Here at NLC.Conwy Celebrate Recovery we are all super excited about a new movie coming to our theater April 19-21. It is called "HomeRun The Movie". Here is the trailer:
Go to Cinemark Towne Center in Conway and get your tickets now!
Show times for all 3 days of opening weekend are: 1:10 pm, 4:05pm, 7pm, 9:55pm
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Stinkin Thinkin - Week 2
Last year one of our Arkansas State Reps presented a challenge on Facebook to join in a Stinkin' Thinkin' Challenge. This year Rodney is our National Assimilation Coach and has issued the challenge again. We will be posting the challenge each week to our blog.
Details from the Stinkin' Thinking' Challenge 2012 on Facebook...look it up and join if you are on Facebook:
"How is your thinking these days? Is it that of truth and promises of God or that of the lies from the enemy that seeks to kill, steal and destroy? The only way the enemy can get to us is through the belief of his lies.
Christ's truth is a better route to go to keep up on the right track in life. Join us for the Stinkin' Thinkin' Challenge 2012. We need to be reminded of who we are in Christ.
Task:
1. Each week a scripture will be present
2. Write out that verse on a 3x5 index card and the promise on the other side of the card.
3. Carry that card with you, tape it on your dashboard, put it on your fridge or wherever you know you will see this truth.
4. If you can take it a step further and memorize it that is even better
5. Keep all your cards and randomly go back to them to be reminded of who you are in Christ especially in difficult times.
6. Share this challenge with a friend. You never know who might be struggling."
WEEK 2:
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15
PROMISE:
I am Christ's Friend!!!
Details from the Stinkin' Thinking' Challenge 2012 on Facebook...look it up and join if you are on Facebook:
"How is your thinking these days? Is it that of truth and promises of God or that of the lies from the enemy that seeks to kill, steal and destroy? The only way the enemy can get to us is through the belief of his lies.
Christ's truth is a better route to go to keep up on the right track in life. Join us for the Stinkin' Thinkin' Challenge 2012. We need to be reminded of who we are in Christ.
Task:
1. Each week a scripture will be present
2. Write out that verse on a 3x5 index card and the promise on the other side of the card.
3. Carry that card with you, tape it on your dashboard, put it on your fridge or wherever you know you will see this truth.
4. If you can take it a step further and memorize it that is even better
5. Keep all your cards and randomly go back to them to be reminded of who you are in Christ especially in difficult times.
6. Share this challenge with a friend. You never know who might be struggling."
WEEK 2:
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15
PROMISE:
I am Christ's Friend!!!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Stinkin Thinking Challenge 2012
Last year one of our Arkansas State Reps presented a challenge on Facebook to join in a Stinkin' Thinkin' Challenge. This year Rodney is our National Assimilation Coach and has issued the challenge again. We will be posting the challenge each week to our blog.
Details from the Stinkin' Thinking' Challenge 2012 on Facebook...look it up and join if you are on Facebook:
"How is your thinking these days? Is it that of truth and promises of God or that of the lies from the enemy that seeks to kill, steal and destroy? The only way the enemy can get to us is through the belief of his lies.
Christ's truth is a better route to go to keep up on the right track in life. Join us for the Stinkin' Thinkin' Challenge 2012. We need to be reminded of who we are in Christ.
Task:
1. Each week a scripture will be present
2. Write out that verse on a 3x5 index card and the promise on the other side of the card.
3. Carry that card with you, tape it on your dashboard, put it on your fridge or wherever you know you will see this truth.
4. If you can take it a step further and memorize it that is even better
5. Keep all your cards and randomly go back to them to be reminded of who you are in Christ especially in difficult times.
6. Share this challenge with a friend. You never know who might be struggling."
WEEK 1:
VERSE: "Yet to all who did receive Him to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12
PROMISE: I am a Child of God!!!
If you are looking for a place in Conway or the surrounding areas to deal with your life's hurts, habits or hang-ups, join us anytime on a Monday night at Celebrate Recovery for some great fellowship and hope.
Every Monday at 6:30 pm. For the next couple of months, due to construction at New Life Church, we will be meeting at Central Baptist Church across Dave Ward Drive. Come join us!
Details from the Stinkin' Thinking' Challenge 2012 on Facebook...look it up and join if you are on Facebook:
"How is your thinking these days? Is it that of truth and promises of God or that of the lies from the enemy that seeks to kill, steal and destroy? The only way the enemy can get to us is through the belief of his lies.
Christ's truth is a better route to go to keep up on the right track in life. Join us for the Stinkin' Thinkin' Challenge 2012. We need to be reminded of who we are in Christ.
Task:
1. Each week a scripture will be present
2. Write out that verse on a 3x5 index card and the promise on the other side of the card.
3. Carry that card with you, tape it on your dashboard, put it on your fridge or wherever you know you will see this truth.
4. If you can take it a step further and memorize it that is even better
5. Keep all your cards and randomly go back to them to be reminded of who you are in Christ especially in difficult times.
6. Share this challenge with a friend. You never know who might be struggling."
WEEK 1:
VERSE: "Yet to all who did receive Him to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12
PROMISE: I am a Child of God!!!
If you are looking for a place in Conway or the surrounding areas to deal with your life's hurts, habits or hang-ups, join us anytime on a Monday night at Celebrate Recovery for some great fellowship and hope.
Every Monday at 6:30 pm. For the next couple of months, due to construction at New Life Church, we will be meeting at Central Baptist Church across Dave Ward Drive. Come join us!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Double Dipping
Borrowed from Rodney Holmstrom our CR National Assimilation Coach and NW Arkansas State Rep:
What is Double Dipping? One of my biggest pet peeves when dining out or with friends in an eating setting is when they dip their chip into the salsa or cheese dip, take a bite, and then dip it back in the dip again. {gag}
I am pretty picky about my food and this really gross' me out. Some people make fun of me at my expense about this issue I have, but I really get grossed out when this happens and will even refrain from eating any more chips if I witness this repulsive act. lol
But that is not the kind of double dipping I am referring to. "Double Dipping" in a CR Open Discussion Group setting is when a particular person shares more than one time in a certain small group setting.
Why is this not allowed in the Open Discussion Groups? What if the group is small? Doesn't it improve the small group to allow multiple sharing?
All great questions! Here are a couple of reasons why we should not allow this in our Open Discussion groups
1. Double Dipping can cause opportunities for people to try to "fix" others after listening to their sharing. Sometimes without even realizing it we think "oh, I know what I can share that will lead "them" down the right path" and so we share and it is all directed toward one person. Now, one can make an argument that people could do that anyway. True, and hopefully our well trained leaders will nip this quickly, but the chances increase when people go a second time.
2. Our small group guideline is "Keep our sharing to 3-5 minutes not "3-5 minutes, 2 or 3 times". There is a reason we have 3-5 minutes on each person's sharing. It teaches us to get our thoughts organized and not ramble. This is an important component in recovery. When we know we have 3-5 minutes we will give it some thought before we speak and speak to the point more precisely.
3. Sharing only one time will allow everyone the opportunity to share that chooses to.
Granted, in some of our small groups there will possibly only be 3-4 people in the group. That is ok. The best thing you can do as a group is shut down the group early and go to Solid Rock and continue your conversation there.
-Some people think it's crazy for us to have a guideline like this or think it is silly to have others like, we cannot hand a tissue to someone else when they are crying. (I thought that was the craziest thing I ever heard when I first came in until I found out "why" we do that. We don't want to interrupt the sharing of anyone. Handing a tissue does just that. Or, to only use I or me statements. Then I learned that when someone says for example, "we all want this..." I know now that I really don't want you or anyone else speaking for me. How do you know what I want or need? :)
The truth is, there are actually very good reasons behind these guidelines and 20 plus years experience that has lead us to use these guidelines. They may seem crazy and not necessary, but the truth is, they actually do work.
One of the things I have said and continue to say in trainings with our great CR leaders is we don't expect everyone to agree with everything we do in CR. The thing we do ask though is that you please respect them. I have to trust those that went before me in this great ministry and know that if the guideline is there, it is there for a good reason and for my safety and recovery.
We want this 3-5 minutes to be yours to share to your liking as long as the guidelines are being upheld.
a. maybe a victory or struggle from this past week
b. Maybe you choose to share from the focus question presented
c. Maybe there is something in the Problem and Solution Sheet that spoke to you
d. Maybe there is something that the Holy Spirit Spoke to your heart about during the teaching or testimony that night.
Bottom line, whatever you want to share on is fine just make sure you do it within your time frame allotted.
So....the next time you go into an open discussion group during your regular meeting night and your leader asks you to not share again, you will know that they are not being mean or picking on you but rather, doing their part in keeping the group safe and productive. This is to ultimately set the table for you to experience God's healing and freedom all in the setting of a safe group.
As always, thank you for honoring these guidelines and for being right where God has you. You are blessing so many by your presence not to mention bringing continued healing to yourself each time you share.
Just like the song says. Greater Things Are Still To Come In This City" Greater things are still to come in this "meeting"...
Have a blessed day
Happy "one" sharing....:)
For any questions about CR, please click on the Contact Us tab at the top of this page.
What is Double Dipping? One of my biggest pet peeves when dining out or with friends in an eating setting is when they dip their chip into the salsa or cheese dip, take a bite, and then dip it back in the dip again. {gag}
I am pretty picky about my food and this really gross' me out. Some people make fun of me at my expense about this issue I have, but I really get grossed out when this happens and will even refrain from eating any more chips if I witness this repulsive act. lol
But that is not the kind of double dipping I am referring to. "Double Dipping" in a CR Open Discussion Group setting is when a particular person shares more than one time in a certain small group setting.
Why is this not allowed in the Open Discussion Groups? What if the group is small? Doesn't it improve the small group to allow multiple sharing?
All great questions! Here are a couple of reasons why we should not allow this in our Open Discussion groups
1. Double Dipping can cause opportunities for people to try to "fix" others after listening to their sharing. Sometimes without even realizing it we think "oh, I know what I can share that will lead "them" down the right path" and so we share and it is all directed toward one person. Now, one can make an argument that people could do that anyway. True, and hopefully our well trained leaders will nip this quickly, but the chances increase when people go a second time.
2. Our small group guideline is "Keep our sharing to 3-5 minutes not "3-5 minutes, 2 or 3 times". There is a reason we have 3-5 minutes on each person's sharing. It teaches us to get our thoughts organized and not ramble. This is an important component in recovery. When we know we have 3-5 minutes we will give it some thought before we speak and speak to the point more precisely.
3. Sharing only one time will allow everyone the opportunity to share that chooses to.
Granted, in some of our small groups there will possibly only be 3-4 people in the group. That is ok. The best thing you can do as a group is shut down the group early and go to Solid Rock and continue your conversation there.
-Some people think it's crazy for us to have a guideline like this or think it is silly to have others like, we cannot hand a tissue to someone else when they are crying. (I thought that was the craziest thing I ever heard when I first came in until I found out "why" we do that. We don't want to interrupt the sharing of anyone. Handing a tissue does just that. Or, to only use I or me statements. Then I learned that when someone says for example, "we all want this..." I know now that I really don't want you or anyone else speaking for me. How do you know what I want or need? :)
The truth is, there are actually very good reasons behind these guidelines and 20 plus years experience that has lead us to use these guidelines. They may seem crazy and not necessary, but the truth is, they actually do work.
One of the things I have said and continue to say in trainings with our great CR leaders is we don't expect everyone to agree with everything we do in CR. The thing we do ask though is that you please respect them. I have to trust those that went before me in this great ministry and know that if the guideline is there, it is there for a good reason and for my safety and recovery.
We want this 3-5 minutes to be yours to share to your liking as long as the guidelines are being upheld.
a. maybe a victory or struggle from this past week
b. Maybe you choose to share from the focus question presented
c. Maybe there is something in the Problem and Solution Sheet that spoke to you
d. Maybe there is something that the Holy Spirit Spoke to your heart about during the teaching or testimony that night.
Bottom line, whatever you want to share on is fine just make sure you do it within your time frame allotted.
So....the next time you go into an open discussion group during your regular meeting night and your leader asks you to not share again, you will know that they are not being mean or picking on you but rather, doing their part in keeping the group safe and productive. This is to ultimately set the table for you to experience God's healing and freedom all in the setting of a safe group.
As always, thank you for honoring these guidelines and for being right where God has you. You are blessing so many by your presence not to mention bringing continued healing to yourself each time you share.
Just like the song says. Greater Things Are Still To Come In This City" Greater things are still to come in this "meeting"...
Have a blessed day
Happy "one" sharing....:)
For any questions about CR, please click on the Contact Us tab at the top of this page.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Prisoner
Re-posting from Fellowship NWA CR Blog:
The Prisoner
Have you ever been a prisoner?
Have you ever been held captive?
Have you ever been enslaved?
Have you ever wanted freedom so bad you could taste it?
Hi, my name is David, and I’m a prisoner.
I’ve been a prisoner for a long time…living inside these walls made of bars of steel and stone.
There’s a window…it’s small…but it’s a window.
It lets me see the outside…where I could be…where I could have been all along. But…I’m a prisoner. It’s who I am. It’s who I’ll always be.
Oh, yeah, there’s a door. It’s made of those same steel bars.
It hangs there on the hinges. Hard, cold metal. Unforgiving.
And the lock. It can’t be picked. It just can’t be! I’ve tried to get out on my own. It takes that key…that annoying key that for years has rattled in my ears.
All the time I’ve been here…every time that abusive guard stuck it in the lock - and the mechanism would click, I’d get that sense of “freedom”. It was the sound of freedom. I could just taste it – only to be disappointed after an hour of pretend freedom behind the fences of the yard – only to be disappointed as the guard – a tyrant, that guy – would lead me back to my cell and lock the door behind me…laughing and mocking me as he’d walk away.
Ironically, it was a Friday when it all changed. Well, sort of changed. Inmates down the corridor were hollering at the guard…yelling their usual taunts. And they were screaming obscenities at a new guy. You know when a new guy is coming in because of those initial cat calls and insults. It’s painfully routine.
The guard approached my cell door. And, this new guy was with him. I thought…oh, great, a cellmate. No thanks. I’m a loner. I’m o.k. by myself. Stick him in with the guy next door.
But, they just stood there at my cell door…the guard and this guy. This new dude. He was kinda normal looking. Not really a rough and tough looking sort. Nothing that would have naturally drawn you to him. Kinda simple looking actually. A little homely. Intriguing at the same time. I couldn’t quite figure him out.
It was all a bit weird…almost like I knew him or he knew me …or something. Like I was in slow motion…but only a couple of seconds past before the man gave me that most startling message: You’re free. I looked at him with a blank stare, and he said it again...You’re free. I could tell that slave-driver of a guard wasn’t excited about it. But, he handed the keys over to this mystery man who proceeded to unlock the door. Then, he opened it and looked me square in the eye and repeated himself. “You’re free.” "How?” I asked. What happened? I don’t get it.
The guard pointed his thumb to the guy and grumbled, “It’s his doing…definitely not mine. I’d keep you here ‘til you rotted if it was up to me. I’d just as soon see you robbed blind, tortured, and killed…if it was up to me.”
“What do you mean, free?” I asked the stranger.
The guard chimed back in, “You’re free knucklehead. This nut paid your bail, your fines, your penalty…along with everyone else’s in this nuthouse. You can go.”
The simple man – the mystery man – looked at me and smiled. Then the two of them moved on to the next cell…making the same announcement from one cell to the next.
I sat on my bunk in disbelief and just listened as the two of them moved from cell to cell…floor to floor…telling the same story.
I could hear guys yelling…grabbing their stuff and running down the corridors…headed outside. OUTSIDE! Somebody said that the gates to the whole prison were standing wide open outside. I jumped to the window to see if I was in a dream. But…it was true. I could see ‘em running out. “I’m free!” they’d yell. “I’m outta here!”
They didn’t deserve to be outside! I knew I didn’t and I knew there were lots more like me and worse. Free? No way! They don’t deserve it, and I don’t either.
I stuck to my guns that day.
I stayed on that bunk…determined not to move. Determined to be what I was…a prisoner…determined to be who I am…a prisoner. It’s who I am…It’s who I’ll always be. I got myself into this mess and I’ll keep myself in it.
And, I have. I’ve stayed. Yeah, the door is still hanging there on the hinges. And, yeah, it’s still open. It’s been that way for three years now. They still feed me and they gave me a t.v. to keep me occupied. I just live through the people in the little box. It’s a meager existence. I wouldn’t call it a “life.” But I’m used to it. So, I’m not leaving. Freedom can’t be mine. It just can’t be…because I’m a prisoner.
Have you ever felt like this guy? Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." What doorway of freedom has Christ given to you that you have been hesitant to walk through? What is the cage that you are ready to walk out of today?
If you have questions regarding Celebrate Recovery, click on Contact Us tab above for contact information.
The Prisoner
Have you ever been a prisoner?
Have you ever been held captive?
Have you ever been enslaved?
Have you ever wanted freedom so bad you could taste it?
Hi, my name is David, and I’m a prisoner.
I’ve been a prisoner for a long time…living inside these walls made of bars of steel and stone.
There’s a window…it’s small…but it’s a window.
It lets me see the outside…where I could be…where I could have been all along. But…I’m a prisoner. It’s who I am. It’s who I’ll always be.
Oh, yeah, there’s a door. It’s made of those same steel bars.
It hangs there on the hinges. Hard, cold metal. Unforgiving.
And the lock. It can’t be picked. It just can’t be! I’ve tried to get out on my own. It takes that key…that annoying key that for years has rattled in my ears.
All the time I’ve been here…every time that abusive guard stuck it in the lock - and the mechanism would click, I’d get that sense of “freedom”. It was the sound of freedom. I could just taste it – only to be disappointed after an hour of pretend freedom behind the fences of the yard – only to be disappointed as the guard – a tyrant, that guy – would lead me back to my cell and lock the door behind me…laughing and mocking me as he’d walk away.
Ironically, it was a Friday when it all changed. Well, sort of changed. Inmates down the corridor were hollering at the guard…yelling their usual taunts. And they were screaming obscenities at a new guy. You know when a new guy is coming in because of those initial cat calls and insults. It’s painfully routine.
The guard approached my cell door. And, this new guy was with him. I thought…oh, great, a cellmate. No thanks. I’m a loner. I’m o.k. by myself. Stick him in with the guy next door.
But, they just stood there at my cell door…the guard and this guy. This new dude. He was kinda normal looking. Not really a rough and tough looking sort. Nothing that would have naturally drawn you to him. Kinda simple looking actually. A little homely. Intriguing at the same time. I couldn’t quite figure him out.
It was all a bit weird…almost like I knew him or he knew me …or something. Like I was in slow motion…but only a couple of seconds past before the man gave me that most startling message: You’re free. I looked at him with a blank stare, and he said it again...You’re free. I could tell that slave-driver of a guard wasn’t excited about it. But, he handed the keys over to this mystery man who proceeded to unlock the door. Then, he opened it and looked me square in the eye and repeated himself. “You’re free.” "How?” I asked. What happened? I don’t get it.
The guard pointed his thumb to the guy and grumbled, “It’s his doing…definitely not mine. I’d keep you here ‘til you rotted if it was up to me. I’d just as soon see you robbed blind, tortured, and killed…if it was up to me.”
“What do you mean, free?” I asked the stranger.
The guard chimed back in, “You’re free knucklehead. This nut paid your bail, your fines, your penalty…along with everyone else’s in this nuthouse. You can go.”
The simple man – the mystery man – looked at me and smiled. Then the two of them moved on to the next cell…making the same announcement from one cell to the next.
I sat on my bunk in disbelief and just listened as the two of them moved from cell to cell…floor to floor…telling the same story.
I could hear guys yelling…grabbing their stuff and running down the corridors…headed outside. OUTSIDE! Somebody said that the gates to the whole prison were standing wide open outside. I jumped to the window to see if I was in a dream. But…it was true. I could see ‘em running out. “I’m free!” they’d yell. “I’m outta here!”
They didn’t deserve to be outside! I knew I didn’t and I knew there were lots more like me and worse. Free? No way! They don’t deserve it, and I don’t either.
I stuck to my guns that day.
I stayed on that bunk…determined not to move. Determined to be what I was…a prisoner…determined to be who I am…a prisoner. It’s who I am…It’s who I’ll always be. I got myself into this mess and I’ll keep myself in it.
And, I have. I’ve stayed. Yeah, the door is still hanging there on the hinges. And, yeah, it’s still open. It’s been that way for three years now. They still feed me and they gave me a t.v. to keep me occupied. I just live through the people in the little box. It’s a meager existence. I wouldn’t call it a “life.” But I’m used to it. So, I’m not leaving. Freedom can’t be mine. It just can’t be…because I’m a prisoner.
Have you ever felt like this guy? Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." What doorway of freedom has Christ given to you that you have been hesitant to walk through? What is the cage that you are ready to walk out of today?
If you have questions regarding Celebrate Recovery, click on Contact Us tab above for contact information.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
"Homerun" Trailer
CELEBRATE RECOVERY MOVIE COMING SPRING 2012
"HOMERUN"
John and Cheryl Baker, CR founders are reading thru the script this past week and filming is set to begin this summer. Exciting stuff!
For more information about Celebrate Recovery, contact Alison at 501-410-3728 or celebraterecovery_nlc@yahoo.com
"HOMERUN"
John and Cheryl Baker, CR founders are reading thru the script this past week and filming is set to begin this summer. Exciting stuff!
For more information about Celebrate Recovery, contact Alison at 501-410-3728 or celebraterecovery_nlc@yahoo.com
Monday, April 25, 2011
Progress Not Perfection
From http://www.refineus.org/
"3 Steps Forward 2 Steps Back"
My entire life I’ve heard the phrase “Three steps forward, two steps back.” This phrase is rarely used as a declaration of achievement. Most of the time that I have used it is has been an admission of failure. I have not made as much progress in a particular area of my life that I had hoped…I took three steps forward and two steps back. I have said this phrase ashamed, disappointed and defeated.
I heard someone the other day say this phrase and it caused me to think through the “two steps back” moments of my life. Would I love to always take three steps forward? Absolutely! Would I love to achieve perfection in every area of my life? Yes! But what God has taught me is that life is more about my journey of transformation than my ability to be perfect (or pretend to be perfect).
Here are a few things “two steps back” has provided:
Remember three minus two is still progress.
"3 Steps Forward 2 Steps Back"
My entire life I’ve heard the phrase “Three steps forward, two steps back.” This phrase is rarely used as a declaration of achievement. Most of the time that I have used it is has been an admission of failure. I have not made as much progress in a particular area of my life that I had hoped…I took three steps forward and two steps back. I have said this phrase ashamed, disappointed and defeated.
I heard someone the other day say this phrase and it caused me to think through the “two steps back” moments of my life. Would I love to always take three steps forward? Absolutely! Would I love to achieve perfection in every area of my life? Yes! But what God has taught me is that life is more about my journey of transformation than my ability to be perfect (or pretend to be perfect).
Here are a few things “two steps back” has provided:
- Perspective: there are times that I only appreciate the three steps I have taken forward after I realize I’ve taken two steps back. I am often so consumed by moving forward it isn’t until I fail that I stop and see how far God has brought me.
- Humility: why is it that success can cause me to think how great I am but failure can cause me to realize how great God is? There are times that my two steps back in life, marriage, parenting or ministry has allowed me to realize that there is a God, and I am not Him.
- My Need for Grace: I grew up thinking grace was an event. The receiving of God’s grace was what occurred at the moment of salvation. What I’ve realized in the two steps back moments in life is that I need God’s grace every single day. It is what not only saves me, but sustains me.
- Determination to Take 3 More Steps: I want the failures in my life not to define me but to help me. I want to learn and grow and become more of the person God has created me to be, and often that comes through failure. Taking two steps back allows me to see how important taking three more steps forward will be. It provides me fuel to continue on the journey to become more like Christ.
Remember three minus two is still progress.
If you have any questions regarding Celebrate Recovery, please click on the Contact Us link above for our contact information.
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