As we pass the end of March and on into April, it might be a good time to check in on the resolutions we made earlier in the year. In the unlikely event that such self assessment doesn't confirm the same steely resolve you started out with in January, a moment of clarity may now be at hand. In Mark 4:5 we learn that it's possible to respond to God's word with an enthusiasm that on one hand appears genuine, but on the other, leads only to a short lived spiritual surge that lacks a meaningfull long term change. Unfortunately this kind of immature faith yields unrealistic expectations which will ultimately produce discouragement. In 1 Sam 17 we see a young man named David gather for himself five smooth stones from the stream as he prepared to face down and ultimately kill the giant Goliath. What was it about David's faith that allowed him to expect such an unlikely and audacious victory? David's expectation wasn't pegged to a vague hope or generally hopeful feeling that something good was going to happen. Instead he knew that when he took a stand, his God would be there with him.

It's been a little over a week since the convening of the '09 CR workshop in Mount Vernon, NY. Attendees traveled from as far west as San Diego, CA and as far south as Palm Beach, FL. Among their diverse ranks were recovering crack addicts and heroin users, alcoholics as well as ministry leaders, and while their stories may have been different they came to the workshop with the common purpose of wanting to give back.
This years workshop which centered around the topic of Living the Traditions, shed new light on the cherished legacy in CR of living lives that are increasing in recovery every day. While for some it may have been their first formal introduction to the eight Traditions, any unfamiliarity quickly disappeared as they soon recognized in the Traditions the same trusted reasoning that has made CR the success story it is today. Along with classes covering the Traditions, participants were able to sit in on an actual group which gave them a first hand view of how this kind of CR group fits together.
Complimentary refreshments were served all day thanks to the generous support of the NYC Church of Christ which sponsored the entire event. On every level the commitment to CR's well being was apparent throughout the day. The success of this years workshop continues to prove that many people are still eager to grow in their own recovery. This, of course, is the key to helping others do the same.

To Download Messages from the Workshop - Click Here
To See Photos from the Workshop - Click Here.
For CR Rules and Traditions Posters - Click Here

In Romans 12:2, the bible tells us not to be conformed to to the pattern of this world. What does that mean? What is ist about the world that we must not conform to… its culture? Is it the way the world eats, drinks, dresses, thinks, entertains, fights, loves, hates, votes, sleeps, spends, invests, dances, sings, has sex, uses drugs, etc.,etc.,etc.? Well Yes, but it goes deeper than that.
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 says we Christians are not to take a worldly view of things because we are new creations! The old has gone and the new has come. Where did the old go? And what's new? Let's take a look and see what it is not:

• It's not a new bank account - you'll still owe!
• It's not a new waistline - you'll still be too thick or thin!
• It's not a new hairline - you'll still be bald or balding!
• It's not a new time line - you'll still be aging or old!
• It's not a new clothesline - well, we will be clothed with Christ. But that's invisible!
• It could be a new punchline - where you are the butt of the joke!

When I first became a Christian, I believed myself to be a pretty good guy. Now I know I wasn't perfect but hey- there were a lot worse than me in the world. At the time of my conversion, it was not acceptable for a Christian to drink so I didn't. However this did not mean that I had dealt with the addict in me. What I was doing, in reality, was people pleasing on a grand scale. I had lots of new friends, I was someone who was "talented" and could be moulded to be a leader.

I loved al the attention! Having been pretty much of a loner when i was using. My idea of a really good time was getting incredibly high and watching movies. To this day there are many movies that i have never seen "straight". However I was now becoming a someone with responsibilities no less. I had to protect this at any cost.