Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Welcome to all our visitors and new members. I hope you will help us all to stay clean and sober by participating in our discussions, posting of photos, attending activities where possible and finding jobs that there is such a great need for. We know what builds prosperity, buying products and services made in America, by Americans for Americans.

I believe in helping everyone we can without bankrupting ourselves and giving away all our jobs. Next time you are making a purchase, see where the product is made. I know we have lost many industries because of politicians and the so-called world market where our goods cannot compete because of import tariffs and taxes. Yet we do not place those same tariffs on the products coming into the US.

All I am saying is God helps those who help themselves by using good common sense. We have gotten into serious trouble by trusting politicians that have been romanced and funded by foreign lobbyists. More American jobs, more revenue. More funding for treatment centers and rehabs because they all compete for the same tax dollars. More treatment centers get more addicts and alcoholics into 12 step recovery after they stabilize. More clients in 1/2 way houses taking the next step in recovery rather than being homeless or degrading themselves to get high. Less of our brothers and sisters in jails and prisons which can ruin just about anyone. Both my sons have been incarcerated. All good stuff, in my opinion and experience.

Pardon the little rabbit trail this morning but I get angry with those padding their pockets with monies that should be treating our diseases and social problems.

I have a video on my website, www.swflcompassionministries.org, " Hope for Andy." The quality isn't the best but you will get the message about poverty and homelessness.

Today's Inspiration........What Does It Take?

The new life can't be built in a day. We did not become addicted overnight. We may have been

pre-disposed genetically or modeled into our lifestyle of drug and alcohol use, but ultimately, getting clean and sober and staying that way is up to us and God. We have to take the program slowly and seriously, a little at a time, one day at a time. AA and NA are God sends in my opinion as well as faith based programs. Nothing works for everyone but there is help for anyone who wants it and are sincere about working it. For anyone using a program as a con, you'll find yourself conning yourself out of a great future that God wants for you.

Our subconscious minds have to be re-educated. No this is not psycho-babble. I have battled this monster or disease for much of my life for many years and have some experience with what works and what does not. We have to learn to think differently. " Do not be conformed to the things of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:1-2, Saint Paul. We have to get used to sober thinking instead of stinkin' thinkin.'

Everyone in recovery, knows that the old addictive, self-centered thinking can come back on us when we least expect it. Even when our spirit is willing, our flesh is very weak. Our emotions can be our biggest relapse triggers so we need to toughen up a bit, like the soldier going into battle. Building a new life is a slow process, but it can be done if we really follow the program. It takes great patience and perseverance and hard work. I attend meetings and work the steps and have a sponsor because I need to. I am done living in the bottom of a bottle or a crack pipe or whatever. It is a new day and new life for me and my loved ones. You can take that to the bank. I am building a new life on the foundation of sobriety and spirituality, come Hell or high water, by the grace of God.

Heart and Soul

I will pray daily for faith, for it is God's gift. Faith is the power which moves the hand of God and helps me to overcome my disease and character defects. When I look in the mirror God, help me to see where I must invite you to help me clean house. Faith gives me courage when I am weak and scared. Faith gives me hope when I am hopeless or overwhelmed. Faith in God's help alone, brings the answer to my prayers. When I wake up I thank God for the day ahead, clean and sober and before sleeping for the night, let me remember to thank Him.

Last night's meeting at rehab went great. Many new clients, smiles and looks of hope as we discussed step 3 and how to be open and teachible and not let the guilt or shame of our past lives weigh us down. God will forgive us if we ask Him and help us not to repeat the same actions expecting a different outcome or what we call insanity.

Well I have much to do today and many roads to travel. I wish you God's very best. Feel free to write or call me anytime, 239 . 851 . 2283. Please leave a voice mail if I do not pick up immediately.

Please send your full name and mailing address to receive your FREE welcome packet for joining our group. Info always confidential, never any obligation. Two more going out in today's mail.

LUV and Hugz

pj