Tools of Recovery
"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." (Hebrews 12:11, New Living Translation)
Tools of Recovery: abstinence (following a food plan), sponsor/accountability, meetings, communication, prayer & meditation, literature, 12-step study, writing, action plan, love and service, anonymity.
Tools of Recovery: abstinence (following a food plan), sponsor/accountability, meetings, communication, prayer & meditation, literature, 12-step study, writing, action plan, love and service, anonymity.
When a person understands addiction and says, “Yes, I am a food addict. I surrender.” He or she needs to learn how to arrest the disease. Compassionate people, who have experienced success, are anxious to help. It is obvious, however, that we are unique, and people come with different needs. With patient perseverance and open communication, each person can grow beyond their present challenges and find a sweet surrendered way of living.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
One courageous day, I stepped out of my isolation and faced my addiction. It was the first step to a changed life. I learned about addictive behavior by listening to people in recovery. I cried with them, rejoiced with them, and I witnessed new life in them. Hope arose in my spirit. I was not alone anymore.
If you want what we have, we offer helpful tools as options to consider. They are not rules, requirements or regulations, simply what has worked for other food addicts and compulsive overeaters. Always pray for guidance. Be honest, open and willing to listen. God sets the pace. Slow and steady wins the race.
Here are the tools that keep us on the road to freedom from addictive thinking and behavior:
ABSTINENCE
(following a food plan)
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6, New International Version)
To live free from overeating, it is important to make a decision (a firm commitment) to follow a specific, disciplined plan of eating. In Full of Faith, we do not have a one-size-fits-all food plan; your doctor or nutritionist knows what is best for your body, however, we have some distinctives in this program that are non-negotiable.
We do not eat flour (this includes grain flours, nut flours, bean, and vegetable flours), sugar and other sweeteners (natural or artificial), alcohol, snack foods (roasted nuts, popcorn, chips or processed grains), dried fruit, and we weigh and measure our food. We plan what we eat and we eat what we plan.
Even though it seems harmless, an extra bite can lead us into a tizzy (even that bite, lick or taste of abstinent food). Therefore, abstinence includes no extra anything. This might sound restrictive at first, but it is the path to freedom and ends up being a sweet surrender! There is a food plan on this site that has helped many. Go to Food Plan for more information.
Emotionally and spiritually, we feel that God and freedom from compulsive and addictive eating are the most important things, without exception. The Bible teaches us that nothing can separate us from the love of God (1); our ties to Him are not contingent on what we do (2), but on simple, childlike faith (3). However, we feel separated from God the minute we say, “Yes” to some “forbidden fruit.” When Eve listened to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, her relationship with God changed the moment she ate that enticing apple. It was not her food. In abstinence, we can see more clearly what God wants us to do, and we can enjoy the fruits of believing (5).
"The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17, New Living Translation)
See (l) Romans 7-8, (2) Ephesians 2:8-9, (3) Luke 18:17, (4) Genesis 3:1-8, (5) Galatians 5:22-23.
Go to "Help for the New Comer" for more information.
SPONSORS/ACCOUNTABILITY
(having a sponsor or an accountability partner or posting on the Full of Faith Facebook Accountability pages)
Teachers, guides, mentors, helping hands, sponsors, whatever the title, they are a necessary piece of the puzzle to get well. People need people to shine a light in the darkness. God has magnificently designed a plan for each of His children. The suffering, afflicted ones can come together and find God’s care and protection. We can comfort the brokenhearted, announce liberty to captives (those actively overeating), and open the eyes of the blind (Christians who are uninformed about eating disorders and food addicts lacking faith).
We find freedom when we commit our intended plan of eating to another person(s) in recovery each new day. In Full of Faith, we have sponsors (one-on-one helping hands to teach/encourage this way of life), but we also have a private Facebook group (Full of Faith Accountability) where people commit their food while they are waiting for a sponsor. In the interim, Pam (or one of the ministry leaders) help(s) with any questions by Facebook private messaging. For more detailed information, click on Sponsors/Accountability.
"…the time of God’s favor to them has come…he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness". (Isaiah 61:2-3, The Living Bible)
Full of Faith MEETINGS
(attending phone meetings, ZOOM video conferences and on-line step studies)
"Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20, New International Version)
Meetings are gatherings of two or more like-minded people who come together to share their experience, strength and hope in recovery. Fellowship with other addicts gives us the opportunity to identify our common concerns, and we share the gifts we receive through the program.
Kick-Start Morning Meetings:
Monday through Saturday at 8:30 AM EST
We focus on a tool of recovery each day, then read and share on the daily reading from Food for Thought by Hazelden.
Evening Meetings:
Monday at 7 PM EST
Nancy from WA and Ann from MA lead us through the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous.
PHONE NUMBER: 1-667-770-1484, access code: 109244#
(*6 unmutes and mutes your line)
We record Monday evening's meetings, and all the Kick-Start meetings for those unable to attend. We store some of these recordings in the private Facebook group, Full of Faith Phone Meetings.
Zoom Video Conferencing Meetings:
Tuesday at 6pm EST - "You Can't Make Me Angry" by Dr. Paul O, the author of the chapter on Acceptance in the Big Book
Wednesday at 2PM EST - 12-Step Study, using The Twelve Steps for Christians, begins Wednesday, September 4th
(Watch the Facebook groups' pages for access code number.)
COMMUNICATION
(making phone calls, texting, posting and commenting on our Facebook groups)
Most food addicts contact three or more persons daily by telephone, text messages, e-mail or our private Facebook groups. Beyond food, people in recovery share a mutual desire to seek and do God’s will. Bonds are tightly woven as we pray together for knowledge and wisdom in all our affairs.
PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUPS (visible for members only)
There are three groups: Full of Faith, Full of Faith Accountability, Full of Faith Phone Meetings.
To join the Facebook groups, simply send a friend request to Pam Masshardt from Auburn, MA and send a private message asking to be put in the groups. There are no requirements or fees for membership.
Full of Faith -- You will find daily devotionals and Bible studies, plus the daily reading from Food for Thought by Hazelden. Members share their experiences in the hope of motivating and encouraging people who are facing life-style changes. A thought or a prayer often comes to light on this group's page. We hope to encourage others to stand firm in their desires to be free from struggles around food and warped body images.
Full of Faith Accountability -- This group is intended for food related questions, and it supplies a place for people to share their intended plans of eating for the day on the "In Need of a Sponsor" thread.
Full of Faith Phone Meetings -- This group stores some of the recorded meetings for the members who are unable to attend.
Periodically, Hilary from the UK leads a food addiction based Step Study. Sometimes it covers all twelve steps, but at other times it just covers the first three steps to help people get started with abstinence. Invitations to join an upcoming Step Study will be posted on the private Facebook groups, and be announced on the phone meetings.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12, New International Version)
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
(spending quality time with the Lord)
"[Jesus said,] Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7, New International Version)
To stay connected to the only true source of strength, we dedicate a specific time in the morning, before we begin the hustle and bustle of the day, to pray and meditate. This gives us the opportunity to bring all our thoughts and concerns to the Lord. We seek His guidance and direction. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as the: “Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby.” (John 14:16, Amplified Bible) And He taught us how to pray:
"When you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly. Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you…your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!" (Matthew 6:6-8, New Living Translation)
LITERATURE
(reading The Bible, Sweet Surrender, Alcoholics Anonymous, The Twelve Steps for Christians and other resources about food addiction recovery)
"Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instructions more than I can tell." (Psalm 119-18-20, The Living Bible)
The Bible is our ultimate source and guide. The Life Recovery Bible is a wonderful resource as it helps me to see how the Word relates to me as an addict through the footnotes and sidebar reflections. The Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) and Sweet Surrender supply easily identifiable keys to recovery from addictive behavior, and The Twelve Steps for Christians brings the two together. It combines the 12-step approach with biblical truth. I see it as Christianity 101 or even Christianity for Dummies (said in kindness and respect for my learning disability).
We also read Food for Thought by Hazelden and other books and articles about food addiction recovery. Detailed information about the science of food addiction on which the Full of Faith program is based can be found at the Food Addiction Institute’s website: www.foodaddictioninstitute.org.
12-STEP STUDY
(working the steps as a way-of-life)
(Click here for the 12-steps w Scripture)
The central theme of the 12 steps can be found in the first three steps. This is my personal interpretation of them:
Step One - I admitted I am powerless over food, people, places and things; my life had become unmanageable. I am powerless over food and the things that make me feel separated from God’s love and care. Makes me feel out of control.
Step Two - Came to believe that a power greater than myself could restore me to sanity. Jesus is waiting for me to depend entirely on Him, and I accept the fact that food addiction is a malady that affects people who are addicted to sugar, flour, natural and artificial sweeteners, plus volume. AND co-dependency is also a problem for me.
Step Three - Made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understand Him. I decided to let God help me overcome any temptations, starting with the desire to eat extra food, and eventually I admitted that I am powerless over other things, known as shortcomings, that have created havoc in my life, so that Jesus can help me take appropriate actions. I let go of my denial and trust Him.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6, New International Version)
There are a few ways to read, study and apply the 12 steps as a way-of-life. You could attend a 12-step study online in a Full of Faith private Facebook group, or join a ZOOM video conference or a phone meeting with Full of Faith peers, or you could work through the steps one-to-one with a sponsor, therapist, minister or a trusted friend.
WRITING
(writing your food plan, step study assignments, journaling)
Recovering food addicts report their committed food plans each day to a sponsor, accountability partner or they post their food on the “In need of a Sponsor” page in the Facebook Full of Faith Accountability group.
*Writing a 4th step inventory is part of the 12-step study process.
*It is common practice to write entries in a journal during times of frustration or simply as a way to express our feelings each day.
*I write “HELP ME, LORD!” letters when I am anxious, frustrated, disturbed by something or someone. When I put my thoughts and feelings on paper, it opens the lines of communication with God. Sometimes I yell, “WAKE UP, JESUS!” but I soon realize that He is always awake and available to help me through any storm.
*Writing a gratitude list helps me remember God’s grace.
*Sometimes I write “the four G’s”—what I did good, my glitches, my goals and my gratitude list.
The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy… (Psalm 28:7 New Living Translation)
ACTION PLAN
(planning what you do and doing what you plan in all aspects of your life, starting with the daily disciplines, which are the tools of recovery)
Developing realistic guidelines and expectations for the day is an important aspect in living a peaceful, balanced life. I don’t do the tools cafeteria style (taking what I want and leaving the rest). I do every tool every day. (Abstinence, Accountability/Sponsor, Communication, Literature, 12-Step Study, Meetings, Writing, Prayer and Meditation, Anonymity, Love and Service). It is not as daunting as it sounds. Here is what my action plan looks like on a daily basis:
I typically have some special assignments on my to-do list each day, but I consider balance and moderation and don’t plan more than I can realistically do in a day.
ANONYMITY
(treating everyone with confidentiality and respect)
"Do for others what you would like them to do for you... " (Matthew 7:12, New Living Translation)
Refraining from criticism and gossip, we accept that we are people striving toward recovery. We are all equal in God’s eyes.
"Don’t just pretend that you love others; really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other… Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all!" (Romans 12:9-10,16, The Living Bible)
LOVE AND SERVICE
(giving back what you’ve learned and received)
"….Love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14, New International Version)
Bill Wilson, founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, told us that “love and service” kept him sober. The same theory works for all addictions. When we extend our hearts and hands to other people, we become a reflection of God’s love.
We can show up at meetings, write on one of our Facebook groups, make a phone call, send a text message or help a newcomer get started in the program, or we can call a friend or family member to say, “I care about you.” Maybe volunteer to help at a nursing home, a homeless shelter or a hospital. There are always people in need of a gentle smile or a word of encouragement. The key is to reach out and share the good news of Jesus in simple acts of kindness. By our examples, we are “salt and light” to the world. (See Matthew 5:13-16)
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
One courageous day, I stepped out of my isolation and faced my addiction. It was the first step to a changed life. I learned about addictive behavior by listening to people in recovery. I cried with them, rejoiced with them, and I witnessed new life in them. Hope arose in my spirit. I was not alone anymore.
If you want what we have, we offer helpful tools as options to consider. They are not rules, requirements or regulations, simply what has worked for other food addicts and compulsive overeaters. Always pray for guidance. Be honest, open and willing to listen. God sets the pace. Slow and steady wins the race.
Here are the tools that keep us on the road to freedom from addictive thinking and behavior:
- Abstinence (following a food plan)
- Accountability/Sponsor (having a sponsor or accountability partner or posting on the Facebook Full of Faith Accountability Pages)
- Meetings (attending phone meetings, ZOOM video conferencing and on-line step studies)
- Communication (making phone calls, texting, posting and commenting on our Facebook groups)
- Prayer and Meditation (spending quality time with the Lord)
- Literature (reading The Bible, Sweet Surrender, AA Big Book, The Twelve Steps for Christians and other resources about food addiction recovery.)
- 12-Step Study (working the steps as a way-of-life.)
- Writing (writing your food plan, step study assignments, journaling)
- Action Plan (planning what you do and doing what you plan in all aspects of your life, starting with the daily disciplines, which are the tools of recovery)
- Anonymity (treating everyone with confidentiality and respect)
- Love and Service (giving back what you've learned and received)
ABSTINENCE
(following a food plan)
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6, New International Version)
To live free from overeating, it is important to make a decision (a firm commitment) to follow a specific, disciplined plan of eating. In Full of Faith, we do not have a one-size-fits-all food plan; your doctor or nutritionist knows what is best for your body, however, we have some distinctives in this program that are non-negotiable.
We do not eat flour (this includes grain flours, nut flours, bean, and vegetable flours), sugar and other sweeteners (natural or artificial), alcohol, snack foods (roasted nuts, popcorn, chips or processed grains), dried fruit, and we weigh and measure our food. We plan what we eat and we eat what we plan.
Even though it seems harmless, an extra bite can lead us into a tizzy (even that bite, lick or taste of abstinent food). Therefore, abstinence includes no extra anything. This might sound restrictive at first, but it is the path to freedom and ends up being a sweet surrender! There is a food plan on this site that has helped many. Go to Food Plan for more information.
Emotionally and spiritually, we feel that God and freedom from compulsive and addictive eating are the most important things, without exception. The Bible teaches us that nothing can separate us from the love of God (1); our ties to Him are not contingent on what we do (2), but on simple, childlike faith (3). However, we feel separated from God the minute we say, “Yes” to some “forbidden fruit.” When Eve listened to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, her relationship with God changed the moment she ate that enticing apple. It was not her food. In abstinence, we can see more clearly what God wants us to do, and we can enjoy the fruits of believing (5).
"The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17, New Living Translation)
See (l) Romans 7-8, (2) Ephesians 2:8-9, (3) Luke 18:17, (4) Genesis 3:1-8, (5) Galatians 5:22-23.
Go to "Help for the New Comer" for more information.
SPONSORS/ACCOUNTABILITY
(having a sponsor or an accountability partner or posting on the Full of Faith Facebook Accountability pages)
Teachers, guides, mentors, helping hands, sponsors, whatever the title, they are a necessary piece of the puzzle to get well. People need people to shine a light in the darkness. God has magnificently designed a plan for each of His children. The suffering, afflicted ones can come together and find God’s care and protection. We can comfort the brokenhearted, announce liberty to captives (those actively overeating), and open the eyes of the blind (Christians who are uninformed about eating disorders and food addicts lacking faith).
We find freedom when we commit our intended plan of eating to another person(s) in recovery each new day. In Full of Faith, we have sponsors (one-on-one helping hands to teach/encourage this way of life), but we also have a private Facebook group (Full of Faith Accountability) where people commit their food while they are waiting for a sponsor. In the interim, Pam (or one of the ministry leaders) help(s) with any questions by Facebook private messaging. For more detailed information, click on Sponsors/Accountability.
"…the time of God’s favor to them has come…he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness". (Isaiah 61:2-3, The Living Bible)
Full of Faith MEETINGS
(attending phone meetings, ZOOM video conferences and on-line step studies)
"Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20, New International Version)
Meetings are gatherings of two or more like-minded people who come together to share their experience, strength and hope in recovery. Fellowship with other addicts gives us the opportunity to identify our common concerns, and we share the gifts we receive through the program.
Kick-Start Morning Meetings:
Monday through Saturday at 8:30 AM EST
We focus on a tool of recovery each day, then read and share on the daily reading from Food for Thought by Hazelden.
Evening Meetings:
Monday at 7 PM EST
Nancy from WA and Ann from MA lead us through the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous.
PHONE NUMBER: 1-667-770-1484, access code: 109244#
(*6 unmutes and mutes your line)
We record Monday evening's meetings, and all the Kick-Start meetings for those unable to attend. We store some of these recordings in the private Facebook group, Full of Faith Phone Meetings.
Zoom Video Conferencing Meetings:
Tuesday at 6pm EST - "You Can't Make Me Angry" by Dr. Paul O, the author of the chapter on Acceptance in the Big Book
Wednesday at 2PM EST - 12-Step Study, using The Twelve Steps for Christians, begins Wednesday, September 4th
(Watch the Facebook groups' pages for access code number.)
COMMUNICATION
(making phone calls, texting, posting and commenting on our Facebook groups)
Most food addicts contact three or more persons daily by telephone, text messages, e-mail or our private Facebook groups. Beyond food, people in recovery share a mutual desire to seek and do God’s will. Bonds are tightly woven as we pray together for knowledge and wisdom in all our affairs.
PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUPS (visible for members only)
There are three groups: Full of Faith, Full of Faith Accountability, Full of Faith Phone Meetings.
To join the Facebook groups, simply send a friend request to Pam Masshardt from Auburn, MA and send a private message asking to be put in the groups. There are no requirements or fees for membership.
Full of Faith -- You will find daily devotionals and Bible studies, plus the daily reading from Food for Thought by Hazelden. Members share their experiences in the hope of motivating and encouraging people who are facing life-style changes. A thought or a prayer often comes to light on this group's page. We hope to encourage others to stand firm in their desires to be free from struggles around food and warped body images.
Full of Faith Accountability -- This group is intended for food related questions, and it supplies a place for people to share their intended plans of eating for the day on the "In Need of a Sponsor" thread.
Full of Faith Phone Meetings -- This group stores some of the recorded meetings for the members who are unable to attend.
Periodically, Hilary from the UK leads a food addiction based Step Study. Sometimes it covers all twelve steps, but at other times it just covers the first three steps to help people get started with abstinence. Invitations to join an upcoming Step Study will be posted on the private Facebook groups, and be announced on the phone meetings.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12, New International Version)
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
(spending quality time with the Lord)
"[Jesus said,] Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7, New International Version)
To stay connected to the only true source of strength, we dedicate a specific time in the morning, before we begin the hustle and bustle of the day, to pray and meditate. This gives us the opportunity to bring all our thoughts and concerns to the Lord. We seek His guidance and direction. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as the: “Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby.” (John 14:16, Amplified Bible) And He taught us how to pray:
"When you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly. Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you…your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!" (Matthew 6:6-8, New Living Translation)
LITERATURE
(reading The Bible, Sweet Surrender, Alcoholics Anonymous, The Twelve Steps for Christians and other resources about food addiction recovery)
"Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instructions more than I can tell." (Psalm 119-18-20, The Living Bible)
The Bible is our ultimate source and guide. The Life Recovery Bible is a wonderful resource as it helps me to see how the Word relates to me as an addict through the footnotes and sidebar reflections. The Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) and Sweet Surrender supply easily identifiable keys to recovery from addictive behavior, and The Twelve Steps for Christians brings the two together. It combines the 12-step approach with biblical truth. I see it as Christianity 101 or even Christianity for Dummies (said in kindness and respect for my learning disability).
We also read Food for Thought by Hazelden and other books and articles about food addiction recovery. Detailed information about the science of food addiction on which the Full of Faith program is based can be found at the Food Addiction Institute’s website: www.foodaddictioninstitute.org.
12-STEP STUDY
(working the steps as a way-of-life)
(Click here for the 12-steps w Scripture)
The central theme of the 12 steps can be found in the first three steps. This is my personal interpretation of them:
Step One - I admitted I am powerless over food, people, places and things; my life had become unmanageable. I am powerless over food and the things that make me feel separated from God’s love and care. Makes me feel out of control.
Step Two - Came to believe that a power greater than myself could restore me to sanity. Jesus is waiting for me to depend entirely on Him, and I accept the fact that food addiction is a malady that affects people who are addicted to sugar, flour, natural and artificial sweeteners, plus volume. AND co-dependency is also a problem for me.
Step Three - Made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understand Him. I decided to let God help me overcome any temptations, starting with the desire to eat extra food, and eventually I admitted that I am powerless over other things, known as shortcomings, that have created havoc in my life, so that Jesus can help me take appropriate actions. I let go of my denial and trust Him.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6, New International Version)
There are a few ways to read, study and apply the 12 steps as a way-of-life. You could attend a 12-step study online in a Full of Faith private Facebook group, or join a ZOOM video conference or a phone meeting with Full of Faith peers, or you could work through the steps one-to-one with a sponsor, therapist, minister or a trusted friend.
WRITING
(writing your food plan, step study assignments, journaling)
Recovering food addicts report their committed food plans each day to a sponsor, accountability partner or they post their food on the “In need of a Sponsor” page in the Facebook Full of Faith Accountability group.
*Writing a 4th step inventory is part of the 12-step study process.
*It is common practice to write entries in a journal during times of frustration or simply as a way to express our feelings each day.
*I write “HELP ME, LORD!” letters when I am anxious, frustrated, disturbed by something or someone. When I put my thoughts and feelings on paper, it opens the lines of communication with God. Sometimes I yell, “WAKE UP, JESUS!” but I soon realize that He is always awake and available to help me through any storm.
*Writing a gratitude list helps me remember God’s grace.
*Sometimes I write “the four G’s”—what I did good, my glitches, my goals and my gratitude list.
The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy… (Psalm 28:7 New Living Translation)
ACTION PLAN
(planning what you do and doing what you plan in all aspects of your life, starting with the daily disciplines, which are the tools of recovery)
Developing realistic guidelines and expectations for the day is an important aspect in living a peaceful, balanced life. I don’t do the tools cafeteria style (taking what I want and leaving the rest). I do every tool every day. (Abstinence, Accountability/Sponsor, Communication, Literature, 12-Step Study, Meetings, Writing, Prayer and Meditation, Anonymity, Love and Service). It is not as daunting as it sounds. Here is what my action plan looks like on a daily basis:
- I start each day in intentional prayer, and I read and reflect on God’s Word before breakfast. (I don’t commit to reading the Old Testament, New Testament, Proverbs and Psalms each day, like some do in a year, but I pick one each year.) (Literature, Prayer and Meditation)
- I write my food plan and commit it to my sponsor by phone, text or private message through Facebook. (Abstinence, Sponsor, Writing, Communication)
- I follow my food plan as detailed. (Abstinence)
- I talk to sponsees at committed times. (Love and Service, Communication)
- Typically, I attend at least one meeting a day where we read some form of literature. (Meetings, Literature, Communication, Love and service)
- I share at meetings, and I write and answer e-mail, text and Facebook private messages. (Communication, Love and Service, Writing, Anonymity)
- I share on the Full of Faith Facebook groups. (Communication, Love and Service, Writing)
- I make and answer phone calls. (Communication, Love and Service)
- After each meal, I do a tenth step inventory and complete assignments for my 12-step study. (The 12-Steps, Prayer and Meditation, Writing)
I typically have some special assignments on my to-do list each day, but I consider balance and moderation and don’t plan more than I can realistically do in a day.
ANONYMITY
(treating everyone with confidentiality and respect)
"Do for others what you would like them to do for you... " (Matthew 7:12, New Living Translation)
Refraining from criticism and gossip, we accept that we are people striving toward recovery. We are all equal in God’s eyes.
"Don’t just pretend that you love others; really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other… Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all!" (Romans 12:9-10,16, The Living Bible)
LOVE AND SERVICE
(giving back what you’ve learned and received)
"….Love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14, New International Version)
Bill Wilson, founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, told us that “love and service” kept him sober. The same theory works for all addictions. When we extend our hearts and hands to other people, we become a reflection of God’s love.
We can show up at meetings, write on one of our Facebook groups, make a phone call, send a text message or help a newcomer get started in the program, or we can call a friend or family member to say, “I care about you.” Maybe volunteer to help at a nursing home, a homeless shelter or a hospital. There are always people in need of a gentle smile or a word of encouragement. The key is to reach out and share the good news of Jesus in simple acts of kindness. By our examples, we are “salt and light” to the world. (See Matthew 5:13-16)
