As we step into the new year, many of us reflect on the past and look forward to the future with hope, determination, and maybe even a few New Year’s resolutions. It’s a time when we often resolve to make changes, overcome challenges, and embrace a fresh start. For some, however, the transition into a new year may feel daunting, especially if you’ve been carrying the weight of unresolved pain, addiction, or emotional struggles.

At Celebrate Recovery (CR) at Fellowship of the Parks (FOTP), we understand the importance of a new beginning, and we’re here to offer support and guidance as you embark on a journey of healing and transformation. The new year is a perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward a healthier, more peaceful life. Here’s how Celebrate Recovery can help you make 2025 your year of restoration:

1. Reflect on the Past with Compassion, Not Shame

The new year is a time for reflection, and it’s easy to get caught up in feelings of regret or guilt about past mistakes or missed opportunities. At Celebrate Recovery, we encourage you to look back not with shame, but with compassion. We know that healing begins when we allow ourselves to acknowledge our struggles without judgment. The 12-step program encourages us to make amends and embrace forgiveness, starting with the grace God extends to us. Remember that the past does not define you—God’s love does.

2. Embrace the Power of New Beginnings

Starting fresh is a powerful thing. While the calendar year may reset, God’s mercy is new every morning. Celebrate Recovery offers you the chance to embrace the power of a new beginning, no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve faced. It’s never too late to begin again. Whether you’re dealing with addiction, unhealthy habits, or emotional wounds, this is your opportunity to take the first step toward lasting change. Through faith, community, and accountability, we believe you can experience true transformation.

3. Find Strength in Community

The journey of recovery doesn’t have to be walked alone. One of the greatest gifts of Celebrate Recovery is the supportive community that surrounds you. We know that healing happens in relationship—both with God and with others. At Celebrate Recovery, you’ll find a safe place where you can share openly, receive encouragement, and grow alongside others who understand. Together, we can lean on God’s strength and find hope in the midst of our struggles. You don’t have to carry the burden alone. We are here to walk with you every step of the way.

4. Set Healthy, Faith-Based Goals for 2025

New Year’s resolutions are often centered around self-improvement, but many of us struggle to stick to them. Instead of focusing on empty promises or fleeting goals, Celebrate Recovery helps you set faith-based, healthy goals that align with your values and long-term healing. Whether it’s committing to attend meetings regularly, developing healthier coping mechanisms, or nurturing a deeper relationship with God, we encourage you to set goals that foster growth, healing, and peace. By making faith-driven goals, you’ll be equipped to face challenges with God’s guidance and strength.

5. Take Control of Your Healing Journey

Healing is a process, and it requires intentional action. Celebrate Recovery empowers you to take control of your own journey toward healing by providing tools, resources, and support. Through the 12-step program, you’ll gain new skills for managing life’s difficulties, such as letting go of resentments, learning to forgive, and cultivating a Christ-centered life. Taking ownership of your healing doesn’t mean you do it alone—it means you actively engage in the process and trust God with each step.

6. Remember God’s Promise of Peace

As we embark on a new year, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of resolutions, goals, and expectations. But in the midst of everything, we are reminded of God’s promise of peace. In Philippians 4:6-7, we are encouraged to bring our worries to God in prayer, and His peace will guard our hearts and minds. Celebrate Recovery is a place where you can find rest from the chaos of life and experience the peace that only comes through a relationship with Christ. Let this year be one where you embrace the tranquility of God’s peace, no matter what challenges come your way.

7. Celebrate Every Victory, Big or Small

As we journey through the year, it’s important to celebrate every step of progress, no matter how small. At Celebrate Recovery, we celebrate victories in every form—whether it’s a victory over addiction, a breakthrough in healing, or simply the courage to show up. Every step toward healing is worth acknowledging, and it’s a reminder that recovery is a process. As you move forward in 2025, take time to celebrate your victories, and remember that each step brings you closer to wholeness and peace.

Final Thoughts: A Year of Healing and Hope

The new year offers a beautiful opportunity for growth, healing, and new beginnings. At Celebrate Recovery at FOTP, we are here to support you in making 2025 a year of transformation. Whether you are seeking healing from addiction, emotional pain, or simply want to grow closer to God, we invite you to join our community and take the first step toward a better future. Together, we can walk this journey of recovery with hope, faith, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Reach out today to begin your new year with healing, peace, and the support you need to thrive. We’re here to help you begin again.

The holiday season is often seen as a time for joy, connection, and celebration, but for many, it also brings added stress, anxiety, and emotional strain. Whether it’s the pressure of holiday expectations, financial concerns, or personal struggles, the festive season can sometimes feel overwhelming. At Celebrate Recovery (CR) at Fellowship of the Parks (FOTP), we recognize that the holidays can be tough, and we’re here to offer a safe, supportive environment to help you find peace, healing, and hope during this time.

This month, we’re reflecting on how Celebrate Recovery can help you navigate the stress and anxiety that often accompany the holiday season and find lasting peace amid the busyness.

1. Acknowledge the Weight of Holiday Stress

The holidays often come with a whirlwind of activities: family gatherings, gift shopping, and endless to-do lists. For many, this season can highlight personal challenges such as grief, strained relationships, or financial struggles. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated. The first step to finding peace is acknowledging these stressors and recognizing that it’s okay to not feel okay. At Celebrate Recovery, we create a space for you to share openly, receive support, and confront the holiday pressures in a healthy, Christ-centered way.

2. Let Go of Perfection and Embrace Grace

Many people feel the weight of needing to be perfect during the holidays—perfect gifts, perfect meals, and perfect family moments. The pressure can be suffocating. At Celebrate Recovery, we encourage you to embrace grace instead of striving for perfection. No one’s journey is perfect, but with God’s help, we can let go of unrealistic expectations and experience peace through His love. Celebrate Recovery is a reminder that it’s not about getting everything right—it’s about finding healing in our imperfections.

3. Connect with a Christ-Centered Supportive Community

The holidays can be a lonely time for many. Whether you're dealing with loss, loneliness, or simply feeling disconnected, Celebrate Recovery offers the chance to find fellowship with others who understand. Our community is centered around Christ’s love, and we are here to support you through the tough times. Sharing experiences with others who are walking through similar struggles creates a sense of belonging and reminds us that we’re never alone in our journey.

4. Combat Holiday Stress with Healthy Coping Strategies

Many of us turn to unhealthy habits when faced with holiday stress, like overeating, overworking, or self-medicating. Celebrate Recovery offers tools to help you develop healthier coping mechanisms. By working through the 12-step program and learning faith-based strategies, you can replace negative habits with ones that promote healing and growth. These new tools will empower you to manage stress and anxiety in a way that aligns with your faith and values.

5. Focus on God’s Peace Amid the Holiday Chaos

In the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be difficult to find moments of peace. But God’s peace is available to us at all times, especially when life feels chaotic. At Celebrate Recovery, we encourage you to lean on God’s promises, especially verses like Isaiah 26:3, which reminds us that God will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are focused on Him. Taking time for prayer and reflection on His word can help you re-center and find rest in the midst of stress.

6. Celebrate the Small Victories

During the holiday season, it can feel like there’s no time to reflect on progress. But at Celebrate Recovery, we celebrate every step toward healing, no matter how small. Whether you attend a meeting, share your struggles, or take a moment to pray, each action brings you closer to peace. Recognizing these small victories will help you feel encouraged and motivated to continue your journey toward healing, even during the busy holiday season.

Final Thoughts: Finding True Joy This Season

While the holidays can be a challenging time, it’s also an opportunity to experience God’s peace in a profound way. At Celebrate Recovery at FOTP, we offer a place where you can lay down the weight of holiday stress and find healing, peace, and joy in a supportive, faith-filled environment. We invite you to join us this holiday season to connect with others, find peace, and celebrate the healing power of God’s love.

No matter what the holiday season brings, you don’t have to walk through it alone. We’re here to support you, and together, we can navigate the season with grace, hope, and peace.

Reach out today and take the first step toward a peaceful, healing holiday season.

In today’s world, it feels like uncertainty and anxiety are part of the daily news cycle. Whether it’s political unrest, economic challenges, or personal struggles, these turbulent times have left many feeling on edge. Anxiety is now one of the most common battles people face, affecting mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. At Celebrate Recovery (CR) at Fellowship of the Parks (FOTP), we understand that navigating life’s uncertainties can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to providing a safe, supportive community where you can find peace and healing—even amid life’s biggest storms.

This month, we want to explore how Celebrate Recovery can help you address anxiety and find hope, no matter what’s going on around you.

1. Acknowledge the Weight of Anxiety

In challenging times, it’s easy to feel weighed down by anxiety and fear. For many, today’s political and social climate only adds to personal worries, magnifying insecurities and doubts. The first step toward relief is acknowledging the impact of these feelings. In CR, we recognize that ignoring our struggles only allows them to grow. Instead, we encourage a safe space for you to honestly share what’s on your heart and mind. Whether you’re struggling with worry over the future, family tensions, or personal setbacks, CR is a place to openly bring these challenges to light.

2. Release Control and Find True Rest in Faith

Anxiety often stems from our desire to control what we can’t—like political outcomes or global events. When we try to handle everything on our own, it can leave us feeling powerless. At Celebrate Recovery, we believe that real peace begins with surrendering our burdens to God, trusting that He is in control even when circumstances seem uncertain. Through prayer and reflection on biblical truths, we can find reassurance that God sees the bigger picture and that His plan is for our good. When we lean into His strength instead of our own, we find true rest, even in the middle of chaos.

3. Join a Judgment-Free Community

Anxiety can be isolating, making us feel like we’re struggling alone. But at CR, you’re never alone. Each meeting offers the chance to connect with others who understand what it means to face inner struggles. CR is a judgment-free zone where we support each other’s journeys, no matter what challenges we’re dealing with. When you join our community, you’ll find people ready to listen, encourage, and walk alongside you in faith. This fellowship serves as a powerful reminder that while the world may feel unstable, we are stronger together.

4. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms

In times of heightened stress, many turn to temporary solutions like overworking, substances, or avoidance to cope. Celebrate Recovery offers tools and guidance to replace these habits with healthy, faith-centered strategies. By focusing on the 12-step principles, we learn how to manage anxiety constructively and take life one day at a time. The guidance of accountability partners, mentors, and peers can help you stay on track when things get tough, making it easier to navigate anxiety without slipping into unhealthy patterns.

5. Trust in God’s Promises for Peace and Hope

Amid an unstable world, we can find stability in God’s promises. At Celebrate Recovery, we look to scripture for strength, encouragement, and peace. Verses like Philippians 4:6-7 remind us that God’s peace surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds. When we focus on His promises, we anchor ourselves in a hope that’s not dependent on outside circumstances. This mindset shift—focusing on God’s faithfulness instead of our fears—can bring lasting comfort and resilience.

6. Celebrate Progress, No Matter How Small

When dealing with anxiety, each small victory is worth celebrating. At Celebrate Recovery, we value progress over perfection, encouraging each step toward peace and healing. Whether it’s attending your first meeting, sharing your story, or practicing surrender, each action brings you closer to the freedom and peace you seek. Acknowledging these small victories helps combat anxiety’s lies that we’re not making progress and keeps us motivated on the journey to wholeness.

Final Thoughts: A Safe Harbor in Stormy Times

If you’re feeling anxious about the world around you, know that you’re not alone—and that peace is possible. At Celebrate Recovery at FOTP, we provide a safe harbor, a place where you can lay down your burdens and find comfort in a supportive, Christ-centered community. Together, we face these challenging times with hope, strength, and faith that God is bigger than any storm.

If you’re ready to find relief from anxiety and build a foundation of lasting peace, we invite you to join us at Fellowship of the Parks for a Celebrate Recovery meeting. You don’t have to navigate these times alone. Let us walk with you, offering encouragement, accountability, and the unshakable love of Christ.

Freedom, even in an anxious world, is possible. Reach out today, and take the first step toward healing.

Everyone faces struggles, but some of us carry the heavy burden of unresolved hurts, habits, and hang-ups. At Celebrate Recovery at Fellowship of the Parks (FOTP), we believe that freedom is possible—no matter the circumstances. Whether you're wrestling with addiction, grief, broken relationships, or anxiety, Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a safe place to experience healing through community and faith.

This month, let’s focus on how you can break the chains holding you back and discover a renewed sense of hope.

1. Recognize What’s Holding You Back

Breaking free begins with recognizing the issues you’re facing. Celebrate Recovery helps identify the patterns in our lives that keep us stuck. Ask yourself, “What’s preventing me from living a life of peace and fulfillment?” Whether it's substance abuse, fear, or codependency, CR is designed to help you confront these struggles with honesty and compassion.

2. Embrace Accountability and Support

No one can do this alone. That’s why community is the heart of Celebrate Recovery at FOTP. Attending regular meetings and connecting with a sponsor or accountability partner provides the support you need to stay on track. This consistent, judgment-free community can make a huge difference when the road feels difficult.

3. Step into a Christ-Centered Recovery

Faith is a cornerstone of healing in Celebrate Recovery. Unlike other recovery programs, CR offers a path to spiritual growth alongside emotional healing. Jesus Christ is the true higher power that we turn to for guidance and strength. Through biblical teachings and the 12-step process, you can experience genuine transformation that goes beyond surface-level changes.

4. Let Go of Control

One of the hardest steps in recovery is recognizing that we are not in control. Many of us feel stuck because we try to fix everything on our own. But real healing begins when we surrender our struggles to God and trust that He is working in our lives. At Celebrate Recovery, you’ll learn how to release the need for control and lean into God’s plan for your recovery.

5. Celebrate the Small Victories

Recovery is a journey, and every step forward—no matter how small—is worth celebrating. At CR, we focus on progress, not perfection. Whether you’ve been sober for one day or one year, each milestone is a testament to your strength and resilience. These victories remind us that hope is alive, and God is working in our lives, even in the smallest ways.

6. Stay Committed to the Process

There will be challenges along the way, but consistency is key to breaking free from hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Celebrate Recovery is a lifelong process, not a quick fix. Stay committed, attend meetings regularly, and remain open to growth. In time, you’ll see how far you’ve come, and the things that once held you captive will lose their power over you.

Final Thoughts: A New Beginning Awaits

You are not defined by your past or your mistakes. At Celebrate Recovery at FOTP, we’ve seen countless lives transformed through the power of community and faith. You don’t have to carry the weight of your hurts, habits, and hang-ups alone. There’s hope, and your journey toward freedom can start today.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to join us at Fellowship of the Parks for a Celebrate Recovery meeting. We’re here to walk with you through the highs and lows, offering encouragement, accountability, and the love of Christ. Remember, freedom is possible!

Life can be overwhelming, and there are moments when the weight of it all feels too heavy to bear. In these times, feelings of hopelessness can creep in, making it seem as though there is no way out. But at Celebrate Recovery, we believe that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times. Here’s what you can do when you’re struggling to find that hope.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step to finding hope is to acknowledge that you’re feeling hopeless. It’s okay to not be okay. Many of us try to push away these feelings, thinking they’re a sign of weakness. But the truth is, facing your emotions head-on is a sign of strength. Admit to yourself, and perhaps to someone you trust, that you’re struggling. This honesty can be the first step toward healing.

2. Reach Out for Support

You are not alone. In moments of despair, it can feel like no one understands or cares, but that’s far from the truth. At Celebrate Recovery, we have a community of people who have faced similar struggles and have come out the other side stronger. Reach out to a sponsor, a friend, or a family member. Sometimes, just talking about what you’re going through can bring a sense of relief and connection.

3. Connect with God

For many, faith is a cornerstone of recovery. When everything feels out of control, turning to God can provide comfort and guidance. Pray, read Scripture, or simply sit in quiet meditation. Trust that God is with you, even when you can’t feel His presence. He promises to never leave us or forsake us, and in His love, there is always hope.

4. Focus on One Day at a Time

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get lost in worries about the future. But recovery teaches us to take things one day at a time. Focus on getting through today, and trust that tomorrow will take care of itself. Breaking down your challenges into smaller, more manageable pieces can make them seem less daunting.

5. Practice Gratitude

It may seem counterintuitive, but when you’re feeling hopeless, it’s important to focus on what you’re grateful for. Even in the darkest times, there are things—small or large—that bring light into your life. Write them down, say them out loud, or simply reflect on them in your mind. Gratitude has a powerful way of shifting our perspective and reminding us that not all is lost.

6. Engage in Healthy Activities

When hopelessness takes hold, it’s easy to retreat into unhealthy habits or isolate yourself. Instead, try to engage in activities that uplift you. This could be exercising, journaling, attending a meeting, or simply spending time in nature. These activities can help clear your mind, boost your mood, and remind you of the good things in life.

7. Remember That This Too Shall Pass

Finally, remind yourself that this feeling of hopelessness is temporary. It might be hard to believe in the moment, but it will pass. Life has its ups and downs, and while you’re in a low point right now, there is a brighter future ahead. Hold on to that truth, even when it feels out of reach.

Final Thoughts

Hopelessness can feel all-consuming, but it doesn’t have to define your story. At Celebrate Recovery, we’ve seen countless people overcome their darkest moments and find new hope and purpose in life. You are not alone, and there is always a way forward. Take it one step at a time, lean on your community, and trust that hope is within your reach.

If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to walk alongside you on this journey toward healing and wholeness.

Life often brings challenges that leave us feeling broken, stuck, or overwhelmed. Whether it's a deep hurt, a habit that has spiraled out of control, or a hang-up that keeps us from moving forward, these struggles can weigh us down. If you're seeking a way out, a place of hope and healing, Celebrate Recovery might be the answer you've been looking for.

What is Celebrate Recovery?

Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program designed to help people overcome life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Founded in 1991 at Saddleback Church by Pastor John Baker, CR has since grown into a global movement. Unlike many other recovery programs, Celebrate Recovery is not limited to substance abuse or addiction; it addresses a broad spectrum of issues, including but not limited to:

• Anger and resentment
• Codependency
• Depression and anxiety
• Financial struggles
• Divorce and relationship issues
• Grief and loss
• Eating disorders
• Sexual addiction
• Guilt and shame

How Celebrate Recovery Works

Celebrate Recovery follows a structure similar to traditional 12-step programs but is uniquely rooted in Christian faith. The program is built around eight principles based on the Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, offering a spiritual approach to recovery.

Each session typically includes:

1. Large Group Meeting: This is where everyone gathers for worship, teaching, and testimonies. The atmosphere is welcoming and non-judgmental, setting the stage for healing and growth.
2. Open Share Groups: After the large group, participants break into smaller, gender-specific groups where they can share their struggles and victories. These groups provide a safe space for honest conversation, accountability, and encouragement.
3. Step Studies: These are more in-depth sessions that dive into the 12 steps and eight principles. They involve working through a workbook with others, sharing insights, and applying the principles to personal struggles.
4. Celebration and Fellowship: Celebrate Recovery emphasizes the importance of community and support. Many groups offer time for fellowship before or after meetings, where participants can build connections and strengthen relationships.

The Benefits of Celebrate Recovery

1. Holistic Healing: Celebrate Recovery addresses the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. By combining biblical principles with proven recovery techniques, it offers a comprehensive path to healing.
2. A Supportive Community: One of the most significant benefits of CR is the sense of community. Participants find that they are not alone in their struggles and that others understand and support them on their journey.
3. Faith-Based Focus: For those who want to integrate their faith into their recovery, Celebrate Recovery provides a space where spiritual growth and recovery go hand in hand.
4. Personal Growth: The program encourages self-reflection, accountability, and personal responsibility, leading to profound personal transformation.
5. Freedom from Shame and Guilt: Many people carry deep shame and guilt because of their struggles. Celebrate Recovery teaches that God’s grace is sufficient and that healing and forgiveness are available to all.
6. Tools for Life: The principles and steps learned in CR are not just for overcoming specific issues—they are tools for life. Participants find that the skills they develop in CR help them in other areas of life, leading to healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life overall.

Stories of Transformation

One of the most powerful aspects of Celebrate Recovery is the countless stories of transformation that come from it. People who were once trapped in cycles of addiction, despair, and dysfunction find freedom, hope, and a new purpose. Marriages are restored, families are healed, and lives are changed in ways that only God could orchestrate.

Getting Started with Celebrate Recovery

If you’re interested in joining Celebrate Recovery, finding a local group is a great first step. Many churches across the world host CR meetings, and you can find a group near you by visiting the official Celebrate Recovery website. Whether you attend in person or online, you’ll be welcomed into a community of people who are on the same journey toward healing and freedom.

Remember, you don’t have to face your hurts, habits, and hang-ups alone. Celebrate Recovery offers a path to healing that is grounded in faith, supported by community, and proven through countless transformed lives. It’s never too late to start the journey toward recovery and discover the freedom that awaits you. We would love you have you join our CR group! Come as you are! - Earnie Larkin