2/12 BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:05:00 +0000

Dear Family 2/12

Welcome to all our visitors and new members. Please write or call anytime. It is 44 degrees this morning in SW Florida. That is very cold for us. I had to put the heat on in the house to take the chill out. Also had to put our dog's rock star coat on to keep him nice and warm.

Sipping on a hot cup of coffee to get the brain awake and going to an early morning meeting with God. Hoping to start a new recovery group very soon.

Gateway Grace Fellowship, 13241 Griffin Drive, Ft. Myers, Fl. 33913

The music and teaching and fellowship are awesome. Times 8:30 Am and 11AM.

For those of you that would like to send ski caps, sweat shirts, sweaters, etc. in good condition and clean for my clients. Many were homeless, in jail and have very little or nothing in the way of warm clothes. New underwear and socks, unopened, still in package are always a great blessing also. We give everything freely to our clents and brothers and sisters. We also bring food to the rehabs and homeless shelters from our veterans foundation.

I always need Big Books, AA, NA, and Step Books, Life Recovery Bibles and inspirational magazines like grapevine or other books. I buy all I can from my disability check until it is gone I have everyone looking for these to buy at Goodwill and all the other thrift stores. There are never very many. If you see one, please buy it and send to me.

Mail to:

Chaplain John Petruska

5781 Lee Blvd. # 208 - 394

Lehigh, Fl. 33971

email / pay pal address

compassionswfl@comcast.net

239 . 851 . 2283

hugz to all

BLOGZ AWAY - WOUNDED WARRIORS

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:05:00 +0000

PRAYING FOR MARINE CORPS VETERAN Lloyd.

Spent 6 years as a sniper and has 27 confirmed kills and it has been haunting him every day.

He said he was with the 2nd Marine Division, 4th Force Recon Battlaion and was a sniper in Somalia, Mogadishu, Lebanon, Beruit and many places that the US government would never admit to.

I will work with him to file for disability so he doesn't have to live in the woods anymore and be so sick.

Yesterday he called and said the pain was so bad, he kept hitting his hand with a hammer to distract himself. He has PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder and cirrosis from his alcohol addiction. He has been in rehab 6 times.

I talked to him for about 30 miinutes about AA, getting to a VA hospital for help and God forgiving him and Lloyd forgiving himself.

The Holy Spirit always gives me special things to say and uses strange situations within my life to build friendships.

After I had been talking to Lloyd for about 20 minutes, my grandson, 2 1/2 years old walks out of the bedroom naked, carrying his diaper. I started laughing and told Lloyd what was going on and he laughed also. From a near suicide and a death wish to laughter among two old brothers from the war. We trained at many of the same Marine Corps bases so we had lots to talk about.

God help us all, wounded warriors and brothers and sisters fighting the disease of addiction.

LAST NIGHT'S MEETING AT REHAB WAS AMAZING AND WE WERE ALL LAUGHING AND HUGGING EACH OTHER AT THE END. FOR MANY, WE HAD FOUND NEW FAMILY AND WERE NOT ALONE ANYMORE, THANK YOU JESUS.

hUGZ 2 ALL

WRITE OR CALL ANYTIME

239 . 851 . 2283

THE MORNING AFTER, OMG, TAKE ME NOW

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:10:00 +0000

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Welcome to all our visitors and new members. Please write or call anytime. 239 . 851 . 2283

Feel free to join in discussions or blogs and or post photos on group site that are in good taste.

Visit our website with some new youtbe videos that are AWESOME.

Also free treatment referrals. I may also be able to get you a scholarship or reduced rate at rehab or to cut through the red tape to expedite your getting help.

www.swflcompassionministries.org

Today's Inspiration

We got a blast from our first hit or few drinks. I guess it was fun then but oh too quickly we were out of control and doing things we regrettted so very much. For a while, the world seemed better and we thought we were stronger and wiser. Our " game on " with members of the opposite sex was also much better or so we thought. We may still be facing consequences for those actions. But how about when the balloon goes POP and bursts. The terrible hangover, withdrawl and depression that comes the morning after? OMG, take me now LORD. I still remember the sickness after all these years later very vividly. Now, in Recovery, we get a real clean high, not a false feeling of exhilaration, but a real feeling of satisfaction with ourselves, self respect, and a feeling of friendliness toward the world. The buzz from our drug of choice just creates an illusion. The hang over the next day is the opposite of pleasure. I am finding serenity and lasting peace in my recovery program.

Heart and Soul

I will practice love and compassion to all men and women that I encounter today. Self-senteredness instead of God-centeredness pulls me from the flow of God's Holy Spirit.

I will try to see good in all people, those I like and also those who are a PITA and grate on my last nerve. They are all children of God, just like me. I will try to get along with all people, because the more love I give away, the more I will have and my heavenly Father will be well pleased with me and help me more in my journey through this life.

If you are not sure how to get into heaven, write or call me? I have a roadmap and guide book to help you. I will be glad to pray with you for any need you have. It always works better by phone.

239 . 851 . 2283. Please leave a voice mail if I don't pick up immediately.

Today's Prayer

I pray that I may do all I can to love others, in spite of their many faults. I pray that as I love, so will I be loved.

Jesus said, " for as you plant good seeds, you will reap a great harvest. " Or as we might say today " what goes around, comes around."

Don't forget to request your free welcome packet. Never any cost or obligation to you.

Send your full name and mailing address. Kept confidential and anonymous.

HUGZ AND LUV 2 ALL

NEW RECOVERY GROUP - YOU'RE INVITED

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:55:00 +0000

Dear Family

If you live in Lee County Florida, you may want to meet us on Sunday Morning at Gateway Grace Fellowship for great music and teaching, 8:30 AM or 11AM.

13241 Griffin Ave. Ft. Myers, 33913

We are submitting our outline for approval to kick off our Recovery Group for substabce abuse at the church. We have already purchased the curriculum. Give us a call for more info if interested.

239 . 851 . 2283

In the last couple of weeks, we have unpacked Empowered Healing in Acts 3, and Empowered Prayer in Acts 4. Next Sunday we’ll walk through Acts 5 where you will see how “the empire strikes back.” The enemy always does, especially when a significant move of God is in progress. So we will be unveiling the reality of Empowered Warfare next Sunday. Do your best not to miss it and invite as many folks as you can. I don’t want you to be blindsided by the enemy’s counter-attacks as the Spirit of the Living God moves among us! See you next Sunday!

Fighting the Good Fight with You,

Pastor Mark

www.markpgonzales.com

www.storyofgodandman.com

HUGZ 2 ALL

MY WILL OR HIS WILL?

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:50:00 +0000

Monday, January 23, 2012

Hello and good morning to all our visitors and new members. So glad you are here. Please write or call anytime. 239 . 851 . 2283.

Today's Inspiration............MY WILL OR HIS WILL :?

Alcoholics / Addicts are people who started using or drinking for a variety of reasons. For many it was to get outside themselves and leave their inhibitions behind or just to have fun or because, in the beginning, it felt so good. Sometimes, it is to deal with depression or significant emotional events. Other times it is for acceptance. No one wants to feel left out or like an odd duck and not hip to today's experiences. We usually start out slow and a few of us go full tilt from day one. We humans are truly strange creatures. If God didn't love us so much, he would have never put up with us this long. We are always making the same mistakes and suffer the same consequences over and over again, but that the pain and hopelessness grows so much worse. They refuse to admit they have a problem. It doesn't make us weak, it make us smart and opens the door for help. So maybe we don't make it for a while in recovery and relapse.

SO WE KEEP TRYING. PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ON YOU. YOU ARE THE BEST YOU THAT YOU HAVE..... and the only one. They still think they can handle the stuff. They won't swallow their pride and admit that they're different from others with a life controlling issue and there are many. God will help you if you are truly workig the steps. # 3 is all about surrender and turning your life and will over to God. It doesn't make you weak. It opens a door to a whole new world for you and me.

My drink of choice is ginger ale if I am feeling sweet or club soda with a twist and I never get tired of them. Once in a while, I will have a root beer. I goes so good with chili dogs.

I have an addictive personality in so many areas. I must constantly police myself and pray every day for God's mercy and strength. Some days, I feel like a winner and other times, not so much.

Then I rush to a meeting and come away smiling and happy. My four years in therapy also made a big difference. I take a hand up from anyone who will lend one. I am proud of some accomplishments which took hard work and committment but I never ever want to be prideful or full of pride. God is in the driver's seat and I am just the co-pilot. Some of us need more encouragement than others. We are all beautiful and different just like a snow flake. No two alike even if they look somewhat the same.

Heart and Soul

I believe that God has all power. It is His to give and His to withhold. I pray for good gifts and life lessons that will keep me out of trouble and from hurting the people I love.

He will not withhold it from the person who stays close to him. It is just like my children, when they are trying to do right, I run to help them if they want it. If they are doing dumb, I just make some suggestions and let them decide what works and what does not. God lives in me and through me. His spirit directs my path, Proverbs 3:5. I will learn to live in God's presence and then I will have those things, which are God's will for me. Not every prayer is answered yes. Others are answered no because they are not good for us. If we really push God, He will usually let us have what we want and then find out, the hard way that our Heavenly Father has a better idea. Sometimes, the best looking package is not what is good for us. Many years ago, I had a troubles, lonely, stubborn friend who always wanted to do his own thing. He made himself and outcast. Many reached out to him. His father got him a good job with a great pay check. He had been using drugs for many years to self medicate. Then he went out and bought a shiny new red corvette convertible. He was always looking for what was missing in his life.

One night after work, he took the corvette up to 120 mph and died in a wreck. power, and joy.

When God was missing from my life, He sent a friend to share his faith and re-kindle mine. God did not stick me in some third world in a mud hut to be a preacher, although he might, but first He and I would come to terms with such an idea. Maybe someday, I will go back to Viet Nam. The thought has always been in my mind, but the time is not yet, if at all.

Where will God take you when you surrender? I don't know but it will be an exciting adventure full of love and happiness and I am sure, more than a few tears, but that is life on this planet.

God's Word says there are no tears or crying in heaven. I am looking forward to it and seeing all my friends and loved ones who have gone on before me. What a re-union that will be!

The bible refers to it as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may get myself out of the way, so that God's power may flow in and out of me to others. I pray that I may surrender myself to Him and His will for me.

10 DAYS LEFT FOR FREE OFFERS OF:

CHAPLAIN'S NECKLACE

DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL

WELCOME PACKET

Just send your full name and mailing address: Confidential and anonymous.

My mailing address is:

Chaplain John Petruska

5781 LEE BLVD. # 208 - 394

LEHIGH, FL. 33971

Please send any recovery literature that you can. New or used in good shape is a huge blessing to all our clients and friends in recovery and me.

Tuesday night, I will celebrate my birthday at rehab. # 63. I will take a sheet cake and maybe some ice cream also to share with my brothers and sisters in Recovery.

Hugs 2 all

WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:45:00 +0000

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

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:50:00 +0000

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Welcome to all our visitors and new members. It's so good to meet all of you. Please write or call anytime. 239 . 851 . 2283.....please leave a voicemail and I will call you back. We have members from all over the world that we are helping and they are helping us stay clean and sober and continue to grow spiritually. I have a meeting tomorrow about starting a new recovery group in Lee County, Fort Myers, Fl. I am very excited about it. Lives will be changed, captives will be set free to live the life they have always wanted without alcohol and drugs. As we would say in the 60"s....that is very COOL.

On Saturday morning, I will be speaking at a church at a ladies breakfast. I will bring them a message of hope and also information about our referral and recovery services. The meeting is also sponsored by a Mom who has two sons in Afghanistan. It's another opportunity to do the Lord's work of restoring lives. I know we all want our prayers answered instantly as we are part of the micro-wave generation. But works in His own time and way and we must learn some patience.

IT is like a big puzzle and sometimes God must wait for one piece of the puzzle until He can add the next one. We tried to buy a home for five years and prayed and waited. I think my wife gave up but I continued to pray and believe and continued to encourage my wife. When the economy fell apart, the exact house we wanted became available because of a job transfer, at an unbelievable price.

We are here 3 years now and moved in my daughter and grandsons as they needed to escape a husband who relapsed and is still running crazy. Yes, I will help him if he ever wants help. That is very unlikely. It is a shame as we were pretty good friends for a season.

Today's Inspiration.......When Opportunity Knocks?

When we were drinking and drugging, we never thought of helping others except to party and get high. We liked to buy drinks or hok up friends, because that made us feel like powerful and confident of who we thought we were. But we only used others for our own pleasure. To really go out and try to help somebody who needed help never occurred to us. That was for the do gooders and preachers. We didn't have time or the concern for helping others. We were too busy with our own insanity. When it came to the God stuff, most of us didn't want Him looking over our shoulder to see how we were living or getting money for dope or booze. But when we came into recovery,all of that began to change and we felt great worth in helping others. And we found out that helping others made us happy and also helped us to stay clean and sober. Now that is an extremely cool thing.

Heart and Soul

I will pray only for strength and that God's will be done. I have pictures of family and recovery slogans all around my computer and little workshop to remind me who I was and where I came from. I will use God's unlimited store of strength for my needs. While there is some distatste for the word " Religion," in some circles, there is also some great Spirituality and networking opportunities and resources. My daughter had a church friend give her a car load of food for free with no expectation of return.

Another time, I went to a men's breakfast and was offered a good paying job after months of unemployement. When I got that job, I helped a family buy windows for their mother's home. It had been condemned by the city until we bought and installed the windows. I was paying it forward in my network of friends. Two weeks ago, I gave away a perfectly good recliner chair to a family of 6. I loved that chair and took many good naps there. Now another family can love it and rock their kiddies to sleep in it. I will seek God's will for me. I will pray and meditate, Step 11 for God's presence. Jesus is the light of the world. I have become a pilgrim, a stranger and an alien to this planet, who needs only marching orders and strength and guidance for this day. This world is not my home but just another duty station. I am loOking forward to heaven and rest at the end of my journey. God continues to take me on new adventures and I stay clean and sober and spiritual in the process.

" AND WHEN I GET TO HEAVEN, ST. PETER I WILL TELL, ANOTHER MARINE REPORTING SIR, I HAVE SERVED MY TIME IN HELL."

Prayer

I pray that I may faithfully serve God and others but be wise enough to rest also and spend time loving my family.

Hey, don't forget your welcome packet for joining our group. Just send your full name and mailing address. All info confiential, never any obligation.

my mailing address is:

Chaplain John Petruska

5781 lee blvd. # 208 - 394

Lehigh, Fl. 33971

Please send me any recovery literature you can spare. Big Books, Step Books, Life Recovery Bibles, or recovery magazines.

hugz and luv to all

FIGHTING TEMPTATION

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:35:00 +0000

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Welcome to all our visitors and new members. We are so glad that you are here to help us stay clean and sober and also help others to do the same.

Please write or call anytime you wish to talk. 239 . 851 . 2283....Please leave a voicemail with your return number for a call back.

For treatment referrals or assistance, free of cost, visit our websites:

www.swflcompassionministries.org

www.veterans-foundation.com

Please allow me to assist you as I may be able to get you a scholarship or a reduced rate at a detox or rehab, short or long term.

When temptation comes, as it does to all of us, I will say to myself: "No, my whole life depends on not taking that drink / drug and nothing in the world can make me do it. " I have promised God that if He helped me, I would not go back to my old life."

I know that God doesn't want me to drink or drug or give into to my disease or addiction, whatever it is. Then I will be a slave again, serving myself and evil and spreading misery to others that I love. I won't break my promise to God. I have turned my life and will over to the God of my understanding. Step #3 and I will not take it back into my own hands again. I have proven repeatedly that I cannot manage my own life. I will not make excuses or look for any reason to relapse. When my heat is breaking, I will go to God, call my sponser or another in the fellowship, or my clergy to find comfort rather than relapsing.

Heart and Soul

In silence, in a still small voice, comes God's speaking to my heart. I don't know exactly how or when it happens, but I will notice my change in thinking and behavior in line with God's Holy Spirit. God's word is spoken to the secret places of my heart and mind, in some hour of temptation, I find that thought and feeling that God has spoken and draw strength from it.

If I am faced with a real threat and danger, I will run from it and run to God. "Thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." This is a quote from a Bible and the promises of Jesus. I will attend my meetings and work the steps and attend my place of worship or find one that will help me strengthen my spirituality and relationship with the Lord.

I will not hesitate to call on help from law enforcement, the sheriff or police and the courts to protect myself and my children from abusive relationships or family or other people.

Prayer

I pray that I may see God working in my life. I pray that I may gladly accept what God has to teach me. Step 11 helps me to understand that I will find God's will for my life and the goodness and happiness that goes with it.

Please request your FREE welcome packet for joining the group. Send your full name and mailing address. All info confidential. Never any cost or obligaton.

If you would only like a daily bread devotional booklet, while supplies last, please send same info.

Hugz and Blessings to All

OVERCOMING FEAR

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:55:00 +0000

Thursday, December 22, 2011

WELCOME TO ALL OUR VSITIORS AND NEW MEMBERS.PLEASE WRITE OR CALL ANYTIME AND LEAVE A VOICE MAIL, 239 . 851 . 2283. I WILL GET BACK TO YOU WITHIN 24 HOURS. YOU CAN SEND AN IM OR ADD ME TO YOUR SKYPE CONTACTS AS: revjohnpetrusk

Now that my daughter and her children are living with us, we get to have breakfast and dinner together as a family where we can get to really know each other. It is a wonderful blessing.

Today's Inspiation.......OVERCOMING FEAR

As we look back over our drinking / drugging careers, we must realize that our lives were a hot mess because we were a hot mess inside. Our thinkin' was stinkin' and twisted and centered arond our disease. The trouble was in us, not in life. Yes, life is full of heart ache and sorrow and diasspointment but how we resond to our situations determines how it will affect us. Even if we had a relatively good life itself or the so called " American Dream, " we were still very empty without God. That was truly the story in my case. MY faith is the anchor that holds me firmly and strengthens me to help others. Even if we had faith and were filling our body with these chemical poisons, our brain was so screwed up that our spirit man could not connect with the Real Creator. There are many deceiving spirits than can come to us saying that they are God but the Bible tells us that Satan, himself can disguise himself as an Angel of Light.

We were looking at life through the bottom of a glass, crack pipe or a needle full of drugs to make us high and forget our fears and emptiness. Everything we thought and saw was distorted. We could not see all the beauty and goodness and purpose in the world because our vision was blurred. We were in a house with one-way glass in the windows. People could see us but we could not look out and see what life really was all about. Life is all about relationships, not things. A relationship with God always comes first and then others on the planet. I once was lost but now am found, was blind now we can see. These words are in the first verses of the song Amazing Grace, all about how God can reach through our insanity to save us and change us.

God does use ordinary people like myself and programs and doctors to help us. I thank God for A.A and N.A and all the faith based programs that set captives free from their addiction. Yes we will always find flaws in people and programs everywhere we look but that should not keep us from finding help. I do not have all the answers but I know that God does.

Heart and Soul

Fear no evil, because the power of God can conquer evil. Evil has power to seriously hurt only those who do not place themselves under the protection of the Higher Power. When Jesus was crucified, he defeated the slavery of sin and death. He broke the chains of bondage and in His resurrection guaranteed everlasting life in heaven. He was not just a baby, born in a manger. He is the Son of God who continues to set captives free today. It is not about a religion, it is about a relationship with the living God. Listen to the words of the Christmas Carols, they tell the true story of Christmas. This is not a question of feeling; it is an assured fact of our experience. Say to yourself with as little faith as you may have, that whatever it is, no evil can seriously harm you as long as you depend on God's presence in your life and His power. Be sure of the protection of God's grace. Seek Him with all your heart and He will lead you in paths of righteousness and freedom. Do not base your faith on someone else's experience but have your own spiritual awakening as our 12th step proclaims. Do not only experience a psychological awakening but also a spiritual rebirth.

Prayer for Today

I pray that fear of evil will not get me down. I will not allow depression or PTSD to overcome my faith. I will put my faith in the God of my understanding and let Him reveal Himself to me in a way that I can unserstand. I pray that I may try to place myself today under the protection of God's grace.

Don't forget to request your free welcome packet for joining the group. Send full name and mailing address. Always confidential.

If you wish to send a gift of recovery literature, such as Big Books or Step Books or any other gifts to share with my clients, my mailing address is:

Chaplain John Petruska

5781 Lee Blvd. # 208 - 394

Lehigh, Fl. 33971

Hugz and Luv to All

LIFE CHANGE

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:10:00 +0000

Monday, December 19, 2011

WELCOME TO ALL OUR VISITORS, AND NEW MEMBERS. I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE TO BOTH RECEIVE AND GIVE HELP TO OTHERS TO STAY CLEAN AND SOBER.

Today's Inspiration..........LIFE CHANGE ?

We can always discuss any concerns you may have from an emotional or family perspective. I am a substance abuse and mental health counselor as well as being a minister. I have lived in this world for almost 63 years now. I am a disabled combat veteran and take medications for both my PTSD and Coronary Artery disease. I also have a pretty good working knowledge of most religions and my Chaplain's Association has men and women of all different faiths.

The skeptic and the agnostics and atheists say it is impossible for us to find the answer to life. Many have tried and failed. Maybe they just weren't ready to become teachible or had a terrible experience with religion and people who used it for their own means.

But others have put aside their intellect, or pride and have asked themselves the difficult eternal questions. I certainly can empathize having been on the battlefield of war and having witnessed the inhumanity of man to man. I do not begin to think I have all the answers but I have come to terms with many of them. Maybe I can be of some help to you in this area.

Who am I to say there is no God? Who am I to say there is no purpose in life? The atheist makes a bold statement The universe began with a Big Bang without rhyme or reason and continues expanding without purpose to man. Others live for the moment, seeking thrills and do not even think about why they are here or where they are going. They might as well be clams on the bottom of the ocean, protected by their hard shells of indifference. I have found purpose and life changing power for living. It comes in serving others rather than self and being used for heavenly purpose , here on earth. I do not believe we evolved from some single cell animal or an ape like creature. I do not believe that Ancient Aliens introduced a DNA change into primitive man. I believe that the God of Love, a Heavenly Father created all things in the beginning as well as mankind and we have grown into the human race. Some wanting good, others spreading evil for ego sake and others not caring either way.

I have watched life change happen on a regular basis for those who have sought out God and begin to follow His principles. This is a life long journey and just about anyone can get lost along the way. The key to success is to adopt a program that will bring order out of chaos and then continue to follow it every day with passion, everywhere we go and in everything we do.

Step 11 says that God has a will or plan for us. Step 12 says having had a spiritual awakening we attempt to carry the message to others. It is not always easy, but has incredible rewards and a sense of serenity and joy for us and our loved ones.

Heart and Soul

I am not only about saving lives but also saving souls. I believe the two should go hand in hand in a spiritual sense. One yields and gives way to the other.

There seems to be no active force for evil - outside of human beings themselves. I personally reject this theory. If there is a God, an Entity with a plan for good, then there must an anti-god whose purpose is our destruction. As the universe has a balance in all things, so does the spiritual world. Humans can have either evil intentions - resentments, selfishness, hate and revenge - or good intentions - love, healing and good will. Those character defects or qualities are highly stimulated by spiritual influences, both good and bad.

Ulitmately we can by the grace of God reject those things which are inherently evil and embrace those principles which can produce good thinking and behavior. God has given us free will, the gift of forgiveness at the cross, and also the tools and programs for living that good life. Love can conqueor evil and cover over a multitude of sin. In forgiveness, we can find a new person inside of us. God can give us a new spirit and a new heart. The choice is ours. I can chose to be happy or miserable. If I have a chemical inbalance, there is medication. If I have grown in an abusive environment, here is behavioral modification avalable to help me change. Whatever we feed ourselves, spiritually, intellectually and emotionally, will nourish either the good or the bad. What you feed into yourself will affect who you become.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may feed my life and spirit with the good things of God and reject the evil that Satan, our adversary will try to use to lure us away from God's good plan. This message comes through in all the hymns of Christmas. As we celebrate the Christ child and the birth of the Savior, let us be mindful that it is not just for a day but for everyday of our lives. Let us enjoy the brotherhood of mankind in it's many wonderful forms this Holiday Season of Christmas, THe Nativity, Channukah and Kwanza.

Don't forget your free welcome packet for joining or daily bread devotional. We still have some Chaplain's necklaces available also. Just send me your full mailing name and address. Tell me what to send you. Everything is FREE and there is no cost or obligation ever. There is still time to send Holiday Cards for our gift drawing. We will accept cards through December 31st as in the Twelve Days of Christmas?

OUR MAILING ADDRESS IS:

CHAPLAIN JOHN PETRUSKA

5781 LEE BLVD. # 208 - 394

LEHIGH, FL. 33971

Hugz and Luv to All