Turn the page…. 

Many resolutions will be posted tomorrow and while it’s encouraging to see so many being intent on change, we need to remember that change begins inside of us. 

Without our change of heart, mind, and soul, nothing really changes. 

The great news is that we are each capable of change and that there is a plan for success waiting for us if we would only allow ourselves to commit to Jesus and seek His will for us…

Check your experience... 

“We had to ask ourselves why we shouldn't apply to our human problems this same readiness to change our point of view.” Big Book pg 52 

Lord let us look inside our hearts to see the changes we need and to turn our will and our lives over to You to experience the plan You have for us, AMEN. 

 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 

Have a blessed New Year y’all! 

Looking to volunteer or plug into an existing helping opportunity in the Greater Phoenix AZ area? 

Visit Servants Hearts! 

It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! 

http://aservantsheart.us 

 How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

Free daily blog

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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#SCAA #SugarAddiction #CarbAddiction #501c3 #Recovery #Sobriety #AA #12Step #DailyDevotion #BigBook #AZCharity #FoodAddiction #PrayerWarriors #Pastors #Leadership #Faith #DailyScripture #FaithOverFear #FaithThroughWorksFellowship #Prayer #taxwriteoff #FurnitureBank #TaxReceipt #BibleVerse #GodIsFaithful #Jesus #Bible #LoveGodLovePeople #nonprofit #Abstinence

Looking in the mirror… 

2021 is almost here and for many of us it’s a time for fresh starts and healthy changes. 

While these are noble goals based on good thoughts and great intentions, it seems that no matter where we go or what we do different, the same person inside of us is still involved! 

Now maybe it’s different for you, but I have learned that until I look inside myself to see what is fueling my actions, attitudes, and behaviors, that new thing I attempt to do will not bring new results UNLESS I first change those things inside of me that drive my thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. 

Until I can see that these things inside of me that drive my choices need to change,.. nothing will change!...Check your experience… 

“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” Big Book pg 59 

Lord, let us first rid ourselves of the character defects that drive our poor choices then we can seek Your will to enjoy the benefit of healthy change, AMEN. 

 “For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” James 3:16 

Have a blessed day y’all 

Did you know a donation to Furniture Bank gets you an Arizona state tax credit up to $800? 

Earn yours today. 

The state of Arizona provides an incredible incentive for taxpayers who donate to certain qualifying charities like Furniture Bank. 

Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $800 and get it right back on your Arizona tax return. 

Furniture Bank works directly with Phoenix based social services, programs, and faith-based communities to assist families, Veterans, seniors, and other folks with a hand up to regain self-sustainability as they work to escape homelessness and helplessness. 

Donate today! 

http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html 

 Please help us help others! 

 How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

Free daily blog 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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#Nonprofit #Helping #Charity #SCAA #SugarAddiction #501c3 #Recovery #Sobriety #AA #12Step #DailyDevotion #BigBook #TaxReceipt #FoodAddiction #ChristianNonProfit #Pastors #Leadership #Faith #ChristianCharity #TaxDeduction #FaithThroughWorksFellowship #DonateMoneytocharity #Arizonanonprofit #FurnitureBank #PublicCharity #GodIsFaithful #Jesus #Bible #LoveGodLovePeople #DonateMoneyToGetATaxWriteoff

We all use some form of DEPENDS!.. 

Yup, I said it! While the adult diaper is a necessity for some folks, we all have something we DEPEND upon. 

Think about it! 

We depend on our employers to pay us for our work, our work to create the lifestyles we live, and even the light switch to turn on the light, just to name just a few. 

What about our thought and spiritual life? 

What are we using as a mechanism to allow us to depend? 

Hopefully, we have found a spiritual path that works. 

My DEPENDS is my continually growing and developing faith which allows me to rely on a relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 

What are your DEPENDS?.. Check your experience… 

“It depends on us and on our motives.” Big Book pg 70. 

Lord, thank You for showing us again and again that faith in You, seeking Your will, and trusting Your word brings us peace, grace, comfort, and joy, AMEN. 

“Depend on the Lord; trust him, and he will take care of you.” Psalm 37:5 

Have a blessed day Y’all! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss 

 How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Free daily blog emailed to you in the morning! 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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First things first… 

There seems to be a natural order of things. 

We first must learn to walk before we run. Athletes practice over and over to gain the needed skills and endurance for their chosen sport. 

Hopefully, we learn to get along with others before we enter into long term relationships! 

It is the same with our spiritual journey. 

In order to understand God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, we must first seek His plan and will for us. 

Maybe it’s different for you, but I have tried many times to get God to do things my way and it has never worked, but when I set my wants and will on the side and seek His will for me, things turn out better than I could have even imagined. 

How’s that working out for you?.. Check your experience… 

“Each individual, in the personal stories, describes in his own language and from his own point of view the way he established his relationship with God.” Big Book pg 29 

Lord, let us first seek Your will for us, AMEN. 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 

Have a blessed day Y’all! 

Looking to volunteer or plug into an existing helping opportunity in the Greater Phoenix AZ area? 

Visit Servants Hearts! 

It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! 

http://aservantsheart.us 

 How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

Free daily blog 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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#SCAA #SugarAddiction #CarbAddiction #501c3 #Recovery #Sobriety #AA #12Step #DailyDevotion #BigBook #AZCharity #FoodAddiction #PrayerWarriors #Pastors #Leadership #Faith #DailyScripture #FaithOverFear #FaithThroughWorksFellowship #Prayer #taxwriteoff #FurnitureBank #TaxReceipt #BibleVerse #GodIsFaithful #Jesus #Bible #LoveGodLovePeople #nonprofit #Abstinence

 

Those hard to open presents…. 

It seems we have had that one gift that is hard to open. You know, the one that is wrapped so tight it takes something stronger than kitchen scissors to open and usually contains what seems like military grade indestructible packaging? 

Maybe it’s different for you but each year someone in our family receives this well wrapped gift and we all get to watch the receiver try with all their might to open. Sometimes we even must pitch in to complete the task. In the end the gift is opened, and usually heartfelt thanks is offered to the giver...note that I shared “usually”!! 

We can have the same challenge with our spiritual life. 

When we get wrapped so tightly in worldly clamors and bound up deep in material wants and self-will, we make it nearly impossible to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit that resides in our hearts. It’s not that we don’t deserve God’s spiritual love and gifts, rather it’s the fact that we are bound up, or wrapped so tightly if you will, in the chaos of this material world that we cannot open our hearts to receive God’s love, grace, and peace…Check your experience… 

“We found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him.” Big Book pg 46

 

Lord help us to open our hearts to receive Your gifts of love, grace, and everlasting life, AMEN. 

“Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.” Ephesians 4:18 

Have a blessed day y'all!! 

Did you know a donation to Furniture Bank gets you an Arizona state tax credit up to $800? 

Earn yours today. 

The state of Arizona provides an incredible incentive for taxpayers who donate to certain qualifying charities like Furniture Bank. Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $800 and get it right back on your Arizona tax return. 

Furniture Bank works directly with Phoenix based social services, programs, and faith-based communities to assist families, Veterans, seniors, and other folks with a hand up to regain self-sustainability as they work to escape homelessness and helplessness. 

Please help us help others! 

Donate today!

  

http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html 

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

Free daily blog. 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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#Nonprofit #Helping #Charity #SCAA #SugarAddiction #501c3 #Recovery #Sobriety #AA #12Step #DailyDevotion #BigBook #TaxReceipt #FoodAddiction #ChristianNonProfit #Pastors #Leadership #Faith #ChristianCharity #TaxDeduction #FaithThroughWorksFellowship #DonateMoneytocharity #Arizonanonprofit #FurnitureBank #PublicCharity #GodIsFaithful #Jesus #Bible #LoveGodLovePeople #DonateMoneyToGetATaxWriteoff

Some gifts you just can’t return… 

Ahhhh… the American way of life! 

In the retail world, whether it be the wrong size, shape, style, color, or fit, an exchange is made, or a return is credited. 

However, some gifts just cannot be returned, spiritually speaking of course. 

Think about it, we were chosen to receive eternal life and we have done nothing to earn it. We just have it given us without even asking. 

We can’t return it! It’s ours as long as we open our hearts and accept the Holy Spirit. 

Perhaps it is different for you but those that know more than I ever will about this subject have suggested that I show my gratitude for this gift daily by doing my best to seek and do God’s will. 

How are you handling this gift?.. Check your experience….

“The main thing is that he be willing to believe in a Power greater than himself and that he live by spiritual principles.” Big Book pg 93 

Lord, thank You for the gift of grace and eternal life through Jesus, AMEN. 

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2: 8-10 

Have a blessed day Y’all!! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss 

 How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Free daily blog in your morning inbox. 

I never share, sell, or publish your email. 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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So what is Christmas really all about?..

Merry Christmas friends!

My prayer is that you enjoy the hope and peace that this day represents. 

It’s hard to imagine in today’s world that anyone would love us so much and unconditionally no matter what our current situation is. Yet that is what Jesus represents. 

Most of us spend our lives seeking acceptance and searching for all encompassing love. 

That is what this day is for. 

Living, real, and never-ending love came to each of us in the form of Jesus. God even loves us so much that He does NOT force it on us. It’s ours to take and use as we understand it. Luckily for us HE gave us an instruction manual on how to receive, use, and share His never ending love. 

I cannot give you this love. Heck, nobody can, but it is yours for the taking when you are ready, willing, and able. I can share with you that once you accept the love of Christ, your life will NEVER be the same!! 

My life is better beyond my wildest dreams because of the love of Jesus I carry in my heart. To be blessed with a life with Miss Tami and Miss Kai and a host of loving family and friends is more than this ol’ wretch ever deserves, yet, God loves me unconditionally and wants me to receive this amazing life. 

Please take a moment today and look beyond the presents, gifts, and shiny things to reflect on the Holy Spirit that lives in each of our hearts and wants to love us unconditionally. 

“When we saw others solve their problems by a simple reliance upon the Spirit of the Universe, we had to stop doubting the power of God. Our ideas did not work. But the God idea did.” Big Book pg 52 

Lord, thank You for sending Your living love to walk the earth so many years ago and for the Holy Spirit that lives in our hearts, AMEN. 

 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” Isaiah 9: 6-7 

 Have a blessed Christmas y’all! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss 

 How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Free daily blog in your morning inbox. 

I never share, sell, or publish your email. 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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#SCAA #SugarAddiction #CarbAddiction #Keto #Recovery #Sobriety #AA #12Step #DailyDevotion #BigBook #Inspiration #StepStudy #Abstinence #OA #Alanon #Bible #NA #Serenity #Faith #Workbook #SugarAddict #Addicted #FoodAddict #FoodAddiciton #Jesus #Alcoholic #12StepWorksheet #AlcoholicsAnonymous #RecoveryBooks #SoberBooks

There was no room at the inn, but what about in our hearts?.. 

 It’s Christmas Eve y’all! 

Please stop the hurried pace for a moment today and pause to remember that JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON! 

“We had a new Employer. Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well.” Big Book pg 63 

Lord, we thank You for Your unconditional love and healing grace we receive when we accept Jesus as our Savior, AMEN. 

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn …son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2: 4-8 

Merry Christmas y’all! 

Looking to volunteer or plug into an existing helping opportunity in the Greater Phoenix AZ area? 

Visit Servants Hearts! 

It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! 

http://aservantsheart.us 

 How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

Free daily blog 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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#SCAA #SugarAddiction #CarbAddiction #501c3 #Recovery #Sobriety #AA #12Step #DailyDevotion #BigBook #AZCharity #FoodAddiction #PrayerWarriors #Pastors #Leadership #Faith #DailyScripture #FaithOverFear #FaithThroughWorksFellowship #Prayer #taxwriteoff #FurnitureBank #TaxReceipt #BibleVerse #GodIsFaithful #Jesus #Bible #LoveGodLovePeople #nonprofit #Abstinence

What is YOUR understanding?... 

On the surface, it’s a simple question, however the answer can become complex. 

It is a hard question because there are so many different answers that come from so many people, places, and things. The confusion sets in when we try to analyze, compare, and contrast all the perceptions, opinions, and so called “facts” that others are willing to provide. 

I can neither answer this question for you nor can anyone else for that matter. It’s not because I don’t care, because those that know me, know that I do care very deeply about this. 

I cannot give you a God of your understanding, and I hope you are not allowing others to force theirs upon you. 

I will lovingly and unselfishly share my experience, strength, hope, and God with you but… in order to know God you MUST create your own relationship with him, based upon YOUR OWN experience and understanding…

I love you all but please check your experience and know that for me, to coin a phrase that has meaning to me…”Jesus IS the Reason for the Season"… 

“Perhaps there is a better way-we think so. For we are now on a different basis of trusting and relying upon God. We trust infinite God rather than our finite selves.” Big Book pg 68 

Lord, let us open our hearts and invite You into our lives so that we may know You as well as You know and love each and every one of us, AMEN. 

 “Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:15 

Have a blessed day y’all 

Did you know a donation to Furniture Bank gets you an Arizona state tax credit up to $800? 

Earn yours today. 

The state of Arizona provides an incredible incentive for taxpayers who donate to certain qualifying charities like Furniture Bank. Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $800 and get it right back on your Arizona tax return. 

Furniture Bank works directly with Phoenix based social services, programs, and faith-based communities to assist families, Veterans, seniors, and other folks with a hand up to regain self-sustainability as they work to escape homelessness and helplessness. 

Please help us help others! 

Donate today! 

http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html 

Please help us help others! How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

Free daily blog 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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#Nonprofit #Helping #Charity #SCAA #SugarAddiction #501c3 #Recovery #Sobriety #AA #12Step #DailyDevotion #BigBook #TaxReceipt #FoodAddiction #ChristianNonProfit #Pastors #Leadership #Faith #ChristianCharity #TaxDeduction #FaithThroughWorksFellowship #DonateMoneytocharity #Arizonanonprofit #FurnitureBank #PublicCharity #GodIsFaithful #Jesus #Bible #LoveGodLovePeople #DonateMoneyToGetATaxWriteoff

 

Knowing peace... 

While most days are very enjoyable for me, this time of the year is incredibly special. 

To see folks filled with a spirit of giving, hearts focused on helping, and the genuine spirit of joy and hope I see in others humbles me and brings feelings of gratefulness. 

Now it’s only my opinion from my own experiences, and I am sure it is different for others, but I believe that this is the time of year where folks open their hearts and let the love inside overflow to be shared with others. Race, religion, color, creed, culture, and belief systems are set aside, and for the better part of this month we set aside our differences and celebrate our common journey. 

For me, this is how Christ works in us and through us. Maybe that is why there are so many Christmas songs that have the words peace and love in them! 

 Are you feeling peace?.. Check your experience…

 “We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.” Big Book pg 84 

Lord, let the peace of your Spirit fill our hearts and overflow to cover our relationships with others, AMEN. 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” Colossians 3:15 

Have a blessed day Y’all! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss 

 How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Free daily blog emailed to you in the morning! 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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The best gift ever… 

Almost everyone has an example of the best present they have ever received. Usually, folks associate this pleasant thought with a Christmas gift, a significant life change, or important event like a marriage or the birth of a child. 

 Just like most of the things I share here, it depends on your experience, I totally agree and understand that. I have 4 significant things in my life that I consider as the best… Miss Tami, Miss Kai, and my blessed sobriety are 3, but they are all predicated by my relationship with Jesus. 

I am far from perfect and do not deserve any of these gifts, but through my constant work on a daily relationship with Jesus, 

I get to enjoy not only Miss Tami, Miss Kai, and my sobriety, but also so many other things that make this life worthwhile. 

So, what is your best present ever?... Check your experience… 

“See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us. Abandon yourself to God as you understand God.” Big Book pg 164 

Lord, let us look into our hearts and see how Your love and grace has delivered us a life far beyond what we deserve, AMEN. 

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15 

Have a blessed day Y’all! 

Looking to volunteer or plug into an existing helping opportunity in the Greater Phoenix AZ area? 

Visit Servants Hearts! 

It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! 

http://aservantsheart.us 

 How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

Free daily blog 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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#SCAA #SugarAddiction #CarbAddiction #501c3 #Recovery #Sobriety #AA #12Step #DailyDevotion #BigBook #AZCharity #FoodAddiction #PrayerWarriors #Pastors #Leadership #Faith #DailyScripture #FaithOverFear #FaithThroughWorksFellowship #Prayer #taxwriteoff #FurnitureBank #TaxReceipt #BibleVerse #GodIsFaithful #Jesus #Bible #LoveGodLovePeople #nonprofit #Abstinence

 

Peace on Earth and goodwill toward all… 

Our Faith Through Works Fellowship and Furniture Bank Volunteer Bell Ringers shared that they were impressed by the generosity of folks filling the buckets for Salvation Army this past Saturday in Queen Creek and enjoyed the kindness and cheerfulness of the givers! 

We are ringing the bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle again this Saturday in Ahwatukee!

Come join us! It’s good to see and hear that the Spirit of Christmas is alive! 

 Hopefully, you have had or will have the opportunity to bless someone with cheerfulness and kindness today …Check your experience… 

“Love and tolerance of others is our code.” Big Book pg 84 

Lord, especially this time of year let us bless others as we would like to be blessed and as You so freely bless us daily, AMEN. 

 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” Colossians 3: 12-15 

Have a blessed day Y’all!! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss 

 How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Free daily blog in your morning inbox. 

I never share, sell, or publish your email. 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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It’s the most wacky, wonderful, time of the year… 

What’s with all the overworked clerks, tired employees, chaotic stores, hectic parking lots, snarled traffic, and frayed nerves all around. 

Oh, wait…Its Christmas!! 

I am SO THANKFUL for the internet and AMAZON! 

The folks working in the stores have families too. They are feeling the same stress and strain that we are trying to balance all the good of this season with needing to be 12 places at once. 

Take a breath folks, try to treat others like you want to be treated and be the best example of Jesus that you can be. 

Let them have that parking spot. Remember it’s not the store clerk’s fault that the red sweater is no longer available in extra small because they sold out. Eyes on the road while driving and not on the phone to see what the text message says... Check your experience… 

“Helping others is the foundation stone” Big Book pg 97 

Lord, let us control our tongues and tempers and look in our hearts to see the others are feeling the same pressures that we are, AMEN. 

 “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Galatians 5:16 

Have a blessed day Y’all!! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pastor+mark+farley&ref=nb_sb_noss 

 How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Free daily blog in your morning inbox. 

I never share, sell, or publish your email. 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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#SCAA #SugarAddiction #CarbAddiction #Keto #Recovery #Sobriety #AA #12Step #DailyDevotion #BigBook #Inspiration #StepStudy #Abstinence #OA #Alanon #Bible #NA #Serenity #Faith #Workbook #SugarAddict #Addicted #FoodAddict #FoodAddiciton #Jesus #Alcoholic #12StepWorksheet #AlcoholicsAnonymous #RecoveryBooks #SoberBooks

29 years ago I was a broken man, hopelessly alcoholic and addicted to methamphetamine. In jail.. again… for my 10th DUI I was to be sent to prison. I was 30 years old and had estranged everyone from me in my life.

As I stared into the piece of tin that serves as a jail house mirror, I suddenly realized that I no longer knew this person staring back at me. I got on my knees and said the only prayer I could at the time, “God help me.”

Things began to change almost immediately. My cellmate kept inviting me to the AA meetings and until that day I never wanted to attend. The H & I sponsored AA meeting started with a very short man who was not in jail jumping up on a table and shouting, “If you guys keep on doing what you are doing, you will keep getting what you are getting!” It was the shortest AA meeting I have ever attended because that was all I heard. He offered a Big Book to those of us “man enough to ask”, so I asked. I began reading the AA Big Book and attending the meetings.

A few weeks later, I went for my prison sentencing, but my Public Defender did not show up. 2 weeks later I went again to be sentenced and the Prosecutor did not show up. It would be 6 more weeks in the jail before I would be sentenced to prison. I stayed active in AA and in the Christian fellowship Overcomers Outreach.

My heart began to change. 

I finally owned my alcoholism; took responsibility for the wreckage it had caused me and others and became willing to accept the consequences of prison time I had coming. 

When I finally went to court to be sentenced, there was a different judge on the bench, and he shared a letter that was written on my behalf by an anonymous member of AA telling him I was changing and asking him to give me a chance at a rehab program instead of prison. The judge stopped the sentencing and asked me if I would like to spend 6 months at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Sacramento. 

I knew that God had heard my cry for help and that I needed to keep following Him! 

I willingly went to the Salvation Army. They loved me until I could learn to love myself. I threw myself into learning about God and became active in AA and in serving the homeless and addicted which has become my life mission. I entered their Adjutant Program and earned my Pastoral certificate. 

I was awarded a scholarship to go back to college and got my Human Services as well as my CADC counseling certificates for drugs and alcohol. I began running the Phase 1 recovery programs for Salvation Army ARC and helped to manage the homeless shelter. 

Through my quest for lasting sobriety in AA, I met my beautiful angel Tami, who allowed this strange man with a ponytail who worked at the homeless shelter and rode a bicycle to fall in love with her and eventually marry her. 3 Years into our marriage, God loaned us His angel Kai to raise as our daughter! 

For the past 29 years I have lived one day at a time looking to serve and help. 

3 years ago, I began to look at the damage that my excess weight was causing me and those who relied on me. I found help and learned that sugar was my new addiction along with my cravings for all the bad carbs in the junk food I surrounded myself with. I met Bitten Jonnson who taught me about sugar and carb addiction. I have applied the 12 Steps from AA into my food addiction and now, 3 years later not only have I lost over 127 pounds, but also have gained my life back and am the founder of a 12 Step Sugar and Carb addiction group. www.SCAA.club

God saved me from alcoholism and addiction and taught me how to be free through serving others. I believe in and truly try to live what the Bible promises that it is through giving to others that we receive. God has given me more than I ever deserved. 

The Big Book has taught me that Faith without works is dead. The least I can do is to try daily to pay Him back through serving others. Because of AA, today I am a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a family member, and a friend to many. I have a home, a job, a ministry, and a founding partner of a nonprofit that helps others.

 

The Bible and AA have taught me to be of humble service to others. From this suggestion I have become an ordained Pastor and a college graduate with and MBA in Business and Marketing. 

Thank you, Jesus, for saving me! 

Thank God for the Salvation Army, SCAA, and Alcoholics Anonymous! 

Got Hope, need HOPE? 

www.FaithThroughWorksFellowship.org

He dropped his blanket...

In the classic “Charlie Brown Christmas” cartoon / movie Linus comes on stage to recite the verses in Luke about the birth of Jesus. 

 He does something VERY OUT OF CHARACTER for him… 

HE DROPS HIS BLANKET!!! (Google it!) 

As he states the words “Fear Not”, he lets his blanket drop to the floor. 

 This is a great example of having a faith so big that it allows you to drop your security blanket and trust in the Lord. 

This is my question for us all today. 

What items, habits, behaviors, or ideas that we hold as a security blanket to protect us from the world are we willing to drop in order to grow a stronger faith in Jesus? Is it our pride, fear, hatred, closed minded ideas or maybe even our concrete opinions of people places and things?.. 

Check your experience… 

“When many hundreds of people are able to say that the consciousness of the Presence of God is today the most important fact of their lives, they present a powerful reason why one should have faith.” Big Book pg 51 

Lord, let us trade in the things we hold as security blankets for the everlasting faith in You, AMEN. 

“The angel reassured them. “Fear Not” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:10 

 Have a blessed day y’all 

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Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $800 and get it right back on your Arizona tax return. 

Furniture Bank works directly with Phoenix based social services, programs, and faith-based communities to assist families, Veterans, seniors, and other folks with a hand up to regain self-sustainability as they work to escape homelessness and helplessness. 

Please help us help others! 

Donate today! 

http://www.furniturebank.us/arizona-tax-credit.html 

 Please help us help others! How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

Free daily blog 

https://www.faiththroughworksfellowship.org/blog

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