Christmas With Family

Christmas can be a difficult time for many addicts and co-dependents during family gatherings or when you find yourself alone during these holidays. If you are alone during these these next few weeks, remember that there are others out there sharing your feelings. The only way you can find each other is by getting to a meeting or finding a site online that connects all of you. Blogs such as mine, as well as other sites that can help you through. Visit http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/best-alcoholism-blogs for more information. I was quite the co-dependent in my previous marriage but I am much better now but I still seek help from God through prayer, church, and some great Christian books and devotionals that keep me grounded. It is difficult in certain situations but all we can do is keep trying to be better. Dealing with ex's and addicted grown children as well as family members that are just plain mean can also be stressful and cause you to want to use or become controlling. The key is to let go and let God. It works every time. I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and pray for each and every one of you that God softens your heart, that he delivers you from wanting to use or wanting to control others. I pray for His divine intervention in your life and for your protection. I pray that you have food, a warm bed, and someone that you can be with during this time of year. If you need me, I'm here for you. All you have to do is leave a comment and I will do my best to be a friend. Blessings, Lilia

The Psalms of Ascent

Good Morning Readers, I know it's been a long time but I've been super busy with grant writing, being a virtual special education teacher, a wife, and a mom, and grandmother. But I have had revelation of how the Psalms of Ascent can help all of us addicts, recovering addicts, and co-dependents. I have just finished writing a work book on the Psalms of Ascent and I can't wait to share it with all of you. Until then, read psalms 120-134 slowly and pray and ask God to show you their true meaning back to wholeness. God desires to help us and heal us as He draws us closer to Himself. I pray you are all blessed this Veteran's Day. Lilia

Mini Stroke

Okay wow! It's been way too long since I last posted but I went through some hard stuff regarding my brother who is also a blogger on this account. My brother had a couple mini strokes and he hasn't been the same since. Apparently, the stroke caused his personality to change somewhat. He has a hard time getting his thoughts out and so he's quiet much of the time. He now leads a pretty sedentary life whereas before he could not keep still. He was hyper and rarely sat for a long period of time. He was so involved with his 2 Scotties and now his wife has to ask him to walk them or feed them. He use to joke around and make us all laugh constantly. In fact, he has done some stand up at family events. He is not the same brother on the outside but the same brother on the inside. I went to spend the day with him a month ago and I'm so thankful I did. We spent the day at my sister in laws new restaurant which is located down the street from where me and him grew up. I asked him if he minded if we went to see the old house and he was agreeable. We ended up being invited in and we were both amazed. Our same mailbox was still on the outside garage even though it's no longer used. The owner remembered my dad and her lunch with my mom and dad when she bought the house. Life is so short and even though it breaks my heart to see my brother this way, it's a blessing in disguise because his quirks are gone. He was taking pain meds so much that he got sick and that's when he had the stroke. Please be careful and only take your meds as prescribed. Thanks. Please share your stories anonymously if you prefer.