http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/ Stop in and join us at bluidkiti.com en Sat, 19 May 2012 23:17:10 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/ http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5485&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 22:34:39 GMT Glad i found this site,will be visiting often. Glad i found this site,will be visiting often. ]]> New Member Check In lennybt http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5485 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5484&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 14:47:24 GMT A Sense Of History by Bill Crowder All these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition. —1 Corinthians 10:11 ... A Sense Of History by Bill Crowder

All these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition. —1 Corinthians 10:11

As my wife and I toured the British Museum, we were struck by the history and legacy contained in that massive facility in London. We looked at artifacts that were centuries older than anything found in the United States, reminding me how valuable it is to have a sense of history. History gives us a record of perspective, context, and consequences that can help us make wise choices as we learn from both the successes and failures of those who have gone before us.

Paul also saw the value of embracing the lessons of history. He warned of the destructive nature of bad choices by recounting the story of the children of Israel and their wilderness wanderings—a result of their refusal to trust God and enter the Promised Land (see Num. 14). Then Paul told the believers in Corinth, “All these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Cor. 10:11).

God has given us the Bible, partly to help us learn from the history of His people. Biblical lessons contain both examples and warnings to guard us against our worst inclinations and to lead us into wiser living. The question is whether we will learn from the lessons of the past or repeat the mistakes of those who came before us.
Lord, teach us from the stories in Your Word.
We know You’ve put them there to guide us and
give us wisdom. Help us to make obedience
out of love for You our purpose. Amen.

Valuable lessons are learned from examining the lives of God’s people who’ve gone before. ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5484 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5483&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 14:43:27 GMT Let Go, Let God I let go of concerns and let God be God in my life. Gardeners consider the sunlight and soil conditions each plant needs to... Let Go, Let God
I let go of concerns and let God be God in my life.

Gardeners consider the sunlight and soil conditions each plant needs to thrive. A gardener’s work begins with designing the garden, preparing the soil, and planting the seeds. Watering, weeding and thinning the crop are necessary. Gardening involves proper preparation and continual care.

The desires of my heart are like seeds. They respond to careful planning and nurturing, and they manifest in their own time. Just as a gardener knows not to disturb germinating seeds to check their progress, I learn to be patient and not worry as my life unfolds. I trust that God is ever-present. My desires will bear fruit in time, and all is well.
The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps. —Proverbs 16:9

Daily Word ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5483 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5482&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 14:38:05 GMT The Fullness of the Blessing

Today's Scripture

" But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ." (Romans 15:29, NKJ).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Are you living in the fullness of His blessing? God’s blessing is His supernatural empowerment. It is His favor. And we’ve all seen a measure of His blessing, but I believe He wants to take you to a whole new level. God has promises and opportunities in store for you that you haven’t even thought of yet! What you’ve seen in the past is only a fraction of what God wants to do in your future.

Understand that God likes to outdo Himself. He wants to open doors for you and bring out talents and abilities that you didn’t even know you had. We serve a God of abundance! He is the God of more than enough. Not only does He want to meet your needs, He wants to give you enough to bless other people. That’s living in the fullness of the blessing.

Today, don’t settle where you are. Your destiny is not determined by the economy, your past or what anyone else thinks or says. Your destiny is determined by Almighty God. He wants you to tap into a greater measure of His power so you can live the abundant life He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I come before You today with an open and humble heart, ready to receive all You have for me. Teach me to live a life that is pleasing to You so that I can be an example of Your love in the world around me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5482 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5481&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 14:36:20 GMT Praise Your Way into God's Presence

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name! —Psalm 100:4

There are ways to make ourselves available to hear God’s voice and one of them is to enter into respectful, heartfelt praise and worship. God delights to manifest His presence and power to people who are truly praising and worshiping Him. And when His presence and power come, we hear His voice, we see miracles, people are healed, lives are changed, and transformation takes place from the inside out.

Isn’t that part of what you desire in your relationship with God? When you talk to Him and listen for His voice, aren’t you praying primarily because you want some kind of change or transformation in some area of your life?

If you are asking Him to provide a new job, that’s change. If you are praying for a loved one to come to know the Lord, that’s change. If you are asking God to reveal Himself more to you and to help you grow in spiritual maturity, that’s change. If you are praying for the teenager who lives down the street to stop using drugs, that’s change. If you are asking God to help you not lose your temper so easily, that’s change.

Whatever you are praying for, one of the best ways to start is with praise and worship. They will keep your heart right before God and make a way for you to hear His voice and for change to take place.

God’s word for you today: When you need to hear God’s voice, praise and worship Him.

From the book Hearing from God Each Morning: 365 Daily Devotions by Joyce Meyer. ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5481 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5480&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 14:21:03 GMT God's Word For Today

Spring Cleaning

Read 2 Kings 21:1 through 25:30

Josiah heard God’s Word and set about a cleaning that would exhaust the world’s most fastidious housekeeper. He oversaw the tearing down of idols and altars, the burning of fetishes, and the slaughter of illegitimate priests. He determined to rid his kingdom of things displeasing to God.

The king ordered Hilkiah the high priest, the priests next in rank and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the Lord all the articles made for Baal and Asherah and all the starry hosts. He burned them outside Jerusalem (2 Kings 23:4).

When God’s Word pinpoints things in our lives needing change, we must be as ruthless as Josiah. Perhaps we fudge on our expense report or gossip about others. God’s Word speaks to these and other matters. He wants us to live lives pleasing to Him.

It’s not an easy process to perceive ourselves in the light of God’s Word, but it is necessary so we can confront our idols and put them where they belong.

Thought for Today: God’s Word shows me what God wants from me and for me.

Quicklook: 2 Kings 23:4–9 ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5480 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5479&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 12:11:07 GMT Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for being patient with me in times past, when I know my sins caused you grief and anger. Help me to have the same... Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for being patient with me in times past, when I know my sins caused you grief and anger. Help me to have the same kind of patience and love toward those who cause me to be angry. Lord, I choose to love them, and thank you for your power to demonstrate that love. Father, I do forgive all who would sin against me and I ask You to bless them with the knowledge of Your love and truth. Lord, I pray especially for all my brothers and sisters in the Lord. May we all walk in Your love and forgiveness toward each other so that the world may see Your love in us and as they witness this love, may they desire to know You, the God of love. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. ]]> Prayers and Prayer Requests bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5479 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5478&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 05:23:01 GMT Saturday, May 19, 2012 You are reading from the book Food for Thought Resentments When we hang on to resentments, we poison ourselves. As... Saturday, May 19, 2012

You are reading from the book Food for Thought

Resentments

When we hang on to resentments, we poison ourselves. As compulsive overeaters, we cannot afford resentment, since it exacerbates our disease. If we do not get rid of our anger and bitterness, we will suffer more than anyone. Seeking revenge will harm ourselves in the long run.

Many of us have carried around old grudges, which caused us to reach for food when we thought about them. We don't need the food and we don't need the grudges, either. When we give away the resentments, we are that much lighter in body and in spirit. Now that we have found OA, we have a way to get rid of the animosity and indignation, which has been poisoning our system.

Taking inventory and making amends is an essential part of burying resentments. We need to first be consciously aware of them before we can give them away. These steps usually need to be taken again and again as negative material threatens our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Take away my resentments, Lord. ]]> Other Addictions MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5478 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5477&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 05:19:04 GMT Saturday, May 19, 2012

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go

Solving Problems

"Shame is the first feeling that strikes me whenever I, or someone I love, has a problem," said one recovering woman.

Many of us were raised with the belief that having a problem is something to be ashamed of.

This belief can do many damaging things to us. It can stop us from identifying our problems; it can make us feel alienated and inferior when we have, or someone we love has, a problem. Shame can block us from solving a problem and finding the gift from the problem.

Problems are a part of life. So are solutions. People have problems, but we, and our self-esteem, are separate from our problems.

I've yet to meet a person who didn't have problems to solve, but I've met many who felt shamed to talk about the problems they actually had solved!

We are more than our problems. Even if our problem is our own behavior, the problem is not who we are - it's what we did.

It's okay to have problems. It's okay to talk about problems at appropriate times, and with safe people. It's okay to solve problems.

And we're okay, even when we have, or someone we love has, a problem. We don't have to forfeit our personal power or our self-esteem. We have solved exactly the problems we've needed to solve to become who we are.

Today, I will let go of my shame about problems. ]]> Family and Friends of Alcoholics and Addicts MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5477 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5476&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 05:15:50 GMT Saturday, May 19, 2012 You are reading from the book Touchstones The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub... Saturday, May 19, 2012

You are reading from the book Touchstones

The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment

—Doug Larson

We are men on a quest. We seek the serenity of being friendly toward the world and toward ourselves. The spiritual practices we follow are personal and quiet, not spectacular or dazzling. We have been part of the throng seeking stimulating highs. Some of us know the excitement and escape of saving others from their own troubles or drowning ourselves in activity and work. We may know the mellowness of a drug or food binge. Perhaps we know the heart-pounding intensity of shoplifting, gambling, or sexual pursuit.

The way of life suggested by this simple program changes us deeply if we fully surrender to it. This spiritual quest changes us slowly over time, and our reward is contentment. It produces a joy, a feeling of well-being, which is far richer than the momentary pleasures we sought in the past.

Today, I am grateful for a way of life, which leads me toward a contentment I can rely on. ]]> General Recovery MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5476 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5475&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 05:11:55 GMT May 19

A Growth Inventory

"We review our past performance and our present behavior to see what we want to keep and what we want to discard."

Basic Text, p. 29

As each day winds to a close, many of us reflect on the past twenty-four hours and consider how we can live differently in the future. It's easy for our thoughts to remain trapped in the mundane: change the oil in the car, keep the living room clean, or empty the litter box. Sometimes it takes a special effort to jog our thinking out of the daily rut and onto a higher track.

One simple question can put us on the high road: What do we think our Higher Power wants for us tomorrow? Maybe we need to improve our flagging conscious contact with the God of our understanding. Perhaps we've been uncomfortable in our job or our relationship, holding on only out of fear. We might be hiding some troubling defect of character, afraid to share it with our sponsor. The question is, in what parts of our lives do we really want to grow?

As each day ends, we find it beneficial to take some moments to spend time with our Higher Power. We can begin to reflect on what will benefit our program of spiritual growth most in the coming day. We think about the areas in which we have grown recently, and target areas that still require work. What more fitting way to end the day?

Just for today: I will set aside some time at the end of the day to commune with my Higher Power. I will review the past day, meditating on what stands between me and my Higher Power's will for my life.

pg. 145 ]]> Narcotics Addiction - Substance Abuse Recovery MajestyJo http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5475 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5474&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 19:37:43 GMT This was given to me by my sponsee today..she was having problems of what to say to people, old friends who ask her why she is not drinking... This was given to me by my sponsee today..she was having problems of what to say to people, old friends who ask her why she is not drinking booze..she said "I don't drink anymore for the benefit of mankind" I loved that one..never heard that. I will hear I am allergic to alcohol, or I break out in handcuffs, I personally will say I can't drink on the medications I take..but doing it for the benefit of mankind means a lot for us alcoholics..it benefits the people we may have killed why driving drunk, it benefits our employers, where we drank at work, passed out at our desks, and generally just didn't do the job we were hired for. Think about what you will or do say to that question of why you are not drinking booze..I know this was posed to me many times when I first got into recovery. Just a thought for you all out there. Peace, Schell:162: ]]> Newcomers to Recovery Support schell81208 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5474 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5473&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 13:59:06 GMT Not What I Planned by Anne Cetas Rest in the Lord. —Psalm 37:7 This isn’t the way I expected my life to be. I wanted to marry at 19, have a... Not What I Planned by Anne Cetas

Rest in the Lord. —Psalm 37:7

This isn’t the way I expected my life to be. I wanted to marry at 19, have a half-dozen children, and settle into life as a wife and mother. But instead I went to work, married in my forties, and never had children. For a number of years I was hopeful that Psalm 37:4 might be for me a God-guaranteed promise: “He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

But God doesn’t always “bring it to pass” (v.5), and unmet desires stir up occasional sadness. Like mine, your life may have turned out differently than you planned. A few thoughts from Psalm 37 may be helpful (even though the psalm is primarily about comparing ourselves to the wicked).

We learn from verse 4 that unfulfilled desires don’t have to take the joy out of life. As we get to know God’s heart, He becomes our joy.

“Commit your way to the Lord” (v.5). The word commit means “to roll.” Bible teacher Herbert Lockyear, Sr., says, “‘Roll thy way upon the Lord,’ as one who lays upon the shoulders of one stronger than himself a burden which he is not able to bear.”

“Trust also in Him” (v.5). When we confidently entrust everything to God, we can “rest in the Lord” (v.7), for He is bringing about His best for our lives.
As I walk along life’s pathway,
Though the way I cannot see,
I shall follow in His footsteps,
For He has a plan for me. —Thiesen

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9 ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5473 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5472&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 12:44:11 GMT The Fox without a Tail One day a fox became caught in a trap. In his struggle to free himself, he left his tail behind. On his way home, he... The Fox without a Tail

One day a fox became caught in a trap. In his struggle to free himself, he left his tail behind. On his way home, he devised a way to head off being made the butt of jokes. He trotted back into the forest and called together all the foxes.

"Foxes are much more attractive when they do not have a tail," he said as he wiggled his stump. "Observe how sleek my appearance is. No longer will I have to pull burrs out of my tail. I am free – and you can all be free, too! It is time for all foxes to cut off their tails."

"Nonsense!" an elder fox yelled out. "If you had not lost your own tail, my friend, you would not be urging us to lose ours as well. You must deal with your loss on your own."

The Moral of the story: Do not trust all of the advice given by others.

Many in the program offer helpful support based on their experience. There are also those who give advice. Sometimes this advice is well-meaning and useful; other times it may seem suspect. Listen to the support, guidance, and advice you are given. But never let such information have a negative impact on your recovery.

I will listen to the advice I am given, but will make decisions that are right for me.

You are reading from the book:

Morning Light by Amy E. Dean ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5472 http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5471&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 12:41:06 GMT What is Taking Root? TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “He answered, He Who sows the good seed is the Son of Man” (Matthew 13:37, AMP) TODAY’S WORD from Joel... What is Taking Root?

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“He answered, He Who sows the good seed is the Son of Man” (Matthew 13:37, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God is constantly trying to plant new seeds of victory on the inside of you. He’s trying to increase you. He’s trying to enlarge your vision. He wants to take you to new levels of victory. But before you see a harvest, the seed has to take root. You have to conceive it before you are going to receive it. In other words, before you’re ever going to be successful, you’ve got to see yourself successful. Before you’re ever going to have your dreams come to pass, you’ve got to look out through your eyes of faith and see them coming to pass. That’s how you allow the seed to take root.

Today, I encourage you to examine your thought life. What are you allowing to take root? Are God’s seeds of victory and life growing in your heart and mind, or are you nurturing seeds of defeat and despair? The good news is that you can change your thoughts right now, this very moment. Begin to dwell on God’s promises and His goodness. Let His good seeds take root in your mind and heart. It won’t be long before you’ll see that harvest of blessing come forth in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, today I surrender every area of mind, will and emotions to You. I choose to dwell on Your goodness and faithfulness so that the good seeds You’ve planted in my life will take root. Keep me close to You and direct my steps down the good path You have prepared for me in Jesus’ name. Amen. ]]> Daily Spiritual Meditations bluidkiti http://www.bluidkiti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5471