Addiction is one of the most common diseases in our country and it has steadily gotten worse. This disease has or is affecting a majority of houses and families in some way shape or form with negative effects, but yet is so steered away from, but why? Why do we choose to let such a real problem get brushed under the table? In my opinion, we often hide from things we don't understand, things outside of our power to control or to change. It's often easier to accept defeat, than go to the lengths necessary to overcome an obstacle. Personally I cannot say that I have met an addict whose goal in life was to be one.

It's my goal to help bring light and understanding to those who God would have me reach. I want people to know there is a solution!! Millions of people worldwide have combated and overcome addiction worldwide using one simple solution, one that has been far more effective and life changing than any medicine on the market. That solution is God.

We find, in recovery, the beautiful restorative healing power of God, who is very much active and willing to help, if you have the faith to come to Him. The Twelve Steps are a common solution. When done correctly, they offer a solution to addiction based solely off of spiritual principles. I personally used to laugh at them, until I reached my turning point of being broken enough that I was willing to try anything. I've been sober for 2 years, 4 months, and six days as of the writing of this article.

I have seen people delivered in an instant, I have seen people who have had to work harder in some cases, but people are being delivered. I have seen people who know a lot about Jesus be delivered, and I've seen Jesus heal people who did not even know Him yet! What an amazing God I serve! My life has been filled with walking with God, and getting to watch people overcome a seemingly hopeless state, to a fully recovered state of mind and spirit!! What a blessing life is. If you are struggling, it's ok. It's ok to ask for help. It's ok if you have made mistakes, and it's ok if you don't know what to do. It's a choice, to do nothing about it! Reach out, find a twelve step meeting, and learn about addiction and ways to overcome it! Remember, you are loved!

You are welcome at CAYA Recovery meetings. Caya Recovery meets every Monday at 6pm at the CAYA Fellowship building: 15960 US HWY 160 Forsyth, MO 65653.

As December arrives, our hearts turn toward the celebration of the greatest gift ever given—Jesus Christ. In a season filled with lights, music, and gatherings, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness. But at the center of it all is the quiet, powerful truth: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).

Christmas is not about what we find under the tree, but about the One who hung on the tree for us. Jesus came into the world as a humble baby, yet He brought salvation, hope, and eternal life. His birth reminds us that God’s love is not distant—it is personal, present, and available to each of us.

The church is where we gather to celebrate this gift together. In worship, we lift our voices in praise. In fellowship, we encourage one another. In service, we extend Christ’s love to the world. December is a beautiful time to come together as the body of Christ, to remember that we are not alone in our faith journey. When we come to church, we are reminded of the bigger story we belong to—the
story of God’s redeeming love. Each sermon, each song, each prayer draws us closer to Jesus and to one another.

This month, let us not only celebrate Jesus with words, but also with actions. Share kindness with those who are hurting. Give generously to those in need. Invite someone to church who may not know the joy of Christ. Take time to reflect on God’s blessings and offer Him your gratitude.

December brings long nights and early sunsets, but it also brings the glow of Christmas lights that brighten our homes and streets. In the same way, Jesus came as the Light of the World to shine into the darkness of sin, fear, and despair. No matter how heavy the world feels, His light cannot be overcome. When we welcome Jesus into our hearts, His light fills us and shines through us. We become reflections of His love, bringing hope to the hopeless, peace to the weary, and joy to the brokenhearted.

Each time you see Christmas lights this month, pause and thank Jesus for being your Light. Ask God to show you one person you can encourage or serve this week. Carry His light into your workplace, your family gatherings, and your community.

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Light that no darkness can overcome. Help me to carry Your light into every place I go this December. May my words and actions reflect Your love, and may others see You through me. Amen.

These challenges can be tough, but your dedication and passion make a difference

Have you ever found yourself keeping score when it comes to forgiveness, thinking, "I'll forgive them this time, but if they do it again..."? This natural human tendency to put limits on grace reveals a spiritual struggle that can hinder our relationship with God and limit His power in our lives. 
In Matthew 18:21, Peter approached Jesus with a seemingly generous question: "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?" Peter thought he was being magnanimous, as Jewish teaching suggested forgiving someone three times was sufficient. 
Jesus’ response shattered all human calculations: "I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." This wasn't a literal mathematical formula, but rather Jesus' way of saying forgiveness should be limitless.

When we count our acts of forgiveness, we reveal a troubling scorekeeping mentality that extends to our entire relationship with God. Many believers unconsciously put limits on their spiritual growth, setting comfortable boundaries and refusing to step beyond them, even when God is calling them to greater things. 
Jesus illustrated this principle with the Parable of the Unpayable Debt. A servant owed his king 10,000 talents—an impossible debt. The king, showing incredible mercy, forgave the entire debt. Yet, this same servant immediately went out and had a fellow servant thrown into prison over a debt of just a few dollars.

Remember the freedom you felt when the weight of sin was lifted off your shoulders? That freedom is still available. Christ gave you freedom; do not let people, circumstances, or even your own thoughts put chains back on you. 
God has amazing plans for each of us, but until we stop limiting Him with our conditions and comfort zones, we will struggle with the same issues. The question isn't whether God is ready to move in your life. The question is: Are you ready to take that next step? 
The real cost of spiritual growth is dying to what the flesh wants and moving forward in the Spirit. It's about denying ourselves and following Christ, even when it's uncomfortable. 
Examine your heart for areas where you’ve been keeping score. Choose to release that debt, just as God released yours. Stop putting conditions on your relationship with God and allow Him to take you to the next level of spiritual growth and authority. 
Remember, God's grace toward you was extravagant and limitless. Now it's time to extend that same grace to others and to yourself, breaking free from the bondage of unforgiveness and stepping into the fullness of what God has planned for your life.