

2006-03-06T20:58:00.000-08:00

Unconditional love --- isn't that what all of us want? Someone to love us just exactly as we are. To be free to be who we are? That's what God does. I find it absolutely amazing that no matter what we've done, or where we've been, God accepts us right where we're at. He loves us, exactly as we are. There are times I find myself just standing in the awe of His unconditional love for me. It should be obvious for us to see how natural that is to God. After all, He created each one of us, beautiful and marvelous in our own unique way. We were hand crafted in the image of God. The next time you look in a mirror, remind yourself that you are the Prince/Princess of the Most High God. Go ahead, do it now. Then remind yourself regularly just how special you are.
God Bless You!
Laura Schonlau

Advertising

2006-03-03T21:35:00.000-08:00

Today I was looking over cover letters to some people about advertisement for CR. As I was considering a plan for handing out flyers with CR information, somehow it struck me rather odd. When stores have sales and run ads, people flock to those stores to get the good deals offered. Have you ever been to the sale the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas? All those people lined up out in the cold to get just the right gift!! (I've done it to.) Have you ever stopped to wonder why people don't do that with all the cool stuff churches have to offer? That's what struck me odd. Is it because what we have to offer - the free gift of God's love/salvation - is free? Does that just make it sound too good to be true? Most people believe churches and preachers only want your money. CR isn't about money at all. It's simply about you and God. Living your life to the fullest with all the blessings God has in store for you. The catch? What catch? To live a life where we are nice to one another, helping a person who is in need, and treating others the way we want to be treated? All of these things are simply aspects of living like Christ did. No one expects you to be perfect. We're all sinners. The bible tells us that. If we had to be perfect, I couldn't attend either. Every one of us fall short of the Glory of God, but praise God for His forgiveness.
What is your advertisement? What do others see in you by the way you live?
Praising God for each one of you!
Laura A Schonlau

Forgiveness

2006-03-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

If you weren't able to attend CR last night, you missed out. We had a great night!
We topped our evening off with a birthday/anniversary party.
Our teaching was on forgiveness. Sounds easy enough, but true forgiveness is very difficult. Forgiveness is a beautiful idea until we actually have to put it into practice! We learned 3 kinds of forgiveness. The first and most important is forgiveness extended from God to us. When thinking about this one, I just have to ask you.....Have you accepted God's forgiveness? The second kind is extended from us to others. For this one you must be willing to let go of the pain of past harm, hurt, and abuse caused by others. Until you release it, you are a prisoner of war. The third kind of forgiveness is of ourselves. No matter what you feel deep inside about yourself, the most important thing to remember here is that God loves you. You may feel there is something in your past that is just too much to forgive. Your feelings about yourself do not change God's love for you one bit. When you forgive yourself, you don't change the past, but you sure do change the future!
I look forward to seeing you next Tuesday night! Pastor Terry will be speaking. You won't want to miss it!
God bless each and every one of you.
Laura Schonlau

Dysfunction Rules

2006-02-27T20:49:00.000-08:00

People have been hiding from their problems for years. I prefer to call them our 'dysfunctions' because we simply cannot operate to our full potential in God's will when we have "junk" to protect. God has blessed me with many dysfunctios for just a time as this. When it comes to dysfunctional, our Celebrate Recovery Leader's rule!!! We're the people that others looked at, rolled their eyes, and didn't believe there was any hope for us. Then along came Celebrate Recovery! What a sense of humor God has!! Now, the dysfunctions we had are no longer a problem, they are a requirement to lead in this program. Who could possibly understand you better than someone else who has been through what you are going through? We are no longer considered "those people." People come to this program and follow 'dysfunctional people' because they understand! When it comes to being dysfunctional, you're not alone. Everyone has "junk" in their lives, it's just there are a few who are willing to admit it. They don't hide behind a mask of denial and pretense. We aren't the "B" Team anymore. We ARE a part of God's design. We have a unique ability to help others in a way that hasn't been offered before. The fact is; the church needs you now as much as you need the church.
Have a blessed week!
Laura Schonlau

What is Co-Dependency?

2006-02-24T10:25:00.000-08:00

Frequently, I am asked this question.
Co-Dependency is when you relate to a relationship, in which you are psychologically dependent in an unhealthy way on someone else.
Here are some tips to identify co-dependency: *good feelings about who you are stem from being loved by someone *good feelings about yourself stem from receiving personal approval *your mental attention is focused on pleasing a certain person *your mental attention is focused on protecting that person *you put your own hobbies/interest aside, and spend your time sharing that persons interests/hobbies *you are unaware of how you feel but are aware of how the other person feels *all the dreams for your future are directly linked to the other person *your fear of rejection determines what you say or do *you use giving as a way of feeling safe in your relationship *your social circle diminishes as you involve yourself with this other person *you put your values aside in order to connect with that person *you value their way of doing things more than your own and/or *your quality of life is in direct relation to the quality of that person.
If you find yourself relating to these things, come share with us on Tuesday evenings. We begin with a meal at 6, Praise & Worship start at 7. Hope to see you there!
Have a great day, and God Bless
Laura Schonlau

Relating to Others

2006-02-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

We had an incredible time last night at CR. It is such a peaceful feeling to be able to gather together and share our true hearts. Being able to let down the barriers we have spent years building and speak out about our deepest feelings and fears without feeling judged or like an outcast. The fact that there are others who are experiencing or have experienced what we're going through brings such fulfillment and hope where we once felt so empty.
We had a communion service last night led by Pastor Marilyn Murray. It was such a wonderful time where the Holy Spirit completely filled every area of the church, without one nook or cranny being left untouched. It was a marvelous time of revelation for one of our ladies, in an area of her life she thought had been put behind her.
If you haven't joined us for a Tuesday night service, why don't you make it a point. Just come and see what we're all about. It's an awesome spiritual adventure!
Have a blessed day!
Laura S.

When And Where

2006-02-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

Changing our look!

2006-02-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

We are preparing to change our look at CR. Pastor B.J. and Pastor Terry are working on our new flyers, posters, video, leader's shirts, etc. We will be canvassing neighborhoods and some businesses to help get the word out about our program. Wed. night our Pastor was speaking about word of mouth being the best way to advertise, and how sometimes we have to roll up our shirtsleeves and get out there. That's what we want to do for Celebrate Recovery.
When we are inviting someone to church or church activities, we come up against a lot of different excuses why people won't come. Trying to tell someone about Christ becomes an even bigger job, and folks can be rather cruel at times. As Christians we come up against a lot of hard knocks. I saw a saying the other day that I thought fit me very well. This is how I want to be as I continue to work in the Kingdom of God. "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ---WOW!!!--WHAT A RIDE!!!!!!"
Have a great day, and God bless,
Laura S.