Tag: Comfort

Awareness, Come Follow Me, Come Unto Christ, Healing, Hope, Jesus the Christ, Latter-day Saint Living, Lifestyle, Personal Reflections, Scriptures, Spirituality

Day 16 – Our Need to Belong and Fellowship

Timothy R. Berman

If my life is in chaos, I want to look into myself for the cause and the cure and use a fellowship of others where I am able to safely expose my shortcomings through vulnerability and courage. I seek out a fellowship with a group of others where it is a living and functioning unit where each one of us come and sharpen ourselves in order to find the cure for our sufferings. Not only the fellowship of a weekly group of others engaged in finding solutions to their own sufferings but a connection with another to continue to learn and grow in faith, spirituality, and journey. I seek to be sharpened just as I hopefully am able to sharpen another.

Awareness, Come Follow Me, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Mindful Recovery, Spirituality

Facing dark days

Timothy R. Berman

There are those oft days of light and happiness that dispel the sadness. Yet, they are fleeting. As fleeting as the summer days we've so far experienced here for June. Inevitably, the rain comes, the darkness swells, and the days grow gloomy and despondent. We either allow ourselves to sink deeper and withdraw further into our suffocating sadness; or, we do the courageous and difficult task of pulling ourselves out of despair by focusing on the hope and light of God's love, mercy, and grace.

Come Follow Me, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Spirituality

Christ brings peace and purpose

Timothy R. Berman

This is a lasting and eternal peace that gives us confidence, wisdom, and empowerment to endure. It is different than the false sense of security and peace that the world may offer us. Instead of chasing after our illusion of happiness - let us chase after the reality and truth that is found in Jesus Christ.

Awareness, Come Follow Me, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Spirituality

On Being an Encouraging Person

Timothy R. Berman

We show kindness toward others. After all, isn't this what Jesus taught us to do? Show kindness and mercy to others? Is not what his teachings centered on - showing mercy, grace, kindness, and love toward others? How many more souls are we to save and add to the way when we show the same level of compassion, kindness, grace, and mercy toward others who are downtrodden, hopeless, and crumbling faith?

Awareness, Come Follow Me, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Mindful Recovery, Spirituality

Courage for our spiritual journey

Timothy R. Berman

It is through Christ's infinite and profound atonement that we are able to come to a place where we place our hope and trust in God. This hope and trust provides for us an assurance for whatever challenges may lay ahead in our spiritual journey. We may face desperate circumstances. Personal adversity. And seemingly impossible social upheavals to contend with. Yet, He is faithful toward us because he has called us into a fellowship with his Son - Jesus Christ (See, 1 Corinthians 1:9, paraphrased). And, his promise stands to protect us and strengthen us (See, 2 Thessalonians 3:3).

Addiction, Awareness, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Mindful Recovery, Spirituality

Being a comfort to others

Timothy R. Berman

Recovery is a dark journey for most of us. Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we come to full knowledge of His light, love, and truth. Do we forsake others struggling in their own darkness and journey? God forbid. This is the heart and foundation of recovery support groups.

Come Follow Me, Come Unto Christ, Devotional, Mindful Recovery, Social Issues, Spirituality

Courage in Times of Change

Timothy R. Berman

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.~ Matthew 6:34, KJV ~ Photo by Wallace Chuck on Pexels.com ~ June 6, 2020 Devotional ~ Has present circumstances and situations cause you to be anxious? Struggling with how… Continue reading Courage in Times of Change

Awareness, Devotional

For there must needs be opposition in all things

Timothy R. Berman

For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things... ~ 2 Nephi 2:11 ~ Through our spiritual journey, and growth, we are faced with the reality of pain. We are also faced with the reality of sorrow. Disappointments, heartaches, misery are all emotional experiences of humanity. As men and women in recovery, we… Continue reading For there must needs be opposition in all things

Awareness, Devotional

Walk in grace and truth for today

Timothy R. Berman

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ~ Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV ~ For today only. Our decisions for today only influence the way we walk. Is the decisions we make based on tomorrow's worries? Or, are we making choices based… Continue reading Walk in grace and truth for today

Awareness, Lifestyle, Mindful Recovery, Spirituality

Bound by oath

Timothy R. Berman

Today's reading: Gen 17 - 18:33; Ps. 5:8-12; Prov. 2:10-22, and Matthew 7:1-29 Nothing is too difficult for the Lord God binds Himself to us by His oath to keep His promises. The sign of this oath was circumcision. This occurred when God changed Abram's name to Abraham. Along with the covenant, promise was made… Continue reading Bound by oath

Addiction, Awareness, Devotional, Mindful Recovery, Psychology, Spirituality

Being Grateful

Timothy R. Berman

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable - if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise, dwell on these things ~ Philippians 4:8, ESV ~ The Savior taught his disciples a fundamental truth when he responded to a… Continue reading Being Grateful

Addiction, Awareness, Devotional, Mindful Recovery, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality

At Peace with Your Purpose

Timothy R. Berman

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace ... ~ Ephesians 2: 13 - 14 ESV ~ Recovery from substance use is not about establishing abstinence. True recovery begins when we discover peace through our discovery of… Continue reading At Peace with Your Purpose

Awareness, Mindful Recovery, Self-Help, Spirituality

New Beginnings

Timothy R. Berman

One of the challenges a person experiences in early recovery is the shift in perception. As a moderately seasoned counselor, a handful of patients struggle with the understanding of their need to focus on the internal decay ongoing substance use has caused. Instead, they are more focused on changing people, circumstances, or particular events. Their… Continue reading New Beginnings

Addiction, Awareness, Mindful Recovery, Psychology, Self-Help, Social Issues, Spirituality

The Mystery of the Unmotivated patient

Timothy R. Berman

As a moderately seasoned counselor, one of the frustrating aspects of working with individuals suffering from substance use is the lack of motivation and engagement in their treatment and recovery. I become frustrated because they appear to be unmotivated, and underachieving. In my attempt to work with these individuals I am experiencing some consternation. This… Continue reading The Mystery of the Unmotivated patient

Addiction, Awareness, Spirituality

Growing in the light of recovery

Timothy R. Berman

That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter.... ~ Doctrine and Covenants 50:24 ~ Our recovery is about growth and development. It is a march that leads to maturity, peace, and freedom. It is a profound challenge… Continue reading Growing in the light of recovery

Addiction, Awareness, Mindful Recovery

Possessing the right convictions

Timothy R. Berman

In this world so filled with problems, so constantly threatened by dark and evil challenges, you can and must rise above mediocrity, above indifference. You can become involved and speak with a strong voice for that which is right. ~ Gordon B. Hinckley ~ Standing a little taller in our recovery requires our voice. It… Continue reading Possessing the right convictions

Awareness, Lifestyle, Spirituality, Uncategorized

It begins with understanding who we are

Timothy R. Berman

Awareness, Mindful Recovery, Self-Help, Spirituality

Be a little better today

Timothy R. Berman

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. This simple prayer is recited in the rooms of all sober support meetings. A prayer of peace, courage, and wisdom from one's higher power. For some, it is… Continue reading Be a little better today

Awareness, Self-Help

The only thing you need to say to someone who is hurting:

Timothy R. Berman

In a recent conversation with a dear friend, we got onto the subject of what happens when people are hurting. My friend is a yoga instructor and her local community recently lost a prominent teacher to a drug overdose, which has spawned important conversations about mental health and community support. Pulling example after example from… Continue reading The only thing you need to say to someone who is hurting: