Lesson from the Shepherds

In 1966, the new Metropolitan Opera House opened in New York. It was one of the social events of the 20th century.  But imagine if the Board of the Metropolitan Opera had said, “For our opening night, with the greatest orchestra ever assembled, we’re going to invite homeless people, and as many down and out…

Friends

Here are some things you need to know. You yawn the most after breakfast. You lose weight if you sleep in a cold room. You are the tallest thing in the morning. Sharp knives are safer than dull knives. People with friends live longer. Wait. Let’s go back to that last one. People with friends…

Not Yet

In my world, people fall into one of two groups. They are either walking in purity and freedom or they want to be. Those who want to be may be holding onto old habits or embedded in unhealthy relationships. They want out, but they just aren’t ready yet. St. Augustine once quipped, “Lord, help me…

#1 Key to Sobriety

I recently read an article titled, 40 Tips for Staying Sober Under Pressure. I’m sure you can google it. It’s right there, with other articles on the 11 Tips, 7 Tips, and 21 Tips articles.  But let’s cut to the chase. I will give you the #1 way to stay sober. It works every time. …

Who Has the Most Sobriety?

The next time you attend a recovery meeting, I can tell you how to tell who in that group has the most sobriety. It will be the person who got up earliest that morning. Sobriety is truly a one-day-at-a-time proposition.  Charles Schulz said it like this: “Life is like an ice cream cone. You have…

Nose in Plain Sight

Here’s a great question to start your day. How come you never notice your nose? As long as your eyes are open, your nose is in your line of sight. There is never a time when you can’t see your nose. So let me ask it again. How come you never notice your nose? Answer:…

Knute Rockne

In 1931, Knute Rockne died in a plane crash at the age of 43. Having led Notre Dame’s football program for the last ten years, Rockne was recognized as America’s first great college coach. His lessons are still taught in locker rooms and on football fields today.  Here’s just one gem from the legendary coach:…

First Pillar of Recovery

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identifies four pillars of recovery: Let’s talk about the first one, which we probably focus on the least as addicts.  John wrote, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health” (3 John 1:2). Self-care is absolutely…

40 Years of Marriage

The Bible says, “Rejoice in the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18). I have been rejoicing in the wife of my youth for 40 years now. On February 26, 1983, Beth and I were married. That’s a long time ago. Since we said, “I do,” 40 years ago, a lot has changed. I have had…