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   

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  11^th 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

www.gamblersanonymous.org 

www.gam-anon.org