Beneath the Apple Tree: My Journey to Sobriety and Freedom from Temptation

Podcast Description: In this episode of the Pretty In Praise Podcast, we explore the challenges of addiction, inspired by my poem "The Apple Tree"—a reflection on the subtle temptations that pull us away from our purpose. Addiction isn't a straight path, and sobriety is often full of ups and downs. But through faith, God delivered me from that struggle. Join me as I share my personal journey through addiction and sobriety, and how God's grace ultimately led me to freedom. We talk about the lessons learned along the way and the importance of surrendering to God's will. Whether you're in recovery, struggling, or simply looking for hope, this episode is a reminder that God's grace is bigger than your struggle. There is hope, and there is freedom. If you haven't given your life to Christ and feel the nudge, I want to invite you to pray this with me: Sinner's Prayer: "Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Amen." If you prayed this prayer, welcome to God's family! Reach out, and let's walk this journey together. 💖👑 To learn more about Pretty In Praise and our mission, visit: https://prettyinpraise.com/   Poem:  The Apple Tree  The apple tree.  The apple tree has fruit That is ripe and yours for the taking.  Red in its color  Having you contemplating.   Tempting as it hangs..  a fruit bearing seeds.  Innocent to take a bite.   For just a moment of relief.  This is the vision I had…  Given in a dream.  The day after I relapsed  Just drinking one drink.  As the devil dances in my head..  it's just one.. what will it do?  Just take a sip he said  You have nothing to lose…  As I battle back n forth  Feeling somewhat neglected  My ego came forth  Making a choice…selected.  I took a quick sip.. and two more followed. It went down real quick. As it burned when I swallowed.  I was doing a normal thing. This was all just fine. A night out doing wife and husband things.  As we enjoyed a place to dine.  A drink made..  compliments of the bar  A woman caved  When the Apple wasn't far.  How often we forget..  the devil and his schemes.  This isn't to make you upset  That you were human.. because he redeems.  You will not fall To the cycle of shame were the devil is waiting.  Your God knows you by name  Your mistakes he is anticipating.  Beautiful woman… you don't have to eat.. the apple is just a metaphor. A reminder of deceit.  Yes there is a tree.. bearing much fruit.. waiting for you to eat.. while heavily in pursuit..  One that gives life while the other seeks death. Poisonous  but, ripe.. clinging to fear and regret.  It comes along with the hardest of temptations.  But in Christ you are made strong as it says in Gelations.  You no longer live.. Christ is in you… by the flesh you will give a life made new. Because faith is way bigger than the choices that you choose.   When you remember this.. the devil will always lose. There is an Apple tree… and it's yours for the taking.  Ripe and ready waiting… forsaking..  Which will you choose…  faith in thde life?  Or a moment consumed  By just… one… bite