Thursday, August 6, 2015

 
 
Has this ministry been a Blessing to you or someone you Love? 
Would you prayerfully consider a Gift to CLPRM OR THIS YEAR'S MUSIC FEST?

This ministry, coffee house, recovery meetings, prison chapel services and ALL Special Events operate because of private donations from people like you. Your Gift will be fully Tax-deductible and will help us to reach those trapped in addiction and crime with the Hope of Jesus Christ!
 
 
Donations Here!
 
 
You can send a check to 
CLPRM Po Box 1624 
Southampton, PA 18966

Thank you and Blessings to All of you in 2015!!
 
 
 
 
 
Conquering Addiction Hour with CLPRM​
 
 
Listen Archives Here
 
      
 
 
 
Upcoming Events
  • August 8th
"Think of 3"
Plus Special Guest

Joe Miralles
  • September 12th
3rd Annual Conquering Grounds Outdoor Music Fest-A Benefit to Help Fight Addiction
 
 
More Info Here
 
 
  • October 10th
  • November 7th 
  • December 12th
Our Christmas Celebration
 
 
 
 
 
Conquering Grounds Café, our monthly coffee house ministry, reaches out to individuals and families who have been affected by substance abuse.

The Café serves up Christian bands, plus
FREE beverages and baked goods in a laid-back atmosphere.

ALL are invited to this
FREE event!
 
 
 
 
 
Thanks to Shoprite Bensalem and Hornbergers Bakery for their generous donation of baked good to Conquering Grounds. 
 
 
 
 
 
Recovery Resources
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Make a one-time financial gift.
Become a monthly sponsor.​
 
 
Or send a gift to:
CLPRM
PO Box 1624
Southampton, PA 18966

You can download our new 10 second PushPay Giving App 
 
 
 
 
Check out The Music Fest line-up at the bottom of the page 
Join us at the Cafe
Saturday August 8, 2015 @ 7- 10:00pm
doors open at 6:30
 
 
 
 
 
Featured artist: "Think of 3"
Join us for a Night of Worship
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Plus Special Guest:  Joe Miralles
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FOOD, COFFEE, FUN AND FELLOWSHIP FOR ALL!  
Admission is FREE!
(Donations appreciated to cover costs and for the band. Thanks for your prayerful consideration and generosity so we can keep this event FREE!) 

Where:  The Edge Building at Christian Life Center
3100 Galloway Rd Bensalem, PA   

Questions: Contact  Bob Sofronski   215-833-2512
 
 
 
 
3rd Annual Conquering Grounds Outdoor Music Fest
When: Saturday September 12, 2015
12pm to 6pm Gates open at 11am
Where: On the Grounds of Christian Life Center
Stay tuned for more details or visit the website for Sponsor Packs and Info at www.musicfest2015.org
WE NEED YOUR HELP
 
 
 
 

We are calling on Business and Ministry friends to support the CLPRM upcoming Music Fest in September 2015. We have started our annual drive for sponsorships and spots are already filling up. Sponsor Pack are available for you so that you can see the many ways you are able to help those in addiction and recovery with your support!  

The Music Fest is our annual benefit which takes over a year in planning. Even though it rained last year we had over 1100 people, 50 Vendors and 10 Bands and raised over $10,000!  We are starting to make our Sponsor packages available and I have attached the details about the different levels for Corporate or Personal involvement. 

Please share this with anyone else you may think would want to purchase a tax deductible package, there are 4 different levels of sponsorship.  It is forsuch a great cause and an inexpensive way to get your business in front of 1000's
 
 
 
 
Artists and Speakers Booked so far see below:
 
 
 
 
Our Headline Artist for this Year will  be 
"Among the Thirsty"
 
 
Click Here For More Info About The Band
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guest Speaker
Steve Arterburn

Founder of New Life Ministries 
 
 
 
 
 
Dana Isles and Facedown  
 
 
 
 
 
Narda Shirley
and the Nation   
 
 
 
 
 
The Travis Lee Band​  
 
 
 
 
Barry McGuire Jr
and 288
 
 
 
 
 
Liz Collins​ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jesse Shultz
 
 
 
 
Darlene Van Dyke
 
 
 
 
Thank you for all your prayers and support!!

Sincerely,

Bob Sofronski, Executive Director
Christian Life Prison and Recovery Ministries, Inc. |  215-833-2512
 
 
 
 
Thank you for all your prayers and support!!

Sincerely,

Bob Sofronski, Executive Director
Christian Life Prison and Recovery Ministries, Inc. |  215-833-2512
 
 
 
 
"My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare." 
~ Psalm 25:15​ ~
 
 
 Women for Sobriety, Inc.
PROMISES PROMISES...Be Sincere & Authentic

҉    

The following excerpt is from an article in the
Journal of Psycholinguistic Research by Steven Scher and John Darley.

How to Apologize Appropriately

#1 Express remorse:  Every apology needs to start with two magic words; “I’m sorry” or “I apologize.”  This is essential, because these words express remorse over your actions.  For example, you could say “I’m sorry that I snapped at you yesterday.  I feel embarrassed and ashamed by the way I acted.”  Your words need to be sincere and authentic.  Be honest with yourself, and with the other person, about why you want to apologize.  Never make an apology when you have ulterior motives, or if you see it as a means to an end.  Timeliness is also important here.  Apologize as soon as you realize that you’ve wronged someone else.

#2 Admit responsibility:  Next, admit responsibility for your actions or behavior, and acknowledge what you did.  Here, you need to empathize with the person you wronged, and demonstrate that you understand how you made her feel.  Don’t make assumptions--instead simply try to put yourself in that person’s shoes and imagine how she felt.  For example, “I know that I hurt your feelings yesterday when I snapped at you.  I’m sure this embarrassed you, especially since everyone else on the team was there.  I was wrong to treat you like that.”

#3 Make amends:  When you make amends, you take action to make the situation right.  Here are two examples:  *”If there’s anything I can do to make this up to you, please just ask.”  *”I realize I was wrong to doubt your ability to chair our staff meeting.  I’d like you to lead the team throughtomorrow’s meeting to demonstrate your skills.”  Think carefully about this step.  Token gestures or empty promises will do more harm than good.  Because you feel guilty, you might also be tempted to give more than what’s appropriate--so be proportionate in what you offer.

#4 Promise that it won’t happen again:  Your last step is to explain that you won’t repeat the action or behavior.  This step is important because you reassure the other person that you’re going to change your behavior.  This helps you rebuild trust and repair the relationship.  You could say; “From now on I’m going to manage my stress better, so that I don’t snap at you and the rest of the team.  And, I want you to call me out if I do this again.”  Make sure that you honor this commitment in the days or weeks to come--if you promise to change your behavior, but don’t follow through, others will question your reputation and your trustworthiness.

Further Strategies for Effective Apologies

Don’t offer excuses:  During an apology, many people are tempted to explain their actions.  This can be helpful, but explanations can often serve as excuses, and these can weaken your apology. Don’t shift part of the blame onto someone or something else in an attempt to reduce responsibility.  Here is an example of using excuses in an apology:  “I’m sorry that I snapped at you when you came into my office yesterday.  I had a lot on my plate, and my boss demanded my project report an hour earlier than planned.”  In this case, you excuse your behavior because of stress, and you imply that the other person was at fault because he bothered you on a busy day. This makes you look weak.  A better approach is to say “I’m sorry I snapped at you yesterday.” This is short and heartfelt, and it offers no excuses for your behavior.

Don’t expect instant forgiveness:  Keep in mind that the other person might not be ready to forgive you for what happened.  Give that person time to heal, and don’t rush her through the process.  For example, after you make your apology, you could say, “I know that you might not be ready to forgive me, and I understand how that feels.  I simply wanted to say how sorry I am.  I’ll give you plenty of time to see that I’m changing my behavior.”

**************************************************************
Statement #13, “I am responsible for myself and for my actions.”
I am in charge of my mind, my thoughts, and my life.
**************************************************************

+++++++++++++++++++
Karen’s Perspective +
+++++++++++++++++++
     Lately, in our face to face meeting, the subject of apologies has come up.  It has been interesting to listen to the numerous observations and has led to some great insight and discussions.
     The first year of my sobriety it occurred to me that I was apologizing for EVERYTHING.  If a book flew off of the bookcase all by itself and hit the ground, my first impulse was to say that I was sorry.  So many times I uttered apologies, sometimes without even knowing what I was sorry for! Looking back, I believe I felt so guilty for my drinking behavior that I felt the need to apologize for everything.  I was over-compensating and taking ownership when in fact, often times, it did not belong to me.  With the clarity that sobriety brings, I soon discovered this behavior pattern and set out to change it.  I began to put action into Statement #13.  I began to make real, authentic apologies.
     One of the things I have learned in my New Life is to take the “but” out of saying I’m sorry.  In the past, I often said that I was sorry and then added a BUT.... “I’m sorry I missed you BUT I was running behind.”  Or “I apologize, BUT you know how it is.”  This is similar to adding an excuse to the apology.  I give out the sorry and then take it back with the BUT or an excuse.
     Today, responsibility feels good.  I am able to show the world that I can be trusted and that I am open to growing and responding with my abilities.  I feel connected to others because I acknowledge their feelings of hurt and I am better able to identify and state my own feelings today.  Life is good!  Hugzzz, Karen 
  • Are you better able to give and receive apologies in your New Life? 
+++++++++++++++
 Dee’s Insights  +
+++++++++++++++
     Hi 4C Women, I agree that an apology needs to be authentic; and, so, promising it will never happen again is a big responsibility and one that has to be heartfelt and serious.  As women with addictions, promises may have been broken many times and all it takes is one more broken promise for others to see us as unreliable and untrustworthy.  WFS teaches us to make those “inside” changes because, let’s face it, you don’t need an addiction to be someone who apologizes without meaning it or without any consideration to actually changing that behavior.
     We are fortunate in a way that because of our addictions and our willingness to seek help, we have a program that gives direction, insight and hope.  I have always said that the group experience, whether in a face to face meeting or online with the WFS forum, offers much needed support, encouragement and opportunities for real, authentic change.  With that, we won’t be apologizing for everything, giving false promises, making excuses or expecting instant forgiveness. We will be women who express ourselves authentically and follow through on any promise we have made.  We will be trustworthy and, most of all, willing to do the hard work to create positive change.  We take responsibility for our words, our actions and our lives.  That is a 4C woman!  –Dee
_________________________
Thank you, Karen and Dee, for your words of encouragement and inspiration.  I have had a teachable moment last week and put into practice what I learned from this message; and have been blessed with forgiveness.  I am humbled and grateful.  ~Becky Fenner, WFS Director
Email:  contact@womenforsobriety.org   *   Tel215-536-8026   *   Fax:  215-538-9026http://www.womenforsobriety.org   *   http://www.wfscatalog.org

Wednesday, August 5, 2015


Livengrin Foundation
The Bridge Builder
Click below for a copy of the newest Bridge Builder, Livengrin's development magazine. In it, you'll find coverage of our successful Ride for Recovery 2015 and other exciting news and developments happening at our organization. Enjoy!
Livengrin Foundation | 215-638-5200 | www.livengrin.org
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Federal Reserve Says No to Credit Union That Wants to Serve Marijuana Industry - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Federal Reserve Says No to Credit Union That Wants to Serve Marijuana Industry - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
 Women for Sobriety, Inc.
Concentrate on CHOICES, not changes.

҉    

The following excerpt is from the WFS Workbook, “Coping with Stress” by Margaret Pruitt, Ph.D.
Here are just a few ways to handle stress that are listed in the workbook.
A total of 25 are actually in the workbook!

WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

The first step is to convince yourself that you are entitled to relieve the stress in your life.  Assure yourself that you deserve and are able to reduce the stresses that are evident in your mind, your body, and your life.  Many women believe it is their function to hide discomfort--smile and carry on.  A few choose stress, sustain it and wear it like a ‘badge of honor.’  There are healthier symbols of self-worth--calmness, control and competence.

Accept yourself as you are.  Value yourself as a package deal---fat hips and all.  Don’t rush out in all directions to improve yourself.  You can’t be perfect; don’t even try; nobody is.  Instead, aim at describing yourself accurately, allowing yourself to be less than perfect, and allowing others to be, also.  As your ideal is replaced by what you really are---your stress level will begin to go down. Concentrate on choices, not changes.

What you think is what you feel.  An awareness of the powerful relation between thinking and feeling is one of the most important keys to relieving stress.  Since what you think is what you feel, the best way to change your stressful feelings is to change your stressful thoughts.  Remember our cave woman ancestor; her reaction would have been the same if she only THOUGHT she saw a tiger and it was only the shadow of a rock

Challenge your Musts, Shoulds, Deserves, Oughts.  Stressful thoughts are exaggerated thoughts. When you say you SHOULD, MUST do something, you really might mean it might be better if you did.  These terms sound as if it would be dangerous or disastrous if you erred or postponed a simple task.  (There are some actions that are musts.)  There are many labels that women use to refer to themselves that are also exaggerated and stressful---stupid, lazy.  Exaggerated thoughts bring on exaggerated emotions.

Break the habit of Guilt and Worry.  Guilt is self-punishment for the inability to change the past; worry is self-punishment for inability to change the future.  Both waste needless energy and cause needless stress.  Usually guilt follows behaviors that fall short of what we learned as a child was good.  Today, it is your life.  Worry permits us to believe we are accomplishing something when we are really just standing still.  Replace guilt and worry with CONCERN.  Guilt and worry are immobilizing; genuine concern leads to action--control over the problem.  Don’t forget, everyone makes mistakes--they are one of our best methods for learning.

**************************************************************
Statement #2, “Negative thoughts destroy only myself.”
My first conscious sober act must be to remove negativity from my life.
**************************************************************

+++++++++++++++++++
Karen’s Perspective +
+++++++++++++++++++
     Sobriety does not mean the end of stress in my life; it simply means that I am learning new ways to cope and manage my emotions instead of turning to alcohol.
     In my experience, I turned to alcohol for stress relief and for escape.  I had no clue how to manage my thoughts or my feelings and was at a loss as to how to even begin to sort through them.  It was just easier (so I thought) to “drink my worries away.”  It wasn’t easier.  Yet something strange was happening.  The more I tried to evade my upsetting emotions, the more they came at me.  I soon found myself bombarded with chaos; it was here, it was there, it seemed like it was everywhere.  How much more could I take?
     Living in sobriety and my New Life, I discovered how true these words are.....The only way out is through.....and Statement #2 in action takes me THROUGH my thoughts and feelings.  Instead of trying to run away and hide, I am able to manage my thoughts and discard those that do not support my healthy new lifestyle.  By first recognizing my thoughts, I am able to choose.  I can take actions towards empowerment and enthusiasm, and release what no longer benefits me.
     Today I am able to hear what I am saying to myself and cut off negativity at the pass.  Ever watchful, I assure and value my 4C New Life!  Hugzzz, Karen
  • Daily, I manage my thoughts and feelings.
+++++++++++++++
+  Dee’s Insights  +
+++++++++++++++
     Hi 4C Women, It is amazing how much stress we add to our lives with our negative thoughts. We judge ourselves too harshly if we make a mistake or somehow do not live up to our unrealistic expectations.
     I often thought how unworthy I felt and my negative self-talk only proved my definition of myself to be true.  Through the WFS program and sobriety, I finally realized how destructive my negative thoughts had become; how they were nothing but lies that I thought was my truth.  We need to be our own best friend.  I mean, would I ever talk to a friend the way I had talked to myself?  Why did I insist on continually destroying my self-image?
     It took a long time, but I eventually learned to love myself and knocked that inner critic off my shoulder because he is a combination of my own self-doubts and old messages from the past.  I even gave my inner critic a name and whenever negative thoughts and self-destructive words begin to form in my mind, I know it is my inner critic trying to pull me back to a time when I didn’t like myself at all.  I do not allow him to have a voice because I am the one with the voice and it is a positive one, a healthy one.  The inner critic is a tricky guy and he doesn’t give up so easily sometimes, but then I am not that fearful, self-hating woman I once was.  I am a 4C woman and I work hard at maintaining that image of myself.
     My favorite part of Karen’s message is “Guilt is self-punishment for the inability to change the past; worry is self-punishment for inability to change the future.”  I have exchanged guilt for reflection, learning and letting go and worry for concern.  It helps keep me balanced when I am facing challenges, as we all do, and to problem solve rather than get stuck in worry.  –Dee

  • What are the words you use to describe yourself?
  • Are you able to recognize when your inner critic is pulling you back to a time of self-doubt?
_________________________
Thank you, Karen and Dee, for your words of encouragement and inspiration to start off our week! ~Becky Fenner, WFS Director
Email:  contact@womenforsobriety.org   *   Tel215-536-8026   *   Fax:  215-538-9026
http://www.womenforsobriety.org   *   http://www.wfscatalog.org

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Lab Analyzes Babies’ Umbilical Cords for Mothers’ Drug Use - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Lab Analyzes Babies’ Umbilical Cords for Mothers’ Drug Use - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Role of advocate in new outpatient center will emphasize life skills

Role of advocate in new outpatient center will emphasize life skills

Some Strategies to Protect College Students Against Drinking Too Much May Backfire - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Some Strategies to Protect College Students Against Drinking Too Much May Backfire - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids



THE ADDICT'S MOM August / September SCHOLARSHIPS 
TREATMENT CENTERS WILL DETERMINE WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
**TAM DOES NOT DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY**
Applications will be forwarded to centers as soon as we receive them. Treatment Centers reserve the right to immediately admit an applicant if it is deemed necessary
The Addict’s Mom August / September Scholarships Provided By:
Revive Detox Center
Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
Scholarship Outline : 
Personalized Medical Detox Protocol
Luxurious Accommodations
24/7 Monitored Treatment
Nutritious catered Meals
Individual and Group Therapy
Massage Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Licensed Physician and Clinical Staff
_________________________________________________ 
New Beginning Ministry
Beach Lake, Pennsylvania
Scholarship Outline:
One (1) Month Inpatient Treatment Male / Female
12 Step Program Residential / Addiction/ 
Recovery Program 18 and over
No Detox included Non Medical – Faith Based Program
_________________________________________________
Application for TAM Treatment Scholarships
To apply for Scholarships, please complete the requirements below:
A family member of the client must be a member of both
and
The Addict’s Mom Main Facebook group www.facebook/groups/theaddictsmom
TAM member please provide:
TAM Member Contact Information Date of application Member’s First and last Name Phone number Email address
Minimum of one paragraph that includes:
Name and Age of client/addicted person,
Male or female
Drug of Choice/ how much used daily,age of first drug use
Other Helpful Information if applicable:
Incarceration Previous Treatment Formal Diagnosis DSM Diagnosis if any
__________________________________________________
APPLICANTS MAY APPLY FOR BOTH SCHOLARSHIPS:
To apply for the Treatment Scholarship at Revive Detox Center, please send your letter to:TAMReviveScholarship@gmail.com
To apply for the Treatment Scholarship at New Beginning Ministries, please send your letter to:TAMNewBeginningsScholarship@gmail.com
___________________________________________________
ALL EMAILS MUST BE RECEIVED BY September 15, 2015
If you have any questions about our scholarships, please email katrinoleary@gmail.com
___________________________________________________
Please do not contact our Scholarship Sponsors directly. Only requests submitted to the TAM email addresses will be considered.
TAM Disclaimer
As you consider our recommendation to any of these facilities or institutions listed given to you, TAM strongly urges you to do further research about each facility, consider consulting your family healthcare provider for input and advice.
We would also recommend that you review the SAHMSA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSAhttp://www.samhsa.gov/) website- see if the facility is listed there. Also find the licensing agency in the State the facility is located. In Florida, the State Agency that licenses Substance abuse facilities is the Department of Children & Families. (http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/substance-abuse). If the facility is in another state, ask them who licenses them and check with that agency about whether there have been any complaints.
TAM does not endorse any of the specific programs. The Addict’s Mom assumes no liability or responsibility for the claims made by the service providers or institutions.
We wish you and your families the best of health and recovery!
****TAM will offer future scholarship opportunities*****


myrecovery.com




Daily Quote

"The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them." - Thomas Merton




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Guest Speaker - 1:00 pm CST: "Being Sober Becoming Happy"







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