May 18

Psalm 64:7
But God shall shoot at them with an arrow: suddenly shall they be wounded.

Jesus stood with a group of His followers. In the distance, a crowd appeared, pushing a naked woman along in front of them. They cast her down at the Lord's feet and said, "What should we do with this adultress?" They hoped to trap Jesus into advising sin.

 

Aware of the trap, Jesus gazed deeply into the eyes of the people. He stooped down and scribbled in the dust. Abruptly, He stood back up and said, "The one among you who is without sin, let him cast the first stone."

 

His answer struck like a bolt of lightning. Words of pure love and power exploded their conceit, and they were forced to look at the truth of God openly and honestly. The sin was not at issue. What mattered was forgiveness. The hateful crowd was shot through the heart by an arrow of God's goodness. Killed was the sin of unrighteousness, God will expose it for what it is.

 

Prayer: Turn my darkness into light, O Lord, and guide me away from things that are sinful and wrong. Teach me to love my neighbors rather than judge them. Let me cast love and peace, instead of stones. Amen.

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May 17        BY PHIL WARE

Romans 11:33

Oh, the depth and riches of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out.

 

Thoughts on today's verse

 

God's plan to save us is incredible. His blueprints for the creation of our universe are beyond our imagining. He is so rich in wisdom and knowledge. What else can we do but go to him and ask him to open our minds to his work and his will in our lives.

 

Prayer:

 

Precious and Almighty Father, thank you for reawakening me each spring to the power of your sustaining presence in the world, but even more in my life. Bless me today as I seek to put you first in all I do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

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Number of Babies Born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Tennessee Soars

By Join Together Staff | May 16, 2013 | Leave a comment | Filed in Community Related, Parenting, Prescription Drugs & Youth

The number of babies born to mothers addicted to opioids or anti-anxiety medication in Tennessee is soaring, according to the Associated Press. These babies suffer the effects of neonatal abstinence syndrome, such as tremors, abdominal pain, incessant crying and rapid breathing. In extreme cases, they also experience seizures.

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville treated 33 babies for drug dependence in 2008. That number is expected to jump to 320 this year, the AP notes. In most cases, mothers of the babies abused prescription drugs such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, Valium and Xanax.

Tennessee is believed to be the first state that requires all health care facilities to report all cases of babies born dependent on drugs, officials say. They estimate almost 1,200 babies were born dependent on drugs in the state in 2010 and 2011.

Every hour, a baby is born in the United States with symptoms of opioid withdrawal, according to a study published last year in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study found the number of pregnant women who are addicted to opioids, and the number of infants born with opioid withdrawal symptoms, has jumped in the past decade. An estimated 13,500 babies are born with withdrawal symptoms each year in the United States. Many babies who experience these symptoms must be hospitalized for weeks.

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner is a member of a group advocating for the Food and Drug Administration to add a warning on prescription drug bottles about the dangers of taking drugs during pregnancy.

Drug MXE Being Used By Students - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Drug MXE Being Used By Students - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Melanie Swanson, M.Ed., Prevention Specialist

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.

215-345-6644, ext. 3123

mswanson@councilsepa.org
Celebrating Twenty-Seven Years of Youth Prevention

Youth Leaders in Bucks County Unite to Promote Healthy Choices


DOYLESTOWN, PA.-- May 16 , 2013--More than 250 middle and high school students and their advisors from throughout Bucks County will participate in the 27th Annual Lead On! Youth Leadership Conference, Bucks County's largest youth conference for the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at Bucks County Community College in Newtown. Workshops offered between 7:30 am and 1:30 pm to teens in grades 6-12 include such topics as synthetic drugs, marijuana, addiction, suicide prevention, self-esteem, bullying, relationships, communication, teamwork, Internet safety, problem gambling prevention, leadership, gang awareness and resiliency, to name a few. This event promotes peer-to-peer involvement in alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention within their communities.



Lead On! is presented by The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. (The Council), which runs Student Assistance Programs in most Bucks County school districts. The keynote speaker is Lynn Hill, a world renowned rock climber, who will present "Get High on Life!" Lynn encourages students to live their lives in a way that is "of use" rather than choosing the route of "abuse." As a climber, Lynn thrives on novelty and the process of learning through intensely engaging experiences. When a person engages in certain activities or high adventure sports such as rock climbing, the brain emits the chemical dopamine which elevates mood and provides a sense of well-being. Attendees will have the privilege of viewing Lynn Hill's new film, "Climbing Free," which she will premiere at Lead On!



Participants can also expect an energizing experience during the closing act, "GET A GRIP!" a three-screen multi-media presentation by Camfel Productions. A lack of self-control can significantly alter life choices. Failing to get a grip of self-control can lower defenses, making it easy to give in to peer pressure and harder to say no to tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Through popular music and real life situations, this high-energy piece will help students see the big picture for their lives-helping them understand that positive self-control leads to healthy relationships, academic success, and positive feelings about one's self and others.



The audience will also be energized and inspired by a special appearance by the dynamic Drummers With Attitude, a diverse group of student drummers and dancers from Bristol Township middle and high schools, led by advisor, Kevin Travers.



Sponsors include Bucks County Community College, Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. and Jones Apparel Group. For more information about the Lead On! Youth Leadership Conference, please call 215-230-8218 or http://leadonyouthconference.org.



* * * * * * * * *



About The Council The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization serving Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County. The Council provides resources and opportunities to reduce the impact of addiction, trauma, and other related health issues for the entire community. We accomplish this through prevention, consultation, education, advocacy, assessment, intervention, and recovery support services. The Council provides a wide range of services to families, schools, businesses, individuals and the community at large. www.councilsepa.org 

NEW INFO - Celebrating Families for mothers in treatment

Good Afternoon!

The Council’s “Celebrating Families” program will now begin on Monday, May 20^th at Aldie Counseling Center in Doylestown!  “Celebrating Families” is a program for women in treatment with children (ages 3-18). 

The Central Bucks cycle of “Celebrating Families” will focus specifically on the mothers in treatment and include their children only in the 2 social activities outside of the program sessions.  The 13 sessions will be offered for FREE, twice per week, during the day, and a FREE light lunch will be provided.  

“Celebrating Families” is a program to help strengthen families and break the cycle of addiction to the next generation.  Some of the topics include: Healthy Living, Communication, Feelings & Defenses, Chemical Dependency Affects the Whole Family, Goal Setting, Healthy Boundaries, and more!

I have attached the updated flyer here for you to pass along.  Interested participants MUST REGISTER with Diane Catherwood as soon as possible at 215-230-8218 x3185 or at dcatherwood@councilsepa.org.   If you have any questions, please contact me any time.

Thank you so much for spreading the word!!

Jessica Schwartz

Community Development Coordinator

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.

252 West Swamp Road, Unit 12

Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901

Phone: (215) 345-6644 ext. 3122

Fax: (215) 348-3377

(800) 221-6333 - 24 Hour Information Line

jschwartz@councilsepa.org

Celebrating Families Flyer Central Bucks - FINAL.pdf 562K   View   Download

ACT NOW ITS NEXT WEEK

Who will you see, hear, and perhaps talk with  next week at our pre-release screening?     CLICK HERE to view the Trailer
This is a screening of a feature documentary film about the 23.5 million Americans living in long-term recovery, and the emerging public recovery movement that will transform how alcohol and other drug problems are dealt with in our communities. About the Producer Greg Williams is a person in long-term recovery from alcohol and other drugs since age seventeen. He is a health policy advocate, and documentary filmmaker who specializes in the creation of compelling and purposeful content. At age 29, The Anonymous People is Greg's first independent feature- length film. His new film is bringing lasting solutions to the screen for one of America's top health problems. It's time     to talk . . .  About The Council    The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc., an affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), is a private nonprofit organization serving Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County. The Council provides a wide range ofservices to families, schools, businesses, individuals and the community at large regardless of ability to pay, ethnicity, race, gender, age and/or sexual orientation.  www.councilsepa.org  About PRO-ACT PRO-ACT is the regional nonprofit organization working to mobilize and rally individuals in recovery from addiction, as well as their families, friends and allies in a campaign to end discrimination, broaden social understanding and achieve a just response to addiction as a public health crisis.  www.proact.org   Help 24/7    Contact our Information and Recovery Support Line 1-800-221-6633			Among those present will be: Arthur Evans, Ph.D., Commissioner of Behavioral Health & Intellectual disAbility Services Patrick Kennedy, former U.S. Representative for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District serving from 1995 until 2011 Roland Lamb, Director of Addiction Services, Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services Al Taubenberger, President, Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce William Wiegman, Chief of Police, Lower Southampton Township/President Board of Directors, The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. Greg Williams, Producer, The Anonymous People Beverly Haberle, MHS, LPC, CAADC, Executive Director, The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. Thursday, May 23, 2013 at Holy Family University Campus Center at Frankford and Grant Avenues, Philadelphia, PA (plenty of free parking) A catered VIP Reception will be held prior to the screening and will offer attendees the opportunity to talk with business leaders, legislators, experts in the field, the filmmaker and others VIP Reception: 6:00 pm Film: 7:00 pm (doors open 6:45 pm) Panel Discussion: 8:30 pm     Order tickets HERE or call Kristin at 215-345-6644 ext 3114 VIP Reception and film: $75 Film: $15 (at door if available $20) The moving story of The Anonymous People is told through the faces and voices of citizens, leaders, volunteers, corporate executives, public figures, and celebrities who are laying it all on the line to save the lives of others just like them. This passionate new public recovery movement aims to transform public opinion, engage communities and elected officials, and finally shift public policy toward lasting solutions. Help us to change the conversation from problems to solutions for America's top health problem! Any funds raised through this event will be used to support Advocacy and Recovery THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT Seabrook House Steps to Recovery Aldie Foundation Community Education Centers Malvern Institute Discovery House Hillside Livengrin Foundation, Inc. Project Transition Pyramid Healthcare, Inc.--Quakertown   There is still time to fax your Sponsorship Agreement to:  215-348-3377 www.councilsepa.org

This Sunday at 12:30 p.m. will be our next Recovery Luncheon and Worship service at Woodside church 1667 Edgewood Road Yardley PA 19067. With music by Four 24, testimony from Ali Boerner, and the message will be from Royce McKelvey followed by a sit down lunch. ,This event is open to everyone. Please get the word out to the recovery community and invite a friend. Hope to see you there!

Bob Sofronski

Director CLPRM

215-833-2512

UPDATE: Stop Urban Outfitters From Selling Products that Promote Prescription Drug Abuse  

Thanks to you, we are gaining momentum to put a stop to Urban Outfitters selling products made to look like prescription pill bottles!

U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY) has sent a letter directly to Richard A. Hayne, CEO and Chairman of Urban Outfitters, encouraging him to “remove these items from the shelves immediately so as not to contribute to this epidemic” [of prescription drug abuse].

Along with Rogers, Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, who co-chairs the Substance Abuse Committee of the National Association of Attorneys General, has joined the effort.

In just the past few days, various media outlets have brought this to the public’s attention, including ABC News, Associated Press, The Huffington Post, News 4 WOAI (thanks to our alliance with The San Antonio Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse), UPI and more!

We’re not done, because we still haven’t received a response from Urban Outfitters.

Please take the time to tweet your plea. Here are some sample tweets:

Join me in stopping @UrbanOutfitters from selling products that promote teen Rx drug abuse. http://ow.ly/kQbJm #endmedicineabuse

Help stop @UrbanOutfitters from selling products that promote teen Rx abuse. http://ow.ly/kQbJm #endmedicineabuse

If you can’t tweet, we encourage you to invite your family, friends and colleagues to sign and share the Facebook Causes Petition today.
 

Thank you,

The Partnership at Drugfree.org

 

 

May 16

Psalm 63:9,10
But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.

Tracy couldn't believe the girls at school would be so cruel. She never did anything to any of them, but they were always finding some way to hurt her. It was all she could do to keep from telling them all off. Her mother told her to ignore them, but that was hard to do. Her mother also said that they would eventually have to pay for all the nasty things they did, but Tracy wished that day would come soon.

 

No one likes to be picked on. Some people love to spend time making others unhappy. These people will have to answer to God for their actions. We are called to love one another and to look for ways to give one another encouragement. While the nasty people will answer in shame for their deeds, the kind will rejoice with Christ in heaven.

 

Prayer: Help me to shrug off the unkind words and actions of the pe ople around me. Lift me above the hurts that come from unthinking and cruel people. Teach me to respond in love, no matter how I am treated. Amen.

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Narconon Saves Lives

A Narconon graduate from two years ago took the time to recently write a letter of appreciation to the staff about he has continued to prosper since graduating from the Narconon program.  James learned, like many others, that the Narconon program isn’t just about staying clean – it’s about learning those basic life skills essential to success and happiness.  That is why Narconon is the New Life Program.  Here is the letter.

“Dear Staff,

My life has been amazing since I graduated from Narconon.  I use the tools I learned there every day and I wanted to give you some examples.

In the Narconon Communication course I learned to stand my ground, without losing my temper, even if someone was being insulting.  I used to get angry with people who talked down to me and would get into a lot of fights.  I couldn’t control my anger – but now I am totally different and I have been amazed at myself for being calm in certain situations.

I used to think that I could only communicate to people who were similar to me.  Narconon taught me that I am very capable of communicating with every class mate that I have in college.  I just have to find points of common reality.  I talk to people now, that before, I would have thought that I was not good enough to talk to.     This lesson helped me in a government class.  I had to teach the class about media politics.  I wanted to reach all the students – those who were interested in the topic and those who weren’t.  I was successful in this goal and I received many compliments.

At Narconon I learned to study.  This is important for success.  I received a 91 on my first paper of the year.   In this particular class, I have done well on the tests and have the highest grade in the class.

At Narconon I learned about anti-social people and how much people can affect your life.  Now I do not associate with anyone in college unless I think they are trying to better their lives.  I do not want to be around anyone who is going to try and bring me down.

I hope one day I can help a person as much as Narconon helped me.  Narconon gave me the opportunity to make my life better and stop living a worthless life.  I am thankful to the Narconon program.

Love,

James”

www.drugsno.com 877-413-3073

PLEASE SUPPORT RECOVERY MUSIC FEST 2013 We need SPONSORS!

Good morning everyone, I wanted to give everyone an update on Music Fest tickets. This past weekend was kind of the kickoff for ticket sales for our biggest event September. unfortunately I have some bad news we sold 0 tickets.but I am NOT going to be discouraged because I know God is in this from the beginning and he will see us through to the event. I have packs of tickets for everyone to sell. we are also still in need of sponsors. there are very nice posters flyers communication cards available for those who want them. I will be copying the direct link to the tickets and sending that out for everyone to forward on their email contact list and post on their Facebook page.  I believe everyone should be taking part in this, that is in this ministry to make this event the most successful ever so that we can look forward to having this again next year. tickets are available through our website www.clprm.org and at www.itickets.com we will have a ticket table setup a Christian Life Center through September you can always meet me there on a Sunday morning to get your tickets for Friday night or wherever you are I'll come meet you. I know its early and probably July August will be our best months but let's try our best to spread the word and maybe get some sales. Thank you everyone for your contribution to this ministry and all that you do for the kingdom. any questions please give me a call

here is the direct ticket link: Music Fest let's spread the wordhttp://www.itickets.com/events/306634/Bensalem_PA/Conquering_Grounds_Outdoor_MusicFest.html

Bob Sofronski

Director CLPRM

215-833-2512

May 15

Psalm 63:1
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thy irsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.

The rock face extended straight up. Terry was halfway up, and his arms ached. From the ground it hadn't looked nearly so great a distance. The sun was scorching, and all Terry could think of was a cool drink of water. He would give anything to be able to stop and drink, but there was not safe place to even think of doing it. The more he thought of water, the worse his thirst got. He comforted himself by thinking the next drink he took would be the best he'd ever had.

 

We often don't appreciate the simple things in life until we are unable to enjoy them. Taking god's gifts for granted is easy to do. Clean air, water to drink, food on the table; these things come easily to most of us, and so we are not as thankful as we might be if we didn't have them. Many in our world have to do without. Remember than even the most basic of our needs is met by the loving grace of God. Thank Him for everything He has given.

 

Prayer: For the air that I breath, the warmth of the springtime sun, the food that nourishes me, and for so much more, I lift my voice in thanks and praise to You, Lord. Amen.

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Rob Lowe Celebrates 23 Years Sober | The Fix

Rob Lowe Celebrates 23 Years Sober | The Fix

Joe Walsh - One Day At A Time (Official Video)

May 14

Psalm 62:10
Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

Glenn prayed for things to get easier. Every day he lifted his concerns to the Lord. Each day he faithfully read the Bible and thought about the Lord's loving works. Finally, his financial woes began to turn around. He thanked God for hearing him and helping him. His wealth began to increase, but as it did, Glenn turned less and less to God. He rarely prayed, almost never did he turn to God's World, and he spent his time thinking of all the wonderful things he could do with his newfound wealth. Glenn attained a level where he could have been called a rich man. At the same time, Glenn attained a level of spiritual bankruptcy. The cost of wealth is often our very faith. Let not the wealth of the world turn you from God. There is the devil's finest work.

 

Prayer: Forgive me when I let things come between us, Lord. Material wealth is nice, but not if it mea ns that I lose my relationship with You. Help me be satisfied with what I have, and keep my mind and my heart on You. Amen.

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"Born Drug Free Florida"

• About

  "Born Drug Free Florida" is an initiative by the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Office of the Attorney General and the Florida Department of Health to raise awareness about babies being born exposed to prescription drugs. The campaign educates expectant mothers about the importance of discussing prescription drug abuse with their doctors and to offer assistance to the women.
  Attorney General Pam Bondi worked with the Florida Legislature during the 2012 legislative session to create a Statewide Task Force on Prescription Drug Abuse and Newborns. She chaired the task force, which was charged with examining the scope of the problem of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, the costs associated with caring for babies with NAS, the long-term effects of NAS, and strategies for preventing prescription drug abuse by expectant mothers.
  This initiative is one of the Prescription Drug Abuse and Newborns Task Force’s recommendations intended to end NAS in Florida’s newborns. The Department of Children and Families took the lead role in executing this educational initiative.
  

May 13

Psalm 61:2 
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Eric ran back and forth behind the crowd. The parade was coming, and he really wanted to have a good spot to watch it from. Everyone was so much taller than he was. Wherever he went, somebody was standing in front of him. In frustration, he began to cry. Suddenly, two strong hands lifted Eric up and placed him on shoulders high up above the mass of people. From the vantage point of the stranger's shoulders, the entire parade was easy to see.

 

Sometimes we need a boost. Problems loom too large, and we can't see our way around them. Pressures build up, and we don't feel big enough to cope with them. God sees all that and He is ready to lift us up; to give us a new vantage point. Reach up to the Lord, and He will lead you to Himself, a rock which is higher than any problem we might have.

 

Prayer: Pick me up, Lord, and hold me in Your loving arms. Protect me from the pressures of the day, and remove the heaviness from my heart. Inspire me with the knowledge that You and I together can handle anything. Amen.

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Florida Launches New Initiative on Newborns Exposed to Prescription Drugs

By Join Together Staff | May 10, 2013 | Leave a comment | Filed in Community Related, Government, Parenting, Prescription Drugs & Prevention

Florida is launching a new initiative to tackle the growing problem of newborns exposed to prescription drugs, the Associated Press reports. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi held a press conference Friday with the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Health to announce the new program.

In February a task force of doctors, public health experts and social workers in Florida released a report designed to combat the growing problem of babies born to mothers who are addicted to prescription drugs. The report found more than 1,560 babies born in Florida in 2011 were diagnosed with symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). These babies often spend three weeks in neonatal intensive care, with a cost as high as $53,400 per baby. In contrast, the typical hospital cost for a healthy newborn is $9,500.

NAS babies suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, abdominal pain, incessant crying, rapid breathing, and sometimes seizures, the report notes.

The task force made recommendations in the areas of prevention, intervention and best practices, and treatment. It recommended that hospitals be required to report babies born with symptoms of NAS, as they do with babies born with infectious diseases such as measles and tuberculosis. The group wants to help treatment facilities reach more women, and recommended considering new laws to offer pregnant women immunity for seeking substance abuse treatment.

In April, state officials launched a new website, BornDrugFreeFL.com and a 1-877-233-5656 helpline, to raise awareness about babies being born exposed to prescription drugs. The campaign is designed to educate expectant mothers about the importance of discussing prescription drug use with their doctors, and to offer the women assistance. The campaign is being advertised through billboards across the state.

A MUST ATTEND EVENT! EVERYONE WELCOME!