All in the Family

On January 12, 1971, All in the Family began a nine-year run, finishing the season as television’s top-rated show for six consecutive years. The show featured the Bunker family, which was both hilarious and dysfunctional. Perhaps the reason so many of us watched was because we came from dysfunctional families, as well.  I love what…

A Lie’s a Lie

Addicts are universally superior in one way. We are world class liars. Of course, we don’t consider it lying. We stretch things a bit, exaggerate occasionally, and shade the truth a bit. Mark Twain’s words resonate with many of us. “Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.”  To all addicts…

President Tyler’s Grandson

President John Tyler held office from 1841 to 1845. Born during the presidency of George Washington, he was a member of the Whig Party. In other words, John Tyler lived a really long time ago. Or did he? Get this – John Tyler’s grandson is still living! How can that be? Tyler’s last child, Lyon…

The Windy City

If you are from the United States, you probably know that Chicago is known as the Windy City. But you may not know why. The nickname doesn’t come from the winds off Lake Michigan. The name “Windy City” was coined by 19th century journalists, in reference to the city’s leaders who were considered “windbags” and…

Choose Hope

There is nothing more valuable than hope. Actor Christopher Reeve was right. “Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” Scripture says, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Never forget this – in Christ there will always be hope. Charles Spurgeon said it so…

German Chocolate Cake

Where would you guess German chocolate cake was invented?  Answer: America. You see, German chocolate cake was not named for the country, but for the man. It is named after Sam German, who in 1852 created the formula for a mild dark baking chocolate bar for Baker’s Chocolate Company. The recipe was not made public…

Know Peace

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian during World War II. She and her family hid Jews from the Nazis and were eventually sent to death camps, where her sister and father both died. But through that horrible time, she discovered the secret of living with a mind that was at peace. She said it…

Rest

Sleep is an important ingredient to recovery.  The Primary Care Collaborative did an extensive study on the effects of sleep on recovery. In their presentation in May, 2019, they summarized, “One of the symptoms of withdrawal is trouble sleeping. As insufficient sleep is correlated with poor self-control, it’s important for recovering addicts to do what…

George Washington

On a rainy day during the American Revolutionary War, George Washington rode up to a group of soldiers attempting to raise a wooden beam to a high position. After watching their lack of success, Washington asked the corporal why he didn’t join in and help, to which the corporal replied, “Don’t you realize that I…

Airplane!

When I was in college, one of the greatest movies of all time came out – Airplane. There was a particular line in the movie that has stuck with me. “Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.” The audience roared with every corny line of Airplane. But the “sniffing glue” line…