The Eight Principles of 'Celebrate Recovery'

"I want to share some some deep thoughts from the Celebrate Recovery Journaling Log , a purpose driven resource by John Baker. Below each principle, I share my own personal understanding of the concept, in my own words, in combination with the Celebrate Recovery description. What a journey!"

The principles are based on the Beatitudes and explained in a personable way.

Okay, God. So I know my life is unmanageable. I know I'm out of control. I'm beating myself up over this thing!  So now what?! No matter how hard I try, I just can't fix it myself. Rats!!. The more I try to do what I think is right, the worse it gets. So I'm ready to get out of this darkenss and into the light.  I promise to listen.

I admit I've been the one who tries to fix everything in my life. I'm the one who wants to attempt to control my hurts. Alone, I can't fix it. With You, I can do all things. It's time to believe it, receive it and get on with the business of healing and growing. With Your help, it can be done.  But I just have a hard time letting go!

I admit I've tried to take the reins and do it all myself. I just don't want to let go because I think I can do it alone. I'm coming to You kicking and screaming. I want to try to take it back again. I fail miserably. Today, I give it to You, Lord. Take it, break it, do anything you want with it, just take this stuff away from me! You're the only One who can do it. Help me overcome my hurts, hang-ups, and habits to receive victory! This is my desire. (To the 'thought that keeps coming back': I mean it, I'm giving it up!)

I know my past behavior, both the good and bad things. You know it too, Lord. I've been a jerk in the past and others have jerked me around. But did I allow it? I feel so unworthy of forgiveness. I need Your strength to make me strong enough to come out of the closet with these "things" and face it for what it is: the truth. I'll work on making a mental list of the thorns in my life. I promise to ask for help from another kindrid spirit that may direct me as I share my recovery efforts with others.

I need help preparing myself for change. I can't go into it blindly. Just because the habit or problem is familiar doesn't mean it's good for me. But it makes it harder to give up because it's familiar! Go figure! I need the strength to deal with my defects because I'm human and overly sensitive. I must turn it over to You, so I'm asking for the power to do so and the willingness to accept the changes You want me to make. Help me be the person You want me to be so I can be an example to others who go through adversity.

....or others. OOOOOhhhh, God. This is a hard one! Thank you for your love and forgiveness. I need your help obtaining forgiveness from those I've hurt in the past and actually forgiving those who've hurt me. This is so difficult! I don't want to let it go...I was hurt so bad! And what I did was unforgiveable....or was it? Help me set aside all insecurities and speak the truth with a sincere heart. My desire is to focus only on what MY part was, my responsibility, and my accountability. I know I can forgive others if I continue to proclaim it daily. Thanks!

....follow His will. Thanks for giving me the tools necessary to work on my misgivings and recovery. I need the desire to commit to working toward learning and growing. Help me to live my life differently and develop a daily commitment to spend time with You. Even though I don't always feel like reading your Word or praying, give me the desire to do it anyway. I know this will make me stronger, but I'm so undisciplined! We need to work on this one together.

This is my true desire! Allow my words and experiences to touch others in a way that they may be forever changed. Bring someone my way at the right time, the right place, and in Your timing so that healing can be produced. Allow me to lead by example and take charge when an opportunity opens to share. I really appreciate your understanding, God. Thanks!