It's that time again for a New Years Resolution!

He Calms the Storm©
Psalm 37:8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil.
A few years ago two of my good friends deeply offended me. I felt completely betrayed. The more I thought about the offense the angrier I got. And because I was incapable of dealing with my feelings, I got drunk. In my drunken rage I went through my house demolishing everything I could get my hands on. I broke jars of food on my carpet and smashed beautiful ceramic dishes into the walls. I broke expensive sunglasses and items that were very special to me. I took valuable gifts received from loved ones and sent them crashing to the floor. The next morning I was horrified at what I had done. What a mess I had made. And so many irreplaceable items were completely destroyed. I was overwhelmed with guilt, regret, remorse and shame. I had done something I never would have done sober, all because I was angry and drunk. Situations like this prove my need for a power greater than myself. Had I turned to God in my anger and not to alcohol the end result could have been a whole lot more desireable. I need a God in my life who can help me during times of darkest despair. I need a God who can turn my mourning into dancing. A God who can lift my sorrow and replace it with peace. After a few years of sobriety I don't take my anger to the bottle anymore. Today, I take my anger to God.
Thought to meditate on:I have heard it said that worry can kill you. Worry is like a cancer and will eventually make you sick. But my experience is that anger is more destructive than worry. Not that worry is advisable but when I worry I tend to hide under my blankets and disappear. Anger tends to lead me into violent fits of rage. It is important to control anger lest it consume us and cause us damage. Damage to ourselves, to our family's, and in my experience, damage to our stuff. How many holes do you have in your walls?
http://www.personaladdiction.com

When it all seems hopeless! Turn to the one who brings hope!

I Am Not my Own©
1 Corinthians 6:19,20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
My friend Jim had a number of extra marital affairs. He blamed his lack of self control on his rock cocaine addiction and his alcoholism. He told me when he drank and used drugs, he looked for sex. He craved it. He said he wasn't proud of what he did, but was glad today to be sober and self controlled. God had delivered him and the urge was gone. My friend Bob also committed adultery. He could not find the strength he needed to be faithful to his wife. No matter how hard he tried, he always gave in to the desires of his flesh and allowed women to lure him into their rooms. Although he was in therapy for his problem he still fought the battle daily. Both men suffered from a sex addiction. It was just as hard of an addiction to break as drugs or alcohol. I read a book called the Bondage Breaker where they discussed sexual urges and it helped me to understand the sickness behind the behaviors. Fortunately there is a program to help people with this problem, just as there is one for alcohol and drugs. Nobody has to remain in the grips of the sin. God can and will break the chains. I believe the devil uses our weaknesses to keep us down, under his control. He discovers what we are driven by and dangles it in front of our face until we give in to the desire. The Bible says the devil is the god of this world and so he does have the power to destroy us. But we have to let him. For every force against us God makes a way of escape. The Bible also says, if God is for us nothing can be against us. That means no power in hell can keep us down.
Thought to meditate on:
When we gave our life to Jesus He took up residence in our hearts. That means we have given Him control of our bodies as well as our minds and spirits. We have an obligation to God to refrain from sin that destroys us since we no longer belong to ourselves. God bought us with a price when He sent Jesus to save us and it is our duty to properly care for His property. And it also never hurt to have a little self respect and dignity. Don't you think you deserve it? I do.
My thoughts and revelations:
http://www.personaladdiction.com
http://www.lacysjourney.com

To Drunk To Drive: Imagine That!

One Saturday, a girlfriend I worked with invited me and my children to her daughter's birthday party. The party was held at a park an hour away from my home. There was lots of beer, but my son had a baseball game that afternoon and I knew I could not drink. I fought the urge to drink for more than three hours. I did everything I could to stay away from that beer. But the temptation soon grew too big and my resistance wasn't strong enough. Before I knew it, I was drunk. There was no way I could drive my son to his baseball game. I was completely intoxicated and unable to drive anywhere. So I called my family and told them he wasn't feeling well and would not be playing in the game. I continued to drink the rest of the day and we ended up staying the night at her house. I wasn't feeling like a very good mom by the end of that day. It wasn't that I meant to be irresponsible. My intentions were always good. But alcohol had such a hold on me. To deny it was pure hell. Since I got sober and God removed the obsession, I don't play those alcoholic mind games with myself. Today, drinking is not an option. I don't have to fear going anywhere that I won't be able to get myself home from because I'm drunk. I hate to think about all the times I told my kids no because I was drinking. I feel bad that alcohol was more important than my family. But that is what the disease of alcohol does. It destroys.
Thought to meditate on:Guilt played a huge role in my life for a long time. Even after God forgave me I still found it hard to forgive myself. After we accept Jesus into our lives there is not suppose to be anymore self condemnation. That means guilt is a lie. Forgiveness is vital to our sobriety. We drank because we wallowed in self pity over all our past mistakes. We drank because we felt guilty. Being sober means there is no more reasons or excuses. It is time to forgive ourselves and let them go.

My new book entitled ADDICTION: A Personal Story will be available for purchase in December. Visit my new website and bookmark the page so you can find it when the book goes on sale.
http://www.personaladdiction.com
To read about the book visit my previous website Lacys Journey at:
http://www.lacysjourney.com

God Loves An Alcoholic

God knew what I needed before I was ever created. Although He had better ideas of what he wanted for me, He knew I would fall and need His help. So He inspired the men of old to prepare a book called the Bible, showing me the provision of God, and His ability to deliver me from all my troubles. Unfortunately I chose a different path. One in which I thought I'd have more fun. I allowed the lies and deceptions of the enemy and the world to crowd out what was right. And I suffered the consequences of my mistakes. Going to parties and getting drunk was common for me. In high school I developed the nickname sleazy. Not because I was being taken advantage of, but because passing out all over people's houses and hanging on guys I didn't know set up a rather poor picture of myself. The image they saw of me was exactly what I portrayed, a sleaze. I had to learn to accept that, or make changes. When I decided to quit going to parties, everyone was disappointed. They didn't have anybody to talk about anymore. As much as I enjoyed drinking, I was tired of getting drunk and being labeled. I wasn't what they said of me and it disturbed me that they would all stoop so low. Didn't they know, they to were at the same parties? What did that say about them? Today it doesn't matter. Because today I don't drink. Sobriety means I never have to do anything that I wouldn't normally do. Those drunken behaviors are no longer who I am. If you want to put a label on me today, how about, a recovered alcoholic, a blessed and loved child of God, and a victorious overcomer.
Thought to meditate on:God doesn't ask us to do something unless He feels we are capable of doing it. He isn't a mean spirited dictator. He is a loving God who cares about you more than you will ever know. It wasn't that God didn't want me having any fun, He just didn't want me to be the object of other people's ridicule and scorn. He thought higher of me than that. And it wasn't that He wanted me bored and lonely. He just had better plans and people for me. So after I gave up the parties and the labels I discovered God was telling the truth. It has been nothing short of remarkable.
http://www.lacysjourney.com

Narcotics, alcohol, food, relationships: All just a way of escape.

I was sitting in an alcohol recovery meeting one afternoon when I noticed a girl sitting across from me who looked distressed and anguished. She was crying and obviously disturbed. When it came time for the coffee break she gathered up her things and got ready to leave. Feeling led by God to confront her I walked over and asked her if she was leaving the meeting. When she said, “Yes”, I asked her if she wanted to talk. She hesitated, but went outside with me. That’s when I noticed she could barely walk because she was stoned on Vicodin pills. She proceeded to tell me her story. Her mother had kicked her out of the house and her boyfriend broke up with her. She was living in her car. Her biggest problem as far as she was concerned was that the pills were gone. I could relate and I knew immediately that I would have to share my story with this girl. My success would make her's possible. That’s why Paul said, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” I believe I went through what I did for a reason. God had a purpose for saving me and getting me sober. I had struggled with narcotic pills myself so I had a great story of deliverance to share with this girl. That is why God led me to talk with her. He knew beforehand that I could help. Always be willing to share your successes and your failures with others. Be willing to humble yourself and God will use you in a powerful way. Don't let your testimony die with you. Pass it on.
Thought to meditate on:The best gift you can give people is hope. Never be too proud to lower yourself in order to lift them up. God has a purpose for every person and a reason behind every plan. If God thinks He can use you to help someone He will lead you to them. Your job is to listen and follow so you know where to go. God has an amazing way of getting His work done here on the earth and you should feel honored that He chooses to use you.
http://www.lacysjourney.com

Amazing people we esteem and admire.

I had a friend who was married to a practicing alcoholic and drug addict. She was the strongest person emotionally I’ve ever known. She read her Bible daily and memorized scripture because it strengthened her. The Word of God gave her the power and confidence she needed to get through each day. Many evenings her husband would be at a bar and she would call me just to talk. Sometimes she would cry, but not very often. She lived in a two bedroom, one bath apartment with her husband, two little boys, a dog and two cats. Her husband made enough money to afford a bigger place but he used his money to feed his addictions. Drugs and alcohol were far more important to him than having two bathrooms. And he was rarely home anyways so what did he care about the size of their home. The one passion my friend had was gardening. The whole front of her apartment was adorned with every color flower imaginable. It was truly splendid. The garden was her serenity. I couldn’t understand why God would give such a wonderful lady such a horrible life. But then I was reminded, God didn't give it to her, she chose it. Then one day her husband left her for a neighbor lady he'd been having an affair with. She moved in with her parents and began a new life. God honored every moment she had spent in obedience to Him. As much as she missed her husband she was grateful he had left. And when he left he took every bit of his alcoholic misery with him. A few years later she met and married a wonderful man who loved Jesus as much as she did. This man was everything and more she had always wanted in a husband. Even in adversity my friend honored God. She was obedient to his commands and in the end God rewarded her for her faith.
Thought to meditate on:Even when your life seems hopeless, read God's word, pray and believe that He has your best interest in mind. It might seem hard for awhile but a miracle blessing is waiting just on the other side. It is hard for the family of an alcoholic because they just don't understand, but God understands and will see you through. Your faithfulness will not go unrewarded.
http://www.lacysjourney.com

All about addictions, those nasty behaviors.

Lacy's Journey enters into a world where God is in control and your only job is to trust in Him. Easier said than done, I know. If you have ever struggled with an addiction than you know the mental torment and the driving force behind it. God says if you will trust in Him, give the addiction over to Him, He will set you free. God will remove the obsession from you so you no longer desire the thing you crave. Whether you are controlled by alcohol, cigarettes, food, relationships or some other addictive behavior, God can and will deliver you.
Insatiable cravings are hard to ignore and harder to resist. And what about feelings of anger, rage, fear, guilt and shame. Do you not turn towards the substance you have grown to love and trust to quench the pain of these awful feelings? Do you not run to food or alcohol to drown out this pain, to make it go away? Is your life so difficult you must seek to escape from your reality through food, drugs, or even a relationship? Addicts use anything that might relieve their discomfort. They seek a quick fix, a place of secret euphoria where uncomfortable feelings are not allowed to exist.
Lacy's Journey, One addicts road to recovery, was written as a quide to help anyone who suffers. If you are addicted or you know someone who is, you will find comfort and guidance in the pages of this journal.
Now for those of you who aren't sure if you are addicted. Have you ever been in a blackout and woke up the next morning with no recollection of the night before? Have you ever ate a whole gallon of ice cream and when it was gone looked for something else to eat? Have you met a guy or gal in a bar and wondered why you weren't living together by the second week? What about the bottle of codeine for the toothache. Was the prescription gone days before they should have been and were you calling the doctor for more telling him the pills were lost or stolen? These might be signs pointing to a potential addiction. These behaviors are good indicators that their might be something else wrong.
Have you ever thought about the damage done to those around you? Have you ever taken into consideration the damaging effects your drunken episode might have had on someone else? Maybe a child? You wake up thinking the night was so innocent because you don't remember what you did but did you ever stop to think, they can? The kids do remember what you did and will for the rest of their lives. And we wonder what is wrong with the children.
Maybe your addiction doesn't seem so devastating because it doesn't qualify as a narcotic or a substance that impairs perception. Do you think the family is any less effected by that behavior?
Don't underestimate the power of addiction and their harmful effects on those you love. Don't ever fall under the deception that your addiction isn't hurting anybody, it hurts everyone around you.
Take some time and read my story. It is my hope that you to will overcome every addiction just as I have. It is my prayer that you to will find the life of peace and serenity I have grown to love. It is my strongest desire that you to can escape the mental torment and driving force behind all addictions so nothing will ever master and control you again.
http://www.lacysjourney.com

Substance Abuse and Chemical Dependency

I remember back when I was addicted. It seemed like I was addicted to everything. I feel I was fortunate I wasn't friends with cocaine addicts or heroin users or I might have been addicted to them also. I know it is said some people have addictive personalities. I am convinced I was one of them. It took me a long time and many years to break the addictive spirit in myself. I know I tried for years to master food, quit drinking and stop smoking. And it seemed at that time I was doomed right from the start. I just could not figure out how to break a bad habit. Looking back at that time it all seemed so hopeless but as I sit here today completely delivered from every addiction, I am simply amazed. So if you are struggling with a substance addiction and you just can't seem to break free from it, be encouraged. If you are willing, there is a way. I can vouch for that.
http://www.lacysjourney.com

Out of Control.

I was dwelling about life this morning and thinking about the people in my life and I realized how completely out of control I really am. And it's not like it is a bad thing, it is actually a good thing not to be so responsible for everything and everyone. I learned a long time ago in recovery that I am powerless over people, places, and things and that God is in control in these areas, not me. It felt good to know I didn't have to fix it all and that I could trust that God would do it for me. I was thinking about the people in my life that need God's help and I was asking God to help them. But when I got really deep in my prayer I realized that these people need a lot of help and I started feeling overwhelmed. It just seems like such a huge task, even for God and then I get nervous that even He won't be able to do anything. I know that is silly thinking because we all know nothing is impossible for God but sometimes life becomes completely overwhelming and I can't fathom that even a big God can fix it all. I'm not caught up in it all right now because I did turn it over and let it go but I needed to confess that even I who knows how to practice the principles still at times gets freaked out by how big some circumstances are. And as much as I love these people in my life and as much as I want them to have a great life like the one God has given me it saddens me to see how very lost they are. But then I remember how lost I was and how God found me and then it doesn't seem so big, so bad, or so difficult. All is well again within my soul. Thank you God.

Some days are just harder than others.

Sometimes life is about other people we can't control. Sometimes it is hard watching loved ones battle a chemical dependency and yet have no say so in the matter. I have a loved one who just can't seem to get sober. I love him very much and I want great things for his life but I feel so powerless to help him. Sometimes I vision him in an awesome future and I hold on to the hope of God's divine intervention in his life and then he will get drunk and get into a fight that lands him in the hospital or leaves him almost blind and than I find I lose all hope in his recovery. I told him I would lock him in the closet so I didn't have to worry about him anymore but we all know I can't do that. Or can I? It is somewhat ironic that I have battled this horrible disease called alcoholism and I have literally learned to master every addiction in my life but I cannot seem to get my loved one sober. I have this awesome book I wrote I would recommend to anyone suffering from addiction but for some reason it isn't helping him. I share with him the freedom I have found in sobriety, I have also let him know how awesome life is without alcohol, but there are so many other underlying issues in him that sobriety keeps landing on the back burner. I pray everyday and ask God what He would have me to do and then I wait for instruction. That is about all I can do right now. But one day I am afraid I will have to get me a padlock for that closet because I refuse to bury my loved one any day soon. Thanks for listening and have a great and blessed, sober day.

A Remarkable Journey Through Life~Simply Amazing

Life amazes me and rightfully so. It has been an amazing journey these last 43 years. I have to say I am happier now than I have ever been. I have been delivered from every imaginable addiction. I have mastered the bondage of overeating, everybody's greatest dream. I have been given an awesome relationship with God. One that I always wanted but never knew how to obtain. Than one day I was there. I guess persistence does pay off. I gave up cigarette smoking, my very best friend and favorite thing to do. And never dreamed I'd ever be this happy about it. I stopped drinking alcohol. I knew I needed to at the age of 15 but never wanted to. Just a die-hard alcoholic. Again, who would have ever thought I'd be happy without alcohol? I have recovered from 2 divorces and have learned how to have a healthy and happy marriage. Third one is the charm~really. I have 3 great kids, 2 wonderful step daughters and a magnificent grand daughter, my greatest joy. I am in the process of getting a book published. I had my first rejection letter yesterday and I was happy about it. I guess I was glad they even responded back to me and the letter had a compliment inside. It felt good whether they accepted me or not. At least I was acknowledged. I am not sure why I created this blog. I guess I should look up what a blog is for. It seems I am always behind the times so I thought I would catch up, slowly but surely. Take care and be blessed. More later when I figure out what I am doing.
BTW if you are interested in checking out my webpage visit me at http://www.lacysjourney.com
My book is a downloadable ebook until it is published and printed. The main theme is recovery from alcohol but there are also many stories about living life. If you want to be happier I suggest you take a look. $3.49 isn't that much for what I have provided so check it out. I wouldn't recommend it if I didn't think it was wonderful. And I'm not being biased because I am the author. God delivered me from a lot of bondage and in my book I tell how it was done. Everyone deserves to know how to find freedom from all addictive behaviors.
It reminds me of when I was a dental assistant and one of the first dentists I worked for made me a free set of bleaching trays. He said it was his office practice to give this service to the workers for free. He said it was great advertisement. I was so happy to get these trays I overlooked the fact he was basically telling me I had yellow teeth. Because I was so excited about my new teeth whitening opportunity I bought all the materials and machines needed to make my own. I wanted everyone I knew to have this same blessing that was given to me.
That is why I wrote a book. I wanted everyone needing help to have a place to find it. I want to pass on what was given to me.