How to Find Peace in 12 Steps

Are you searching for peace? 

 

I am going to share how you can find peace in a minute, but first let me ask you a few questions.



These days our lives are so crazy with busyness that we leave out the most important part of the recipe of life and that is God. We say we believe in God and we pray to Him, yet are we really committed to God? When you make a list of all the things you have to do each day, does it include God?
   
What has brought you to the place you are today?
 

I know, I have often jumped up and started running, dressing, eating, putting the dogs out, running out the door and off to my errands. I might pray as I am driving and then I stop and think, oh good morning God, sorry I ignored you as you watched me sleep, awaken, get busy and start my day. You've been waiting there all this time, haven't you? He longs to spend time with us.

I used to sing this song by Larnelle Harris, I miss my time with you! 
Listen to it! To me this song shows just how much God wants us to spend time with Him. 

I am not meaning to put a guilt trip on you, but I often wonder about my priorities also and how they affect my life.

You know how when you are learning something new that it may take a little practice before it becomes a skill?Well, that's how it is when you are learning to make the right choices too. Hastily making the wrong choices can bring much sorrow. People can go through life thinking that nothing ever goes right for them, woe is me. When a simple change in the day, setting their priorities inline with the Word of God makes a world of difference.

Is the stress, panic attacks, pain and depression giving you thoughts of ending it all? What kind of choices are you making. Who do you put first in your day? I know we all have to take care of the children, dogs, family, meals, ourselves and on and on..... Who has time to pray? Who has time to read His word? 

Really we all have time, we just have to make a decision to make the right choices. Believe me when you start your day with God, everything falls into place! You can go to bed earlier and get up just a little earlier and dedicate that time to fellowship with God in His Word and just pouring your heart out to him about your dreams, plans, family, everything.  He wants to hear it.

Or think about carving out time anywhere in your day, it doesn't have to be in the morning or at night. What about breaks at work or lunchtime and don't forget drive time to work and back. Of course if you are a stay at home mom or dad, you can schedule that time during the day. 

You will find that small sacrifice will bring blessings into your life and the thoughts of ending it all, depression and even body pain will fade into the distance of your past!

Now, I  know there are people out there who have to take medications, I am not talking about stopping that! But, even you can make this change in your life and see a dramatic difference.

 Yes, it's a sacrifice! Doesn't sound fun! But, I guarantee it will become your lifeline!

Don't we pray and expect God to jump to it?
I have often had to stop my prayers and tell God, sorry God, I know your not my Go Boy. Do you have a best friend that you ignore and they want to spend time with you and do things for you? Usually not, we have to nourish that friendship and most of the time we have to go out of our way to spend time with them. Right?

Maybe your experiencing the difficult things in your life because God wants you to need Him. The feelings of defeat, frustration, anger......you fill in the blank, may be coming from your spirit inside that is longing for it's maker.


I want to share with you how I found peace. I was experiencing many of the above feelings, and through a bible based 12 step program I found the answers. It was a time for me when I couldn't focus, I couldn't read anything much less the bible and retain it. You can see my full testimony  click here.

You may be thinking, no way I don't want to read another bible study. Well, if what you are doing now is working for you then God bless , but if it's not, this will be well worth your time to take a look.

Check out the testimonies on a site I set up for a group I now teach and make the decision yourself. Just click here. Take a look because I have a gift for you.

I hope this helps you in some way and if it did, pass it forward and Share. Who knows you may be a part of saving a life. Wouldn't that be wonderful?


 



Blessings! 



Teryan Cooley :)
http://followpeace.xyz 

P.S. If you are looking for a bible based, 12 step group then you will definitely want to go to http://followpeace.xyz go to the comment section and request info. See ya there! :)

 

Are You Ready To Change Your Life

Are you ready to make a big change?

What would it take to make you ready enough to embrace a big change in your life?

Would it take desperation? 

We may say we hate what is going on in our life but are we willing to do what it may take to move those mountains? 

I ask those questions because I hear the complaining but I don't see the action that it would take to make changes. 

It could be your life, your child's life, a parent or friend that needs a dramatic life changing event to happen or they remain stuck, depressed or defeated. 

Are you willing to keep accepting the diagnosis of the world or do you want a diagnosis from God? 


Just felt like I needed to share....Sometimes in life when we need big mountains moved it's gonna take more than a little shovel of prayer. Prayer is important but like the bible says if you want miracles they only come through fasting and prayer....I know that's hard to swallow.... believe me I like to eat too! 

I love the movie that came out last year called, Little Boy. If you haven't seen it, go rent it today. It's about the faith of a little boy and how he moved a mountain. 

There have been three major events in my life where I needed a big mountain moved. I did what the bible says and it really works!  

Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. That was Jesus reply when the disciples asked why they couldn't cast out demons like Jesus had. 

It all depends on how desperately you want that mountain moved!

What are you willing to do?

Two of those times it took almost a year of weekly fasting and diligent prayer and those mountains were moved. 

Sometimes God puts us in a place where we have to get desperate enough to pray this way so he can place us where we need to be. It's all about His will.

When you finally get to this place your heart will not be at peace until you give in and just do it! Some people call this place depression, heaviness, unrest.

Listen to this quick video about fasting... Click Here.

It's amazing how God will speak to you when you get closer to Him though fasting and prayer. 

Do you want to hear the voice of God more clearer and have His power in your life? 

Are you ready to make a commitment? Is the change that you want to see, important enough for the sacrifice? 

Yes! I believe I can do it!!! Yes, I believe you can do it!!! 

Will you?  

I hope this message has helped you to make a decision to move mountains! If it has, share this post with someone else, it may change their lives too! :) 

Blessings~ 

Teryan Cooley
P.S. If you would like to see more encouraging post like this then follow me!  

Part Two, Stress Can Kill You

If you missed part one of Stress Can Kill you Click Here to catch up!

Figuring out what has caused your stress is a great start to realizing the answer to relieving it!

Sounds simple but it's not always that easy.

For instance, a loved one can irritate you until you are on your last nerve and although not being around them might get rid of the stress, it's not always as easy to do.

Or if you have a hidden illness that has not been diagnosed, stress symptoms could be a part of what is going on in your body.

Also sometimes we are so wrapped up in what we are doing, like focusing on a task at work that we don't realize until it's too late and our body is in pain.

So how do we figure it all out in order to have a stress free or less stressful life?

Here is an idea.....

I am a list maker. When I write it down on paper it helps me see what is going on and what needs to be done. It also relieves some of my stress just knowing that things are being done when I check them off my list.

• Make a list of what bothers you
• Know your triggers (what causes those bothersome things.) 
• What have you been doing or over doing
• What are your stress symptoms (tight neck, overeating, anger)
• What people have you been around and how do they affect you 
• What conversations have you had that may have tensed you
• What about the things that you actually have no control over, listing these will help you see what you can change and what you can't

If you have difficulty making this list, get on your computer and search for causes of stress. That should give you a stress management- topic overview.

Then with your list maybe you can start to make a plan of action.

Once you have exhausted your list on things you know about, you will be able to think of ways that you can make changes to make life less stressful.

If your stress isn't coming from a person, place or thing in your life, then it's time to see your family doctor. You can also do this at the same time you are making your list if you feel you need to.

Here are a few tips... things I have tried and they have helped...

• Walking and other enjoyable exercises~ I say enjoyable because it will help you stick to it when you are having fun
• Talk with a friend. Sometimes just bouncing things off of a good friends is all you need
• Get a new hobby to distract you and bring joy into your life.
• Go out with friends 
• A full body massage always makes me feel good and it is healing also for sore muscles
• Praying and meditation have been proven to help with stress, I just saw a segment today on Dr. Oz, Google it
• Read a good book or read the good book (bible) it is powerful.
• Is your job the problem? Change it if you can or put in for a transfer
• Sadly I have had to let a few friends go because they brought too much stress into my life, you may have to also. Or at least spend less time with them on your terms

Once you have ruled out people, places or things as being your stress triggers, then you can follow your doctors recommendations with a clear vision of what to do.

Always keep in mind that you are your own best advocate. You know your body. Listen to it.

I sincerely hope this helps you get things into perspective! If it has helped please share with a friend

Don't put yourself off. You are important!

Follow Peace! Blessings!

Teryan Cooley
P.S. The purpose of my post are to encourage others by sharing, please share this post if it has helped you in some way. You never know when together we could save a life. 

Finding Peace

We all need a little peace in our lives!

To me there is nothing like the sound of waves and the warm sun to bring me peace. Or the sound of birds chirping as they fly over the beach. I even love to stop and listen to the leaves as wind rustles through the tree branches and thinking how thankful I am that God gave us these things for our pleasure.

Sometimes we just need more peace.

I am not one for a lot of fluff! Those who think they know me well may be skeptical.

Don't you just hate to read a self help book that takes you through ten chapters before getting to the goody?

Me too!

So here it is, I am giving you some meat and potatoes right up front so you can know what to expect.

How do you begin to find peace?

My answer is follow peace.

So how do you follow peace?

Think of the things that bring you peace like I did above. Make a list of these things and do them often.

If you are having difficulty in thinking of things that bring you peace then maybe we should do a little work.

Your Stress List

I want you to make a separate list each for all the  people, places or things that stress you out and bring discomfort to your life.(You may want to see my blog ~ Stress can kill you)

Do not move forward until you do this! Please...

After you have made the stress list, I want you to make a dream list. List all the things you would love to see in your life! List vacations you would like to take, the type of people you want in your life, how you would decorate your living space if you had all the money you needed and so forth....whatever your dreams are.

Once you have both list I want you to look at the stress list and answer these questions.

What can you take off of that list and never put back again?

What would it take to remove that stress from your life?

What are you willing to do?

Maybe you don't want to throw a husband out the door or best friend or even the dog, but what are those things you do have control over? Maybe taking a deeper look at the situation and solving a few issues can solve the stress issue and bring peace. Maybe it's just planning ahead using time management that will relieve your extra stress.

So if the dog stresses you because he is always barking and not listening to your commands, maybe you can spend some special time each day with your pet and see if he is just having anxiety issues. Or get some professional,training on the schedule so your pet can meet your expectations.

When you are able to acknowledge what the deletes are, then let's look at the stresses that you feel that you can't delete because it may be a family member.

On the other hand if it is a spouse, maybe a good sit down conversation needs to take place. Try to schedule the conversation when you are both well rested and when you both are expecting to sit down and talk. Sometimes just taking the time to communicate what your expectations are, can make the world of difference. Letting your spouse know your desires is important whether is sexual, financial or just if you want to spend more personal time with them, communication is the key. Let them know that you need them, don't demand attention, that won't work for long. No one wants to be made to do anything. That would cause resentments. 

Then there are the other people in your life, friends, co-workers and acquaintances. Sometimes a line needs to be drawn to let another person know what you won't accept. If you continue to allow other people to step on your toes, your toes will continue to hurt! So it's your decision, ask yourself, do I keep the bunions or not?

For example: say you have a friend who goes on and on about how their boss has mistreated them. Every time you are around your friend or on the phone with them, if anything reminds them of their bosses treatment, there it goes again the same story over and over again. Even though as a friend you've given them your suggestion on what to do it seems to run off of them like water runs off of a ducks back. It's actually beginning to grate on your nerves and you almost want to ignore this friends calls.

What to do?

Be direct and tell them they are your friend and you care about them but they need to deal with it or get another job because you refuse to listen to it again! It's hard knowing that you could lose that friend, but really do you want to hear this story or ones like it for the rest of your friendship?

Draw a line in the sand and let your friend know what you want out of that relationship. You are going to find that the real friends will appreciate your honesty and the ones you lose, well, they never were your friends in the first place. They were using you as a sounding board, all the while you were being abused and stressed by that so called friendship.

Just keep going through your stress list until you are satisfied with the he changes.

Peace can also come when you put the most important thing in your life first and hopefully that is God. I can say by experience that when I put Him above everything else including family, all the other stuff falls into place. 

Now your dream list for finding peace

Do you find yourself around people who want to steal your dreams?

Maybe they really don't want you to be unhappy, they just can't see what you see. Something is blocking their view. It could be their own stress over money, time or busyness. They let these things block their dreams.

Don't let others put a damper on your dreams. 

Maybe you haven't allowed yourself to dream in a long time. If so then think back to when you were just a small child, a teenager, or a young adult and knew exactly what you wanted. Do you still want some of those same things?

Are you willing to try new things?

Maybe you haven't taken a vacation in a while. Start planning because not only will fulfilling your dreams relieve stress but it will bring more happiness and peace into your life.

What about redecorating a room that you have put off for a long time? Maybe it was the funds that you needed for the project. Start planning now like you will do it next week. Go to the paint store and choose paint swatches, look at magazines for inspiration. I love to go to our local building supply, they have amazing magazines.

Put into motion what you are dreaming about. If you don't take the first step you will never get there!

When you start to make a plan you will begin to feel peace about your life and excitement! Don't sweat the small stuff and don't let your fears stop you dead in your tracks.

Dream and you will find peace! Put it all into motion and don't let others hold you back. It's your life, follow what brings you peace!

Hope this helps you find more peace in your life! If you find that it has helped you, feel free to share it with others!


Blessings!

Teryan Cooley
P.S.  Follow my blog so we can stay connected! If you know someone who is going through depression you may want to share my testimony with them, click here.
P.S.S. If you have more ideas on following peace share them in the comments  

Stress Can Kill You

It is a fact that stress can kill or cripple you!

Anxiety and stress can affect the function of your body! 

Financial stress, depression, how you eat and the people you allow in your space can.

Just being in stressful situations I can tell the next day because I have more arthritis pain. Exercise is so important and it can really be hard to move when you have arthritis. Not only because it hurts but you also fear that it will hurt you for more than a day after your exertion.

So can it cripple you? Yes I have seen family members give up and sit in their recliners all day because of pain to only have their bodies get stiffer and stiffer.

I also have had this problem with stiffness.

I had hip surgery over three years ago and it can be painful before and after surgery as you recover. It can be depressing because you think you may never get your mobility back again. 

I went through several different periods of physical therapy after surgery and I wasn't making a lot of progress. So I gave up for about two years. Then one day I got down in my back and it strained my hip muscles because I hadn't been stretching them. There I was back in therapy again. It was depressing enough to turn 55 without feeling like I was 80 and moving like I was also! Sorry not intending to get down on the eighty somethings, kudos you  made it that far! 

 How you deal with stress matters!

As I look back over my life I realized that I had been holding a lot of anger in for a long time. I have read articles about how anger can stress your body and I now realized that I have done this to my own body. (You can read my testimony here)

This last time of physical therapy I decided to dig in and give it all I had and push through the pain. It was painful. I finally got a really good therapist who knew what she was doing. I think she took a special interest in me because she was having the same pain that I had surgery for. Also she was seeing the same doctor. She is about twenty years younger so they didn't jump to do surgery on her.

Sad thing is that I hear that they aren't not doing so much of this type of surgery any more, it hasn't been working! Thanks a lot Doc! 

Okay I will calm down, I don't want to get stressed! :)

I've had back problems for a long time and may have to have back surgery before too long. The doctor told me that my back is probably what caused my hip problem. The back bone is connected to the hip bone and hip bone is connected to the thigh bone...

Why am I writing this? Hopefully to help someone who may be going through a lot of pain. You are not by yourself!

It has been so helpful to me to get my thinking straight. Because I could have really gone off the deep end since I am still going through hip and back pain three years after surgery.

I recently saw a doctor on TV talk about studies where the brain shows improvement when someone prays or when they meditate. I also have read where your blood pressure regulates when you have a pet. I know this to be true because I do and have both in my life and it helps.

Thinking negative or speaking negative words really doesn't help anything. It will only stress you and bring with it pain and disease to your body. (see my other post on how our words affect our physical body)

If you can't change your circumstances you can at least change your mind and your actions.

I recommend DE-cluttering your life of all the things and even people who bring stress into your life. I know you can't throw your kids or hubby away! But you can control the amount of time that you spend with them and you can control what goes on in your life.

I started this a few years ago and it has made all the difference in my attitude. I won't allow anyone to stress me out. When they start, I draw the line.

Here are a few things I do to help with stress...

• Like I said I don't let people in my life that bring stress, at least not for long.
• Exercise and on days that I don't feel like it I do as much as I can, just move
• Read uplifting books and magazines
• Don't befriend a negative or stressful person on Facebook
• Make plans so that I won't get stressed at the last moment
• I have pets that keep me company and I love them and this makes me happy and less stressed
• Take care of myself even when others don't!

Don't let what others do bog you down, even family. It's their problem, help if you can but if it is stressing you. Turn it over to God and get outta there! 

This blog was to the point, but sometimes you just gotta tell it like it is! Draw the line in the sand and protect your space! 

Follow Peace!  

 

 


Teryan Cooley

Make sure to stay connected we have to keep each other uplifted!

WE CREATE OUR OWN WORLD WITH OUR WORDS

If you could create a miracle with positive words, would you try?

I have a friend who's child did a science project in school. She took two plants, and planted, and watered them the same way in the same type of container. One plant she spoke kind words to it telling it how pretty it was and how strong and green it was growing. She spoke words like peace, miracle, love. The other plant she spoke mean words to it saying how ugly it was and that it would never grow up and be anything. Over time the last plant died while the blessed plant flourished. 

What, you may say, that was just coincidence! Well then look at this!

I recently read an article about  Masaru Emoto, M.D. Who wrote the book, The Miracle of Water. He uses a unique study to show that our words are powerful. In his research he photographed microscopic ice crystals and discovered that when the crystals were left alone they were identical. But when they were exposed to certain words they took on new forms that were astounding! Saying words like I love you, you can do it, you are beautiful and it's going to be alright, creates beautiful symmetrical crystals.    

See more crystal formations by words Here, before and after photos

(I don't receive payment for this advertisement, just want you to see it!)

But, negative words like stupid, you can't do it, you are hopeless, created broken lopsided crystals! 

There is power in our words. What are we creating within ourselves? Our bodies are made up with about 70% water! Words carry vibrations, Dr. Emoto believes that the vibrations transform the molecular structure. Could we actually be harming ourselves with our own words. 


We all know how harmful our words can be to someone else. Right?

I am now teaching a Women's Life Recovery Group in my home church.  We are on the 12th step which is sharing. Just the other night I told the ladies In our group about Dr. Emoto's findings and I challenged them to put a note on their mirror with words that they wanted to be true about themselves. Words like I love you, you are beautiful, you will be successful, you are blessed financially and so on. I can't wait to see the results.

If you are a person who believes this would be lying then read Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  

So when you speak by faith you are hoping for that which isn't seen! 

We create our own world by the words we speak. 

God spoke the world into existence!  See Genesis first chapter. 

In John 14:11-13 he empowers us to do the same as Jesus and much more!
11Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me—or at least believe because of the works themselves. 12 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.…

What are you speaking today? 

Is is good for you or others? 

Maybe you have been sick for a long time and wonder why you haven't received your healing or why the doctors cant help you.

What are you saying about your health? Are you saying I am sick, depressed  and tired? Are you saying I have so much pain? 

Is it a better job you are seeking? What are you telling yourself about a new job? 

Do you have a child who seems to be unsuccessful in school or life? What are you speaking about that child? 

I challenge you today to start changing your words. I am healthy. My body is strong and I have no pain! My child is smart and he or she learns easily and he has favor with people in authority! I have great qualities and skill. I have favor with those I interview with.

Apparently by the studies of water, Emoto says that just speaking positive and good words creates the beautiful crystals and the bad words create ugly crystals. Maybe this is a long shot but I think it's worth a try don't you? 

Lets speak positive!

Let's do this together....

Write your own affirmation and keep it where you can see it each day and speak it out loud and create by faith a new you!  Let me know how it goes! 

Blessings! 

Teryan Cooley
Facebook~ @PeaceInTheWord

Over Coming Depression and Anger

As I write this, eight years ago I was sinking into a deep depression.

I am currently 58 years old so that would have been when I was 50. I made an appointment to see my family doctor because of sinus issues and my doctor noticed that I just wasn't myself. He wanted to try me on an anti depressant that would help lift my mood and help with weight loss, something I needed. My weight had really increased in the last few years and I wasn't able to lose it like I had earlier in life. That alone was a good reason to be depressed! So I tried the medicine he prescribed. It didn't work. As a matter of fact within about six months he prescribed five different prescriptions for depression and they just were not working. I was sinking. This wasn't the first time I felt this way but it was the worst I had ever felt.

The last prescription was Effexor Fx, it was horrible, It made me feel worse than I did without it. It's hard to describe, other than it felt like a leech was on my brain. I knew it wasn't working so I began to slowly wean myself off of this monster medicine. I was sick as a dog. If that makes any sense. For six long weeks I was so dizzy that most of the time I was in bed and my head was spinning constantly.

During that time of depression and trying each prescription, I couldn't focus on much. Much less read a book. I knew I needed to pick up my bible and read it because this is how I was raised, to seek God in time of need. I just didn't have the energy to make the effort. There were days that I spent in bed with little or no energy. So as not to worry my husband, just before he would come home from work I would do something like start a load of clothes washing, make the bed or start something cooking on the stove. I didn't want him to worry. He knew though, because he was paying for all those prescriptions! I don't know what I thought I was trying to hide. Maybe it was a little pride also, not wanting to fully face what was happening to me.

Sometimes it takes being on the very bottom before we will finally look up and receive help. Why is that? It is our stubborn human nature wanting to control everything!

I got to the very bottom. The medications were not working, I couldn't read the bible that I knew I should read. I was embarrassed that I had gotten there and really didn't want anyone to know. You see I was in leadership at my church. I had been a part of the praise team for years. How can you be a leader if everyone knows you have problems? Isn't that lying, being fake trying to hide and still sing with a big smile on my face? In retrospect, we all are human and no one is exempt even teachers and pastors! But can you see my plight? When you are in ministry you want to be a good example for others for the glory of the Lord.

I felt like God was telling me to stand still. A funny thing happened during this time of decision. One Wednesday night I was on the platform singing with our praise team and during a song God began to speak to me. We were singing a song about standing still and knowing He is God, when He spoke into my spirit and asked me a question. You know how you have two children? I thought, yes in answer as I kept singing into my microphone. Then He asked again, you know how you have that one child who will do just about anything you ask? I again thought, yes. I was thinking about one of my children, smiled to myself and kept singing.  A third time He asked,  you know how you have that one child that you just want to pop on the back of the head because that child is so stubborn? I smiled to myself,  and internally raised my brows and thought yes , Lord I do! He then spoke the fourth time into my spirit and said, you are that child to me. I had an OMG moment! I almost laughed into the microphone. It was true, here I was singing confidently that I was standing still yet I hadn't really gotten it. I had previously quit my job as a Realtor because I had put a fleece before the Lord and I knew when he answered me directly that I should quit. But yet here was God again telling me I really wasn't standing still.

The word says Stand still and know that I am God! Sometimes we need to stop and listen!

I knew it was time to stop everything, even my ministry. This was a hard decision to make. I loved to sing. I wasn't the best but I could carry a tune and I enjoyed worshiping the Lord and encouraging others to do it also. I loved being a part of a a really good team! But I couldn't deny that God had truly spoken to me.

I quit. 

During this time I received an email invitation to attend a Women's Life Recovery Class that would start in just a few days. That email really got my attention. With all the things I was going through. Maybe this was my life line. Several years before I had heard a few friends talking about this class and at that time I just really didn't get it and there was no way that I wanted to sit in a group of ladies talking about my problems. I was in leadership. What would they think of me? I laugh at myself now. When some read this they may think who did she think she was, someone important? Not really I just wanted to be the best I could be for the Glory of God and if I was in a position to encourage others I surely didn't want anyone to think I wasn't stable.

I remember the first night of the class, I was nervous and there were two ladies there from my church. Oh God! What would they think of me? I think they were just as surprised to see me as I was to see them.

When I entered the room all the chairs were in a circle. I almost backed out of the door. I was cringing inside to think I had to sit in a circle and look into the eyes of other ladies as this meeting progressed. But, I am so glad I stayed. It wasn't that bad. They had problems too! We all had a lot in common and before the night was over, friendship bonds were in the making.

I have never been in a class just like this and I wasn't familiar with the 12 steps. I had heard about the 12 steps that AA teaches, but I really knew nothing about it. This class used similar steps along with the Life recovery Bible to teach us about how to live life abundantly and victoriously. Some of us were going through life after divorce, grief from the loss of a loved one, depression, confusion, abandonment, sexual abuse and much more. Some of the ladies came to the class not knowing why they came but finished the class being enlightened by the Word. There were some ladies we never knew what was going on in their lives because they never spoke and these ladies didn't get the victory that comes with confession.

At first you might think, I don't want to confess something that will be repeated to someone else. Like gossip. You see it's like this, in doing so, confessing, you become vulnerable yes, but you also open the door for others to feel safe. It's biblical and confession is good for the soul. But yes, you do need to be careful who you confess to.

Confession is in Step five so there is a time period to get to know the other ladies before opening up and revealing the pits of your soul. As a matter of a fact in a group like this you become very close friends because you all have a lot in common. As we see each other grow and have victories it is also a blessing in each of our lives. It becomes faith building as we each support each other in prayer.

When I started the class I really didn't know what was wrong with me other than I was depressed. Within the first two weeks as we began to study the first few steps I was completely delivered from depression! The Word healed me. Working the steps showed me how I had suppressed anger over some life long issues. I had felt hopeless over these issues and had stuffed them deep down into my spirit and it was killing me slowly with depression. As I was able to forgive my offenders by the grace of God and the power of His word I had complete deliverance. Praise the Lord! You might think, now why didn't God just tell you about the suppressed anger so you could repent and go on your way to a better life. Well, our ways are not like His ways and all things work together for his purpose and plans. Sometimes we have to stand still and be quiet enough to hear his voice.

Now don't think the devil didn't try to raise his ugly head again with depression, but now I am awake in the Word and I laugh at the audacity of the devil, I know his tricks! I have found that as long as I stay in the word daily it is my life line! Darkness can not stay where there is light and Jesus is the light. He is also the Word! Every time I pick up my bible and read it I am fellow-shipping with the Word! (Jesus) Oh how precious is the Word!

The spoken word is so powerful! God spoke the world into existence! Jesus told his disciples  that they would do greater things on this earth than he had done. I believe the spoken word is so powerful that I encourage reading it aloud!

The word says that we reap what we sow and that is so true.  His word says to think on things good, pure and holy. We can be forgiven of those sins that we sowed and saved but we will reap one way or another. One way I believe is in our health. I have suffered back problems since1995. I often wondered why I had to suffer this pain. Now I wonder if it was all the anger I sowed and stuffed inside. Our thoughts and our words are powerful. What are we creating.

I was so blessed by the Life Recovery studies that I started a group in 2014 and I have literally seen these ladies lives changing. Their very countenance has changed.

We have had testimonies that have been amazing. God is changing lives all because of the word.
I don't get paid for this advertisement, but I highly recommend the Life Recovery Bible. In has the twelve step studies inside and it is what I used to be an over-comer! 

Join me in my next post where I will show you scientific proof of how what we say may affect our bodies! Click Here to see...

Blessings! 

Teryan Cooley 
P.S. I am writing a workbook from my class notes that goes with this study and I will be finished soon. I believe you will find it very helpful. Make sure to follow my blog so that you can stay up to date for my announcement for release! 

P.S.S. Please feel free to share this blog with anyone you know who is suffering from depression or anger or any other self defeating habits!