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
Recovery and The Stable – All Steps – Part One
For many years we re-enacted the Christmas Story at my mother’s house. As young girls my sister and I traded off taking the part of Mary, the Angel, or a shepherd and my brothers filled in all the male roles. Being the oldest I was the narrator for several years. During my motherhood years I didn’t ... Read More
“An Effectual Struggle” – 12 Step Work
In all scripture the word “delivered” appears 939 times. I have come to understand that the scriptures, and specifically the Book of Mormon, are the Lord’s handbook of instructions for being delivered from captivity, from bondage of any kind, through His power. The Book of Mormon is the handbook for ... Read More
“I Love You Jesus,” said little Nan…
Years ago, in a General Conference talk, President Monson shared the poem, “Which Loved Best?” It was timely for me, in the middle of raising my family. In those days I collected classic poems and helped my children memorize them as part of their home school curriculum. I remember listening to Elder ... Read More
The Danger of Supposing – Step 3 and Step 11
One of the blessings of the Book of Mormon is the realness of the people. The descriptions of their feelings during challenging times are authentic and can be very instructive. One of my favorite women in scripture is our sister Sariah, the wife of the Prophet Lehi. My experience is certainly not ... Read More
“It’s a Free Country!” Or Not – Abstinence
I can’t remember how young I was the first time I used the phrase, “It’s a free country” to justify something I had just done or something I wanted to do. My brother told me that when his son Jonathan, was just a little guy, he was next door playing with a friend. About dinnertime my brother walked ... Read More