A Monthly E-Zine For Those Recovering From Addictive Behaviors

"The Room" a true short story about the life after

The Laughing Corner: A few short jokes… Remember, laughter is the best medicine… A merry heart doeth good like a medicine! Prov. 17:22

by Elisabeth Freeman

A name in our culture has great significance. For instance, we are given a name shortly after birth; a name we will carry until (a female) marriage, or (male) to death. Our name is important, because through every step in life we need to use our name; to attend school, to open a bank account, to acquire a driver’s license, and even to vote. Our family name also gives us certain rights. Rights to insurance coverage, rights to financial support, and in many cases a right to an inheritance when a parent or family member dies.

Our name tells about our character, our nature, and our stature in life. We can point out some of the bigger names in the world… Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn, Billy Graham, etc. But what if we mentioned Hitler, Osama Bin Laden, or Jack Kivorkian? See, it is by our name, that we are known.

In Acts chapter three, I read that a certain crippled was about to do his daily bidding. In fact, he asked the apostles, Peter and John to give him money. You see, the man was a begger. He stood outside the temple at the gate daily begging. Peter’s answer sent chills all over me. Because many times, in our culture, we think we have to have a Big name to be somebody, or have a lot of wealth. But Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." (Acts 3:6 NIV)

The Bible tells us that after Peter took hold of this man’s hand, his feet and ankles were strengthened! The man was instantaneously, miraculously healed! He received something far better than money or gifts—He could walk! (Acts 3:7,8)

I believe many of you have been standing outside the temple, as this man was, far too long. When all along, Jesus has been reaching down to you and saying, "In my Name you are healed."

Although there are a lot of powerful names spread across the world, Jesus’ name is the only name that can bring unity, life, and healing. It’s all in a NAME!

by Elisabeth Freeman

"Twelve o’ clock already? Oh, where has the time gone?"

With John and I leading extremely full, busy lives, working differing shifts, raising a family of four, and helping around our community as well as at church, there just didn’t be time to spend together.

Oh, sure we spent an hour grocery shopping, or rushing around to another appointment, but our quality time was lagging behind.

Time to get the kids up, time to make breakfast, time for family devotions, time to take the kids to school, time to clean, time to write, time for lunch, time to pray with John before he leaves for work… and on and on… our lives went, day after day.

Until, one night frustrated, I bowed my teary eyes and prayed, "Lord, please our marriage is falling apart. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time in a day."

Then in the stillness, God directed me to a very familiar passage, in fact, our whole ministry is based on the scripture… Ecclesiastes 3. This chapter tells us that there is literally a time for everything.

God showed me that I make time to eat every day. I even make time to watch my favorite TV shows and talk with a friend. And when hurting, dear ones call on the phone, I spend sometimes hours counseling and praying with them. As God took me through each part of my day, I realized that I made time for everything else in my life, but not my marriage. As I looked over my calendar, I noticed that I had jotted down all my seemingly important appointments—Brian’s dentist appointment; Marily’s Chemotherapy; Jeremiah’s play at school; Clean the church; Robert’s choir concert; and Melissa’s band recital. And I even scheduled "Snickers" shots!

But there was no time listed for John, unless he had to go to the doctor or dentist. What had I done? It seems I had managed to make time for everything else and everyone else, but him.

The Bible tells us that husbands and wives are ONE. (Genesis 2:24) So when we don’t make time in our day for our spouse, we’re honestly depriving ourselves.

Realizing I had to make time for John, I fought sleep, and dressed myself up beautiful to surprise him. When he walked in the door in the wee hours of the morning, he said, "You waited up and you look so beautiful." We had a wonderful night together, even though he had to get up early and work first shift the next morning. And when I awoke there was a note on the table that said, "Honey, thanks for last night. I filled the van up so you wouldn’t have to before church. I love you, John."

It’s amazing what a little time can do for a marriage. So do yourself a favor today—make TIME for your spouse!

By Dominique Thom

This question just seems to stay in my mind. I must admit that not having had sex myself, I am somewhat in the dark when my friends talk about it. So I asked the question: What makes sex so great? It is just as normal as eating or drinking, right? Animals do it, so why do we make such a big deal of it?

As much as I know of previous encounters, it seems that the sexual side of us has more to offer than we think. Stop for a moment to consider that sex, is a form of worship. What is the greatest tool in Satan’s possession? SEX! If for some reason you do not agree with me, then I would like to point your attention to the media in all its forms. Sex and sexuality is being used to promote, endorse and reward those willing to use it for profit. So this is why it is so great?

Not really. You see, the Bible teaches us that when a couple has sex, they become one. One with each other, one with GOD. After all, your body IS a temple for the HOLY SPIRIT. Knowing this, Satan sets out to tempt us with things, emotions, and pictures that are pleasant to us. Falling in this deception, we thus become one with a harlot, thus degrading GOD.

GOD knew what sex would do to people, so HE designed it solely for use in a marriage. But seeing as we are tempted, we fall and have it outside. Marriage is like a fire in the fireplace. Keep it there, and it will warm, feed and comfort you. Allow it to move outside, it will destroy all that stand in front of it. In my mother tongue we have a saying that basically says: Keep your urges in your pocket. Meaning, do not let your urges get a hold of you.

So, consider what Paul said in 1Cor.7:4 that our bodies do not belong to us, but our spouse. And if we believe that we are one flesh with our spouse, then we are pulling our spouse into adultery with us. Thus, another attack has accomplished its mission. Not only has GOD been degraded, but also the HOLY union between husband and wife.

This includes those of us that are still single. Would you not like a soul mate who kept their lives pure just for you? How would you feel if you knew that your soul mate had many sexual partners? How would you feel if you knew that you are the first one to be with this love of yours? I can tell you, this would be the greatest HONOUR that my wife could show me!

We as singles have such a big responsibility towards our future marriages! If we can get it right to stay pure until we are married, we have overcome 75% of the problems we will face. Consider this; SEX is beautiful, it is the most fun you can have...INSIDE the confines of marriage. SEX is dirty, awful, the most pain you will ever experience OUTSIDE marriage.

So, what makes sex so great? The pleasure it brings married couples who live in the way GOD has called them to live! Knowing that it keeps them strong, and connected.

God's Word commands us to "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), demonstrating our devotion to God as we go about our daily tasks in prayer.

Charles Spurgeon said, "Prayer pulls the rope down below, and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly; others give only an occasional jerk at the rope. But he who communicates with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously with all his might."

I have found it meaningful to begin every morning in prayer. As I get out of bed, I fall on my knees to worship Him. Throughout the day, I focus my thoughts on the Lord, often talking to Him, praising Him, and thanking Him for His goodness, love, and grace in my behalf. I pray for wisdom, for the salvation of friends and strangers, the healing of the sick, and the needs of Campus Crusade for Christ and other ministries. I ask Him to seek and to save the lost through me.

In the evening I ask, "Lord, is there anything in me that is displeasing to you, anything I need to confess?" If the Holy Spirit reveals any sins or weaknesses, I confess them and claim by faith God's victory for my life. I then like to spend time reading and meditating on God's Word so that my subconscious thoughts are on the Lord Jesus all during the night.

It is not always necessary to be on our knees, or even in a quiet room to pray. God wants us to be in touch with Him constantly wherever we are. We can pray in the car, while washing the dishes, or while walking down the street. We can always commune with Him in the prayer closet of our heart. We always "dwell in the secret place of the Most High" (Psalm 91:1).

The more frequently we share our thoughts and desires with our Lord, the more meaningful our fellowship with Him and the closer we come to Him.

If you retake the throne of your life through sin -- a definite act of disobedience -- do what I call "spiritual breathing." Exhaling the impure and inhaling the pure is an exercise in faith that enables you to continue to experience God's love and forgiveness.

1. Exhale -- confess your sin -- agree with God concerning your sin and
thank Him for His forgiveness of it, according to 1 John 1:9 and Hebrews
10:1-25. Confession involves repentance -- a change in attitude and
action.

2. Inhale -- surrender the control of your life to Christ, and by faith
appropriate (receive) the fullness of the Holy Spirit by faith. Trust
that He now directs and empowers you; according to the command of
Ephesians 5:18, and the promise of 1 John 5:14, 15.

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like.

"I wowed 'em." he later told his father, Bruce "It's a killer, It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last thing he ever wrote.

Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teary Valley High School. Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them-- notes from classmates and teachers, and his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life.

But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven. It makes such an impact that people want to share it. "You feel like you are there." Mr. Moore said.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers."

Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger" "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards?

But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time. I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to
destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With."

The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.

I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response.

And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive.

The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ---Phil. 4:13

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

"Hi, hon," he said. "How do you like your new phone?"

She replied "I just love it. It's so small, and your voice is clear as a bell. But there's one thing I don't understand."

"What's that, baby?" asks the husband.

"How did you know I was at Wal-Mart?"