Twelve Step Reflections

Addiction Recovery, Healing, and Prevention - Notes from Nannette

“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

“We Don’t Ever Have To Put Christmas Away” Step 3 and 12

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This was the first Christmas in years I have been completely devoid 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

Lessons From the Stable All Year Long

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Now that we’re on the “other side” of Christmas I thought I would write a little piece about taking Christmas into the new year. My latest post is called “Lessons From the Stable All Year Long.”  It’s highlighted on my daughters Kendra’s wonderful Blog “The Things I Love Most” as part of her “25 ... Read More

Christmas Eve Instruction on Finding the Perfect Gift – Perfectionism and Step 1-3

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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.  On 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

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

Just Who Is On That “Naughty List”?

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Eliza reminds me of myself sometimes.  She’s the oldest grandchild on both sides of her family, very serious and quite responsible, as first children tend to be.  She’s the “other mother” in her family, because from the view of the oldest child, one mother is never quite enough to keep everything ... Read More