Christians in Recovery® News  November 2015 Anyone can Subscribe for Free Make the CIR News possible. Please Donate or Sponsor.    Having trouble viewing this? See it online here.
ANNOUNCEMENT Christians in Recovery is falling far short of the $20,000 in donations needed in 2015. Each person who benefits from the ministry must seriously consider making or increasing monthly donations this year otherwise the ministry will be unable to continue. Just an added $10-$25 per month can turn things around. Please donate today ANSWERS What is Forgiveness of Sin?How is Your Spiritual Heart Health? What Measures You? TIP FOR SUPPORTING MEMBERS The Member's Center is always available to help you with your account, connecting with others, CIR Services and Support, Tools and much more. Not a CIR member yet? Learn the Benefits of Membership Join us: click Here    HELP FOR RECOVERY FREE Recovery Magazine "The Gabriel" You are encouraged to download this, print it out or put on a diskette and share it with your loved ones, church, pastor or recovey group. It is jam packed with inspiration, tips, resources and information for all Christians as well as those in recovery. Memories: Ouch! Our Reward-Driven Selves Reach your faith-based market and support the ministry of CIR at the same time Over 80,000 unique Web site visitors and half a million page views every month. Over 7,000 subscribers to this newsletter. Learn more about being a Sponsor of the CIR Web Site TOOLS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Affirmations to assist you, your recovery and your faith.  FROM ALCOHOLICS VICTORIOUS  Alcoholics Victorious is a program of Christians in Recovery. Founded in 1948, Alcoholics Victorious support groups offer a safe environment for people recovering from the effects of alcoholism or drug addiction. We recognize Jesus Christ as our "Higher Power" and gather together to share our experience, faith, strength and hope. AV meetings use the 12 Steps, the Bible and the Alcoholics Victorious Creed. Find a local group. Learn how to start a Bible based recovery meeting in your area.   Spiritual Brokenness in Recovery CHRISTIAN RECOVERY READING   Christians in Recovery Devotional Journal 365 Recovery Thoughts, Scriptures & Prayers to Change Your Life. This devotional and journal is for those who are seeking healing and wholeness in their life as well as a closer relationship with God.   The Heart of Addiction You will find biblical tools to help you examine your heart's motives at the root of your addiction and/or dysfunctional behavior. Learn how you can experience true freedom. This book is helpful for ANY type of addiction drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, sex, shopping, lust, porn, etc. Sexual Temptation and Addiction Our hearts betray us in those moments when we give into the temptation to please ourselves despite the consequences. This booklet explains why sexual temptation is so strong and how we can conquer it through the power of the Holy Spirit. Includes practical things to do to fight the enemy of our souls. WISDOM FROM A CIR MEMBER I have to remember that the grace of God is extremely powerful... much more powerful than the lies of Satan. It is up to me to accept God's grace on a day by day, minute by minute basis. Grace is something I must willingly accept and stop trying to obtain. I can choose to live in His grace or in my own misery. ~Obie QUESTIONS ANSWERED Peer Pressure & Sin Grace Brings Context to Our Lives Are You a Bird on a String? RECOVERY EVENTS, COURSES & CONFERENCES Become a Professional Recovery Coach RISE is the Premier Online Certificate Program for Professional Addiction Recovery Coaching. This 90 hour, self-paced, online training program provides: Professional Continuing Education Units (CEUs) TWO Credentials: Certified Professional Recovery Coach and Certified Professional Coach You will be Certified to provide: Professional Recovery Coach services AND Professional Life Coach services NET Institute Center for Addiction Recovery & Education Certified online courses and training DVDs. Get certified to help others. Complete Course Listing Courses for: Support Group Leaders, Addiction Counselors, People in Recovery, Recovery Coaches, Pastoral & Ministry Leaders, Outreach Workers. All courses include CEUs pre PRE certification and RE certification. Recognized by leading 1C&RC and NAADAC certification boards.. City Vision College Get accredited bachelor's degrees in Urban Missions and/or Addiction Studies Enroll Now || Download Course Catalog Contact: Michael Liimatta, Director City Vision College 712 E 31st Street - PO Box 413188 Kansas City MO 64141-3188 USA Phone: 816-960-2008 --http://www.cityvision.edu mliimatta@cityvision.edu
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↗️ATTENTION: TAM MOMS↖️ Our very own Jessica Ward who sewed together all of our hearts and loved ones for the Fed-Up rally in Washington, D.C. is in need of our help. Her home is in danger of being condemned and she has just taken in her daughter and grandchild. Jessica's husband suffers from serious heart disease and will need a heart transplant. This fundraiser team includes our very own Barbara Theodosiou and is approved. Please reach out and help in anyway you can. There's a link on my page or if you pm me your email address I can tag you to the fundraising page. Or just click the link. Much love and big hugs to all of you. https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.giveforward.com%2Ffundraiser%2F80jb%2Fblanket-jessica-ward-with-love%3Futm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_medium%3Dfb_sharer%26utm_campaign%3Dphp_dashboard-overview_main-carebears%26og_action%3Dhug%26fb_ref%3Dsharer-carebears%26t%3D3&h=vAQGybghS&enc=AZOwvWmJ9kmKWIHFviRfzh1EuC4HQO7eMgaT_Dz-YwGkAiRLWE2nvwlnKRqXjCN-uClPliR497FpC0E5paBXG9CoHtnPBF_eDSMc8KisenFc15ty4vWTbYOB2q_zn7SgjKAYToO17zoyJMiZu0wKHXD061r653VOqZrguR3mEjyTYQ&s=1

Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

A Message From Barbara Theodosiou, Founder, The Addict’s Mom On this beautiful Sunday, as we spend time with our families, as we pray, and as we worry about our beloved children, I wish to highlight for everyone the purposes and accomplishments of TAM. Of course, TAM would be nothing without you beautiful moms who give endless hours of your time supporting others, all the while tending to the stressors in your own homes. Here is why I created The Addict’s Mom: “I discovered within a six-month period that two of my sons were addicts. My first reaction was to become physically sick. I was completely lost in the sadness of addiction, feeling shock, fear, and confusion. As a woman of great personal and professional success, it appeared to others that I had it all. But, on the inside, I was broken and felt shattered into a million pieces. It was through my own brokenness that The Addict’s Mom was born. I made it my purpose to find every mother sitting alone in the dark, with tears streaming down her face, and to let her know that she is not alone.” TAM is intellectual property, created and owned by my husband Rudy, and by me. We funded TAM with our personal monies, as a site on the Internet. Over the years, TAM has evolved from a support network for the mothers of addicted children into an advocate for reforms in the field. Now, with a membership of over 50,000, we offer many specialized groups, and have opened a chapter in every state, where our members meet in person. We sponsor events, we walk, we march, we light candles, we are featured in print and television media, we have won awards and recognition, and we are focusing the attention of our nation on the devastation of addiction for our families and our beautiful children. TAM is sponsoring laws, lobbying for reforms in the mental health and prison systems, and is de-stigmatizing our children, so that society will perceive them as victims of a deadly disease. In addition, TAM has recently published a book for grandparents, written by volunteer moms. TAM is offering bracelets and T-shirts for purchase. In fact, the pinned post this morning is of a T-shirt dedicated to my boy, Daniel. After the suppliers meet their expenses from any merchandise or the book, a small amount of money is deposited directly into our 501-C3 account. The account was established and is operated under strict Federal guidelines, as a not-for-profit branch of TAM. (Rudy and I have never taken a penny from TAM.) All monies in our 501-C3 are used to support the addiction advocacy activities of our foundation: Everyone’s Child, The Daniel Montalbano Foundation. TAM is fortunate to build alliances with several supporting partners. These accredited organizations are composed of resources and compassionate experts in the field of addiction, who help our members in a variety of ways: offering treatment scholarships for their children, funding events like our Fed Up Rally free breakfast for our moms, writing an educational article, or an advice column, attending promoting and sponsoring TAM events, and publishing TAM materials related to addiction. No longer a small group of vulnerable moms, TAM has become a force for change at the grass-roots level in every community. All TAM decisions are made for the greater good and the welfare of our beloved children. Much love to all The Addict’s Moms.

Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

Daniel Francis Montalbano 10/91 - 3/15 your life will not be in vain. https://teespring.com/daniel-francis-montalbano Daniel's wishes were to use his talented writing to help the homeless and those effected by addiction. Although, Daniel is gone his writings remain and I will honor his wishes by creating many different things. ... This shirt is the first tee shirt dedicated to my beloved son Daniel. ALL PROCEEDS from this shirt will go to help the homeless and the addicted through the addictsmom.org and the Daniel Montalbano Foundation which is being set up. Daniel I miss you so much and I am so glad I ran after you to collect your beautiful work. I know your heart and I will honor your wishes (to help the unfortunate). Although you are not here your writings speak volumes and have the potential to help so many. Forever in my heart...mom.

Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

 

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Unite-To-Fight-Addiction--Update-.html?soid=1102906894456

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Unite-To-Fight-Addiction--Update-.html?soid=1102906894456

Overdose Death Rates | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Overdose Death Rates | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Matt Maher - Because He Lives (Amen) [Official Lyric Video]

Commentary: The Intersection of Household Products and Substance Abuse - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Commentary: The Intersection of Household Products and Substance Abuse - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

November 5 CHP 86 v 5 TWELVE STEPPING WITH STRENGTH FROM THE PSALMS

For you ,Lord are good ,and ready to forgive ,and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon you .(GODS BIG BOOK)

STEP 3 Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him .(AA BIG BOOK)

Shame will continue to hold you hostage if you let it . Fear and worry will anchor you soul and you will not get released until you meet them face to face ! Ask God to forgive you and free you . God is the only one who can remove those anchors . Forgiveness received will bring freedom earned .

Galatians 5:13-14 “It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom.(GODS BIG BOOK)

Dark Web Marketplace Increases Availability, Acceptability of Drugs: Expert - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Dark Web Marketplace Increases Availability, Acceptability of Drugs: Expert - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Dark Web Marketplace Increases Availability, Acceptability of Drugs: Expert - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Dark Web Marketplace Increases Availability, Acceptability of Drugs: Expert - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

News-Impact-Advocacy

November 4, 2015 Quick Links Information Help Line Donate to The Council Employment Opportunities Recovery Center Calendars Professional Trainings Get Involved with the Chester County Chapter of PRO-ACT Save the Date! Tree of Hope December 16, 2015 40th Anniversary GalaMay 5, 2016 Normandy Farm Volunteer for The Council/PRO-ACT !! Central Bucks:      Email or call Steve at 215-345-6644 x3006 Southern Bucks:   Email or call Karen at 215-788-3738 x100 Philadelphia, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County:         Email John or call 215-923-1661     What is  PRO-ACT? Pennsylvania Recovery Organization - Achieving Community Together (PRO-ACT) is a grassroots advocacy and recovery support initiative of The Council covering Southeastern PRO-ACT works to reduce the stigma of addiction, ensure the availability of adequate treatment and recovery support services, and to influence public opinion and policy regarding the value of recovery. Pennsylvania.  For more information about PRO-ACT visit ourwebsite.   PRO-ACT In Action-Reducing Stigma and Supporting the Many Pathways to Recovery ~Personal Story Submitted by an Anonymous Volunteer For many years I had reoccurring conflicts with addiction from an early age. I grew up with close relatives struggling with alcohol and drug addictions. My parents were not addicts.  I attended private school, grew up in a loving and encouraging home. My family did everything together and supported one another.  At the age of 13 I began to cut, by age 14 I was drinking, cutting and struggling with depression. This continued on through the age of 16 where I started to use and abuse my families and friends prescriptions. I was well hidden. I learned quickly how to lie about my pain to receive continued heavy medications from my primary physicians along with winning my parents concern for my fake physical pain.  By age 18 I almost succeeded in committing suicide. I left home and continued my destructive behavior and began to deal drugs on the streets of the city and became homeless. I married an addict who abused me. When he went to a rehab I began to attend Al-Anon. I became pregnant and left my husband to raise my son on my own.  By the age of 35 I continued my games with the physicians and abused prescriptions drank off and on and would dream of suicide. While climbing the corporate ladder, I held offices on the PTG of the school my sons attended, was director of a parenting center and lived a lie. I even took college classes thinking that would make me a better person.  During this time I had married again, another addict. We were two functioning addicts doing for the community, our children's sports teams, schools and church. By the time I was 38 my oldest had graduated high school and was using different substances since he was 12 and I was in denial and ignoring it. Six months after graduation he lost his scholarships and was in full blown heroin addiction and homeless.  I began to attend a support group Nar-Anon which is where I learned about PRO-ACT from someone in the fellowship. I attended their family program where I learned many useful tools, and information that helped me enormously. I remember leaving thinking had, I only known this, years ago, I would have done so many things differently and my son may not be still suffering.  I asked to be a family program facilitator and took the training. Immediately I began to share with others through teaching for PRO-ACT. In the process of the training and also working on my 12 steps I came to realize my own addiction. I began my own process of recovery. I would pray over and over that my son and husband would one day receive the gift of recovery too. I would take any and every training I could that PRO-ACT offered. I was equipped with how to approach those in active addiction to offer help and how to be a Mentor. I could be a Mentor and educator to family members who needed someone to understand.  I offered a 3 week seminar to other women to help with building self-esteem to those who were to beaten down from addiction or a mental illness. I got my church involved in helping men and women with care bags for those in recovery. PRO-ACT offered me ways to be a part of community forums, town hall meetings and panel discussions to contribute to the community efforts.  After 5 years of being introduced to PRO-ACT I now facilitate focus groups with my son who is also in recovery collecting data for Mentorship in our community and finding ways that can help our community and those struggling with addiction in it. My son also took the Mentorship training at PRO-ACT. Something he has wanted to do for a long time. PRO-ACT holds volunteer meeting every month, where we all have an opportunity to have a voice in how we can reach out and help others in need and help inform and educate the community.  In 2014 we began our first sports event. Each month we meet for volleyball offering those in recovery and their families a healthy and positive option to attend. We began with 10 attendees, and now see over 45 people each month. Our 16 year old son also enjoys playing with us. He has seen hope through our involvement and the change it has made in us as a family. This program has since blossomed a kickball league that has grown and been a positive influence in the community.  I know it is something simple, however I have seen heads hanging low and worried about judgment when they come in, and they leave laughing and they come back for more. And now I can say that not only has Pro-ACT been there to offer a way to contribute to the community and be a positive influence on others, such as myself, but not only my son is involved, now my husband too has started to attend our PRO-ACT volleyball team and is almost two months sober.  I have made great friends and positive connections through being involved with PRO-ACT as well. When I was offered something that showed me myself worth and gave me purpose, I was able to excel and use my gifts to help others. The importance of PRO-ACT and the Council is that with the growing amount of people supported and keeping sobriety through the many things the organization offers, imagine how many lives can change. Together we can make a difference and do! For more information about PRO-ACT or to volunteer, please visit our website. You Can Make a Difference!   Call your Representative and tell s/he to vote for a responsible and balanced budget that will generate revenue to support Education and Human Services including a $20 million emergency fund for opioid overdose treatment.   Our lawmakers need to hear from us.   Now is the time for action.  Tell your lawmakers to stand with working families and the vulnerable. Vote for a balanced budget that restores funding and puts our state back on track. Don't forget to ask for $20 million in emergency budgeting for addiction treatment. You can find your local legislators here. Affordable Care Act Need affordable health insurance that supports long-term recovery? The third year of open enrollment began on November 1, 2015.   You can now compare plans and apply through healthcare.gov! Getting covered is essential for protecting both your health and your wallet, and now is the time to explore new plans to make sure that you are getting the most affordable and comprehensive plan for your health needs. Don't go it alone this year when finding coverage! The Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) can help.  PHAN has trained navigators that can help-throughout open enrollment.  Call 877-570-3642.  Or visit pahealthaccess.org/gethelp. Even if you previously enrolled in a plan, it is still important to update any changes that may have occurred, explore new plans in your area, and check out if there are any new health coverage options in which you may be eligible.   Mental Health Wellness Week: November 16-22, 2014 What is Mental Health Wellness Week? A national public campaign on mental health wellness which will: Promote mental health wellness and the benefits to both the mind and body Promote the benefits of mental health wellness Educate communities on how to implement mental health wellness into their lives Encourage communities to facilitate programs centered on mental health wellness during the week Make resources available to communities/potential audiences to be used in the promotion of a mental health wellness project/event About Mental Health Wellness Week During Mental Health Wellness Week, hundreds of organizations throughtout the United States will host events, programs and workshops designed to meet the unique needs of their local communities. Mental Health Wellness Week was created by Freedom From Fear, a national non-profit mental health advocacy organization. Founded in 1984, Freedom From Fear has developed and implemented a variety of similar, successful public education programs centered on mental health concerns such as National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week which takes place the first week in May and has been a success since its inception in 1994.  For more information visit http://www.mhww.org/wellnessweek.html.      Supporting Youth Recovery  Enhanced Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS) Certificate Program Are you a young person in recovery who is looking to enter the behavioral health workforce to support other young people and their families? Are you a family member of a young person who has experienced addiction challenges and recovery? Learn how to combine your lived experience with the knowledge and skills needed to provide peer support to youth, adolescents, young adults and their families in this workforce development training program. We are forming a cohort now for December 5th - April 9th in Philadelphia. We are currently scheduling interviews for early November. If you are interested apply online now. For more information about the course or to apply, click here.    Give to The Council While You Shop!  AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support The Council every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to The Council. Go to www.smile.amazon.com  Log in with Amazon account info or register if you are a new member Type in The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. and click SEARCH We will come up, hit SELECT Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Council. Contact Us Information and Resource Line:  1-800-221-6333 252 W. Swamp Rd., Unit 12                    1701 W. Lehigh Ave, #6 Doylestown, PA  18901                           Philadelphia, PA  19132 215-345-6644                                       215-223-7700 252 W. Swamp Rd., Unit 33                    444 N. 3rd St., Ste. 307 Doylestown, PA  18901                          Philadelphia, PA  19123 215-230-8723 (DUI)                              215-923-1661 215-230-8218 (Prevention) 1286 Veterans Hwy                               1062 E. Lancaster Ave., Ste 22-A Bristol, PA  19007                                 Rosemont, PA  19010        215-788-3738                                       484-383-0802

17,000 Addict's Mom on Face book who love, care and support one another. You are not alone join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaddictsmom/

Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Unite-To-Fight-Addiction---Love-of-Recovery-Music-Festival-Streaming-Live-Worldwide.html?soid=1102906894456&aid=iT91ZqV2iFM

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Unite-To-Fight-Addiction---Love-of-Recovery-Music-Festival-Streaming-Live-Worldwide.html?soid=1102906894456&aid=iT91ZqV2iFM

Women for Sobriety, Inc. A New Life Journey: Empowering Thoughts Inspired by the Women for Sobriety 13 Statements Hello WFS Friends, We have just finished printing VOLUME 3 of Karen Hamm's spiral bound booklet, A New Life Journey!  To update our newest members.... several years ago, I received a call from Karen, mentioning an idea for a new booklet.  A member of her WFS group, Susan Perry, enjoyed hearing from Karen about upcoming discussion topics and she asked Karen if she would email a positive note each day.... several hundred emails later... and a new inspirational booklet was created!  Karen leads meetings in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and she is also a member of the WFS Board of Directors.  We are excited to present the next volume of new daily, inspirational passages to our members and friends who wish to read about Karen's thought-provoking personal experiences as she works each of the 13 WFS Statements in her recovery journey.  There are 180 spiral bound pages for only $8.99.  Here is the link to order Volume 3 edition at our catalog site:http://www.wfscatalog.org/A-New-Life-Journey-Volume-3-by-Karen-Hamm-BT189.htm Thank you, Karen, for your generosity in sharing your gift of writing through these daily messages! PS:  If you missed out on Volume 1... that is still available for purchase at: http://www.wfscatalog.org/A-New-Life-Journey-Volume-1-by-Karen-Hamm-BT186.htm And here is the link to order Volume 2 edition:  http://www.wfscatalog.org/A-New-Life-Journey-Volume-2-by-Karen-Hamm-BT187.htm Kind regards, Becky Fenner, WFS Director

Email:  newlife@nni.com   *   Tel: 215-536-8026   *   Fax:  215-538-9026

http://www.womenforsobriety.org   *   http://www.wfscatalog.org

Thanksgiving with the Angels! Join City of Angels  Saturday, November 21, 2015 - 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm First Baptist Church 125 S Main St. Hightstown, NJ 08520 Directions - https://goo.gl/maps/qf5xWDT2rus Any and All are Welcome. Please bring a dish if you can, if not just come hungry!

https://youtu.be/TUjuRFwwvaw

Debate on Drug Enforcement Shifts at UN as Heroin Use Spurs AIDS Epidemic - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Debate on Drug Enforcement Shifts at UN as Heroin Use Spurs AIDS Epidemic - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

http://www.amazon.com/Addicts-Mom-Presents-UNEXPECTED-HEROES/dp/0692480552/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF

Visit The Addict's Mom at: http://addictsmom.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network