Science, faith, and philosophy all agree on these 5 principles. — One of the most important things I learned while researching the personal habits of successful men and women, is that in nearly every case, there was a parent, mentor, or adult who influenced their later success. As the proverb states: Start children off on the way they should go, and…

Some practical keys for unlocking your own power for positive change. — On January 3rd, 2011, I was released from a California state prison after serving 12 years for armed robbery. Within 6 months of my release, I was employed full-time at a local gym, working towards my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, rebuilding my relationship with my 19-year-old daughter, and living in…

Why prayer is supposed to be challenging, at least sometimes. — In his letter to the Colossians, Paul refers to a man named Epaphras, who he calls a “dear fellow servant,” and “faithful minister of Christ” (Col. 1:7, NIV). During the time of his imprisonment, Epaphras had come to visit Paul— to comfort and minister to his needs in various ways…

Exploring what it means to be loved, called, and set apart — For followers of Jesus, Paul’s letters are not simply the teaching of an apostle, but Scripture! Meaning they are the revealed words of God, as well as the teaching of Paul himself (cf. 1 Thess. 2:13). While Romans is Paul’s most systematically written letter and perhaps the most doctrinal book…

We can no longer prioritize relationships and roles that disconnect us from who we are. — As human beings we have two basic emotional needs, which are often in conflict with one another — our emotional need for attachment to other people and our emotional need for authenticity. While neuroscience suggests that we are hardwired for attachment to others, research in the field of psychology has…

Why breaking our dependencies is the key to restoring our emotional health — Earlier this morning I was reading an article written by fellow Coffee Timer, Noman Shaikh, on how he was fighting his obsession with perfection. The article opened with a single sentence that set the tone for the rest of my morning, as well as this article. “Accepting that you can’t…

Why revisiting the beginning steps of our recovery always makes sense — There is much wisdom contained in the first words which the newcomer learns in recovery. For the journey forward only really begins when one has given up on denial, and become willing to face the truth. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable…

Why every addiction is an attempt to solve a human problem. — According to author and speaker, Gabor Maté, addiction is manifested in any behavior that a person [1] craves, [2] finds temporary relief or pleasure in, [3]suffers negative consequences as a result of, and yet [4] has difficulty giving up. The pathway usually consists of: craving, relief or pleasure, suffering, impaired…

Exploring Hebrews 12:1, and the spiritual athleticism of the early church — “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Heb. 12:1, NIV). In Hebrews 11, many of those we now honor for…