A contributing factor to many deaths by suicide is the use of alcohol and drugs. Excellent health—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—can be achieved when you have a zero tolerance for these substances. The use of alcohol and drugs, even occasionally, messes with our minds. We cannot become the person we know in our hearts we desire to be when our minds get off track while stumbling along the path of dead-ends and detours, which alcohol and drugs always bring.
Read MoreAlong with the incredible, life-changing 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, there is another 12-step program that has helped countless individuals to make permanent changes in their lives through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Read MoreIn 1989, I wrote a song that I titled, “Because We Are a Family.” While it was originally written as a serious song to inspire my son Jonathan, it became a theme song for our whole family. Although it was totally a surprise to me, I was delighted when two of my teenage grandchildren got together during spring break on March 24, 2019 and made a hilarious video production of “Because We Are a Family” and put it on YouTube!
Read MoreWhile I’m in the “habit” of praying every morning and night, I don’t always take the time to really meditate and ponder about the issues that are on my mind. What I have learned is that meditation, pondering, and prayer take less time than lying awake all night worrying over a myriad of problems. I don’t believe God wants us to feel alone and helpless. He wants us to let Him into our lives.
Read MoreOften times, we have “blind spots” that we can’t see until someone points it out to us. True humility will bless our lives as we continue to take “personal inventory” of our lives and admit when we have made a mistake.
Read MoreI like reading dictionary definitions of words I don’t commonly use in my own conversations, and the word “reparation” is one of these. As I’ve pondered on this word, I have begun to wonder if I have ever gone out of my way to truly make reparations to people I’ve offended in my life. This has been a time of introspection for me.
Read MoreYes. We must accept the blame. We must stop making excuses. We must stop rationalizing our behavior. We must make amends and restore justice. This is the only way we will find true peace.
Read MoreThe ninety and nine were doing just fine but one sheep went quietly astray…
Read MoreWhen we are feeling weak, we need to lean on those who are strong. When we are strong, we need look around to see who might need our friendship and kindness to help them through the difficult times in their lives. We need each other.
Read MoreI know that as we take God’s hand, and ask for His help to leave the past behind, our shortcomings will gradually be replaced with new habits and spiritual power through our faith in God.
Read MoreYou have the Power to ease all my pain, to remove all the dirt, erase all my shame. I can’t change myself, it’s true. But I know I can change—with You.
Read MoreIt is time to cut the strings. It is time to stop being a puppet. It is time to look at yourself honestly. It is time to admit your mistakes. It is time to apologize for your hurtful, sinful behavior towards others. It is time to get real.
Read MoreFor many years of his life, Jonathan smoked cigarettes, which he regretted. But he said that getting off nicotine was harder than getting off heroin or crack for him.
Read More"The fruit of silence is PRAYER. The fruit of prayer is FAITH. The fruit of faith is LOVE. The fruit of love is SERVICE. The fruit of service is PEACE."
—Mother Teresa
Read MoreThe words from Luke 22:42, “...not my will, but thine, be done” gave me the desire to not be quite so headstrong and sometimes foolishly independent.
Read MoreWhere are the answers? Where can I turn?
Read MoreIt doesn’t matter what you call it. You can change.
Read MoreA set of twelve poems that were inspired by the life-changing ”12 Steps” of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Read MorePeople who are addicted are people, not just addicts, and they have feelings, and hopes, and dreams—just like people who are not addicted.
Read MoreThe first step is the hardest—
but who wants to keep crawling on the floor?
