Impatient. This summarizes our state of mind when we have a need that is not being met or a problem that is not resolved. We have all been there. When we realize we or our loved-ones are facing life's struggles, we want it to be fixed--NOW.

Many new arrivals to Living Free Groups feel this way. They are driven by immediate needs and want immediate solutions so they can regain control of their lives. They may ask, "What can I do to make this better?...Take a pill?, Have surgery? Follow these steps?...Tell me what to do so I can be in control and feel be better".

Experienced Living Free facilitators know that quick solutions usually don't bring lasting change. True, salvation comes at the moment of conversion, but becoming like Jesus and living daily in the freedom that comes from knowing him takes time. The problems that came as a result of our poor choices are not quickly unraveled and some are never completely solved in this life.

The Florida Integrity Program under the direction of Dr. Don Pratt is working in communities, prisons, rehab facilities and churches in much of the state of Florida. Utilizing several of the Living Free Curriculums and some developed by Dr. Pratt, volunteers facilitate groups weekly. Their mission is to: Assist the incarcerated, addicted, homeless, brokenhearted, and recently released in transitioning back into society through the comprehensive "100 Hour" curriculum program.

Below is a listing of Integrity Curriculum Units completed, along with the location, graduates and number of student hours from 2008 to the present.

Sarasota Region
580 Graduates, 9122 Student-Hours for 3/13/2008-5/24/2010

Does this quote seem familiar to those of you who are acquainted with Living Free?

"A man who lies to himself, and believes his own lies, becomes unable to recognize truth, either in himself or in anyone else, and he ends up losing respect for himself and for others. When he has no respect for anyone, he can no longer love, and in him, he yields to his impulses, indulges in the lowest form of pleasure, and behaves in the end like an animal in satisfying his vices. And it all comes from lying--to others and to yourself." From The Brothers Karamazov by Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

Even though this to-the-point description of the root and result of the addiction process was written 130 years ago, it accurately describes what happens to people today when they lie to themselves and excuse their sinful choices. The delusion that results can happen to anyone.

So, what can a person do to stay free or break free from this self-destructive death spiral? Here are three things to consider:

• Realize that there is such a thing as right and wrong, good and bad, holy and profane and that the standard for knowing the difference lies outside our own personal feelings and beliefs. We cannot just "let our conscience be our guide". What is sinful is defined by the standard set forth in the Word of God and not by our own personal opinions or feelings. Judge everything by the objective standard of God's law. Excuse nothing, all the while knowing that God is faithful to forgive when we agree with his standard and ask forgiveness.
• Seek for and listen to the counsel of others. We have a responsibility to tell the truth to one another in love, and part of that truth is expressing our concerns when we see people excusing themselves for doing what is contrary to scripture. And when someone brings such correction, we are to listen carefully and not become defensive.
• Walk in the Spirit moment by moment. The Holy Spirit is our faithful counselor and guide, but it is up to us to pay attention to his gentle voice as we go through our daily routines. He is faithful to fulfill his work in us.

At this conference you can:

• Hear how God has called and used Warden Burl Cain as a leader for prison reform by incorporating biblical principles
• Meet new friends from around the world who are passionate about outreach ministry
• Enjoy Autumn in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains - warm days and cool nights
• Relax with recreational activities: fishing, canoeing, pontoon boat rides, bike rides, hikes, horseback rides, hayrides
• Participate in interactive workshops tailored to ministry interests
• Worship with world-class musician Huntley Brown
• Know that there are no hidden expenses-registration fee includes meals, lodging, conference fees, and a few recreation events.
• Become inspired, refreshed, and enlightened for your ministry in uplifting evening services
• Chill during free times in God's beautiful creation and refuel with wholesome meals

Follow these links for more information, a conference schedule, or to register online.

Below is a report from Wayne Keylon, president of the Transformation Project, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The mission of the Transformation Project is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by transforming the lives of addiction-related offenders, their families and future generations through the power of God, thereby reducing repeat offenses and crime.

Since 2004, 75% of our graduates have not re-offended and 80% of our 2009 graduates have not re-offended. 30% of our graduates are trained volunteer small group Living Free facilitators and life coaches. The Tennessee Department of Corrections statistics show that this inmate population has a 98% recidivisim rate.

Children's Curriculum Helps 8-11 Year Olds Make Healthy Choices

Insight Group: Empowering Kids for Life uses stories, puppets, role playing, activities, and group interaction to teach kids powerful concepts they need to resist and overcome potential life-controlling problems. It is based on biblical truth and is relevant to the everyday lives of children.

The standard kit includes a Facilitator's Guide for the leader, a puppet, and a Group Member's Guide. From now until July 31, when you order the standard kit you will receive a complimentary DVD training video valued at $19.95. This DVD shows how to lead the groups and also includes performances by Liberty the puppet which illustrate the concepts of the children's curriculum.

Those who are familiar with the concept of carefronting, a technique used in Living Free groups, will be able to appreciate the message of this poem composed by Emily Dickinson. She was an American poet whose life spanned the middle of the 19th century.

Tell all the Truth but tell it slant --
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind --

You might consider using this poem to stimulate discussion in a Living Free Core Team meeting or a training session where you discuss communication skills. Dickinson was a careful observer of life, and using clever words she communicates the core principles of this important aspect of telling people the truth in a way that does not overwhelm them.

The truth hurts--it really does. When we receive criticism or correction it causes us to flinch... especially when it comes from someone who is important to us. Certainly, everyone has experienced the sting of the truth and the resulting hurt feelings. When people are hurt, they can become defensive and put up walls to defend themselves. They feel like their very beings are being assaulted, and they can respond agressively toward the person hurting them and fight back.

So, as much as possible, most people avoid confronting each other with the truth. They avoid confrontation because they think that this is the best way not to harm the relationship. However, when there is friction between people, the irritations lead to sores which go on to fester--eventually causing so much pain that people separate from one another in order to find relief.

Some irritations are trivial and are to be expected as people interact, so it just isn't reasonable to confront every little thing. But when those we love have life-controlling problems, the damage that occurs is not trivial. Confrontation is necessary because the loved ones are damaging themselves and those who love them. Life-experience tells us that when we confront someone with the truth we risk being hurt.

Kim was a broken person living each day in despair. She began attending Living Free groups at James River Assembly four and a half years ago and, in the following, she shares about the miraculous changes that have taken place in her life:

I had been struggling with an addiction and behavior and relationship problems for almost 20 years. I had been involved in another secular group for about 16 of those years and could not get a handle on my problem. I did not know how to live any other way and any time any kind of life problem happened I would sink into my addiction which was pretty much from one thing to another and from one relationship to another.