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Alarms of Life
by Julia Charleston A few years ago, for no apparent reason, every single smoke alarm in my house started beeping. It began in the living room, and soon all six alarms were screaming at me that there was trouble. Searching the house I found no smoke, yet the alarms disagreed. Grabbing the ladder from the
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Recovery, Relapse, and The Little Foxes
by Pastor Mark Winslett Director of Counseling “Take us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.” — Song of Solomon 2:15 There is an important principle captured in this simple statement from scripture, “The little foxes spoil the vines.” Fences are built around vineyards to prevent animals
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Repentance
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 DEVOTION Last week, the Christian world celebrated the life of Billy Graham
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From Hunger to Hope
Imagine never eating a crisp salad or a fresh, juicy apple packed with wholesome nutrients your body needs to thrive. Unfortunately, this is the reality for some low-income families and senior adults in our community with limited access to transportation. The Foundry’s Mobile Food Pantry brings nourishment to our neighborhoods, driving into five low-income areas
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got mentors?
by A Program Participant I never imagined myself having to spend 12 months in a recovery program. How did I find myself here? Life happened. I left home when I graduated high school and met my soul mate. We got married and had three children. They grew up, got married and now I have three
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Commitment
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 Weary? Weary of the battle? Weary of the scorn? Weary of the cynical looks? Weary of anger? Weary of the thorns? Weary of being marginalized? Weary of being shunned?
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Throw Off Your Cloak
by Julia Charleston “Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means ‘son of Timaeus’), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have
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Hungry For More
The point when we think we know all that there is to know is usually when we are in the most desperate need of spiritual growth. During times like these, it’s healthy to do a self-inventory. An important item to check off of our list is unending hunger for God and the things of God.
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A Path to Purpose
What is your calling? Are you being called to something more? For service? For leadership? Here is an excerpt from the The YES Journey: A Story of Starting Where You Are and Living Your Purpose by Bill and Michele Heintz, co-founders of The Foundry Ministries. In it, Pastor Bill shares some of his experience and
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Priorities
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 Devotion Have you ever walked into the grocery store without first making a list of what you need to purchase? Naturally, your first stop is the produce section because it’s at the front of
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Holy of Holies
by Rick Todd Chief Logistics Officer/Assistant Pastor In biblical times, only Levitical Priests were permitted to enter the sacred space called the Holy of Holies. As he opened the curtain and stepped into the chamber just outside the room to perform his priestly duties, I wonder what his thoughts were knowing God Almighty was just
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The Greatest Blessing
I’ve never been in an actual prison cell, but I do remember all too well the prison of hopelessness while living outside of God’s will. Because of this, I may have a special affection for the men in The Foundry’s Prison ReEntry program, who are transitioning from prison to productive living in our community. I
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The Best is Yet to Come!
Sis Dixon Director of The Foundry Resource Center I was walking through our thrift store on a cold, rainy winter day and this picture caught my attention. I couldn’t help but grin when I saw this precious child. Who doesn’t love a smiling baby?! Because of the dreariness of the day, I reflected on the
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Graceful
by Micah Andrews, CEO “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 [NIV] As we quickly depart the Holy Week, I am hopeful that we do not as quickly depart the meaning of these days.
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The Triumphant Entry
by Julia Charleston “Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey-riding on a donkey’s colt.” Zechariah 9:9 [NLT] There are many contrasting elements to Jesus’ triumphant entry. He was a king who came as a lowly servant on the back of a donkey
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If I Were 22 Again
by John Roland, MDiv, MBA Director of Development & Marketing A motto I hold dear is the Cub Scouts, “Do your best.” Notice the emphasis on YOUR best. At 41 years old my top 10 tips of advice, “If I were 22 again:” 1. Be wise in marriage–Marriage can be such an incredible joy and
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National Volunteer Week
During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of difference makers. Join us during this week as we host unique volunteer opportunities for those looking to get involved, but aren’t sure where to start. These opportunities will give you a sneak peek into what it is like to volunteer
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By Ourselves, But Not Alone
by Julia Charleston “Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, ‘Sit here while I go over there to pray.'” Matthew 26:36 [NLT] Our strength comes from community; we’re most powerful where two or more are gathered. Jesus and his disciples were strongest when they were together. Their power
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Holy Fire
by Julia Charleston With a single flick of the lighter, the pages of her bible were ablaze. Her hands shook with rage as she exacted revenge on a God who would allow so much disappointment and loss. She had turned to drugs to cope; to mask the sadness she felt deep inside, and after her
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Healing
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and
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Faithful Stewards
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) I’m not from a background of addiction; an Alabama prison has never been my home. By the grace of God, I’ve always had a roof over my head,
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A Change of Heart
“I’ve never taken any kind of drugs… never smoked any type of cigarette or marijuana,” Israel says. Yet, he admits, he had an addiction to making fast money on the streets. But when he was arrested, the money didn’t matter. He was sentenced to prison for 15 years. “At that point I started to rely
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Show You Care with Boxes of Hope
This Thanksgiving we’ll distribute more than 150 Boxes of Hope—each including a turkey and all the ingredients for a Thanksgiving feast—to families in need throughout our community. Gather your friends, family, co-workers or church group and head to your local grocery store to fill a box of hope. Decorate your box and leave a special Thanksgiving
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The Power of Prayer
“Each prayer is like a seed that gets planted in the ground. It disappears for a season, but it eventually bears fruit that blesses future generations. In fact, our prayers bear fruit forever.” ― Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge In the middle of our most difficult circumstances we often search
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Donate Your Car!
Selling your car can be extremely frustrating! Take a moment and explore the benefits of donating your car to the Foundry instead. Sell it on your own: Gather all the facts about your car and list your car in a 3rd party listing like Auto Trader Pay $25 or more to list your car Receive
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Faithfulness
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 Devotion Great is Thy Faithfulness is one of my favorite hymns. When I hear the tune and
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Easter Bags of Blessing
This Easter, you can show the love of Christ and the hope of the Cross to the broken. Provide Easter Bags of Blessing to men and women who are desperate for hope and healing from a life ravaged with hurt. Here’s how you can help: Fill a gallon-sized bag with: Assorted Bite-Size Candy 1 –
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A Time for Peace and Healing
Throughout his childhood, Danny says, “My parents gave me their heart and soul and tried everything possible to keep me off drugs.” But as a teenager, his curiosity prevailed and he was introduced to crack cocaine. Danny rode motorcycles competitively and hoped to build a career from the sport. But fueling his growing addiction became
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Oops, He Did It Again!
In April of 2008 my husband had moved out of our home 3 months prior, leaving me a single mom to 4 children (3 of them teenagers.) In my 11th year of working as a teacher at a private school, life was flipped upside down. I was forced to totally rely on God’s provision for
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Salt & Light
I am committed to Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 5:13-16 (The Message): “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out
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So Is He
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) Our Re-Entry program is designed for men desiring to change their lives after incarceration. Some enter our 6-month biblically-based program as part of their parole requirements. Our Re-Entry program teaches participants how to live productive lives in society as we encourage, empower
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Walk Carefully
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17(ESV) DEVOTION Wisdom is a popular topic among Christians. It is something the majority of Christians
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Sweet Home Heroin
There’s an epidemic in our country tearing through families like a tornado in a Kansas town, bringing about incredible devastation to all who are in it’s path. An astounding 91 Americans die every single day from opioid overdose, which gives this non-discriminating killer the #1 cause of accidental death in the United States. Beating out gunshot
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Hope and a Future
“For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Welcome to Hope and a Future – The Foundry Blog. We are so happy you stopped by. Come on in and have a look – take a peek inside The Foundry walls and the work we do
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Finally Fulfilling God's Call
“God was always part of my life… I always believed in Him,” John says. “But I always felt guilt and shame.” Abused and neglected as a child, he began using drugs to cope with the turmoil he felt inside. As he grew older, addiction took control, causing him to behave in ways that filled his
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Seek Peace
Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11 (ESV) DEVOTION The French Quarter of New Orleans is one of the most spiritually dark places I have ever visited. You begin to physically feel the weight of darkness the moment you enter the outskirts of
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A Triple-Braided Cord
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT) DEVOTION Most animals on land or at sea have some sort of predator, whether we’re talking about wolves, lions or sharks. The young and
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New Life
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) DEVOTION Do you remember the moment the truth of this scripture finally came to life for you? You know, that light bulb moment where these words you believed as truth
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Foundry Celebrates 100th Graduating Class!
On April 9th, 2017, 35 men and women walked across the stage to mark a milestone of hope renewed, lives reshaped, and families restored as The Foundry Ministries celebrated our 100th graduating class. As each took the mic, the Lord was praised for His faithfulness, families were honored for never giving up, staff were thanked
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Truly free
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10 (ESV) DEVOTION STRENGTH: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance. From a worldly perspective, strength is something to be achieved. You work hard to build muscle or you keep denying that piece of cake
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Hunger Doesn’t Take a Break
One in four children struggle with hunger every day. This doesn’t change during the summer, in fact, it may worsen. Children receiving free or reduced lunch during the school year are guaranteed breakfast and lunch each school day. But, once summer begins the opportunity to eat those meals greatly reduces. Without the guarantee of school
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Faith
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 DEVOTION: There was a point in my life where the weight of what was supposed to happen, but didn’t, was slowly crushing me. Day after day I found myself digging farther into a place where I wasn’t sure if
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A New Life of Promise and Hope
Cathie started using drugs at a party. “Everybody was doing it,” she says. In her early 20s at the time, she had no idea how addiction would come to rule her life. She built relationships with men who shared her habit, but they didn’t last. She stopped using when she had her two children, but
