In December 2004, I decided to attend a five-day intensive workshop for women who struggled with sexual addictions. One of the group activities I was a part of involved figuring out how to get out of a maze while blindfolded. Well, I am all about solving puzzles and was up to the challenge, or so …
God's grace can be very difficult to grasp because it doesn't always make sense and seems intangible. I know it involves His love and His sacrificing His only son, Jesus, just as John 3:16 reminds us. Yet, God's grace is so much more. I've spent the past few years attempting to better understand God's grace …
When I was deep into my addictions, I was very fearful and resistant to the idea of being vulnerable. I was all about keeping my secrets and building a wall of protection around me so no one could hurt me or know that I was insecure and flawed. I was all about being perfect in …
My addiction to pornography and self gratification carried an immense amount of shame with it. I kept it secret, fearing I would be embarrassed, rejected, humiliated, and ridiculed for who I was. You see, I saw myself as a pervert; there was something really wrong with me because I was unable to be a "good …
As I was scooping my driveway today after an overnight blizzard, the song "White As Snow" was humming in my head. White as snow, white as snow, though my sins are as scarlet, Lord I know, Lord I know, that I'm clean and forgiven. Through the power of your blood, through the wonder of your …
Jim Burgen in his book, No More Dragons, discusses the meaning of Jesus' first beatitude - "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." as follows: Blessed, Greek word is makarios, which translated is, "Full of God; fully and wholly satisfied in God; connected to God and having God live …
For the past 14 years or so I have been on a life-transforming journey that took me from isolation, self-judgement, and the ever-present "rules and standards" of perfectionism and people-pleasing. The fallout from that pursuit led me into the depths of despair, failure and secret sin. The more I tried to be perfect, the further …
Carol's Thoughts 