Happy Testimony Tuesday, my beloveds! I'm sorry these TT posts are sporadically posted, but you know, that thing called life... it takes up a lot of my time :D
May 3rd was an especially significant date for me, it was my 1 year alcohol-free! I mean, just look at the before-and-after. These photos were taken on the same day, 1 year apart, on May 3rd! In the 'before' photo, you can see my utter disgust. I was swollen, a little hungover, and getting ready for a coaching session. It was on that day that the coach told me that I am self-comforting instead of getting my comfort from God, and from then on, I decided to change my life. Today, I look much healthier, and there is a light back in my eyes.

That was also the day I started to read my Bible from start to finish. I chose to do this Bible reading plan and listened to the audio, which read me the chapters before bed. I would try to follow along, but some nights I fell asleep listening to the reading. I do not feel guilty for falling asleep; in fact, I feel like it was a blessing, as in the past, most nights I fell asleep when I was drunk and ready for bed. During this recovery, the reading helped me seek the Lord, and he gave me rest.
Some people have reached out to me to ask, " How did I get sober, and what did I do?" My honest response is this is God's story, and God's glory. The only thing I did was deny my flesh, and instead I started seeking the Lord. When he says, " Be still and know I am God", he meant it! (Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.)
I recently heard someone talking about how reading the Bible actually 'rewires' your brain. That was pretty interesting to think about. You know how they say our brains have these little highways that transfer information to our consciousness, and we become that thought? Well, reading the Bible helps you get out of the ghettos off the highway and takes you along the scenic route. I love how reading from start to finish helped me fear the Lord, and then come to a loving understanding. My brain truly has become rewired. (Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.)
I have noticed such a change in myself, I am no longer triggered by the things of my past, I am trying to be in the present when spending time with my Mom or family. I can tell I am much more peaceful as a Mom and don't snap and yell at the little things. I feel sadness for not being fully present when they were little, but I know God is a restorer and will give me back all the things that I lost. (Isaiah 61:7 Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace, you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.)
The trick is, I didn't do anything, no 12-step AA meeting, no accountability coach, it was a journey walking with God hand in hand. I feel incredible, I feel loved, and most of all, I feel seen by a God who created me for a time such as this. Please trust God, my friends, with all your heart. Even when I missed a day of reading, when I returned, Jesus was there waiting for me. He is waiting for you, too! Join him :)

