Faith is a Journey

Faith, like anything in life, is a journey. This can be especially difficult because we live in a society that thrives on instant solutions. This thought came to me this morning as I was reading The Shack.

When a person comes to our office for addictions counselling, they fall into one of five categories of change. If they have no desire to change, and don't think there is a problem, we say they are Precontemplative. If they are thinking perhaps they need to change, and are starting to see the effects of their addiction, they are Contemplative. If they are getting ready to change, and are making a commitment to stop using, they are in the Preparation Stage. When they are actually putting their plan in action and moving forward, they are in the Action Stage. Finally, once they have succeeded in quitting, but still need a check up once in a while, they are in the Maintenance Stage.

Faith is the same way.

A person in Precontemplation may not even be thinking about God. They don't believe, and see no reason why they should. God does not even cross into their mind even when they experience His presence through people and nature.

A person in Comtemplation thinks there is a possibility God exists, but there really is no way to know for sure. They continue on with their daily lives. sometimes thinking about the existence of God.

A person in the Preparation Stage thinks that God exists, but has not fully committed to trusting Him with everything. The thought of doing so scares this person, but they continue to seek answers. They may attend church or talk to people about their thoughts and opinions on God. They know they need fulfillment, but are not ready to take the plunge.

A person in the Action stage takes it to the next level and trusts everything to God. They believe in Him, trust that He knows what He's doing, and feel fulfilled. They are excited about this new found glory, and want to SHOUT IT OUT to everyone they know because they finally found what they've been searching for.

Finally, a person in the Maintenance Stage continues to live their life for God, but needs a check up once in a while. They pray everyday, do devotions, go to church, and seek to deepen their faith. Their passion for God has calmed down, and they no longer bombard their friends and family with long and excited prayers. God becomes a familiar part of their lives, like an old blanket or favorite pair of slippers. They may sometimes store this favorite item in the back of their closet, but not for long. They know the comfort is there, they just need to remember to actively SEEK IT OUT.

Just like with addictions, relapse is the rule, not the exception. It is easy to slip back down into old habits and actions. God, however, knows this, and just like with the Prodigal Son, will greet us again with open arms.

What do you think of this? Personally, I feel as though I've just had a "check up".

Because Everyone Loves Tag

You've been tagged, so you are supposed to write a note with the 3's of YOU. At the end, choose 15 people (multiple of 3) to be tagged. You have to tag me, so you just need 14 more people. If I tagged you, it's because I am interested in learning more about YOU.

(To do this, copy this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, replace my answers with your 3's of Me, tag 15 people in the right hand corner of the app, then click publish.)

Those are the directions but once I got started I just kept taggin so I reached the limit so some ye may be cut off....my apologies....

Three names I go by:
1. Amanda
2. Navigator
3. Manda

Three jobs I have had in my life:
1. Addictions Counsellor
2. Specialized Services Aide
3. Camp Counsellor

Three places I have lived:

1. Canmore, AB
2. Calgary, AB
3. Edmonton, AB (I should get out of Alberta at some point)

Three Favorite Drinks
1. Dr. Pepper
2. Chocolate Milk
3. Sparkling Iced Tea with Raspberry

Three TV shows I watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Dragon's Den
3. Being Erica

Three places I have visited:
1. Halifax
2. PEI
3. British Columbia

People that text me regularly:
1. Laura
2. Erin
3. Other Erin

Three of my favorite foods:
1. Lobster
2. Crab
3. Candy/Chocolate :)

Three friends I think will respond:
1. Alcia
2. Erin
3. Sean

Three pets that I've had:
1. Sydnie
2. Pepsi
3. Pup

Three places I want to visit before I die:
1. Scotland
2. Australia
3. Greece