Valentine’s Day Testimony: Denial
Join us this week as two of our leaders, Jarrod & Tiffany, share the story of God’s redeeming grace in their lives and marriage. What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than hearing about how the love of God interceded in the lives of two individuals in order to bring them closer together in Him. Bring a friend and come early for dinner. Plan to stay after for Coffee House, where word is there will be a chocolate fountain!
An excerpt from Jarrod & Tiffany’s story :
“Our first year of marriage was harder than I had ever imagined possible. Jarrod and I argued a lot, and I placed a mountain of blame on him. I was not seeking love and wholeness from Christ, but was expecting Jarrod to meet ALL my needs and when he didn’t, I would blow up on him and criticize him for letting me down. I felt led to reach out to a dear friend who prayed for me and spoke A LOT about surrender. She openly shared her own marriage struggles and her experience, strength and hope through working the 12 Steps in CR and seeking Christian counseling. …I humbly asked Christ to remove my character defects, and with his power, I have been able to give Jarrod grace and acceptance, promptly admit when I am wrong, and express what I want and need with people, other than just Jarrod. I learned to set boundaries, make choices and take responsibility for them, be direct, get close to and be vulnerable with people, and, most importantly, let go and let Christ.”
“In watching Tiffany go through Celebrate Recovery, I saw her change and learn more about herself and the person God wanted her to be. I was inspired. As I had found out through our marriage, I also needed a transformation in my life and how I thought and acted as a husband.The hardest part for me was getting over the hurdle of denial. I didn’t want to admit that I had problems, that our marriage had problems. My upbringing ingrained this sense in me that Christians aren’t supposed to struggle. My parents’ marriage didn’t appear to have struggles, and I felt this sense of failure having to admit that my marriage was nothing like theirs. However, I wanted change. I desperately needed change. Our marriage needed change. As I worked through the 12 steps in CR, God did an incredible work in me to show me character defects and how he wanted me to yield to the power in Christ to begin to overcome them. I found out that submitting to Christ and committing to live a healthy life is a daily challenge. ”
Recovery Reminder
Principle 1: Realize I’m not God; I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable.
“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor.” Matthew 5:3
Step 1: We admitted we were powerless to our addictions and compulsive behaviors and that our lives had become unmanageable.
“I know that nothing good lives in me; that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” Romans 7:18
Thursday Night Dinner Menu
- Hamburgers
- Chicken
- Potato Salad
- Baked Beans
- Coleslaw
- For Coffeehouse…chocolate fountain!
Upcoming Events . . .
SEMINAR REGISTRATION:
For more details & to register, click on the above graphic. To coordinate/register with the STF CR group, please email us through the “Contact Us” form at the top of the website (www.crtampa.com).