Hey, checking in.

[namommy]

Wow, what a couple of weeks I've had.

Getting the house up and running has been alot of work and a lot of learning. But, it's up and running. I have 4 women there now, I have another one coming on monday, and possibly another coming sometime next week.

Even though it has been alot of work, and I have been pushing myself to the limit, I have made time for me. I went camping with a bunch of recovering women and our kids last weekend. (my sponsor, her sponsor, and other women in our sponsorship chain) We had a great time.

My sponsor helped me take a HUGE step towards self acceptance. (Best, you will love this one). She talked me into putting on a bathing suit and hanging out on the beach at the lake while we were there and going to the pool. I DID IT!!!! I actually put on a bathing suit in public and went swimming. I can't believe I actually did it!!!! Go Me!!

I have been making more meetings than I usually do. I've been taking each new girl to a meeting the first night she gets there so she can get phone numbers to start calling other addicts for rides. So that has gotten me out.

I have also been making the Celebrate Recovery meetings each week. I talked to my sponsor and she is willing to take me through their step work book. so I will be doing the Christian Recovery steps based on the beatitudes. I'm so psyched.

I've also been maintaining a good schedule. I make sure I am home at a reasonable time. I read a chapter from the Bible each night before I go to bed, then say my prayers.

I make sure I get up on time, go to work, and pray every morning and throughout the day.

Life is going so well now that I am depending more and more on Christ to get me through. One of the Girls in the house even asked me if I would pick her up and take her to church with me tomorrow. I'm so excited.

I'm sure you have all been praying for me, and alla flutter, thank you for your PM's. They mean so much to me.

The Lord is Awesome.

Laurie

[best]

Originally Posted by namommy

(Best, you will love this one). She talked me into putting on a bathing suit and hanging out on the beach at the lake while we were there and going to the pool. I DID IT!!!!

So does that mean you are starting to belive me when I said you are very nice looking and are to hard on yourself?

I am in awe of how the Lord is working in your life.

There is a saying... The Lord doesn't call the equiped, He equips the called.
I think in your case He did it a different way.

hmmm (as He looks over at you) that Laurie sure has some wonderful talents and skills and if I just guide her a little and open a door or two... she will do such wonderful things that bring glory to the name of Jesus.

Your joy shines so bright. I am thinking many more will want to go to church with you...They will want what you have... The joy of knowing the Lord.

[namommy]

Originally Posted by best

So does that mean you are starting to belive me when I said you are very nice looking and are to hard on yourself?

Well, I am taking baby steps at that. I even put on a spaghetti strap top today. That's amazing too. I am starting to accept myself more. Which is good.

[/quote]I am in awe of how the Lord is working in your life.[/quote]

I am just overwhelmed with the miracles that are happening in my life. I shared tonite that God is opening doors, windows, and even Cargo bays for me. I have smiled and laughed more in the past month or so than I have in the past 2 years.

[/quote]There is a saying... The Lord doesn't call the equiped, He equips the called.
I think in your case He did it a different way.

hmmm (as He looks over at you) that Laurie sure has some wonderful talents and skills and if I just guide her a little and open a door or two... she will do such wonderful things that bring glory to the name of Jesus.

Your joy shines so bright. I am thinking many more will want to go to church with you...They will want what you have... The joy of knowing the Lord.[/quote]

The Holy Spirit is certainly in me, and is shining through brightly. I am so open about my faith and people are actually listening and asking me questions. and wanting to go to the Celebrate Recovery meetings with me.

I told someone today who asked me about being born again that I am a VERY PROUD JESUS FREAK!!

Best, I wanted you to know that you, along with a small handful of people, played a huge role in my path to salvation. Thank you. You carry God's message well.

Love Ya
Laurie

[rayofsunshine]

Originally Posted by namommy

The Holy Spirit is certainly in me, and is shining through brightly. I am so open about my faith and people are actually listening and asking me questions. and wanting to go to the Celebrate Recovery meetings with me.

I told someone today who asked me about being born again that I am a VERY PROUD JESUS FREAK!!

It is so awesome to see how the Lord is working in your life. I know you'll do well
with the house... with the Lord working thru you, you'll be a wonderful mentor.
Praying God will continue to bless your ministry.

[namommy]

Life is so awesome. Thank you all for your positive thoughts and encouragement.

We had our house meeting tonite. Some of the girls have been through many of the recovery houses in this area and were saying how bad they are. During the conversation, one of the girls mentioned that she has to go home for court, and while she is looking forward to seeing her daughter, she doesn't want to leave the house. She said "This is God's House." The feeling that washed over me when she said that was remarkable.

We got into a conversation about God and Jesus and various forms of higher powers and it was great. It was a spiritually based meeting and we'd like to keep it that way.

Keep the prayers coming. I found a Religious store that sells Anointed Oils, I am going to buy a vial and use it to bless the house. Similar to what Best did when he moved into his house (that's where I got the idea).

And, I was so excited, I found a medallion today of Saint Mary Magdalene. They are so hard to find and it is a beautiful one. I will wear it proudly with my cross and my NA charm.

Life has been so good. After all that Bad, it is wonderful to feel good again.

Love you all
Laurie