Another one did not bite the dust

Halle Berry admits to considering suicide after depression onset from her first divorce. Kudos to her honesty and it sounds as if she has some solid recovery info. "...had to reprogram myself to see the good in me. Because someone didn't love me didn't mean I was unlovable." Read full article here

Open House

If you are interested in finding out more about New Hope Community Health a faith based corporation which provides training and guidance to those struggling with drug and alcohol issues, they are having an open house on February 27th. It is the latest love child of my friend the lovely adult child Dennis Mansfield please RSVP by calling 208-672-9200.

Drinking and Driving

This story and shocking photo is a reminder of how the choice to drink and drive can harm so many.

Recovery Oriented Radio

As some of you may know I am honored to have the opportunity to produce a 1 hour weekly radio show that started airing at the first of the year called "Friendly Fire" a program dedicated to those wounded in church relationships.

You can log on to the live stream on Mondays at 3:00pm MST and listen to the pilot by going here or download the program in MP3 here.

This download features Dennis Mansfield as a guest. Dennis is a 2 time congressional candidate, a formerly outspoken politico who recently turned over a new leaf by confessing he was too harsh to his political opponents. After having a child in rehab for drug abuse, Mansfield is now putting his money where his mouth is by rolling up his sleeves and working in the jailing systems. I have really come to love Dennis for his transparency, energy, and "Dennisness".

Recovery TV

Speaking of the Dog Whisperer, many have enjoyed the non-violent techniques of Nanny 911. I am always amazed that my first response is "that kid needs a spanking.", and much like the Dog Whisperer, Nanny 911's focus is to retrain the parents and rehabilitate the kids. Both programs show rapid improvement that seems almost unreal. This reminds me that dynamic and sweeping changes can be made when we learn to do life in a healthy way.

I also like to watch Trading Spouses. It is really easy to see how our lack of openess and preconception cloud honest interaction between those who are different.

Other recovery oriented TV programs:

Breaking Bonaduce:

The title of this program is spot on. Our calous will has to surrender in order to recover. This program is surprisingly honest and transparent. His wife Gretchen's faith and love and commitment are inspiring. Groundbreaking. Worth watching. Although I wish there was more of a narrative for the recovery process. I think Bonaduce legitmately wants to recover.

Shooting Sizemore:

Seems like a spin off of Breaking Bonaduce. But I applaud recovery oriented programming. This one is a little dark and profane. It seems to focus more on Sizemore's addictive nature and past as well as his obseession with getting his carreer back.

Kudos to VH1 for producing something with fiber.

We already covered "My Name Is Earl"- but to recap: The risqué and sometimes raunchy humor is worth enduring for the solid recovery oriented message at the core of most but not all of the shows. Not to mention the top notch performance, scripting, and special guests. Have you made a list of all those you have wronged and humbley go about rectifying things yet? Then don't judge me.

Dog Whisperer

When I saw this cable show in the line-up I had negative response, same feelings some men might have about crafting and quilting. But then I watched the program. Cesar Millan is a genius about dog behavior. I am able to glean wisdom about human behavior from this program check it out.

Dr.Phil Special

Anyone check this out last night? It was pretty interesting. It seemed to me that the doc was less then gentle. But I know that sometimes that works. Shame based behavior seems better dealt with through killing with kindness. Shellye's confrontation made me think about my own tendancies to wittle down and rationalize when confronted. Good stuff.

more lyrics : step 9

I liked the making amends message of this song from Hoobistank "The Reason"

"i'm not a perfect person. there are many things i wish i didnt do
but i continue learning. i never meant to do those things to you.
and so i have to say before i go, that i just want you to know
i've found a reason for me, to change who i used to be
a reason to start over new...i'm sorry that i hurt you, its something i must live with everyday
and all the pain i put you through, i wish that i could take it all away "

I also love the "karma" coming from the only sitcom about real people "My Name is Earl" and his quest for completing his 9th step.

My Family

Peek-a-Boo U2

Praise Yahweh for U2, not so political they obscure the music and make it a bully pulpit, not such rockstars they have no soul or message. They do what God made them to. Perfectly. Their beauty is hidden behind their fame but I see it.

"Take these shoes
click clacking down some dead end street
Take these shoes and make them fit
Take this shirt
Polyester white trash made in nowhere
Take this shirt
and make it clean,clean
Take this soul
and make it sing

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Still I'm waiting for the dawn"

from 'Yahweh' Performed by U2
written by Bono/The Edge from the album 'How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb'

You'd have Issues Too

(Chuckles'nGrins Dept.) TBS trailer for Lord of the Rings Gollum neads recovery.

Childhood Vid clip

Cool short thought provoking PSA from the gov' and Adcouncil. Encouraging a dialogue with children about alcoholism. If only we knew in advance.

New Celebrate Recovery Group on Sundaynight

Capital Christian Center of Boise, Idaho has started a support group for men and women Sunday nights.

A few of us from the Vineyard Boise Celebrate Recovery have visited this last few weeks to offer support and were warmely welcomed by the staff.

If you are looking for some help with life's hurts, habits, and hang-ups go visit.

Sundaynights (turn right at the "celebrate" sign and go in the side door.)

6:00pm Dinner ($3 donation)
7:00pm Praise & Worship Testimony or teaching
8:00pm small groups
9:00pm Just Desserts ($1 donation)

Psalm 14:1

"A fool hath said in his heart, there is no God."