Kimberly Dewberry - Transforming Normal @dewberryauthor-blog - Tumblr Blog

Exalt is defined as; make noble in character; dignify. This reveals to me just part of God's character. He loves me so much that He looks at me as noble, once I humble myself to Him. #motivationmonday #transformingnormal

#motivationmonday #transformingnormal

We are not alone! #weareonewednesday #transformingnormal

#transformingnormal #weareonewednesday

#stepfive #transformingnormal

#transformingnormal #stepfive

Going through recovery can be challenging at times. We need the gift of community to know we are not alone in our struggles. #motivationmonday #transformingnormal

#transformingnormal #motivationmonday

The Bible shows us the importance of community and partnership. Galatians 6:2 #scripturesunday #transformingnormal

#scripturesunday #transformingnormal

What’s in My Suitcase?

I have this roll around bag I carry with me every day to work. In it, I carry my journal, extra pens, a small laptop, and anything else I think I might need for the day. I decided to get a bag that had rollers because the one I carried over my shoulder grew too heavy for me. I wish I could do the same for the other baggage I have carried with me over the years.

The other suitcase I carry with me has no handle. It resides within the chambers of my heart and the confines of my soul. It has years of control, co-dependency, self-blame, regret, sadness, grief, and pain within it. As I face Step Four of my recovery journey, I know there is more in that piece of luggage. I know there are things I haven’t admitted to yet. I know there are probably even things I am not aware of. But I know this is an important step in the recovery from my past.

These issues I have carried with me are common for people like me. I haven’t always known this to be true. Working diligently on making a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself showed me this. Reading Psalm 139:23-24 guides me toward God’s loving arms to reveal the truth about me.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me and know my anxious thoughts;

And see if there be any hurtful way in me,

And lead me in the everlasting way.”

I ask God to search and know my heart. I ask him to know the anxiety I feel through this step. I ask Him to point out to me exactly where I have hurt others because I hurt myself. I ask Him to lead me out of the pit of darkness and out into the everlasting light. His light. I ask and He does. I can see now not only my feelings and pain, but also the chaos I have forced upon others because of my inner chaos. I can see now how my controlling behavior caused broken relationships. I can see now how my co-dependency created a life of confusion for me and for those around me.

Oh at the times I have unpacked and repacked the old worn luggage of my soul. I’ve taken each item out, piece by broken piece and laid them all around me to sort through. Some I have looked over and folded to be pack away again. Some I have tossed behind me, never to see them again. Then others I have gently laid at the feet of Jesus and asked Him to take them on my behalf. Those items are the ones I can say I am free from today. The items I have let go and given to Jesus are the ones that have no hold on me any longer.

God is my guide. He is the one who knows me better than I know myself. He knows where I have made errors and need His grace. It’s time to break free from the shackles of control, co-dependency, shame, and regret. It’s time for me to walk free in the love of my Father.

Think About It:

· What are you carrying in your luggage? List it out.

· Ask God to help you identify things that may be hidden from your immediate view.

· Are you ready to unpack that old worn suitcase and lay the contents at Jesus’ feet?

· Download the April Reading Plan© (subscriber password required) and Read Psalm 51:6, Matthew 6:12-13 and Job 7:11.

Journal About it:

Follow along in the My Journey Journal© (subscriber password required) and write about how the questions and scriptures today resonated with you. As you write, thank Him for showing you the way in your journey.

Pray About it:

As you think and write, say this prayer with me.

Our Father, who is in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name. ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. ‘Give us this day our daily bread. ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen

Matthew 6:9-13

Talk About it:

This is my story, what’s yours? I would love to hear from you! I enjoy connecting and keeping in touch. Do you feel as though you don’t have anyone you can share with confidentially? Your anonymity is protected. Do you feel you are the only one struggling with the aftereffects of growing up with an alcoholic parent? Sweet sister, YOU are not alone! It’s time to break free from the shackles of your controlling habits, trust issues, co-dependency, guilt, self-blame, hurts, regrets, and heartaches!

#aca #recovery #devotional

Listening in the Quiet

The historical account of Job is one of pain, loss, suffering, and God’s wise control. The long and short of this book of the Bible is this: Job was a stand-up guy. He was faithful to God. He had a family, a farm, and a good life. One day, God and Satan were having a conversation about Job and his faithfulness to God. Satan believes he can turn Job against God and God accepts the challenge. While God is watching, Job loses everything. He loses his farm, his wife, and his sons.

Okay, let’s stop there. So, God allowed Satan to test Job’s faithfulness? Yes, but you see, while God allowed this, He was in complete control the entire time. God knows all things; therefore, He knew Job would remain faithful. So why would God allow Job’s suffering? I don’t know the answer to that for sure, but I believe there is purpose in our pain. I believe that God works all things according to His purpose and for my good.

In the end, Job remained faithful to the Lord and he was rewarded for his faithfulness. The same is true for me and for you. What does this have to do with Step Four?

While working through my searching and fearless moral inventory, I have to remain faithful to God. I know His promises in the Bible tell me the truth of His sovereignty. It is going to be painful at times. I will feel as though I have nothing left, but just when I feel most defeated I am reminded by Job

“Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom.”

Job 33:33

It is in the silence I can hear the voice of God. The soft whisper to my heart to keep moving forward. The loving nudge to press on through the pain. The warmth of his gentle hands on mine letting me know He is right there with me. I can close my eyes and listen in the quiet to His guiding instruction to lay all my baggage at His feet.

It will not be rainbows, unicorns, and dragonflies, but it will be worth it when I am done. The heaviness I carry with me of my past hurts, shame, regret, self-blame, and embarrassment will be lightened by His grace, mercy and love. It’s okay for me to be angry and let God know it but it must be done with reverence for my Father. Job let God know about his anguish (Job 7:11), but his anger was not against God. His anger and hurt was against the occurrences. This is the same for me.

I may be angry about the circumstances, but I trust in God and in His protection through my times of trouble and heartache.

Think About It:

· Can you relate to Job? How?

· As you have been walking through your searching and fearless moral inventory have you been able to lay it at Christ’s feet?

· I know this step is a difficult one. Are you beginning to feel your load lighten?

· Download the April Reading Plan© (subscriber password required) and Read Psalm 31:23-24, Proverbs 20:27 and Job 7:11.

Journal About it:

Follow along in the My Journey Journal© (subscriber password required) and write about how the questions and scriptures today resonated with you. As you write, thank Him for showing you the way in your journey.

Pray About it:

As you think and write, say this prayer with me.

Father God,

Thank you for giving me purpose in my pain. I may not always understand why there is suffering, but I trust in your sovereignty. I have faith that you are in control of all things. Help to guide my heart and look to you when I am going through trouble and strife. May I always know You are working things out for my good.

In Jesus’ Precious Name,

Amen

Talk About it:

This is my story, what’s yours? I would love to hear from you! I enjoy connecting and keeping in touch. Do you feel as though you don’t have anyone you can share with confidentially? Your anonymity is protected. Do you feel you are the only one struggling with the aftereffects of growing up with an alcoholic parent? Sweet sister, YOU are not alone! It’s time to break free from the shackles of your controlling habits, trust issues, co-dependency, guilt, self-blame, hurts, regrets, and heartaches!

#aca #recovery #devotional

Do you need prayer today? Leave a comment below, send me a DM or an email at [email protected] . The power of prayer is real! #prayerrequestthursday #transformingnormal

#prayerrequestthursday #transformingnormal

The Importance of a Helper

Why is it important to have a sponsor? Why do I need someone to guide me along in my journey through recovery? Can’t I do this thing alone? I’m a private person. I don’t want someone else knowing my problems. It’s nobody’s business what is going on in my life.

I asked those questions and said those things when I first began on my recovery journey. It wasn’t until I read the Scripture that goes along with Step Four that I finally realized God doesn’t desire for this journey to be solo. His desire is for me to find someone I trust to help, guide, and teach me along the way.

Step Four says I am to make a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself. Oh boy. Here we go! This is about to get real.

The first time I traveled down the recovery road, I did this alone. Just me and God. There is nothing wrong with doing this, but it is best to find someone else to go with you. Someone who has traveled the well beaten path. Someone who understands the bumps along the way. Someone who has overcome the obstacles. Someone who has navigated the journey and knows first-hand just how difficult it is. Here enters a sponsor or mentor.

While it is vital to have God at the center of Step Four and the journey as a whole, having someone else to look at the searching and moral inventory objectively is also key to my healing. My luggage on this journey is packed tight. It is filled with things that cause the weight of it to sit heavily on my soul. It is up to God, me, and my mentor to stop on the road and unpack it—piece by troubled piece.

I like to look at the Bible as not only the story of God, but also our handbook for life. The Old Testament is filled with history, God’s laws, and instruction. This is where I turn for guidance in all situations and decisions. It is the same for my recovery journey. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells me why I need a sponsor or a mentor to come along with me.

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”

Don’t miss it. Two are better than one. We are given the gift of companionship so if I fall there is someone there to help me get back on track. If I am hurting I have someone to comfort me past the heartache. That is all great, but the last part is my favorite. “A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” I see this as having two meanings.

1. The cord here represents the Trinity. The Father God, the Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit within us. One cannot be without the others.

2. The cord also represents God, a sponsor or mentor, and me. My recovery cannot be completed effectively without all three.

As I work my way through Step Four, I know I am not alone. I know I have the support of my mentor, but more importantly I have the grace and mercy of my Father.

Think About It:

· Is your luggage too heavy to carry along this journey?

· What is it filled with?

· Are you ready to stop on the side of our path together and start unpacking?

· Do you have someone you trust to walk along this journey with you? If not, please find one. You can visit here to find a recovery program near you.

· Download the April Reading Plan© (subscriber password required) and Read Proverbs 13:20, Hebrews 10:24-25 and 1 Peter 5:6-7.

Journal About it:

Follow along in the My Journey Journal© (subscriber password required) and write about how the questions and scriptures today resonated with you. As you write, thank Him for showing you the way in your journey.

Pray About it:

As you think and write, say this prayer with me.

Father God,

Thank you for giving me the gift of relationship. I am so thankful to have a relationship with you, but also have the ability to have friendships and companionships with others. Guide me to the right person to help me along my journey. I ask to be fully present in my heart as I start my searching and fearless moral inventory of myself.

In Jesus’ Precious Name,

Amen

Talk About it:

This is my story, what’s yours? I would love to hear from you! I enjoy connecting and keeping in touch. Do you feel as though you don’t have anyone you can share with confidentially? Your anonymity is protected. Do you feel you are the only one struggling with the aftereffects of growing up with an alcoholic parent? Sweet sister, YOU are not alone! It’s time to break free from the shackles of your controlling habits, trust issues, co-dependency, guilt, self-blame, hurts, regrets, and heartaches!

#aca #recovery #devotional

The world wants us to believe we can do things alone without any help. The world tells us we need to consume more and more in order to live a happy life. The world says “look at her and how beautiful her life looks on {insert any social media channel you want here}. The idea of the world is for us to: • Be self-sufficient • Buy as much as possible to fill our empty spaces • Compare ourselves to others This is the opposite of what Paul tells the Galatians—and us. Instead, the Bible tells us these truths: • Rely on others (Galatians 6:2) • Store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20) • Don’t conform to the world (Romans 12:2) #weareonewednesday #transformingnormal

#transformingnormal #weareonewednesday

Playing Hide and Seek with God

I searched hurriedly to find just the right hiding place. Breathless I hid silently behind the shower curtain in my parents shower. A giggle slipped from my mouth and I quickly cupped my hand to keep it quiet. I could barely hear my friend counting…6…7…8…9…10! Ready or not, here I come! My heart raced for fear I would be found.

I’m sure you remember the exhilaration and suspense of playing hide and seek with your friends. Now that I am older, I no longer play this childhood game with my friends or anyone else—or do I?

There are things in my past and, if truth be told, in my present that I guard from some people. I hide them away in hopes I will not be found out. My inner most thoughts, suppressed feelings, painful memories, and things I have done that I am not proud of. We all have them, right?

I may be able to hide those things from others, but am I able to hide them from God? The answer is simple, absolutely not. God is omniscient (Psalm 33:13-15). He sees not only our physical but also the mental and he sees our heart. He knows our innermost thoughts, suppressed feelings, painful memories, and things we have done that we are not proud of. I decided after realizing this, there is no point in trying to hide from God.

That is exactly what the fourth step of recovery is about. Step four says, I made a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself. This is the most difficult of all of the steps for some, including me. I didn’t necessarily want to search my soul and heart to see what I had hidden away for so many years. It certainly wasn’t done fearlessly, at least not in the beginning. Basically I needed to fess up to God the mess I had made of my life as a result of my need to be in control. I was not good at being God. He already knew that much, but it was up to me to do the seeking of what I had hidden.

Isn’t that what Jeremiah meant in the book of Lamentations? Although the book doesn’t specifically name Jeremiah as the author, scholars believe he wrote the text to the survivors of Judah after the fall of Jerusalem. In his third lament, Jeremiah is expressing extreme grief over the fall of Jerusalem, but also confidence in God. The people of Jerusalem had been disobedient to God and had been warned of the consequences, but chose to ignore them. Now he pleads to the people to search their hearts and recognize their sins.

“Let us examine and probe our ways,

And let us return to the Lord.”

Lamentations 3:40

So as we embark upon the next leg of our journey, let’s prepare ourselves to allow God in to search our hearts. This may be difficult in the beginning, but we are in this together. I have my arms around you and we are going to travel this hard road as a team. You and me. You are not alone. We are in this together. More importantly, God is with us. He is waiting with His arms wide open to receive us.

Think About It:

· What is your most fond memory of your childhood?

· What do you think you are attempting to hide from God?

· Do you feel prepared to fully step into God’s grace?

· Download the April Reading Plan© (subscriber password required) and Read Lamentations 3, and Psalm 33:13-15.

Journal About it:

Follow along in the My Journey Journal© (subscriber password required) and write about how the questions and scriptures today resonated with you. As you write, thank Him for showing you the way in your journey.

Pray About it:

As you think and write, say this prayer with me.

Father God,

Thank you for knowing all things about me and loving me the way you do. I ask for your gentle hand upon me as I embark upon my journey of searching my heart. I invite you into this important step to walk with me and guide my way.

In Jesus’ Precious Name,

Amen

Next post we will really dig into Step Four. It is vitally important for you to seek a trusted mentor, friend, or pastor to help guide you through this step. It would be even better if you could find a recovery group near you to begin your journey. If you are not a part of a recovery group already, I urge you to visit the Start Recovery page and find one that fits your needs. I also offer personal mentoring, free of charge, and completely confidential. This is a part of the continued service as outlined in Steps Eleven and Twelve of the recovery journey.

Talk About it:

This is my story, what’s yours? I would love to hear from you! I enjoy connecting and keeping in touch. Do you feel as though you don’t have anyone you can share with confidentially? Your anonymity is protected. Do you feel you are the only one struggling with the aftereffects of growing up with an alcoholic parent? Sweet sister, YOU are not alone! It’s time to break free from the shackles of your controlling habits, trust issues, co-dependency, guilt, self-blame, hurts, regrets, and heartaches!

#aca #recovery #devotional

Just the Beginning

I have learned to trust God. I have faith my past is gone. I have let it all go and given it to God to handle. This is just the beginning for me, though.

My journey through recovery begins with Christ and it continues with Him. I could not have started nor could I continue without His help and guidance through all of the steps of recovery. I may not be an alcoholic or addicted to a drug, but I have other issues to contend with as a result of living with addiction.

· Each day I must turn my need for control over to God’s care.

· Each day I must turn over my past shopping compulsion to God because He is enough to fill any void I have.

· Each day I must rid myself of co-dependency and be fully dependent upon Him to comfort me.

Philippians 1:6 helps me with these things:

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Jesus called me close to Him because He began a good work in me the day I was formed in my mother’s womb. I am called to share my journey to recovery with others so others will be drawn close to Him. This is just the beginning of my recovery journey and it will continue until the day Jesus comes again to take me to heaven. I am confident that He is walking with me, carrying the baggage of my past in His arms, and guiding me along the path to redemption.

Think About It:

· Have you been able to turn your life and wills over to the care of God?

· Have you been able to let go of some things this month?

· What are you still holding on to?

· Do you trust God will continue to guide you along this journey?

· Download the March Reading Plan© (subscriber password required) and Read Matthew 6:34, Romans 8:38-39 and Philippians 3:10.

Journal About it:

Follow along in the My Journey Journal© (subscriber password required) and write about how the questions and scriptures today resonated with you. As you write, thank Him for showing you the way in your journey.

Pray About it:

As you think and write, say this prayer with me.

Father God,

I believe you sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for my sins. I believe He rose from the dead to reign at Your right hand. I believe I am forgiven because of Christ dying on the cross. I turn it all over to You and make you the Lord of my life.

In Jesus’ Precious Name,

Amen

If you said this prayer and believed it in your heart, Praise God! You have been saved. It is important to connect with other Christians and attend a Bible teaching church. I would love to hear your story. Connect with me and let me know how your life is being changed. I would also love to be a personal mentor to you. Click here to find out more. Until then, start your walk with Jesus here: The Book of John

Talk About it:

This is my story, what’s yours? I would love to hear from you! I enjoy connecting and keeping in touch. Do you feel as though you don’t have anyone you can share with confidentially? Your anonymity is protected. Do you feel you are the only one struggling with the aftereffects of growing up with an alcoholic parent? Sweet sister, YOU are not alone! It’s time to break free from the shackles of your controlling habits, trust issues, co-dependency, guilt, self-blame, hurts, regrets, and heartaches!

#aca #recovery #devotional

Having at least one person in my life to be able to share my deepest darkest secrets to is an invaluable thing. She doesn’t judge me for my past mistakes. She loves me despite my occasional moodiness. She listens to me even if she is tired or busy or had a bad day herself. She is my mentor, but beyond that, she has become my friend. She is someone who prays for me and sends me a text to tell me so. She is someone I can text anytime and I know she will respond with love. #motivationmonday #transformingnormal

#motivationmonday #transformingnormal

Give your account and confess to God and others. #stepfive #transformingnormal

#stepfive #transformingnormal

Letting it All Go

Some days I am just tired. Some days I have a difficult time with letting go and giving my worries to God. Some days I have the full confidence I can let God be God and other days I want to wrestle control back into my grip. Do you ever feel this way?

I know I am guided by God. I know he cares for me. I know Jesus is Lord and I believe He was raised from the dead. Just because I know this is truth does not make life itself easier. Life can and will still be difficult at times. There will be seasons of unrest, hurts, and chaos. The difference for me now is I have learned to let it all go. All. Of. It.

I cannot control people, situations, or outcomes. Only God can do that.

· How I respond to the people that hurt me determines the condition of my heart toward others.

· My reaction to the painful situations determines how I recover from the hurt.

· How I react to an unplanned outcome determines future plans.

Responding in anger and rage will lead to consequences. It also goes against God’s plan (James 1:19-20). God’s desire is for me to be slow to anger and seek His wisdom in all situations.

Reacting in a negative way will lead to bitterness. This goes against what the Bible tells me about God’s sovereignty (Proverbs 16:4). There is a purpose for everything, even the painful times.

Trying to be in control of every outcome toward my own plans goes against God’s instruction (Proverbs 19:21). God is in control. I must trust His will and know His plans always prevail.

Letting go of my life and wills and turning them over to God started for me over a year ago. It continues today and will continue tomorrow. I may not know the plans He has for me, but I can trust they will be for good, because He loves me.

Think About It:

· Are you trying to hold on to control of people, situations, or outcomes?

· Are you harboring anger or bitterness in your heart for something in your past?

· Can you begin today by loosening the grip of your fingers around your hurts and giving them to God?

Journal About it:

Follow along in the My Journey Journal© (subscriber password required) and write about how the questions and scriptures today resonated with you. As you write, thank Him for showing you the way in your journey.

Pray About it:

As you think and write, say this prayer with me.

Father God,

Thank you for being in control so I don’t have to. I ask you today to help me release the grip I have on people, situations, and outcomes. Help me to seek your ways in all things and trust your plans will prevail.

In Jesus’ Precious Name,

Amen

Talk About it:

This is my story, what’s yours? I would love to hear from you! I enjoy connecting and keeping in touch. Do you feel as though you don’t have anyone you can share with confidentially? Your anonymity is protected. Do you feel you are the only one struggling with the aftereffects of growing up with an alcoholic parent? Sweet sister, YOU are not alone! It’s time to break free from the shackles of your controlling habits, trust issues, co-dependency, guilt, self-blame, hurts, regrets, and heartaches!

#aca #recovery #devotional

#scripturesunday Romans 14:12 #tranformingnormal

#tranformingnormal #scripturesunday

Saying Goodbye to the Past

Once I learned to trust God with my life and my wills, my trust for others began to increase. I no longer allowed my past to define me. I stopped allowing the people of my past to define the trustworthiness of those closest to me.

I understand now, trusting God to love me despite my past also means I trust Him with my future. It means to believe He is starting something new within me as I rise each morning. This is a process that began with surrender, but that is not the end of the journey for me. I must also turn away from the mistakes of my past and turn toward God’s will.

In the beginning verses of the book of Mark, we learn how John the Baptist is preaching to all that would listen about repentance and baptism (Mark 1:1-4). This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah (Malachi 3:1 & Isaiah 40:3). As word spread of what John the Baptist was doing in area, others came to see what was going on.

“And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.”

Mark 1:5

The key phrase in this Scripture is, “confessing their sins”. In order to receive the full forgiveness of God and be truly baptized, I must confess my sins to Him. Although some sins are in the past, I am a sinner by nature (Romans 3:23) and I fall short daily. There is good news, though. I have a righteous and sovereign God who offers forgiveness for my sins. All I have to do is turn away from them and ask for forgiveness.

This forgiveness offered by God is not a free pass. I must seek His will daily and continue to repent, or turn away from the sins of my flesh. I am still tempted to fall into my old patterns. By seeking God each day and turning my life and will over to Him, I am able to shed the dirty rags of my past and clothe myself in forgiveness.

Think About It:

· What past patterns are you holding on to?

· Are you ready to start your journey to recovery and freedom by confessing your patterns of sin to God?

· Have you already asked for forgiveness, but still feel trapped in your past? Why?

Journal About it:

Follow along in the My Journey Journal© (subscriber password required) and write about how the questions and scriptures today resonated with you. As you write, thank Him for showing you the way in your journey.

Pray About it:

As you think and write, say this prayer with me.

Father God,

Thank you for showing me the path to take on my recovery journey. Thank you for the forgiveness you offer me. I ask you help me to see the patterns of my past and guide me toward your love to light my path to you. Please forgive me for my sins against you. I ask that Your will be done in my life today.

In Jesus’ Precious Name,

Amen

Talk About it:

This is my story, what’s yours? I would love to hear from you! I enjoy connecting and keeping in touch. Do you feel as though you don’t have anyone you can share with confidentially? Your anonymity is protected. Do you feel you are the only one struggling with the aftereffects of growing up with an alcoholic parent? Sweet sister, YOU are not alone! It’s time to break free from the shackles of your controlling habits, trust issues, co-dependency, guilt, self-blame, hurts, regrets, and heartaches!

#aca #recovery #devotional

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