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Steve
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Posted: Mon Jan 22nd, 2007 07:35 pm |
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Last month, I felt like I needed to take a break from this forums, but today I felt compelled to check in and give an update on my life.
I've pretty much been "on the road" since the week before Christmas. I spent some time back in my old stomping grounds of northern New Jersey during Christmas to be with my family. (I live in Colorado, in case you don't know.) Then, shortly after New Year's Day, I have been down in southern Arizona for the past few weeks.
In short, I've been based in Tucson for some time for work and play. I must admit I have the mentality of a snowbird - I really needed to get away from the long and brutal winters Buena Vista, Colorado typically has. I love that town so much, but I wanted to break up winter a bit and have some more adventure in my life. I am still doing my counseling, and because I largely do phone-based counseling, I've been able to keep up a modest-sized weekly caseload during the trip as well. (I refuse to become a workaholic-type, but that's a whole 'nother story worthy of another thread.)
I've done all sorts of roadtrips and adventures in southern Arizona including visiting Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (way down there in south central Arizona), Saguaro National Park (Tucson), Chiricahua National Monument (southeast Arizona) and the saguaro-filled region just west of Tucson. It's been wonderful! At the moment, I am typing this message from sunny San Diego. I made the drive out here and will likely be here for about 10-14 days. I have two close friends who are putting me up for free and I look forward to vegging on the beach this afternoon. I'm so grateful for this trip; I really needed it to refresh, renew, seek out God ... all that. 
Before I close with a few photos, I just have to give thanks to God. My recovery is going well, but not without all sorts of attacks on my ministry, mainly in the form of discouragement and self-condemnation. I still have a long way to go in really embracing my true identity in Christ. There's no question I've grown over the years, but it's clear I've only scratched the surface in becoming more Christ-like and "walking in the power of God's view" of things. (I used quotations because I generally don't like using over-religious language.) 
Anyway, here's a few photos of my trip. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - What an amazing place!
A nice photo of Golden Gate Mountain west of Tucson. I tried to hike to the summit, but the trail (I realized afterwards) only goes AROUND the mountain. Good grief, as a Coloradoan, I would very disappointed! :p)
A field of saguaros during my first morning there.
Two Arizona sunsets. It's been a challenge photographing these saguaros. I am determined to get some better shots when I return to Tucson!
I'm really happy with this one. (I made the image smaller so the post wouldn't be so wide!)
Check out this big ol' saguaro! 
All the best, my friends!
-Steve
Last edited on Mon Jan 22nd, 2007 07:44 pm by Steve
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"Isolation is bad for any man, but for the sexual addict it is fatal." -Russell Willingham
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henny
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Posted: Mon Jan 22nd, 2007 08:16 pm |
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Steve,
Good to hear from you. Great pictures. I was actually stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB there in Tucson back in the 70's. Suguaro Nat'l Park is amazing.
Glad to hear you have the opportunity and determination to forsake the chase of longer hours for more $$$. Not an easy choice to make.
Things have been going fairly well around here. I try to check the board every day. There is so much pain. Especially the women with men in their lives addicted to sex. That is actually one of the things that affected me most...hearing about the pain I may have caused my wife.
I personally have been porn free for 2 months. And really feel free. Not like I have to white-knuckle it every day. Hard to explain. It's not like temptation doesn't hit. It just has no hold on me at this time. God's power I guess.
Still no group in the Pine area. I heard about one starting up in Conifer and may check it out.
God bless you brother.
In Christ,
Matt
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APR
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Posted: Mon Jan 22nd, 2007 08:51 pm |
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Funny, we got our first snow in DC yesterday, I grew up in San Diego and I was just telling another friend who's moving to Tucson that we needed to visit them and another couple who live in Vail AZ.
Now you got me thinking about January at the beach like when I was growing up
Have fun, relax and get refilled.
I do enjoy your photographs,
God Bless
Art
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I am the way and truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me.
-John 14:6
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truthseeker
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| Joined: | Tue May 16th, 2006 |
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Posted: Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 06:42 am |
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Glad to hear that you're not still digging out. :-) Actually, It sounds like you missed at least one of the bad storms.
As to the beach in January...only in the southern hemosphere! OK, I do, eventually, want to move where there is much less snow, (though we don't get as much as CO, but I do like there to be seasons.
Have a safe trip.
TruthSeeker
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Steve
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Posted: Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 06:43 am |
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Thank you for the replies, my friends.
Henny, you keep up the good work with your recovery. I am by no means an expert on recovery, but I too have found quite a bit of freedom from my old addictive ways.
Temptations still hit me periodically, but this morning I thought of a good analogy of how things are for me after 1 year and 2 months of freedom: The enemy still shoots bullets my way that are temptations just like they have always been, but the bullets come at me really slowly. I have plenty of time to see the bullet for what it is, do a colossal inventory on what is going on inside of me on a spiritual, emotional and practical level and make a choice as to how I want to deal with my temptation. In the old days, the bullet was as fast as a real bullet and it seemed like I had no chance to respond, let alone dodge the bullet. It seemed hopeless once the temptation hit me; It felt like I just had to give in, as if it was only a matter of time.
Anyway, that is one reflection I had after reading your post. All I can say is, and I say this to encourage you, that it does get easier as time goes by. Also, I know Pine is a long way from Colorado Springs, but if you were willing to drive to the Springs, I could recommend quite a few really good weekly groups for you to attend. No pressure about that.
APR, it is good to meet you. Today was my very first full day ever in San Diego, and I enjoyed walking all around La Jolla Cove. As for the Tucson area, man oh man, I could see myself spending a month or two down there annually and living the life of a "snowbird." The guy I was staying with in Tucson recommended I hike in the area known as "Pistol Hill" which is very close to Vail, Arizona. It's funny to hear of a "Vail" in Arizona, after having ingrained in my mind what Vail is like in Colorado.
All the best, my friends!
-Steve
Last edited on Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 06:45 am by Steve
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"Isolation is bad for any man, but for the sexual addict it is fatal." -Russell Willingham
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captivated
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Posted: Sun Jan 28th, 2007 03:47 am |
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Hello, all! Haven't been on here much due to some things in my life occupying my time and attention, but I always come back here and continue in prayer on at least a weekly basis for all here! It's always so refreshing to hear people being real about the stuff going on in their hearts and seeking Him in the midst of it all...and that is what we are blessed to enjoy here!
By the way, I never thought I would say this, Steve, but I could learn to like cactuses...or is it cacti?! They are actually rather lovely in that setting, so thanks for sharing!!! Breathtaking sunset, too!!!
Blessings to all of you in Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith!
Captivated
ps, Speaking of being real, we are going through some really tough things on so many levels I could write a book...and maybe we will one day! Appreciate any prayers for our family.....and that my heart would stay pure and right and selfless and beautiful to the Father in every way....for He is my heart's desire.....I know nothing and noone else could ever fill or satisfy me as He does.....thanks!
Last edited on Sun Jan 28th, 2007 03:53 am by captivated
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truthseeker
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Posted: Sun Jan 28th, 2007 06:07 am |
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Hi Captivated,
Always happy to pray. Sorry to hear that life has been so complex. I am trusting that God will shed the light of His wisdom in your heart through the Holy Spirit.
Hugs,
TruthSeeker
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captivated
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Posted: Sun Jan 28th, 2007 01:29 pm |
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Thank you, Truth....yes, that is what I need more than anything! ...and He truly is our Comforter and sees all and is concerned with being intimately involved with each detail! I do have some sincere and deep praises/answers, just not in SOME areas yet, where I have to trust Him to meet me the most.....and He is ABLE...and so very faithful!!!! Thanks again for praying!
Captivated
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APR
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Posted: Mon Jan 29th, 2007 04:08 pm |
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Captivated,
Praying for you too, brother!
Funny, I never missed cacti myself until I moved to the east cost!
Art
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I am the way and truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me.
-John 14:6
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captivated
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Posted: Mon Jan 29th, 2007 05:00 pm |
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Thanks, APR! This sister and her husband appreciate your prayers!!! I'm actually from the east coast originally, so I've never gotten to see a cactus in the desert before except for in photos, but these are some of the best! It's much more beautiful than I'd imagined even though I still do prefer majestic mountains and the views from on top of them! God is so good to give us such diversity in His creation for us to enjoy!!!! 
Captivated
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Steve
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Posted: Tue Jan 30th, 2007 04:42 pm |
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Since this thread is going so well, I thought I'd show off another photo from a beach in San Diego ...
(My apologies that the picture is so wide; Having a hard time making it smaller on here.)
All the best,
Steve
____________________
"Isolation is bad for any man, but for the sexual addict it is fatal." -Russell Willingham
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APR
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Posted: Tue Jan 30th, 2007 04:44 pm |
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wow!
I can hear smell and taste that beach!
Thanks for taking me back for a minute!
Art
____________________
I am the way and truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me.
-John 14:6
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captivated
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Posted: Tue Jan 30th, 2007 05:25 pm |
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Wow was the first thing out of my mouth, too!!! I miss the ocean too, even if it was on the shores of New Jersey! I can't believe how vivid the colors are in this photo nor how detailed the landscape!!! Wow! It's breathtaking and makes me want to be there and feel the breeze coming in off the surf and taste the salt spray in the dropletts from the waves.....and think of God's power as the ocean pounds the shores....and His strength in the hardness and majesty hugeness of the cliffs with the blue sky in the background to display their orange and yellow hues......just beautiful!!!! Soooo, we're thankful once again that you've shown off, Steve! ...and our hearts are turned towards Him through your photos once again!!! Thank You, God, for Your glory displayed throughout creation....You are so beautiful!!!!
Have a great day, all!
Captivated
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