Looking for fellow bowhunters whom is involved in AA. I think yall know what I'm needing prayers for.
Thanx and God bless................Ray.........
PS...This is very hard for me to hit the enter key. But, if I don't seek then I'll never find.
Ray,
I don't drink but I can help you with prayers.
Prayers for help and recovery..
Thank you Pronghorn...........
Alcohol is as much a drug as any other but comes with fewer warnings, Ray.
We got your back, brother.
You've taken the first step. Keep steppin in faith, bro!
Readin a good book called "Authentic Faith" Author says we often think when we turn to God in prayer for help with something that took a long time to come to a head, we expect it should go away "right away."
Author claims, and I believe too, we need to realize that 70 x 7 pertains to forgiving ourselves, too...
Keep trying. Don't let momentary setbacks make you feel a failure. You're not!
Eat an elephant one bite at a time, sobriety is one day at a time.
Keep the Son in your eyes!
Ray the first step is admitting your problem,we now know you have the strength now you must stay on track and find the help you need. All your friends here are behind you, so stay strong. Prayers sent,believe in yourself.
Ray
Stay with it and know you have people and prayers behind you, and beside you.
I myself have never struggled with this...WAIT, don't go just yet.... I have struggled with other addictions though, and at times still struggle, and it can be devastating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember, God can be an anchor in rough waters and it sounds like your in a storm, my heart goes out to ya, read Hebrews 13:5....YOU ARE NOT ALONE, trust in the fact that He IS with you, lean on His EVERLASTING ARMS!!! and KNOW that we will praying for you on here!!!!!!!
Fellers, thanx for the encouragement. Its a long road but there is foot steps in front of mine so I ain't the first indian. Traditional archery use to be the drug of choice.
Ray...........
Time to make life your drug of choice! We are here for you.Ed
My father past away last week. He was sober for 6 years before cancer took him. He started a picnic for the local aa group. My brothers and I always cooked for it. Sunday is that picnic and I am going to cook for it again. My brother who turned 44 in may past away in june from the same cancer. So I have alot of cooking to do. But please finds a good group that does things together other then just me. It is these function that helped my dad. My prayer are with you and may God's peace help you find comfort.
Ray, I'll pray for you brother and just to let you know I myself struggled with it and this Oct.31 st will be 10 years sober...I went to a few A.A. class's but just gave it up one day at a time and if I say it was easy I'll be lieing to you...I crave a cold beer but have found other things to turn to ...Sometimes you feel alone and think nobody cares but I found someone Who has been waiting to help but I just needed to accept the invitation...I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior and that with a lot of prayers has helped me along....I drinked mostly cause I was depressed from not having any children ...My wife and I had tried every possible way and nothing till I turned to my Father and He answered those prayers...My wife and I adopted an Orphan when we were in our early 40's and just yesterday I got another call from our adoption agency and she informed me We have our referral acceptence to adopt our second child with special needs....Our first is 31/2 years and our second just turned two...Both children were abandoned, Our first by an animal hospital and our second on the side of a road....What I'm trying to point out here is when you feel all alone like these children God has let us care for and adopt there is someone who will also pick you up and wants to adopt you and He is waiting on you to just ask...God Bless and I pray you will succeed...Keefer's <")))><
Ray,
Prayers for you and will continue. Stand strong.
Lanier
Ray, How you making out today? I pray you made it through and I'm here rootin for you...Each Day there is a new stepping stone and some are more slippery then others but before you know it you will cross that river and look back to see that you made it...If you feel like you are about to fall in just P.m one of us here and we will lend a hand and help you across...God Bless, Keefer's <")))><
I am not an alcoholic but my father is and four of my brothers are. Calling them alcoholics means that none of them drink any longer. All are clean and sober. One of my brothers requires the use of a pharmacuetical drug that makes him violently ill if he consumes alcohol. If he doesn't take the drug he will drink and never stop. All the drug does for him is that if he loses control the drug will get him to stop. My father just quit one day by saying that no substance would be in control of his life. He quit both booze and cigarettes on the same day. He went from a 12 pack of beer and 5 packs of cigarettes a day to none, BANG! just like that by force of will. My brothers all did 12 step programs. A word of warning, the only drug that the withdrawl symptoms can kill you when quitting cold turkey is alcohol. So always quit drink under a doctors supervision.You have my prayers. With God ALL things ARE possible.
Been there and thankful I'm not anymore. Hang in there it's worth it. Most of the stress is from having used alcohol instead of healthy learning coping skills and it is possible to learn to handle the real world with prayer and healthy friendships.
Thank yall for the encouragement. I don't know what to say? I wanted this thread to go to the bottom after some input. And I appreciate yalls for sure. I thank yall for the intrest and compasion about another person (me) and the trials they face. Christian men are few. But I think are very powerfull when comes too prayer. Again Thank yall for the support and spiritial encouragement. You know, there is so many people suffering out there and no where to go. Its amazing that someone like me can speak openly about my thoughts and lifestyle and recieve understanding even from those whom have never walked down this path. Yall keep the faith, because yalls prayers and encouragement do more than yall will ever know in this life.
Thanx................Ray................
Still Here for you Ray and I keep checking on here to see how you are doing...Please feel free to ask any questions you may have cause I was there and still will be the rest of this life and like I said earlier it ain't easy but with others help with Prayer's, testimonys, and just lending an ear you can get through this by making each day a goal...We need you just as much as you need us and that's what Brothers are for...God Bless and I pray you make it through another...Keefer's <")))><
All the best, mate!
Ray, you will find that this site is filled with Chritian men. Keep the faith and know you are never alone. I will be praying for you too brother.
Prayers continue. We don't slip into destructive behaviors all at once, and we don't crawl outa them in a day...well, not most of us.
Remember, forgive others 70x7...but also yourself. God never remembers... all he sees is a repetent heart.
Keep the Son in your eyes.
Doc, Thank You. That is something I've never thought about. I want things to be right in my life and then of course realize all the baggage I'm carrying and all the messess I've caused and there I go into self condemnation. Self condemnation is a big killer for me. I'm a very sensitive and emotional type but very selfish as well. I can't thank all yall enough and I will give yall an update soon.....Ray...
Ray,
Hang in there, prayers sent. Celebrate Recovery is a great program for hurts, hang ups and addictions. Real people hanging out and helping each other... I know the Austin area has several churches with programs. If you want help finding one I can help.
Dang Ray you sound like your describing me. Your not alone and God loves us anyway. Hey don't you like working on a tough project and getting it done right. Well God's no different with us. Hang in there He doesn't give up. Praying for all of us.
Ray,
Might I recommend a neat paperback? Gary Thomas wrote: "Authentic Faith: The Power of a Fire-Tested Life". He has several helpful small books that don't cost a lot and do not take forever to read. Just a long time to grasp and put in our hearts at times! :)
He has considerable to say about how we tend to see a sin within, give it to God and then expect an overnight miracle and when we fall back, we beat ourselves so badly, we just give up figuring "no use, I will never will change...and God must hate me".
And that is the Liar, the Deceiver doing his best work when we hear that..worse, when we believe it! Don't!
Listen to Benson. Lord knows our heart, not our failures. Forgiveness is forever and starts within!
A wheel goes in circles for ever, but with just a gentle push, as it turns, it moves forward. :)
Keep moving forward with the Son in your eyes!
prayers sent
I personally never had any use for alcohol, but we all have our hang ups in one way or another. Ask God for help, I'll be praying for you on this end.
STAY STRONG! YOU HAVE TAKEN THE COURAGEOUS FIRST STEP. YOU CAN BEAT THIS AND KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Prayers continue. Failure is the human condition but God's Grace renews us in hope!
Keep the Son in your eyes!
I used to drink heavily while in the Marines, and it has taken me years to slow it down enough to enjoy myself. I'm not religious or christian, but I do offer you my thoughts and support.
Good luck with your decision to slow down or stop all together, as you are the only boss of you and you have the full right to stop when ever you are ready. Every one has a weakness, but some of us use it to better ourselves..
Prayers from sterling Ill. I never had a problem with alchol I just dont drink. but thats not to say I dont have problems with other stuff, things I perfer not to discuss. I no when ever I feel I need the mind altering substances in my life, I just start talking to GOD and praying and praying. After a short time the feelings just seem to drift away. And I feel so much better, we all have trials in are lifes. And I feel these trials just bring me closer to GOD.
Still prayin for ya Ray ...
:pray:
Ray
Been there and done it my friend and i would have never made it without my AA family. When you feel like you just cant take it anymore go get yourself some help. You know what im talking about.
Thanx yall..
I ran into my sponsor Saturday morniing and we're getting back on track. For those whom don't know the need for a sponsor, it is for people like me that need someone to hold me accoutable and he does do that. Thats why I haven't talk to him in a few months. So I'm trying to get lined out again..Thanx for yalls support and prayers. Ray........
You didn't get where you are in a day...you won't get out of the soup in a day either.
God loves you. Keep on keepin on. One day at a time!
Keep the Son in your eyes, Ray!
Prayers from our home Raybow....keep the faith.
Ray
I have been involved in a Christ center recovery group for almost 4 years now, it is called Celebrate Recovery. I think it can be a great recource for you I sent you a PM.
Prayers sent
Terry
Thanks to all.......I appreciate the encouragement and I can feel the sincerity from those that only need to know the needs and not the person needing them and praying in a blind sort of way that I believe is Christ like. I started this thread just looking for a few in response as this is a subject that is not looked at and mostly ignored.
I'd like for yall to let this thread slide down as there are many that need prayer as well. I'll give an update later. And I'll be honest in whats happening in the 'life of an addicted Christian'...........Thanx to all.....Ray....
May today there be peace within
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be
May you not forget the ifinite possibilities that are born of faith
may you use those gifts that you have recieved and pass on the love that has been given to you
may you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing dance and praise and love
It is there for each and every one of us.
Hello All.
Sorry for the late response but all things happen in God's time and I felt I should share today.
I haven't had a drink since December 2nd.
The divine intervention through Alcoholics Anonomous got me back on track with my realationship with God. I never knew I had so many issues that were really me, reguardles of what people have done or said to or about me. I learned that there is more than words and prayers to a changed life, that I have to do something about it and God meets me with his hand.
Since my last drink God has removed the compulsion to drink. Which has been a problem for the last 27 years. I have learned that this life is not only about me and that there are others that need my help out not expecting something in return.(thats hard to do)
I have been blessed more in the last 7 months than I have my whole life.(because I can see now)
I could go on and on about my changed life but I know yall can see the picture.
Yes, my recovery is Christ centered and I have had an inner rededication to him. I have alot of mess to clean up, but that will come in God's time. Words cannot explain the happiness of my family and friends.
All in all through out all my life of 45 years if this saves one life then it is worth the journey. And today I do live one day at a time.
Praise the Lord! All we have to do is surrender to him, which is easy to say but sometimes very hard to do!
Stick with it and Him, Ray!
Praise the Lord for your redemption and deliverance from this addiction! Just remember Phillipians 4:13,"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
I have a shirt that says "The next time the devil reminds you of your past, just remind him of his future". I think we all should have that written on something (I'm not saying to get a tatoo) to read every day of our lives. We don't and shouldn't look back because that is behind us. When I was a kid way back when I worked for a man farming. I mean we farmed in fields up to a mile long in some places. The first time I had to lay out rows I would look back to see if things were ok and find that I had a bend in the row. This took place for most of 2 hours until the gentelman I was working for walked out to the tractor and told me to line up my smoke stack with a tree on the other end of the feild and don't never look back. Guess what, I made streight rows. What I didn't know was when I looked back I would bobble the wheel of the tractor just enough to cause the row to be crooked. That is what we have to do in life with its problems. We have to line up our lives and heart with the will of the Father and never look back or to the side. We should never thing we have arrived are be content with our walk. When we get to these places we become our own worst enemy because we quit seekin and knocking and asking for Gods will in our lives. Our guard is lowered and boom we fall. That is when the devil starts all over again reminding you of your past. What a cycle to have to go thru. I'm honored to lift you up and even more honored to know we will meet in heaven someday. Welcome to the family and God bless you and your family this day and everyday........Share with others the trail you have walked as it might be the fix for someone else to see the light.......Dusty
Amidst a storm of "stuff" this weekend, this is the best news I've read in some time.
Raybow, you found the true source of living waters. Change is a process, often not an event. There may be slip ups, but ready what Dustry wrote... Don't look back...Christ will handle the past, you and He can make a whole new future.
Keep the Son in your eyes!
My prayers are with brother
God Guide and Bless with the strength needed
TexMex
Praise God and Amen. Fortunately for me I don't even remember when God delivered me. I can tell you that it just keeps getting better.
I had entered a response here earlier today and it looks as though I hit the wrong button? If it shows up somewhere, sorry for the redundancy.
Sorry for this late of update on my life several years later. I want to share what God has done for me through the power of prayers from yall and many others.
I've been out of the social loop of most things in my life in the last several years, so i apologize for the late update. But the good news I'm sharing with yall is I have not had a drink since December 2, 2009. I dont know what to say other than thank you:)
Congratulations!!! That is the best possible news. I will pray for your continued strength in all life's challenges. Now get back to flinging arrows.
Although I have continued making bows and shooting at home I feel like my obsession with archery played a role in bad decisions through my drinking years. I'm carefull these days to keep things in perspective as much as I'm able to see. I did start back shooting some 3-d year before last with my son. He's 16 and gets in trouble at school for standing up for God. My daughter is 22 and in college. We were shooting together yesturday while she was visiting. So, long story short, me and my family are back in church and doing well.
Ray.....
Although I have continued making bows and shooting at home I feel like my obsession with archery played a role in bad decisions through my drinking years. I'm carefull these days to keep things in perspective as much as I'm able to see. I did start back shooting some 3-d year before last with my son. He's 16 and gets in trouble at school for standing up for God. My daughter is 22 and in college. We were shooting together yesturday while she was visiting. So, long story short, me and my family are back in church and doing well.
Ray.....
Sorry for the repeated post. But if anyone has issues with alchohol and drug addiction I would be glad to help them. There are those out there that are ashamed of their lives and will not ask for help. Many of them I do believe are Christians and that makes it even worse.......Thanks to all..........Ray
Tried to send you an email but it was "rejected" so sent a PM instead.
Congratulations on 6 yrs sober! That is no small feat!
Everyone struggles with something... I know m any people in Trad who are recovering alcoholics who find solace in the simple flight of the arrow... but each man must learn to trust what's best for him.
Thanks for coming back and reporting to us and Keep on keeping on!
Keep the Son in your eyes!
RaybowTX Awsome news! Keep meditating on the things that are good and worthy of praise.
Denny