Thursday, December 1, 2016


Post 89
GIVING HOPE
The title caught my eye: How to Do Giving Tuesday for Free; and the email continued,  “instead of giving money, consider giving reviews.”  (info@sojourrngrace.com ) What a great idea: positive reviews draw interest - and curiosity may bring folks to attend the reviewed place of worship.  The reviewer didn’t spend a penny … BUT an encouraging word can be worth its weight in gold!
For this issue of December’s GRM Blog, I want to follow along this theme of giving – GIVING HOPEIn the clergy trainings I teach (for the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board’s Clergy/Lay Minister Certification), I caution the class members to be mindful about using the word  hope  too quickly or easily with individuals whose lives are severely impacted by gambling addiction  -  including the family members -  who, likewise, suffer from this devastating illness.
During the work I do as Director of Gambling Recovery Ministries, I speak with folks whose lives reflect just that: to them, all hope is gone. Their lives are ruled by an addiction that attacks the person’s mind, body, and spirit:  obsessive thinking, compulsive urges to gamble regardless of the circumstances, the breakdown of the family and other personal relationships … then too, the person’s faith can collapse.
It is quite common for those in the “Hopeless Phase” to believe that God has already abandoned them … that the Divine Healer has given up and moved on. Therefore, they think, I’m in this alone … “Why pray?  There won’t be any healing for me.”  … “I’m not worthy of being prayed for OR of even being the one who prays.”
AND SO, I challenge the clergy to be “GUIDES-TO-HOPE” … even before the person is able to perceive a glimmer of hope for recovery.  One of the first exercises we do in class is to read together what is called The 13 Affirmations of Women for Sobriety (WFS) recovery program.  The purpose of this is to demonstrate how we will picture the person who comes to us for help  -  that we, ourselves, will see them – successful in recovery – as individuals filled with hope and promise.
For us, then, as guides-to-hope, we need to first center within our own minds what hope will actually mean to the one who is suffering and not experiencing any hope for his/her present or future.  From a number of definitions of the word hope come these components:  anticipation with confidence, trust, some sense of potential (positive) certainty, a foretaste of do-able optimism, and capacity for being workable … moreover, as opposed to mere wishful thinking, there is encouragement and  truth to back up hope. 
Additionally – and significantly – I want to include further definition to the concept of hope.
The following is a slice from the sermon I preached this past Sunday, kicking off a Sermon Series on HOPE leading up to Christmas Sunday.  
How would it be if we start off defining HOPE as an expectation which is God-derived ...
that the foundation of HOPE comes from a desire/ an anticipation instilled within each of our hearts by God.  In other words, let us see HOPE, as God’s gift – given to us, in response to our prayers for HOPE  -  specific to our own circumstances … and that in doing so, desires for what I’ll call  God-outcomes swell within our hearts and minds  …   that we may become filled with hope in ways that we would never expect – which then brings us to what I’ll term as holy trust and peace
Here-in, is the message for each of us.
WHAT DO WE HOPE FOR?  DO WE EVEN PRAY FOR HOPE?
·         How teach-able are we?
·         Have we decided the limits of God’s divine ministry, directed to us?
·         Have we limited the number of miracles – or blessings – that the Creator of the Universe will bestow upon us?
·         Do we discount or minimize what God has personally shown us already ?
THREE CLOSING QUESTIONS FOR OUR REFLECTING ON HOPE:
·         Are we open and ready for unexpected miracles to happen in our personal circumstances?
·         How, indeed, does trust interact with hope ?
·       Do our own lives reflect hope to the realistic extent that we can serve as Guides-to-Hope for others?
Once more, what do you hope for …now and in the coming year(s)?
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs, CCGSO
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
 For more information on recovery from problem gambling and other addictions, go to:

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

POST 88

Whether (or not, recovery will bring fair “weather”??)  Forecasts: 

Part 3 in a Series of 3

Yes, eventually, eventually, Fall has arrived in southern Indiana: forecasts of 60’s highs, 40’s lows, sunshiny days, and deep blue skies !  At last, we are seeing the turning of green leaves to orange, red, yellow, and brown – my favorite time of year here in the Heartland!  

As noted in the GRM Blog’s September edition:  Recovery can be like that too: eventually, eventually!  And still, we need goals, promises, and affirming predictions.  Throughout the past two months, I have been blogging “forecasts” of recovery for each of the Twelve Steps through Step 9.  The inspiration of such Forecasts are the Affirmations and Promises described by 12 Step Recovery folks as they share with newcomers anticipated progress in attaining stability and wellness.  

Returning again to Post 86, we are reminded that,  Most likely, recovery is a mosaic of many, mini (and at times maxi) journeys … To be sure, affirming predictions are valuable – with timing, cautiously, an individual matter.  Accordingly, then, we will take a look at peeks of recovery for the last three Steps – the Maintenance Steps. 

For all of the previous Step Work accomplished, the efforts made may only be temporary if it were not for Steps 10-12.  Predictable and unpredictable challenges, recovery work evolving into routine lifestyles –with possible patterns of boredom, and hurried over-expectations of goals to achieve all work against the developing signs of restoration and recovery.  Thus vigilant and persistent attention to these final three Steps assure the central binds of unifying each of the Steps into a cohesive recovery plan and pattern.   

FORCASTING RECOVERY: STEP BY STEP

Step 10:  [We]  continue to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. 

Pride is getting edged out by willingness NOT to see everything through our eyes only.  We search actively to seek additional reasons why unfair – and unrealistic – accusations are headed our way.  Anger and stubbornness lessen as we do not always have to be right. Then too, our willingness to be open to the possibility of being wrong gives us, also, room to explore where we may fit into the issues that involve us.  We feel a freedom to be both accurately wrong OR right!  With this freedom, our self-esteem rises for we are now exercising the ability to gain realistic perception and attaining discernment! With false pride out of the way, we find ourselves connecting more deeply and meaningfully with others.

Step 11:  [We] sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

This step pairs our active recovery work with God’s will for our lives along with divine power .  We are not only a recipient of divine care; but also, we are proactively working out God’s will for our individual lives;  and we do not do this under human power alone.  Rather, God will provide this power to carry out His plan for us. Once again, we are not alone on our recovery journeys!

Step 12:  Having made an effort to practice these principles in all our affairs, we tried to carry this message to other compulsive gamblers.

Now, it’s about reaching out – and being the helper to others.  Knowing the struggles we have already experienced and have worked through (and to which we are still applying recovery work), we can share suggestions, knowledge, wisdom, materials, and listening ears in order to provide vital connection to those suffering from compulsive gambling.  This connection opens the door of solitary suffering and brings the fellow gambler into a community of recovery and wellness.  Our progress toward healing becomes affirmed each time we extend help to others.  We see our own gratitude (for recovery) in the face of those in need.  We feel encouraged, all over again, as those seeking help are assured and affirmed.  The connections grow for them and for us!

May you continue to be blessed as you work your recovery and look ahead to forecastings of personal growth, accomplishment, and peace!

 

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs

Founding Director

Gambling Recovery Ministries

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, go to www.grmumc.org


Friday, October 21, 2016

Post 87 
 
COMING NOVEMBER 2016 …

to the Greater Indianapolis Area

 
INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING COUNSELOR CERTIFICATION BOARD

CLERGY/LAY MINISTER CERTIFICATION

in Problem Gambling Prevention, Education, Awareness,

and  Spiritual Outreach Care

FOUR MODULE TRAININGS  (FREE*)

(required toward completion of Certification process)

Presented by the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB),  all four required Curriculum Modules toward the new non-clinical Certification for Clergy and Lay Ministers will be given this November 2016 in Plainfield, IN in the Greater Indianapolis Area. 

For those persons who need to pick up Modules for completing all four Modules, this is an opportunity to do so.  For those who have completed all four Modules, please, feel welcome to share this information with others who would be interested in attaining National/International Certification. 

Modules 1, 2, 3 and 4 … Training Sessions November 2016

IGCCB Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification

MODULE 1:  FRIDAY, November 4

MODULE 2:  SATURDAY, November 5

MODULE 3:  FRIDAY, November 11

MODULE 4:  SATURDAY, November 12

ALL SESSIONS:  Sign-In begins at 9:00 AM

Instruction Time:  9:25 AM -  4:00 PM

Location:  PLAINFIELD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

800 Dan Jones Rd., Plainfield, Indiana 46168

NOTES:

Registration is still open!  For registration information, contact the Indiana Council on Problem Gambling at (866) 699-4274.  Please, indicate the Module(s) for which you are registering OR all Modules

·     Cost: The Trainings are FREE.  Following the Trainings, there is an Administrative Fee of $50 payable to IGCCB for continued work toward Certification.  Please note that the IGCCB has waived the $185 initial Certification Fee through June 30, 2017.

Meals: Lunches will be “working lunches” and catered on site. We will have coffee and light refreshments available in the mornings during “Sign-In” time.

Directions: 
FROM   Interstate 465 and PLAINFIELD:

 From  I 465,  exit to US 40 North.  Continue US 40 N to Dan Jones Rd.  Turn left onto Dan Jones.

Proceed north on Dan Jones Road from US Hwy 40/Washington Street, about 1/2 mile. Turn left to the Church.

Park and enter by DOOR 3.  Sign-In begins at 9:00 AM  in Classroom A239 (take stairway to second floor or use the elevator).  Coffee is available on the first floor.  Class begins at 9:25.

 The Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification is a Program of the International Gambling Counselors Certification Board.  This is a National / International Certification. 

The Four Modules total twenty-four classroom hours and 24 CEUs from IGCCB.

For more information on this Certification, contact the Indiana Council on Problem Gambling at (866) 699-4274.
 
EDITOR'S NOTE:
 
This is a terrific opportunity for clergy and lay ministers of ALL faiths to receive current and valuable information on gambling addiction and recovery issues - both clinical AND practical - for immediate application within multiple ministry settings (parish, mission outreach, and pastoral counseling).  The IGCCB Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification on Gambling Addiction Awareness, Prevention, Education, and Spiritual Outreach Care is designated a National/International Certification.  This is cutting edge ministry - meeting our world's present and very real challenges in facing gambling addiction as it impacts gamblers of all ages and cultures, their families, friends, associates, and employers.
 
Plainfield, Indiana neighbors Indianapolis, I 465, and the Indy Airport: an accessible and central location!
 
There is still time to register! 
 
Blessings,
 
Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
 
For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit the following websites:
 
 
 
 

Friday, September 23, 2016


Post 86

Whether (or not, recovery will bring fair “weather”??)  Forecasts: 

Part 2 of a Series of 3

Well, as not predicted, Midwest USA weather has continued to be summer. It’s three days into Fall and forecasts are for 90 degrees here today!  Next week though… highs in the 70s are promised.  And so it goes, eventually, we will get to the promised, lovely temperatures of autumn. 

Recovery can be like that too: eventually, eventually!  And still, we need goals, promises, and affirming predictions.  A friend in recovery, years ago, advised me, in my work as Director of Gambling Recovery Ministries: Keep it simple, Janet, keep it simple.  And she was so very right.  As I include within my presentations to clergy and other professionals, each person seeking help, comes with his/her own individual territory.  Whether folks are genetically predisposed, environmentally impacted, or a combination thereof, recovery has its own path … sometimes uphill, or smooth, and/or ditch-prone.  Most likely, recovery is a mosaic of many, mini (and at times maxi) journeys.

To be sure, affirming predictions are valuable – with timing, cautiously, an individual matter.  In other words, without positives … why bother?  Still, even a health – or otherwise - scare (or negative motivation)  can be turned into a positive. 

As we take a look at Steps 4-9 in this edition of the GRM Blog, we’ll see the deep trench-work of the 12 Steps to Recovery program.  It is, particularly, in working these Steps, that one becomes aware of both the denial-smashing and the strength-building that will occur and develop.  Indeed, it can be said that this is when the Talk truly becomes the Walk!

FORCASTING RECOVERY: STEP BY STEP

Step 4:  [We make]  made a searching and fearless moral and financial inventory of ourselves

We may ease into this Step – at first – because it is a one-on-one facing of ourselves, only by ourselves.  It’s an introduction, so to speak, to self-honesty.  Both the moral and the financial aspects of our lives will intertwine.  Untangling will begin - only to find more tangles.  Again, keeping things simple, warrants plenty of time to be devoted to working this Step. 

Then too, we are to include BOTH the positives and the negatives within our inventories.  As we inspect our lists, we discover more – and we begin to feel freer to discover more.  The person we are inventorying is actually not a blur … rather, there are actual qualities to improve and eliminate, as well as the positives we can old in esteem (even if we think they are only specks).   Thus the work before us – at least – seems somewhat tangible.

STEP 5:  [We admit]  admitted to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs

As self-honesty has developed during Step 4, we are becoming less defensive of past actions/attitudes/thoughts.   Self-admission – rather than self-justifying – begins to make thinking about our lives less complicated.  It is what it is, we may tell ourselves often. 

When it comes time to take on Step 5, we can approach another person (a trusted one!) with more openness and less shame.  Yes, there will be feelings of guilt but somehow  the speaking aloud to a trusted person begins to extract the wrong(s) from the shame-encrusted, secreted corners of our minds  - and puts them on the going-to-do-something-about-it  work-table.   Most likely – now - it is in expanding our recovery work to include another individual, we become more willing to actively take on accountability.  We are no longer humanly alone.

STEPS  6, 7, 8, and 9:  WORK!  WORK!  WORK!  WORK!

STEP  6:  [We are]  were entirely ready to have these defects of character removed

Entirely ready is facing the future, being open to start a new chapter in life, feeling prepared to leave harmful ways, and TO CHANGE.

This Step renders the old, dysfunctional mechanisms and attitudes useless to us anymore … no longer a functioning part of our being, and deemed counterproductive to all aspects of healthy living.

STEP 7:  [We]  humbly ask God (of our understanding) to remove our shortcomings

Now, we have a clearer picture of how to ask God for help.  Again, we realize that we are not alone – and from Step 3 on, we have already experienced divine care in granting us courage to share our moral and financial inventories with another person, as well as being ready to change and not rely on our old shortcoming ways.

STEP 8:  [We make]  made a list of all persons we had harmed and became [become] willing to make amends to them all

Our shortcomings and character defects take on personal faces.  Being entirely ready as in Step 6, may challenge our senses of courage and resolve.  Making the list helps us to take one situation at a time – and not become overwhelmed.  God’s care continues as progress in recovery is reflected in our calling for guidance in making this list.  As we work this Step, each listing becomes an opening for a new relationship and/or a lighter sense of debt (financial and otherwise).   

STEP 9:  [We]  make amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others

Working this Step is a compilation of progressing through all of the previous Steps … belief in a power greater than ourselves, honesty in self-assessment, acceptance, reaching out, responsibility, relationship building.  There’s a willingness to act and speak minus the crutches of  former character defects.  Empathy and patience for those impacted helps us to see others in a new light.  Forgiving and seeking forgiveness deepen our commitment to recovery.  Loving oneself and others now takes on new depths.

Next month, we will take a look at Steps 10-12 … the necessary maintenance steps.  Remember:  Progress in recovery is always progress!
Join us in October!

Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries


 For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit:
www.gamblersanonymous.org                          www.calpg.org
www.indianaproblemgambling.org                     www.kycpg.org

 

Friday, August 26, 2016

Post 85

Whether ( or not, recovery will bring fair “weather”??) Forecasts:  Part 1 of a Series of 3

Yes, the recent hot, humid days have reminded me that it is, indeed, August … and yet, afternoon’s slant of pre-autumn sunshine forecasts cooler and drier days to come.  Even as sweat rolls off my forehead during outdoor chores, I can almost catch the aroma of dry leaves and hear their crackling sounds as feet shuffle along sidewalks. My mind turns to weather forecasts predicting crisper mornings and sleep-with-the-windows-open nights.  Extended predictions give the highs and lows of the coming days; and I look forward to 70’s high temperatures!


My mind turns to … I look forward to … yes, that’s expected thinking this time of year for Midwest autumn lovers.  However, a look above at our title for this edition of the GRM Blog indicates the topic is not weather-related.  Instead, the question of whether-or-not brings our focus to the what-can-I-expect recovery to bring me … what can I anticipate as I enter recovery work … will I be able to forecast – and experience – changes that will help me to attain wellness from addiction … how will I like my new life in recovery …  what can I look forward to …?


A couple of past Posts have addressed such what-will-I-face questions with affirming descriptions of recovery.  Checking back, Post 29 on July 3, 2012 lists the “Freedoms” experienced as each of the 12 Steps to Recovery are attained.  For December 15, 2011 (Post 22), you’ll read about “Promises/Presents” associated with the holiday-related “Recovery Tree”. (
www.grmumc.org ) Then too, the Gamblers Anonymous program offers GA Promises (to experience) when living the life of recovery.  (www.gamblersanonymous.org )

As the possibility and increasing probability of change approaches, it is quite normal – and expected – that the whether or nots thoughts (and often fears) grow within the individual’s mind.  Treatment, support groups, accountability, the 12 Steps … become daunting challenges. 


Therefore, to address such concerns, this month’s edition takes a look at the first three  Steps to Recovery and connects them to forecastings of experiences to look forward to and to live by. 


Note:  each “forecast” is singular, first-person wording – as though the person in recovery would actually speak!

FORECASTING RECOVERY: STEP BY STEP


Steps 1, 2, and 3  [to Recovery]  are listed below in quotes. www.gamblersanonymous.org  and  www.gam-anon.org

Remember!  The “forecasts” are italicized and written as though recovery is in progress!


1. “We admitted we were powerless over gambling [the problem in our family] – that our lives had become unmanageable.”


I no longer count on an IF world … rather I begin to admit the real-ness – and limitations - of my own individual reality.  Therefore, my life is taking on more predictable outcomes, with the consequences of my actions more apparent and thus manageable.  My goal setting now is tailored to recovery – not escape or risk-taking.


2. “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of thinking and living.”


I no longer feel alone in dealing with my gambling problems [the problem in my family].  Moreover, there is additional power to help me; and it’s greater than my own present abilities.  Therefore, I am not limited to just my solutions, fears, expectations, and worries.  I’m starting to trust the idea that – with this Power’s help and care of/for me - I can, once again, have clear thinking and experience normal life patterns.

  
 3. “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power of our own understanding.”

I decided to trust the Higher Power of my own understanding and made the decision to turn myself – my will and whole life – over to the personal care of this Power.  Since then, I have experienced the Power’s growing, in me, the strength, courage, wisdom, patience and knowledge to counter the addiction that I have been so affected and influenced by. I no longer have to trust in my will – but instead, the will of One greater than me.  My thinking abilities and living patterns are increasingly steadier - and actually are starting to feel more normal! 


These first three Steps are, basically, an introduction – an ushering in – to life wherein trust, a Higher Power, hope, and forecasting of a “normal way of thinking and living” are actual options to be experienced and realized!  All necessary, they prepare the person to face more reality – their own selves and actions.

Steps 4-9 … They are the tough, boots-on-the-ground and yet beautiful - steps of self-awareness, repair, and restoration. We’ll be in the trenches of recovery with them next month. 

 
Join us in September!


Blessings,


Rev. Janet Jacobs  
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries


For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit


www.ncpg@ncpgambling.org     www.indianaproblemgambling.org     www.kycpg.org

www.calpg.org        www.ipgap.indiana.edu   

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Post 84

BELATED JULY NEWS

International Gambling Counselor Certification Board

CLERGY/LAY MINISTER CERTIFICATION UPDATE NEWS!!!


NEW DATE EXTENDS CERTIFICATION FEE WAIVER!

The actual Certification Fee of $185 is now being waived through June 30, 2017, for those applicants who have completed the training sessions (4 Modules), the required Class Project, and Oral Examination (an interview as to what the applicant has learned throughout the Certification process).  On July 13, at the first Board Meeting of the newly merged Board (International Gambling Counselor Certification Board and the American Compulsive Gambling Counselor Certification Board),   the decision was made to extend the initial Certification Fee waiver for six additional months, thus providing more time to fulfill the requirements toward Certification.

Therefore, the opportunity to complete the required work and attain International Clergy/Lay Minister Certification, for only the Administrative Fee of $50, is still open.

NOTE!  The four Modules may be taken in any order.

The following article details the next steps to be achieved in order to complete the requirements for IGCCB Clergy/Lay Minister Certification!

ALL MODULES TAKEN?  WHAT’S NEXT?

NEXT STEPS

TOWARD CERTIFICATION

·         The Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification is granted by the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board and is of international certification status.  This certification is for pastors/clergy/Ordained Deacons and designated religious workers or Lay Ministers who will be trained in both clinical information and spirituality issues, along with parish application.

·         Submission of a written Proposal for your Class Project. Upon approval of Proposal and completion, submission of a type-written report is required, describing (1) the project created and implemented (2) the impact the project has had since it was implemented
Included, additionally, may be photographs/videos with the written report.

       
·         Passing of the Oral Examination:  This will take the form of an interview between the applicant and designated IGCCB Members.  The emphasis will be how the Trainings, Class Project, Readings, and Attendance to the Open GA and Gam-Anon Meetings have impacted the applicant’s ministry: the additions and changes made within his/her work ministry setting(s), along with other involvements with regard to gambling addiction awareness, prevention, education, and spiritual outreach care.  This interview will take place either in person or by telephone.

·         Checklist of forms to be completed and postal mailed to the International Board (along with the $50 Administrative Fee):

            Application Checklist

____ Application Form Completed

____ Education/Training Certificate of all four Completed Module Trainings

____ Ethics Page: Signed

____ Reflections Section (Open GA and Gam-Anon Meetings) completed

____ Payment of $50.00 (Administration Fee) Payable to IGCCB

____ Your Signature

____ Completed recommended readings from the bibliography

 
·         There is a $50 fee which is the "Administrative Fee" for the International Board's administering the certification process of the applicant.  This includes the instruction, class materials, and any mentoring for the applicant by the instructors.  The actual Certification Fee of $185 is being waived through June 30, 2017, for those applicants taking the training sessions (4 Modules) and doing the required project and oral examination (more of an interview as to what the applicant has learned throughout the certification process). This Administrative Fee is to be included within the application forms to be sent to the International Board.  See address below:

              International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB)  

                  730  11th Street NW,   Suite 601

                  Washington D.C.  20001

                   Phone:  (202) 547 - 9204

 ·         For more information or if you have questions, contact the following:

          International Gambling Counselor Certification Board: (202) 547-9204  Ext. 24  
            

FOLLOWING INITIAL CERTIFICATION: 

CONTINUING CERTIFICATION

 Notify any change of e-mail address, phone number, and postal address to the International Board (see above address).
 
·         Complete and submit Annual Accountability Attestation Form (This Form will be sent annually to Certified Clergy/Lay Ministers.)

·         Provide document(s) evidencing completion of 18 hours of gambling-specific CEU hours every three years

·         Re-certification is every three years.   

·         The Re-Certification Fee amount is $95.
 
 
POST JULY REPORT:
 
Another very successful Certification Training of all Four Modules took place in Lexington, Kentucky of July 22-23 and 29-30!  Discussions now are under way as to possible future Trainings in Indiana and Maryland.  Stay tuned for dates, locations, and details!!
 
We will keep you posted!!!
 
Blessings,
 
Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
 
                                                                                                                                                                                               
For more information on problem gambling issues, go to www.ncpgambling.org
 
For more information on gambling recovery support organizations, go to