This was the first Christmas in years I have been completely void of the desire to “take down Christmas” as we say. The first year I remember feeling this way was my first baby’s first Christmas. My mother-in-law had always decorated her tree with little birds. She was growing older and was ... Read More
No Apologies Necessary! – Step 12 – Carrying the Message
On a crispy December morning the day after Christmas 2002 my 23-year-old son called at 10:05 am and asked to speak to my 14-year-old son. I took the portable phone with me. As I began the task of waking the sleeping stretched out man/child his older brother said over the phone, “Oh mom don’t wake ... Read More
Re-Wrapping – Living In Gratitude
A friend of mine attended a Pre-Christmas, family party the other night where gifts were exchanged. Each person had the fun of unwrapping one gift from Santa. Her three-year-old little girl, Katie, along with all the little girl cousins received a Barbie Doll. At the close of the event Katie ... Read More
Christmas Eve Instruction on Finding the Perfect Gift – Step 1, 2, 3, and Perfectionism
If I wasn’t “finishing up” at Target or All-A-Dollar or Kmart at 5:45 on Christmas Eve I guess the season wouldn’t be quite the same. One December 24, 2002 I was given the following insight. It has made a difference in every Christmas Eve thereafter. Exhausted and touching on frantic, I completed ... Read More
Recovery and The Stable – All Steps – Part Five
This is the forth and final part of a set of posts dedicated to looking for 12 Step principles taught through the people, events, and symbols of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Today we will look at The Journey to the Manger. The Journey to the Manger – Steps 1, 2 and 3 “I can’t! He can! I ... Read More
Recovery and The Stable – All Steps – Part Four
This is the forth part of a set of posts dedicated to looking for 12 Step principles taught through the people, events, and symbols of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Today we will look at The Shepherds. The Shepherds – Step 11 Seek through prayer and meditation to know the Lord’s will and ... Read More
Recovery and The Stable – All Steps – Part Three
This is the third part of a set of posts dedicated to looking for 12 Step principles taught through the people, events, and symbols of the story of the birth of Christ. Today we will look at The Stable and The Star. The Stable – Step 7 Humbly ask Heavenly Father to remove you shortcomings. There ... Read More
Recovery and The Stable – All Steps – Part Two
It was a great experience to look at the people, events, and symbols of the Christmas Story with the 12 Steps in mind. I share these thoughts with you knowing that this is just a sampling of many possible impressions. These were the things that came to me… The Angel Gabriel - Step 12 Carrying the ... Read More