I WALKED ON DRY GROUND

The journal entry we've been exploring together wraps up with a prayer, and in my prayer are 2 elements of recovery from addiction that I see as part of the sanctification process. If recovery sanctifies me, so be it, I need it! Join me to hear my 2 insights about recovery as sanctification.

Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I pick up where we left off last episode, and as I began my recovery I got my first taste of spiritual discipline. Right away I get a creative vision for how pride potentially sabotages a new practice. Whether you have your spiritual disciplines nailed down, or desire more in this area, join me and explore my first impressions as recorded in my journal 3 years ago.

Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In revisiting month 1 of my recovery from sexual addiction, I find myself showing signs of a fresh commitment to reality - specifically, the reality of my freedom and whether I'm using it responsibly or if I should consider submitting it to God. Join me as I read a raw excerpt from my journal and explore this interesting concept!

Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Double binds can be tricky and undesirable, and unfortunately I've discovered over the past few years that they are not limited to addiction and recovery, but they are a part of life. Fortunately, that's good to know! Join me as I look back to my first month of recovery, and remember the nature of my first double bind.

Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

15 episodes - that's all I have to share about relating to the Israelites' journey.  Welcome to episode 16 and beyond.  Moving forward, I have decided to continue reading from my journal and practice the powerful act of Remembrance.  Listen as I set the stage and give the backstory for the exciting next phase of I WALKED ON DRY GROUND.

Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The Israelites had a cloud by day and fire by night; they had a visible cloud that descended over the tabernacle, and then it led them on their travels.  It's the same for us now in our deserts, except these things are only seen and known by faith! Listen as I share a glimpse of what it was like receiving guidance from God in my desert season, and having his presence with me in the midst of troubling times. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

After entering the desert, the Israelites suffered hardships, and they grumbled. Moses listened to them and cried out to God!  Which of these behaviors can I relate to?  Both.  Listen as I revisit my uncomfortable time in the desert, sharing from my journal from 2018, where I was both unspiritual like the Israelites and spiritual like Moses. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Immediately after crossing the Red Sea miraculously on Dry Ground, the Israelites found themselves in a hot, dry climate where they quickly grew thirsty and miserable. Welcome to the Desert. Listen as I explore the Desert season, share some aspects of my Desert season that immediately followed my recovery journey through the Red Sea, including an important lesson I learned from crossing the Desert. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

God protected the Israelites as the Egyptian army was approaching, yet He didn't provide a way forward immediately.  There was a time of what I can only imagine must have been fear and lost faith and hopelessness.  But when the timing was right, God opened the Red Sea and the willingness to cross was there.  Listen as I reflect on my recovery from sexual addiction - my marriage was protected in my time of fear and hopelessness, and my willingness to walk on dry ground was established.  Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Instead of leading the Israelites on the shorter, more direct route, God leads them to being trapped at the Red Sea. He did this intentionally - it was a setup! AND it was merciful and loving to do so. Listen to me explore the Setup, from an Israelite perspective and in my own authentic story.  Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)