Last evening, bookstore owner Ann Vogl invited me to read from my book and facilitate a discussion about mental health challenges, addiction, and trauma https://dragontalebooks.store/. This invitation by Ann was her way of recognizing September as Suicide Prevention, Recovery, and Addiction Month. I am including a YouTube video of my presentation. Behind me is a […]

Why do we celebrate the Higher Power (God for me), Kings, and Queens in our present and past traditions? First, because of the virtue (behavior showing high moral standards) of being the best version of ourselves. Also, it shows those who rule and are in authority how they can use their authority for the common

Have you ever sat and listened to a wise tale? I remember growing up attending a family event. My uncle was obsessed with fishing especially after he retired. He shared with us his various catches and was free to tell us his fish stories. He told us he was on a boat with several other

If we observe a Potterer working at their wheel and it turns out wrong they will start all over again to get the exact shape they want. The message Recovery has for the Potterer at the wheel is clear. As the Potterer has total control over their clay and makes of it what they will,

Recovery is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds one pearl of great price he sells everything he has to buy that one treasure. So what is the treasure I am speaking about? As we reflect on Recovery and healing today faith is the great pearl that changes our lives. Faith invites

There was a coach who recruited talented basketball players for his team. With so many outstanding players it wasn’t easy to find playing time for each. One night after a game two men who supported the team financially told a couple of the players they should be playing more. The players developed a dark attitude

Who are the people in our lives we consider healing witnesses, they authored in welcoming us to Recovery? Three different components define welcoming: 1. We were invited into their lives. 2. We listened to them attentively. 3. Believing they will help us gain insight into Recovery and share their journey toward hope, healing, and health.

Today is a reflection challenging us to examine our consciousness highlighting Steps #8 and #11 (see below). Read these steps of spiritual development. Where do we stand in knowing ourselves? Then, conquer ourselves and finally give ourselves to Recovery. To know ourselves we need to examine our conscious. In religious circles, there are 4 ways

James and John were compassionately known as sons of thunder maybe to highlight their impulsiveness. James suffered from a mental health condition and John struggled with addiction. They were denied hospitality by some family members. They wished that fire from heaven came down on select family members because of their lack of compassion and kindness.

The parable of the peer in Recovery and those people who receive support from their peer, helps us recognize the healing in the words of Recovery in our lives. The parable is familiar to us since we can never tire of reflecting on what it means for our spiritual life. The peer goes out to