I can do this! Do it for the clothes—the skinny jeans, the juniors section of Kohls, shopping on the right side of the Dress Barn. Do it for the concerned people in my life—my husband, my mother, my kids…think of the kids. Then there’s my doctor. I could do it for him, for my heart, my knees, my ... Read More
The Holiday Miracle We Pray For That We Will Not Be Given
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
“Michael’s Thanksgiving Day Prayer” – Abstinence
It was finally pie time. So many pies! So many flavors! So many decisions! Pie with whip cream? Pie with ice cream? “Maybe just a little of both,” I heard someone say. The turkey and rolls started to make their way back out onto on counter, something to balance out all that pie I suppose. “Hey, who ... Read More
Enjoying An Evening of Abstinence Book of Mormon Style
One morning during Family Scripture Study I read my four verses aloud and then paused before commenting with that well used expression “Hmmm?” My family broke into laughter, poking fun at their scripture-loving /scripture-likening mother. “She’ll find something in it. You just watch,” said my ... Read More
“What Am I Hungry For?”
The following is an exercise that only requires your journal, a pen, your scriptures and a little bit of time. I had my Young Women ponder and write about these questions during a quiet hour at camp one year. I wanted the girls and their leaders to feel as though we were sitting on the couch in my ... Read More
“Am I Hungry Or Do I Just Want A Treat? Hmmm?” – Abstinence
This post is all about my experience, and others may not relate at all. Take what you like and leave the rest. I am sharing this thought to help myself, and others who do relate. Tonight I have three separate Christmas parties to attend; all of them involve my drug of choice, food. No matter what ... 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
I Don’t Have to Drink Out of My Shoe! – Abstinence
My head was swimming with thoughts generated during the Recovery support group meeting I had just attended. I pulled into the garage, walked into the house and set my key, scriptures, journal, pen and Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing on the kitchen counter. What to do next? I dialed my ... Read More