Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Tue, Dec 11, 2012
When I was a young man I was taught that "you can't fly like an eagle when you are stuck with the turkeys". That was my youth sports coach's way of telling me to find good friends, people who wanted to be and do something with their life, and not get caught up in the wrong crowd.
Often we think we "mature" out of cliques, but we really don't. Everyone is influenced by their support and peer group and it's critically important to surround yourself with loving, encouraging, positive, growing, life-affirming people...ESPECIALLY at Christmas!
Somehow Christmas often becomes a dread because we allow ourselves to be surrounded by people who are negative, or a negative influence. For those who are in drug and alcohol recovery, surrounding yourself with people who will affirm your new life is critically important at the holidays. Yet even for those who have never struggled with that challenge, it remains the same. Who gives you life? Who brings joy and laughter to you in a positive way? Are there people who bring out the worst habits in you?
At Christmas, give yourself the gift of a good friend. Spend time with those who influence you to keep growing...and toward your better self.
Who is on your Christmas Crew? Who do you love to spend time with?
-David CurryRead all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Mon, Dec 10, 2012
The Christmas season, and other holidays as well, can be stressful for everybody. This may be especially true for people who are in recovery and have Christmas memories that are painful.
One factor which makes the Christmas season, according to psychologists, is that there are so many events and expectations that are different from the normal routine.
Having healthy boundaries, knowing in advance what you are committed to do...and what you won't do, will help to relieve some stress of the unexpected.
Many people know that they need good boundaries, but they miss one important element: Knowing what they want to do.
It's easy to feel trapped into obligations, other peoples expectations, and someone else's idea of a fun Christmas, but the question is: Do you have any better idea?
Often we dont' even know ourselves what we would prefer to do, so we get stressed and bent out of shape by others expectations. The more proactive way to approach it is to write out a plan for your best Christmas. What would you like to do? Who would you like to celebrate with? What would you want to make sure you don't miss?
Plan your Christmas around some of your own personal highlights so that you have some control over you life. If you don't have a plan for your own life, don't be surprised if you end up getting pushed into someone else's plan.
What is a favorite Christmas tradition that you plan to do this year? Share it with me, and what you do to have healthy boundaries at Christmas.
-David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Fri, Dec 23, 2011
There is a time for everything, a time to speak and a time to be silent, the book of Ecclesiastes tells us. (chapter 3) The secret is in knowing which time it is.
With the stress of being with family and the fear of old disagreements and wounds being opened, many people are gearing up for battle.
This Christmas when faced with deciding if it's a time to speak or be silent, use silence and peace as your default position.
You could try to make your points again in those old arguments, or you could accept that disagreement exists and that you don't have to control others, and just move on emotionally.
There is only power in that disagreement if you allow it to bother you.
David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Wed, Dec 21, 2011
Most people want, if only secretly, to be a positive, pivotal person in the lives of others. We want to be remembered, to be missed when we're gone, and to say and do things that will profoundly affect those around.
Here's how you can be the person you've always wanted to be:
Live with unusual passion. You may want to be an impact on others, but if you are sleep walking through life, it's never going to happen. Pour yourself into everything you do.
Speak candidly. Words have the power of life and death. Speak candidly. Most people won't and don't' speak the truth, so nothing they say is remembered. It all blends in. speak the truth in love.
Swing for the fences. Try something truly meaningful. It's not gonna make an impact if it's expected and normal. Do something that will alleviate pain, heal others, encourage the depressed and hopeless.
Show up every day. Some people want to be an impact on others, but they are waiting until they can hit the home run shot, and walk off. Not going to happen. Do little things every day and you'll wake up to find that people need you and rely on you.
David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Tue, Dec 20, 2011
Is when you are blessing others
Is when you are communicating love
Is when you are sharing what little you have
Is when you never miss an opportunity to be grateful
Is when you are surrounded by loving people
Is when you are at peace with what you have
Is when you are filled with contentment
Is there more? add a few to this list...
David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Fri, Dec 16, 2011
That all the people I love know it...
That the people I serve feel cared for...
That those I serve with feel appreciated...
That the people scorn me feel peace...
That the those that are hungry be fed...
That those that are cold receive warmth...
That no child would be without a home...
That my life shows God's love, if even imperfectly...
David Curry
12/16/11
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Tue, Dec 13, 2011
We're thankful for our community partners who help make the work at the Rescue Mission possible.
We have four drop off locations for those of you wishing to donate warm winter clothes, blankets, kids presents or more for the Rescue Mission. Here is a link to a list of things we could use during these cold winter months.
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Fri, Dec 09, 2011
At some point this month, you may run out of money for gifts, but your Christmas list still has names on it. I know that feeling, and it doesn't feel good.
However, unless you are dealing with little children (or adults that act like one), giving a gift that you created yourself will be more meaningful than anything you could buy.
I credit my wife Kate with teaching me this. She has a creative spirit and loves to make gifts and create something really unique that her friends love. Whether it's a handmade card, a floral arrangement or a piece of art, there are many things you can do to show you care without breaking the bank.
Don't accept pressure to be the big spender when you can't afford it. Create something from things you have, with that someone special in mind, that will show you love and appreciate them. Often, it's just creating fun experiences together. Whatever it is, the most important thing is that your gift comes from the heart.
What are some creative, fun ways to give homemade gifts? If you have any ideas to share, please do.
David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org
Posted by Rescue Mission Team on Wed, Dec 07, 2011
The book of Luke tells the story of the birth of John the Baptist, and the birth of Jesus. Many of us read that story at Christmas and marvel and celebrate. Within the story of the birth of John is the reaction of his father Zechariah. In Luke 1:11 it says that Zechariah saw a vision that he was to have a son in his old age and he would called John. No sooner had he saw the vision than he began to question the angel who had visited him. How? Why? What? He was full of questions and doubts. The story goes onto to say that he was struck mute until the birth of John, at which time he was able to speak, and was full of praise and good things to say.
So often we forget that our words are a gift, or if you let it be, a curse. When faced with opportunities and interactions this Christmas will your words bring doubt, confusion, and pain? Or will you be intentional, and make sure your words are a gift?
When I read the story of the birth of John the Baptist I wonder what lessons God was trying to teach us in silencing the doubts and fears of Zechariah. Would his words have been too depressing and discouraging for his wife Elizabeth? Would his words have been poisonous and fearful, creating an atmosphere that would have made the house a tough place for a woman to go through labor?
Whatever the reason, clearly we know that sometimes it's just better to keep quiet than to add doubt, discouragement and fear to someone's life. Instead, make your words like a wonderfully wrapped gift. A compliment or encouragement, even a lesson, wrapped in authenticity and kindness.
How much better would Christmas be if that were the case for all of us?
David Curry
Read all of David Curry's blogs at
http://blog.rescue-mission.org or visit the Rescue Mission at
http://www.rescue-mission.org