Living Free Every Day®

Take Time to Listen

Today's Scripture

"Joshua said to the Israelites, "Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God." Joshua 3:9 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Communication is a vital key to every relationship. And so it is with our relationship with Christ. Intimacy with God is not possible without communication.

When we pray, we talk to God. When we listen, God can talk to us. Unfortunately, most of us spend all our prayer time talking to him, never taking time to listen.

God speaks to us in various ways: Through the teaching of the Bible. Through Scripture "explosions." (This is when a verse literally jumps off the page and speaks to us.) He speaks through a "still, small voice" in our hearts and minds. And sometimes he speaks though other people or through circumstances—in these cases, the message will usually be a confirmation of something he has already told us.

Consider this …

How do we know when we are hearing from God, not the enemy or even our own imagination? First, God comes openly with peace, never causing fear, anxiety or guilt. Second, his message will always line up with Scripture and will build faith. And third, his message will result in more love and more power in our lives—not in confusion.

God loves you and wants to communicate with you. Learn to listen!

Prayer

Lord, teach me to hear your voice. Help me to talk less and listen more when I pray. Help me to hear clearly from you as I read the Bible. And throughout each day, help me to be more open to hearing you speak to me no matter what else I'm doing or where I am. Teach me to listen. In Jesus' name …

A Passionate Pursuit of God: Drawing Nearer to Him by Dr. Mike Chapman. This study teaches participant how to move into God's inner circle, how to listen for the voice of God, how to enjoy the freedom of worship, and how to embrace the mission of worship. This 45-minute format will accommodate groups with limited meeting times. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

To receive these weekday devotions, subscribe here

Would you like to have these devotions appear daily on your church or ministry website? Learn More

 

PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.

Heroin Use in Florida Grows as Opioids Become More Difficult to Abuse

By Join Together Staff | January 3, 2013 | Leave a comment | Filed in Community Related, Drugs & Prescription Drugs

As opioids become more difficult and expensive to abuse, heroin use is on the rise in Florida, according to law enforcement officials. A similar trend has been reported around the country.

The Miami Herald reports an analysis of drug-related deaths in 2011 shows heroin is one of the state’s most harmful drugs. Heroin-related deaths increased by 18.8 percent, to 62 deaths, compared with the previous year. The number of deaths from heroin use is down from a high of 270 in 2001, the newspaper notes.

The recent increase is worrying to local drug rehabilitation experts. They report seeing more patients who have switched from oxycodone or other prescription drugs to heroin in the last year.

“When I ask my patients, they say, ‘Yeah, I couldn’t get oxycodone, and now I’m using heroin, four or five bags,’” Dr. Patricia Junquera of Jackson Memorial Hospital’s detox unit told the newspaper. “I think more people are switching to heroin.’’

A study published in July 2012 found OxyContin abuse has decreased now that the painkiller has been reformulated to make it more difficult to misuse. Many people who abused the drug have switched to heroin, the researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. In 2010, the company that makes OxyContin introduced a new version of the drug that is more difficult to inhale or inject.

Florida has taken a number of measures in the past several years designed to reduce prescription drug abuse. In June 2011, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed into law a bill designed to cut down on prescription drug abuse by controlling “pill mills” in the state. The law authorized the creation of a prescription-drug monitoring database to reduce doctor-shopping by people looking to collect multiple painkiller prescriptions. The legislation also imposed new penalties for physicians who overprescribe medication and imposes stricter rules for operating pharmacies.

CADCA National Leadership Forum to be Held February 4-7

By Join Together Staff | January 3, 2013 | Leave a comment | Filed in Community Related, Drugs & Prevention

Registration is open for Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)’s 23rd annual National Leadership Forum, to be held February 4-7 in National Harbor, Maryland. The CADCA Forum is the nation’s largest training conference for community prevention and treatment professionals and researchers.

The meeting’s theme is “Science, Strategies & Solutions.” More than 2,700 participants are expected to attend, including leaders of community anti-drug coalitions, government leaders, youth, addiction treatment professionals, researchers, law enforcement professionals, educators and faith-based leaders.

Workshops will help participants develop comprehensive evidence-based strategies to create community-level change. Presenters will include Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy; Pamela Hyde, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Administrator; Michele Leonhart, Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator; and California Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack. For more information, visit CADCA’s Forum website.

Navy Unveils Video Demonstrating Worrisome Effects of Bath Salts

By Join Together Staff | January 3, 2013 | Leave a comment | Filed in Drugs, Military & Prevention

The U.S. Navy has released a video that demonstrates the disturbing effects of bath salts, ABC News reports. The video is the latest weapon in the Navy’s effort to combat synthetic drug use.

The video shows a sailor who snorts bath salts. Shortly afterwards he vomits, then starts having hallucinations. His girlfriend appears demonic to him, and he assaults her. He collapses and wakes up in restraints as he is brought to the hospital, clearly in distress.

“When people are using bath salts, they’re not their normal selves,” Lt. George Loeffler, a Psychiatry Resident at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, tells viewers. “They’re angrier. They’re erratic. They’re violent and they’re unpredictable…People will start seeing things that aren’t there, believing things that aren’t true.”

Loeffler adds the effects of paranoia brought on by bath salts can last days or weeks after the drugs have left the body.

Synthetic drugs such as bath salts and synthetic marijuana fall under the Navy’s Zero Tolerance policy. Sailors found to be using, possessing, distributing or who observe an abuse and do not report the incident can be charged with violating the Navy’s policies.

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Ethics CEs through NAADAC Over 19 CEs of Ethics Education Ethics and equity and the principles of justice do not change with the calendar.  - D. H. Lawrence   Brush up on your Ethics with continuing education through NAADAC.  Gain CE credit from your home, prepare for an upcoming certification/licensure exam and maintain your current state and national credentials. Browse all CEs in Ethics Become a member of NAADAC to earn free CE credit for all NAADAC webinars & online courses (over 85 CEs): www.naadac.org/join Free On Demand Ethics Webinars Watch at your convenience 24/7 Ethics Violations: A Guide to Reporting and Managing the Process Cultural Considerations for the Ethically Aware Clinician Understanding NAADAC's Code of Ethics Clinical Supervision 201: Ethical Dilemmas and Other Challenges Working with NAADAC to Express Your Professional Identify CE credit available by passing online CE quiz: Free for NAADAC members; $15-25 for non-members Ethics and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling Independent Study Course   Course includes a spiral-bound study manual and 30 written examination questions.  Earn 12 CEs! Click here for a sneak peak inside! Can be used as a stand-alone resource for those seeking additional guidance in ethics or to help prepare for a state or national examination.   On sale now for 25% off! $56.25 for members $82.50 for non-members NAADAC Master Calendar Find NAADAC sponsored conferences, public policy events, regional meetings, and ethics workshops in your area with the NAADAC Master Calendar.

Pledge the NAADAC Code of Ethics Read the NAADAC Code of Ethics Download the new NAADAC Code of Ethics in English or Spanish 25% Off Bookstore  NAADAC has many books, training manuals and independent study courses from which to choose, all 25% off!   Click here to browse store

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Drug Companies Want Ban on Generic Painkillers, Arguing Safety is at Stake

By Join Together Staff | January 2, 2013 | Leave a comment | Filed in Advocacy, Government, Legislation & Prescription Drugs

Drug companies that manufacture the painkillers OxyContin and Opana are trying to block generic drug makers’ efforts to produce cheaper versions of the drugs. They argue these newer drugs will not have the tamper-resistant designs used in making the brand-name pills, according to The New York Times.

Generic versions of the two painkillers are expected to be significantly less expensive than the brand-name drugs.

Purdue Pharma, which makes OxyContin, and Endo Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures Opana, produce versions of the drugs that are more resistant to melting or crushing, which makes them more difficult to abuse. The companies say generic versions of the drugs without these safety features will increase demand for the drugs and lead to a rise in painkiller abuse.

Both companies support state and federal legislation that would require many opioids to be tamper-resistant, the article notes. The manufacturers are also asking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to differentiate between drugs with tamper-resistant features and those without such qualities.

A bill introduced in the U.S. House this summer would require most painkillers to have safeguards to prevent abuse. Under the provisions of the bill, most prescription painkillers would have some form of abuse deterrence, such as being more difficult to crush or inject. If pain medications did not adopt the safety features outlined in the bill, they would be removed from the FDA’s approved list of generic drugs.

In December, a federal judge threw out a lawsuit by Endo that aimed to block the FDA from allowing generic versions of Opana. The newspaper quotes court papers filed in response to Endo’s lawsuit, in which the FDA called the company’s action a “thinly veiled attempt to maintain its market share and block generic competition.”

CALENDAR LISTING:

“Expanding Your Recovery Toolkit” Workshop Jan. 15 in Doylestown

Free monthly workshop series for individuals and families with a current or pastdrug/alcohol addiction issue. Next session meets Tues., Jan. 15, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc., 252 W. Swamp Rd., Unit 12, Doylestown, Pa. Topics include “feeding the drug monster” and “how I finally stopped using”. Refreshments. To register, call 215-345-6644 or email JSchwartz@councilsepa.org.

Tainted Cough Syrup Kills Scores of Addicts

Tainted cough syrup can kill. Photo     SOURCE THE FIX

More than 40 people have died in the city of Gujranwala in eastern Pakistan after consuming a locally manufactured cough syrup. Most of the victims were addicts who were using it for a cheap high. Two dozen people were pronounced dead at the weekend, bringing the total count up to 41. And some of another 46 people still being treated at local hospitals after becoming violently ill also remain in critical condition. The cough syrup in question, known as "Tyno," has been sent for lab testing to find out what made it was so deadly. Last month, 23 addicts died in the nearby city of Lahore after drinking a cough syrup to get high; the owners of three drug stores were arrested after officials determined that their cough syrup had been adulterated, causing it to become extremely toxic.

Addiction News | Drug Abuse & Alcohol – The Fix

Addiction News | Drug Abuse & Alcohol – The Fix

Date: 1/02/2013

Subject: 2013 at C4K!!!

To All of Our Supporters:

As we begin a new year it is only natural to look back and evaluate the passed year. Here at Computers for Kids of America we are extremely fortunate to look back and see a year filled with successful endeavors in helping increase the access to vital technology for those in need. We have been able to help underprivileged children learn how to use computer technology, we have been able to help soon to be released prisoners learn new skills to help them transition into their new lives, and we have been able to help countless schools replace equipment that was damaged by Super Storm Sandy. We have been able to help these people and these organizations because of the time, effort, and generosity of all of you; our contributing partners, tireless volunteers, and continuing supporters.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support and to remind everyone that there is still a lot of "good" in this world and it manifests itself through people and organizations like you and yours who are committed to helping improve the human experience for those in need. 2013 is already filled with big commitments to building charter schools, community centers and our work with Super Storm Sandy renewal. If you are retiring old equipment or need to free up space where it is stored in your business, school or hospital let us know and we will be right out to pick it up.

We trust that you enjoyed your holidays and have a happy, healthy, and safe New Year and please feel free to reach out to me if there is anyway we can help you or those around you this winter.

Thank You,

Michael Welsh

Living Free Every Day®

  Distractions Abound

Today's Scripture

"Come near to God and he will come near to you." James 4:8 NIV

Thoughts for Today

Are you in a tug of war between your own agenda and God's plan for you? This week we will be looking at some ways to escape life's distractions and grow closer to God.

Life can slowly separate us from intimacy with God. Today there seems to be more than ever to distract us from the pursuit of a close personal relationship with him. We often find ourselves torn between our agenda and his desires for us. Guarding the inner fire—the passion for Christ—is a great challenge of the twenty-first century.

Consider this …

Think about it. What are some things in your life that prevent you from drawing closer to God? All-consuming distractions like being overloaded with e-mails, cell phones and hours on the freeway? Pleasing bosses, shuttling kids, trying out new gadgets? Hours on the golf course or in front of the TV? Perhaps even serving in the church? There is nothing wrong with any of these activities—unless we allow them to distract us from our personal relationship with God.

If you truly want to do things God's way and have a closer relationship with him, take an honest look at your priorities. Admit to God that you have allowed busyness or other distractions to take your eyes off him. Ask for his forgiveness and his help in making him first in your life.

Prayer

Father, I know I sometimes let the busyness of the day interfere with my relationship with you. Sometimes I find time for everything else except my quiet time with you. Sometimes I get so focused on other things throughout the day that I forget you are right there with me. Please forgive me. Please help me make you first in my life. In Jesus' name …

A Passionate Pursuit of God: Drawing Nearer to Himby Dr. Mike Chapman. This study teaches participant how to move into God's inner circle, how to listen for the voice of God, how to enjoy the freedom of worship, and how to embrace the mission of worship. This 45-minute format will accommodate groups with limited meeting times. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

To receive these weekday devotions, subscribe here

Would you like to have these devotions appear daily on your church or ministry website? Learn More

 

We Will Recover Photos By: Katie Satorius

Ways to Give Back		December 30, 2012

Dear Joseph, For more than 20 years, Join Together has been the nation’s leader in providing free, high-quality addiction prevention and treatment information to communities nationwide. It also has operated widely used self-screening and brief intervention websites for substance abuse problems and advocated for evidence-based public policy. Thanks to our ongoing collaboration with the Boston University School of Public Health, The Partnership at Drugfree.org continues the legacy of Join Together’s efforts, but we need your help.     It takes 4 staff and nearly 300 hours a month to keep you in-the-know about the latest drug, alcohol and tobacco news every day. Your loyal support ensures that we can continue to deliver this valuable service. Here are three simple ways you can give back:   Comment and Share: Do you agree or disagree with the latest Join Together headlines? Do you have any expertise or experiences to share? We invite you to comment on our articles and let your voice be heard! Plus, keep your friends, family and colleagues informed by sharing the news on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.   Invite: Do you know any individuals or organizations that would benefit from receiving the Join Together eNewsletter? If so, please invite them to sign up here: www.drugfree.org/enewsletters.   Donate: Make your year-end tax deductible donation today to help us enhance and expand Join Together services. Please give as generously as you can...$25, $50, $100, any amount will be welcome and whether you donate as an individual or an organization, any financial contribution is greatly appreciated. Without your support, we cannot get the job done. I hope you will consider getting involved today and help us continue to provide Join Together into 2013 and beyond. Thank you and best wishes for a happy holiday season.   Please make your tax deductible year-end contribution here. Sincerely, Steve Pasierb President & CEO The Partnership at Drugfree.org P.S. For your gift to be deductible from your 2012 taxes, please donate by December 31st. For questions or comments regarding your donation, please e-mail donations@drugfree.org.

This is it, Joseph.

In just a few hours, it'll be midnight, and we'll be out of time to meet our end-of-year fundraising goals.

If you believe our children should be educated about the dangers of substance abuse, you need to step up and make it happen -- no one's going to do it for you.

Make a tax-deductible donation to the Partnership right now.

http://my.drugfree.org/donate-before-midnight

Thank you for all you've done this year.

Best,

Steve Pasierb
President & CEO
The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Recovery Connections: Get Involved Please!

Recovery Connections: Get Involved Please!: I heard a long time ago that its not what you know but who you know. The more people we can connect with in our quest for sobriety the mor...

Iowa Drug Rehab Centers - Drugs and Alcohol Treatment in IA

Iowa Drug Rehab Centers - Drugs and Alcohol Treatment in IA

Recovery Connections: Pennsylvania Department of Health D&A Facility Lo...

Recovery Connections: Pennsylvania Department of Health D&A Facility Lo...:  Click on the map to select county! Awesome resource ! Search Instructions     Overview     Definitions     Non-DA Facilities Map     N...

Recovery Now Episode 2

Check your watch, Joseph. Do you remember what you were doing 19 minutes ago? In 19 minutes, somewhere in the U.S., someone will die of an overdose. It happens every 19 minutes, which means 75 people every day die from drug overdoses. That statistic keeps me up at night -- and it keeps me fighting for a better world. Join me by making a tax-deductible donation to the Partnership right now: http://my.drugfree.org/act-now On behalf of all the parents, children, and communities your gift will be helping: Thank you. Best, Steve Pasierb President & CEO The Partnership at Drugfree.org   Unsubscribe 352 Park Avenue South | Ninth Floor | New York, NY 10010

Living Free Every Day®

Today's Scripture

And Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means “the Lord is peace”). - Judges 6:24 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Shalom! If you were to walk the streets of Israel today, you would hear this word used frequently - to greet people, to bid people goodbye, as a greeting of peace.
But shalom means so much more. According to Strong's Concordance, a word study in the New King James version brings up "completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord."
The Lord is peace. In Him, we can find completeness … safety … rest … harmony … and so much more.
Consider this … 
In today's world, we see the antithesis of these characteristics. We see a world torn apart by strife, sickness, war, danger, unrest, poverty, evil, turmoil, and discord. If we dwell on these things, they will overwhelm us.
Instead, let us focus on Jesus. On Yahweh-Shalom. He is peace … and only through Him can we find peace.
Prayer
Lord, I thank you that even in today's world, I can find peace in you. Help me not to be overwhelmed by the constant bad reports of the world. Help me keep my eyes on you and be enveloped by your peace. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Knowing God My Father: Applying the Names of God to My Personal Life by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This curriculum is designed to help people strengthen their relationship with their heavenly Father by applying His names to their personal life. Along with helping Christians know God better, it can serve as an evangelistic tool by giving a true picture of God to people who may have a distorted view of Him because of an absent or abusive earthly father who did not or does not provide for them. This group can also help men who want to be better fathers. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

 

PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.

Brittany Nation Foundation Against Drunk Driving

This Foundation was started to create a great awareness for the use of a Designated Driver and allowing them to drive when it comes time to. If you get in a jam call 813 996 7636 or 1 800 AAA HELP for Tow to Go.The Brittany Nation Foundation Against Drunk

Mission

To get the word out for everyone to use a Designated Driver when out on the town or leaving a house party what ever the occasion. Awareness is Huge let's all make a difference!

Company Overview

This is being started in the name of our Daughter Brittany Nation whom was killed due to a Drunk Driver that wouldn't allow her to drive when she was sober. Her only fault was getting in the car, but when your an hour an a half away from home you might feel helpless at 12:30 AM. The Foundation is directed to preventing senseless deaths or injury due negligence of a Drunk Driver. By giving a ride to those in need but even more important, to get the awareness of using a Designated driver.
We strive to pick up people in dangerous situations all over the the Tampa Bay area. It is our goal to stop the loss of life due to people thinking there only buzzed, when in fact there drunk.The loss of our Beautiful, Caring , Giving of herself person, that good will come from it, and we together can save lives.

You can contact us right now at 813 996 7636 to be picked up. This Organization has begun from the Land O Lakes and it stretching outward where it ends no one knows. We are reaching for the stars on this one! or email us at nationfoundation@aol.com with any suggestions you may have. Our goal is to save Lives We don't pick up people whom have been drinking and are just abusing the service. It is for people whom feel helpless. So don't give into some one that say's "I'm fine I can drive no problem besides it's my car" just tell them NO! and Don't Get In!

Description

If your ever in need of a lawyer Vakka Larson, and Johnson is the way to go. Respected, and Effective. They treat you like family.

General Information

We advertise in our area at local High Schools where young and impressionable kids grow up and drive. Get the word out to them by making an influence on them to not drink and drive early on. We also advertise at local Little league in our area, to reach them at even a younger age. Social networking, to provide examples groups for healing after losing a loved one. As well as giving out rides in our area for those that can not drive or are in fear to get in a car when some one has been drinking. We get them to safety! 

 http://brittanynationfoundation.com

 

SAVE THE DATE Saturday, September 21, 2013

PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! 2013         The date is now set for PRO-ACT's Recovery Walks! 2013, which we will hold once more at Penn's Landing on the beautiful waterfront in Philadelphia. Put September 21 on your calendar.         The Planning Committee already has had a couple of meetings and our first priority is to enlist your help as a volunteer on the various committees that make the Walk the success we have had in the past. Walk Committees Need Volunteers NOW!         Can you spare a few hours between now and September 21, 2013, to be part of the large PRO-ACT team that at the end of September 21 can look back at the day with pride and say, "I contributed to the success of Recovery Walks! 2013" Please help--we can't do it without YOU!         We are recruiting volunteers NOW to share their ideas and energy to help make Recovery Walks 2013 the success we have enjoyed in the past.  We need those with some leadership abilities to serve as committee chairpersons and those with an interest in the various tasks to serve as committee members.         Committee chairpersons will be asked either to attend some of the monthly Planning Meetings in person, call in and participate by telephone, or send a substitute to report to the group. The Monthly Planning Meetings are held at the PRO-ACT Recovery Training Center at 444 North 3rd Street in downtown Philadelphia (but calling in is acceptable). Committee members don't have to attend those monthly meetings but are asked to work with their committee chairpersons.         There are several committees, some of which are: Registration        Publicity        Banners & Signs        On-site Logistics        Transportation        Solutions             Parking         Teams     If you can spare a little time, please call Kim Doughty at 215-923-1661 or send an e-mail to Kim by clicking here. Philadelphia Recovery Idol Competition Solo Singers; Duet Singers; Musicians The Winner will perform at PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! 2013 Will receive local and national media coverage Will win a professional recording session The Philadelphia Recovery Coalition invites you to enter for a chance to audition. The first 100 people to submit a complete entry form will be considered. Complete entries must be received by  FEBRUARY 1, 2013 For an entry form, please call Derrick Ford at 215-546-1200, ext. 4780 or send an email to him by clicking here

www.councilsepa.org