Post 62

A SLIP:  Up Front and Personal

If you have kept up with the GRM Blog this summer, you will know that I suffered a foot fracture almost four months ago.  Recovery has been going well ... lots of pain, at first, and big-time swelling.  Gradually, the tenderness subsided and my sasquatch paw has taken the shape and appearance of its right-side companion.  

Walking is comfortable now and every day, I'm feeling stronger and stronger ... so much so that my gait is back to normal and I frequently forget to - purposefully - watch my step.  Therein, lies the problem!  Sometimes, when things are starting to feel almost normal again, we may be tempted to replace our precautionary, recovery-mindsets with actions/thoughts that could very well be counterproductive to a complete return to health and wholeness. 

Take my friend's advice for me to hold onto the stairway railing always.  So the slip came. Yes, it was only one step ... but as I clutched the railing, I thought of what could result from such a misstep.  Somewhat shaken and safely seated in the family room, I then formulated some essential lessons-learned  to put back on my radar screen.  They are lessons for me; but perhaps, these barebone basics will provide wisdom and forethought for any of you in the process of recovery (for any reason!).  

This is what I am re-learning:

• When I think I'm safe to return to "normal", I need to be cautious of quick, automatic responses (maybe I can ...  but maybe not: be deliberate and think!)
• Think about those automatic responses: were they ever safe or wise?
• Are friends/family members repeatedly cautioning me about the same actions? (they actually could have a valid point) 
• Were there mini-slips (or maxi-slips) prior to the most recent one?  Have I reminded myself previously to watch out about certain actions and/or thoughts?
• After the slip, I have needed to re-plug into my getting well mindset ... and vigilantly keep it plugged in.
• Re-evaluate the situation: author new lessons-learned ... and follow them!

The Gamblers Anonymous Yellow Book (p. 17) reminds recovering gamblers to be - and stay - alert.  "Don't test or tempt yourself.  Don't associate with acquaintances who gamble.  Don't go in or near gambling establishments.  Don't gamble for anything."  This is true wisdom for the recovering gambler!  And yet, there's more ...  I close now with the final piece of advice from page 17:

Be patient!  The days and weeks will pass soon enough, and as you continue to attend meetings and abstain from gambling, your recovery will really accelerate.      Amen!

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries

For more information on the Gamblers Anonymous 12 Step Program of Recovery, go to www.gamblersanonymous.org .  Also, information on Gam-Anon, for family members, friends, and/or associates of problem gamblers can be found at www.gam-anon.org   

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

Post 61

Declining Churches and Ministry to Gamblers

This month, we are celebrating our one year anniversary of establishing a resource ministry "outpost" at Christ Ministry Center in San Diego, California.  It's a modest start ... but from the beginning, Rev. Dr. Bill Jenkins, CMC Director, has referred to our two fully stocked mini-libraries (located within the Center) as the "West Coast Headquarters for Gambling Recovery Ministries". 
(see GRM Blog Post 42 at   www.grmumc.org )

Throughout the year, I have appreciated Bill's encouraging support and welcome mat to GRM. Not long ago, he extended - again - a welcome for Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon Meetings to meet at the Center.  Actually, we toured several nice rooms that would be quite suitable and very accommodating for weekly meetings.  As we walked the halls and visited the spaces, the vision of a resource center - with room for meetings, consultations, drop-in discussions and a library brimming with free take-home materials on problem gambling - filled my mind.  Now, I am committing this to concerted prayer ... that the Lord will bring the people and resources together to create such a center of outreach and safe harbor to seek help for recovery.

In the early ‘90’s, before God’s Call for me to enter the ministry, I was actively involved in mission at the parish level.  My pastor, at the time, shared with me a personal revelation, derived from scripture: without a vision, the people perish.  Before “visioning” ever became pop terminology, I was asked to head up a “Vision Committee” for our local church.  We met regularly for almost two years with amazing discussions and planning sessions.  It was an experience that, later, encouraged me, as a pastor, to utilize visioning in church settings and with Gambling Recovery Ministries.  Now – again – I pray for God’s visions:  for GRM and the new Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification program of the American Compulsive Gambling Counselor Certification Board (see Post 60 of the GRM Blog  www.grmumc.org ).  

Back to Christ Ministry Center … the facility was not always a multi-use/multi-ministry/multi-church neighborhood center.  The original structure, built during the 1950’s, housed First Evangelical United Brethren Church of San Diego, a mega church for its time.  Fast forward fifty years, along with church membership dwindling to the point of serious door-closing discussions, the call for visioning came.  Yes, eventually the Church discontinued in 2011  AND  yes, Christ  Ministry Center was born to bring hope, help, love, care, and resurrection-power to all entering the doors. Now, CMC is the home for 12 churches and multiple ministries and agencies of help - including Gambling Recovery Ministries!   

So I continue to pray for vision – not mine, but God’s.  How can GRM most effectively serve problem gamblers and their loved ones, not only in San Diego and Indiana, but wherever those impacted by gambling addiction are?  Will you join me in prayer … for Divine vision and direction … to expand this pioneering outreach of hope and help … to those on the margins of care. 

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs

Founding Director

Gambling Recovery Ministries

NOTE!!  The recent, fascinating article “Officially Closed, but Open to New Ministry” on Christ Ministry Center has been written by Linda Bloom, foremost journalist for the United Methodist News Service (national/international audience).  A thumbnail history describing Dr. Bill Jenkins’ work with the Center’s development is an excellent read. The message of hope and resurrection is evident and the tone is clearly one of inspiration!  Included, as well, is Dr. Jenkins’ listing of advisory suggestions for those considering the re-birthing of a “dying” church.  Check it out!

To read the article, visit:

 www.umc.org/news-and-media/officially-closed-but-open-to-new-ministry

 

For more information about Christ United Methodist Ministry Center, go to  www.christsd.com  

Post 60

ANNOUNCING ......... NEW CERTIFICATION!!

Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification 

in Gambling Addiction Prevention, Education, Awareness

and Spiritual Outreach Care    

I am very pleased to share with you breaking news about a brand-new, first ever, certification - of national stature - for clergy and lay ministers, provided by the American Compulsive Gambling Counselor Certification Board (ACGCCB). 

The American Board  now provides a process for recognizing and certifying clergy and other faith-based workers who are proficient in gambling addiction prevention education, awareness, and supportive outreach, non-clinical care.  With specialized training leading to certification, knowledgeable clergy/faith-based workers, can offer guidance, educational materials, support, hope, spiritual care, and other resources, and  help lead people to certified gambling counselors and recovery support groups.  

Generally, there are few, if any, formal systems of support within faith-based structures for persons affected adversely by disordered gambling. Responding to this need, the ACGCCB Clergy / Lay Ministers Certification is designed to provide basic knowledge about gambling addiction and treatment and recovery resources, to enhance the clergyperson’s skills at recognizing compulsive gambling, and to provide information for the gambler’s family on dealing with their loved one’s addiction. 

Additionally, ACGCCB Certification assures that Clergy and Lay Ministers possess high standards of training, competency, skills, and knowledge.  This enables people with compulsive gambling problems to have confidence that they have  professionals who can provide the very best  first responder care to persons affected, directly or indirectly, by problem gambling.

For more information on attaining this new Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification, starting the process of certification, and the locations and dates of the required Core Curriculum Training, contact the following:

                                                       

 ACGCCB

 3635 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 7

 University Office Plaza 1

 Hamilton, NJ   08619

 Phone:  609-588-9338

 www.certificationboard.com

As I stated at the beginning of Post 60, this gambling-specific Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification is a pioneering project of national scope.  Vision with me ... faith communities (all faiths!) across the country

• lead by clergy and lay ministers knowledgeable about gambling addiction and recovery issues
• equipped with a wide variety of educational materials on problem gambling
• providing information of referral to gambling-specific certified counselors and treatment programs
• welcoming Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon to meet in their faith-centers

Vision with me and pray for clergy and other faith-based workers to catch this vision and join in this new frontier of outreach to those in need of healing and hope!

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs

Founding Director, Gambling Recovery Ministries

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

Spiritual Recovery ... From Where Does Prayer Come? 

Post 59

For the past two-plus weeks, my life has slowed waaaay down.  Attempting a tricky back-hand move on the tennis court netted (no pun intended) a "sprained foot" and lots of elevated-foot rest.  Gradually, improvement has come - from puffy sasquatch paw to a semi-swollen human foot.  So there has been plenty of time to continue the endless sorting of materials in my home office.  (See the May 2014 GRM Blog " at www.grmumc.org ).

As the days pass by - and many faith-based articles from magazines, books, and seminary class papers are reviewed - it clearly has come to me: my recovery is not just about the healing from an injured foot. Rather, these forced recliner-sitting sessions daily bring me to a place where I meet and re-meet the Divine. Continuously, others' faith experiences remind me that this time of recovery can be/is a holy time, one of reflection, prayer, meditation, and discussion.  Often, in fact, hours seem like minutes - and by evening, the day has a satisfying fullness to it.  

During this time, I have thought often of the four Steps (in the Twelve Steps to Recovery of GA and Gam-Anon that specifically address need for a Higher Power of our own understanding.  Each Step builds a momentum toward full recovery; and all four of these Steps enhance the efforts put forth in the working of other Steps.

Here are the four Steps:

Step 2:  Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of thinking and living;
Step 3:  Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power of our own understanding;
Step 7:  Humbly asked God (of our understanding) to remove our shortcomings;
Step 11:  Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for the knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.  

Indeed, both Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon have been described as spiritual programs in the recovery field!

Re-reading Step 11, I am reminded of a "thought" that came to mind a few days ago.  So often, people ask me,  How can I know how to pray within God's will?  Is it sufficient just to pray "not my will but Thine." Yes, of course. Yet, can there be an added dimension to our prayers that will help us to understand more about praying in God's will?

Allow me to offer a suggestion.
(1)  Let us begin with the acceptance that prayer can take the form of simply talking to God (one's Higher Power) ... talking about what is happening in a person's life - the highs and the lows ... and everything in between, particularly issues that need to be addressed in prayer. A good time to do this is at the end of the day.
(2)  During the next day, watch for/be open to  divine promptings ... word(s), images, concepts, concerns. Voice these in simple prayer form - including  "in Your will"  with each.
(3)  Again, say simple "talking" forms of prayers in the evening, as you did the night before.
(4) Continue, the next day, to be aware of divine promptings.  Be watchful and prayerful throughout the day.

Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for the knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.   Amen!

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries

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

Also, visit  www.gamblersanonymous.org  and  www.gam-anon.org  for further details on the Twelve Steps to Recovery.

                        



     

Cleaning Out ... Clearing Up! 
(Recovery Prayers and De-cluttering) 

Post 58

Our recent garage-organization project was on my mind the other day ... such a simple design ... and definitely DIY.  Yes, free-standing shelves and big plastic bins (with covers, definitely) were added ... plus new pegboard now covers most of the walls.  The timing - weather-wise - was perfect: cool days providing slightly brisk conditions that kept the energy flowing without summer's debilitating heat and humidity. We found all kinds of STUFF - much of it to be safely recycled.  Interestingly, several items were uncovered that (1) previously, we had spent time searching and searching; and (2) we had forgotten we ever had! 

When all was said and done, several good "finds" were made.  Obviously, we rediscovered the garage's roominess- including a larger-than-we-thought bump-out area, perfect for a small workshop.  Additionally, there were several unused heavy-duty hanging hooks already fitting into older pegboard spots.  Then too,  we found abundant, untouched space in the old, repurposed kitchen wall cabinets.  In other words, usable areas filled the garage; but they had not been in service, thanks to CLUTTER!

Inspired by the success of our garage project, I moved on to my sewing box, an old trunk, and a large dresser drawer.  Now, I was on a roll!  Once more, I found roominess after the weeding out was completed.  It was the trunk, however, that brought forth new revelations.  This container was crammed with documents, articles, magazines, pictures, cards and letters, old sermons, and most of the term papers from my ministry classes.

As I continued to plow through the paper piles, I grew more and more appreciative of the many experiences and interpersonal dynamics that each piece of paper represented.  The course grades and professors' positive comments pointed to - yes - long, long hours of work and study AND to Divine guidance and wisdom that accompanied me.  I read several papers and shook my head ... it had to have been God who kept me focused, granted insight, and provided the energy to fulfill the course requirements.  At the bottom of the trunk was a heavy box overflowing with letters and cards with so many thoughtful notes - especially during a most difficult time of medical crises for us years ago. 

And then, there was the plastic bag packed with clipped, inspirational articles.  They will be read again and sorted.  My father had made it a weekly practice to write each of his adult children a letter.  Into his 90's the letters regularly came.  He would clip coupons too for all of us - and stuff them along with his single page letters into plain white envelopes.  Almost always, along with the coupons, Dad's weekly packets to me included several articles written by pastors or other faith-based authors. He thought I might be able to use them for my weekly sermons.  Again and again, those articles came ... and I did use a good number of them.  Most of all, I appreciated his wanting to support his daughter's later-in-life call into ministry.  To go over these articles, personally and purposefully selected by my father, will anoint my days to come ... with affirmation from both of my Fathers.  

So in the spirit of recovering the lost/forgotten/unused/neglected/cluttered areas of our lives, this month's edition of the GRM Blog brings forth Prayers as We De-clutter - and Recover !

PRAYERS AS WE DE-CLUTTER - AND RECOVER!

1.  Thank You, God, for giving to me the motivation - even if it's just a beginning, small amount - to start the task of reorganizing this spot (area) in my life.
2.  Thank You for giving me the energy and focus to do the work.
3.  Thank You for increased spaces that I will find in accomplishing my project ... help me to put these areas to work for (not against) my recovery.
4.  As I locate, once-thought, lost items, remind me of personal qualities I am re-experiencing and newly developing in recovery.
5.  As I sort through countless items, reaffirm to me that I was - and still am - a person of worth.  Show me certain "treasures" of past days that will re-enforce my efforts in the journey to recovery.
6.  Last - but most of all - I give You thanks and praise for the work You are doing within me!

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

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries

Reach Out!

Post 57

In February, I was contacted by National Council on Problem Gambling committee members with a request to telephonically meet with them to discuss outreach.  I had been referred to them as one who could provide ideas as to how the Council could reach out to faith-based communities.  The basic question was, What are the most effective ways to share information on problem gambling with religious leaders and their parishes? 

In preparing for the teleconference, I jotted down several "best-practice" and successfully proven experiences I have had in connecting with faith-based communities.  As the list lengthened, the need grew, also, to share - broadly - these endeavors.  So ... here is the list!  

REACHING OUT TO FAITH COMMUNITIES CHECKLIST

1.  Reach out to specific faith-based places of worship/agencies/ministry centers/treatment centers that already deal with addiction issues.  Often, these entities will be open to gaining more information that are recovery-specific with regard to gambling problem.  However, such centers/parishes may not be up to speed on knowledge about gambling addiction - much less, having awareness of their area's certified compulsive gambling treatment providers, GA/Gam-Anon Meetings, or even problem gambling help-line numbers.  Therefore, go where addiction is already part of the conversation and join in!
An excellent example of a faith-based treatment center - already addressing gambling issues - is Salvation Army's Harbor Light Center in Indianapolis.  Check with the Harbor Light staff about their established connections with churches, agencies, and other ministry centers that would be receptive to information about problem gambling and recovery issues.

2.  Some States have State employees whose job description calls for interacting with the faith-based community with regard to addiction issues - problem gambling included.  Connecting with these persons may provide excellent partnering relationships in outreach to many people!

3.  Use the person-to-person approach and utilize your own resources.  Individuals with strong faith-based connections, generally,  provide personal encouragement to clergy and lay leaders alike.  These folks can be great door-openers for meeting with congregational leaders and parish clergy.

4.  Congregations often have "Social Justice" or "Social Concerns" types of committees.  Community outreach usually falls to these groups.

5.   Be prepared!  Have quality materials - in quantity - about problem gambling and recovery issues.  Include practical information such as listings of certified compulsive gambling treatment providers and Gamblers Anonymous/Gam-Anon Meetings.  Also, have speakers ready and willing to present programs in faith-based settings - both professionals and GA/Gam-Anon members.

6.  Consider going all out and sponsor educational conferences for interfaith audiences on gambling addiction and recovery.  Expanding the topics to include substance abuse and other addictions without substance may bring a larger response, as well.  Work together with other mental health leaders to put together a top-rate program.  Have a point-person from the faith-based community to serve on the event's planning committee.  Gear publicity to both faith-based and secular audiences.  Grant CEUs!  An example of such a program is detailed in the GRM Blog, September 2013 edition.  This describes the First Responder Conference - held on September 13, 2013 in Indianapolis.

7.  When visiting with clergy, refer to Gambling Recovery Ministries website www.grmumc.org Click on "Ministry" and then "Initial Contact".  This is a mini-tutorial script  for clergy who are speaking for the first time with a person affected by problem gambling.  Again, this is another very practical help that can be shared with clergy of all faiths.
 
In closing, I want to encourage you: share the good news of hope, help, and recovery to communities of faith.  Just about every time I present a program about problem gambling to a congregation, a person will share with me afterward how gambling addiction has directly touched his/her life. 

 Reach out!  Many are waiting for help and healing ... and the good news that you can bring!

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries

 

 

       

  

Re

Climbing the Steps: Setting Goals and Reaching Them!

Post 56

In January, I didn't envision or plan to start the new "Blog Year" with a three-part series on accomplishing resolutions.  However, the immediate past two Posts have flowed along this pattern; and then this month, one more set of reminders for achieving goals came my way.  For several weeks now, I have been a part of a program for Lent called "Forty Days to Integrity".  Each day during the Lenten Season, I view a different, five minute video presented by Reverend Dr. Bill Jenkins.  Easily accessible, these short programs come via e-mail through www.eintegrity.net . 

As I was watching one of these clips, Seven Strategies for Reaching Your Goals, a light bulb blinked on: utilize these strategies in working on and achieving each of the Twelve Steps.  So often, one hears that a certain Step - for an individual - seems to be more difficult to accomplish than the others.  The next thought that came to mind was that (of course!) each Step, in itself, is a goal of recovery on the way to accomplishing the ultimate goal of full recovery.  So then, why not apply these "Strategies" for reaching recovery goals throughout the working of each of the Steps!

Therefore, while a person works an individual Step, some or all of the strategies can be great tools.  Take a close look at the Seven Strategies below.  Then review the Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon Twelve Steps to Recovery.  See how many of the Strategies can apply within the recovery work for each Step.  Indeed, I think you will find that most or many of them will be of significant help in accomplishing the many goals of recovery - one Step at a time! 

SEVEN STRATEGIES FOR REACHING YOUR GOALS  www.eintegrity.net

1.  Think the BIG picture.  (What does recovery-in-all-kinds-of-ways look like to you?)

2.  Write it down.  (You can review and thus remember exactly what your goals are.)

3.  Break your big goals into smaller steps.  (Mini-steps of recovery within each Step!)

4.  Prioritize  (This helps you to see your mini-goals more clearly; and keeps you more organized.)

5.  Set deadlines and milestones BUT be realistic and make them measurable.  (Again: be realistic!)

6.  Use great role models  - persons who inspire you. (Persons you know AND/OR those you only  
     know about.)

7.  Keep your eye on the "prize".  (Your recovery goals for each Step.)  

For more information on "40 Days to Integrity" contact Dr. Bill Jenkins, through his contact information at www.christsd.com . 

For listings of the Gamblers Anonymous 12 Steps to Recovery and the Gam-Anon Twelve Steps, go to www.gamblersanonymous.org  and  www.gam-anon.org .  In addition, the National Hotline for GA is (888) GA-HELPS.

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries