The Bible says that we were created 'in the image of God' (Genesis 1:27). We were created 'like' God. Theologians have filled libraries with books about God's attributes and characteristics. Obviously we cannot reflect God's communicable attributes (we can never be all-powerful or all-knowing). But we can become more loving and more spiritual (holy). The more we become like Him, the less we will struggle with emotional problems. The problem we face is figuring out 'how' to become more Christ-like. How do we work on becoming 'holy' when we feel so powerless to control our eating habits? It is only in a combination of grace, truth and time that the real Jesus is present. And only when Jesus is present can we begin to grow into the likeness of our Creator, and then really be healed. [Who is God?]

The Joy of Recovery -

1. Recovery is a dynamic process that requires ongoing prayer, support, evaluation, and action.
2. The process of recovery really feels awful a lot of the time but, it is worth it! In the end you will have peace, freedom and a feeling of usefullness you didn't have before. And you will be so proud of the work you accomplished.
3. Starts with willingness to be honest and requires taking responsibility yourself. Having our lives become unmanageable is something that must be defined individually
4. Typically requires professional help and group support
5. Requires facing and dealing with emotions openly and responsibly
6. May require the decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God. God tells us in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know."
7. Means being kind and patient with yourself. If you have been in recovery for a while, you have prayed the “Serenity Prayer” many times, not pray it.
8. Is Hard Work! But remember, God put each and every one of us on this earth to fulfill an assignment. How can you fill your assignment if your sick, weak and unhealthy?
9. Recovery is tough - here are some tested recovery ideas and thoughts.
10. Recovery Stories

Suggestions -

1. Especially in early recovery, it's important to get as much help as possible. Different sources of information and support is important
2. Find a therapist you trust
3. Use the discussion area on the EDA web site
4. Join as many meetings as you can find, both on-line and face-to-face
5. Have a nutritionist help you figure out what a healthy, balanced diet looks like
6. Create an action plan. Prioritize what you need to do. Do one thing at a time; Don't try to do everything at once!
7. Slowly learn to notice and do what needs to be done without haste or hesitation. Being truthful with yourself and others helps you find solutions to life's problems
8. Recovery is tough - here are some tested recovery ideas and thoughts.

1. Endure: Don't lose heart. Keep praising God for His goodness. (James 1:1-4) James encourages us to "consider it all joy" when we encounter trials that test our faith. That may sound difficult. But as we endure these trials, pressing on in faith and believing God has our best interests at heart, we will emerge from the experience "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Often, God allows us to go through difficult challenges because those very experiences shape us to receive the answer He has already prepared. Even in the midst of pain, if we can press on -- praying, standing on His Word, believing His promises -- we will see His goodness bring us to a better place.

2. Stop worrying: Ask God for wisdom concerning your situation. (James 1:5) God gives wisdom to everyone who asks Him. He gives it generously. He doesn't think any less of us for asking. In fact, He loves it when we come to Him with our concerns. But the catch is, we have to ask for wisdom to get it. Too many of us reason out problems and come up with solutions on our own -- coming to God only as a last resort. God tells us in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." If we come to Him as soon as we encounter difficulties, He promises to give us His perspective on our situation. He can show us ways to deal with our trials that may never have occurred to us.

3. Deal with doubt: Come to God in faith -- and expect an answer! (James 1:6-8) When you ask God for help, remember that He is faithful. When Jesus invited Peter to walk with Him on the water, Peter was able to do it -- as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus and focused on his circumstances -- looking at the waves around him and the water beneath him, he sank. When you ask God for help, focus on His Word and what He is speaking to your heart to believe for, rather than letting your faith be determined by your situation.

4. Remember: God is not limited by your circumstances. (James 1:9-11) By the world's standards, wealthy people have the greatest range of opportunities because they have the resources to make their dreams come true. They can afford the best the world has to offer, and can gain power and influence through their wealth. In contrast, God is not impressed by a person's wealth, but rather by our willingness to believe Him and by obedience in what He has told us to do. If we are rich in faith, there are no limits to what God can accomplish through us!

5. Persevere: Keep your eyes on God, and thank Him for the victory! (James 1:12) Through persevering in prayer in each trying situation, praising God and believing in His goodness, we will build the character we need in order to receive all that God has for us without being overwhelmed. And each situation we emerge from in triumph is a small picture of the victory that awaits all believers someday when we receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him!

6. Forgiveness is large part of healing and recovery, which is why I have written a separate page about it.