Twelve Step Reflections

Addiction Recovery, Healing, and Prevention - Notes from Nannette

“Hey, I Didn’t Break My Leg!”

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Sometimes the best entertainment in the house comes with the house.  In fact, sometimes it is the house, or part of it. We are the proud owners of one such piece of equipment. Who knew that a simple piece of lumber could be such a draw to little ones looking for excitement? But paint a board with ... Read More

“Come In”

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Let’s face it, Sunday parenting is not easy.  I have early memories of conversations over Sabbath afternoon mashed potatoes and roast beef that went something like this: Dad, who sat on the stand and participated as a member of the bishopric much of his life, would say, “Wasn’t sacrament meeting ... Read More

So What Does Love Have To Do With It? – Step 2 Hope

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Recently my brother stopped by for a short visit.  He came from North Carolina where he lives with his family and was accompanied by his son who just returned home from his mission.  Their ultimate destination was Idaho where my brother would help his son get settled for a new year of university ... Read More

The Circle – Step 12 Carrying the Message

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Matthew has escaped once again.  Three-year-old on the soccer field! Out into the middle game he darts.  Dodging the bevy of eight-year-old superstars, his big sister among them, he makes a beeline for his daddy, the coach. I leave my lawn chair behind and make my way on to the field to fetch ... Read More

The Other Shoe – Step 12 Service

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My daughter-in-law and I went together to buy a gift for my son’s birthday.  We bought him a new pair of new running shoes.  They were quite expensive, but he is very much in need of shoes that can take a beating.  I joked with him yesterday that I bought him “a shoe” for his birthday.  We had a ... Read More

“Happy Are We” – Step 3 Trust in God

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We live in a time when toys have buttons that awaken magical electronic powers.  As we search the retail shelves for just the right toy, even grownups are taken in by the invitation on packaging that reads, “Try Me.”  One day, just after Christmas, I was waiting while my mother stood in the return ... Read More

The Holiday Miracle We Pray For That We Will Not Be Given

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Holidays and food—they just go together.  This though comes to mind every time I’m invited to a holiday celebration that involves lots of food—and don’t they all?  It’s called “Michael’s Thanksgiving Day Prayer” but it might just as well be called “Everyone’s Christmas Prayer,” or “The Holiday ... Read More

“Falling” Into Christmas – Step 10 – Daily Accountability

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Quoting my daughter…“Sometimes I think the most constant thought in the mind of a little boy is, "What should I do next to drive my mother crazy?” My daughter called and related the following experience to me.  She said she might call it, “Wild Boys on the Loose,” “Irresponsible Mothers,” ... Read More