Today was Easter Sunday. All day long I have been trying to think of a message worthy of the greatest event in the history of mankind. I was not successful. Tonight as I was getting ready for bed this simple thought came to me. The most important thing about Easter Sunday is that Jesus will be there ... Read More
Fire His Impostor – Steps 2 and Step 3
It would not be uncommon for someone with years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous to share the following at an AA Meeting. “In order to ‘[Come] to believe that the power of God could restore [me] to complete sanity’ (AA Step 2) and ‘[Make] a decision to turn [my] will and my [life] over to the ... Read More
The “Standing Long Jump” – A Contradiction In Terms? – Step 2
Recess at my elementary school meant swinging around and around on the monkey bars until you were sick, which I never experienced, because I couldn’t get up enough momentum to swing. It meant standing or running around the inside a large circle painted on the playground with lots of other little ... Read More
The Message From the Cedar Waxwings – Step 2 Hope
Step 2 says, “Come to believe that the power of God can restore you to complete spiritual health.” One of the pivotal words in this step is the word “you.” Can restore you Nannette! You restore you ______ (Fill in the blank with your own name.) It doesn’t help me at all to believe that God can and ... 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
His “Master-piece!” Steps 1,2, and 3
Outside my fifth grade classroom door, in the hall, there was a glass case on the wall dedicated to showing off exceptional work from students in our room. Every Friday afternoon was devoted to “art” and after our projects were completed the very best were selected, placed in the glass case, and ... Read More
“Shhh! Don’t Tell!” – Step 1, 2, 3
If I had to sum up in one word the name of the miracle that people everywhere are experiencing because they’re applying the 12 Steps to their lives, the word would be “grace.” It is the fundamental doctrine that underlies the entire process of recovery. Grace is the enabling power available to all ... Read More
Potty Training, Some Far Reaching Implications – Step 2
One of my very first recovery instructive experiences was in connection with potty training of my last child, a little boy (I’ll respect his anonymity on this one). This subject may be a little on the edge but it was so enlightening I can’t help sharing it. One day in the middle of the potty ... Read More