Contention

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I heard this word in a context the other day that really resonated. They were talking about getting down to the contention that is driving us to continue to sin, act in an addiction, and/or give in to our weaknesses.

When I hear the word contention I think about the phrase from the Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi 11:29: “he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention.” Right?!? I mean I know that my unhealthy behaviors invite Satan in my life but recognizing that contention is His way of influencing me is PO-WER-FUL!!!

Another truth that can’t be omitted here is that conflict and contention are not synonymous. Conflict is all around. It’s unavoidable, and truly can be an amazing tool to foster things like new perspectives, change, and building common ground. Inner conflict happens within me, but it doesn’t have to become contention.
So what does resolving that inner contention look like? Well, what is the opposite of contention? I looked it up and found this list:

  • Agreement

  • Approval

  • Harmony

  • Peace

  • Authorization

  • Compliment

  • Concurrence

  • Friendship

  • Kindness

  • Praise

  • Ratification

  • Affection

  • Consideration

  • Friendliness

  • Good will

  • Sympathy

To me, this list summarizes exactly what I am seeking with my Heavenly Father and Savior through recovery.

What now? The next time I feel weak, I’m going to think about what the contention is that is fueling my weakness and then seek to invite agreement (or replace this word with any of this list of words above) into my life. I invite you to do the same.

Here are some example of what that looks like for me:

Approval - Of myself including my imperfections
Harmony - Seeking out music, nature or whatever else brings me harmony
Peace - Meditation, prayer, quiet time with God
Friendship - Connection with others I care for and trust
Consideration - Reaching out, helping and serving others

You catch my drift…so what are you doing to drive out your inner contention?

By Nicole, Writing Team

God is Calling For An Adventure

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It’s almost mid January and statistically most New Year’s resolutions are broken or never made. Big lofty goals made while taking time off of work and potentially hung over from all the sugar and heavy food of the Holidays often wilt quickly in the heat of returning to work, getting kids off to school, or whatever your “normal” for life resumption is that flattens your resolve to change. 
There are many years in my life where I have merely existed as a bench warmer at church, in my career, my marriage, as a father, and with my walk with God. Showing up, but not invested. Going through the motions but without intention. Another year slips by and I look at what I wanted to accomplish and have seen little evidence of any progress forward. 

Our older Brother understands this well: "people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me (Matt 15:8)" God loves adventure and He loves forward motion because He wants us to inherit everything He has but knows for us to enjoy and understand it, we must learn it. Afterall, He created everything from volcanoes and asteroids to flowers and birds. 

Look at any of the prophets and apostles of the Bible and they all have something in common – they were living a life of mediocrity when God called them on an adventure. Moses was 40 and hanging out at his Father-in-law's house, Joseph was the spoiled youngest child living in a lap of luxury while his brothers were out working for a living, David was of a similar age as Joseph and a sheep herder far from the front lines of battle, Paul was a zealous rule follower, Peter was a mediocre fisherman. 

Former airline pilot and spiritual leader Dieter F. Uctdorf shared in October 2019: "If you hesitate in this adventure because you doubt your ability, remember that discipleship is not about doing things perfectly; it’s about doing things INTENTIONALLY. It is your choices that show what you truly are, far more than your abilities."

God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. And today He is calling you and me on an adventure with our imperfections, hesitations, fear and timidity and all! 

What now? Begin praying to God to reveal His next adventure to you. Ask if you are living your larger story. Ask your friends and family where they have seen or currently see adventure in your life and don’t be afraid to make a leap of faith to follow God. Need additional help? There are several Warrior Heart Boot Camp https://awarriorheart.com/register weekends coming up to help you unlock your adventure for men and Heart of a Woman Retreat https://www.theheartofawoman.net weekends for women. 


By Pete, Writing Team

Life: A Story

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Life is full of surprises, ups, downs, sideways, backwards, and through. There are probably a lot more ways life will surprise us. The real focus on life is a story. It is a story of war, love, peace, happiness, hope, disappointment, and the list goes on. The point is we need to take life and live it to the fullest every day. But what does that mean exactly? “Whatever you hand finds to do, do it with your might…” Ecclesiastes 9:10 (ESV). Dad wants us to do good works in His name. This life is not easy but can still be adventurous and fun. Walt Disney understood life too. He said: 

“Around here we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

Another quote that talks about focusing on the past; as well as, the future says:

“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” - Lao Tzu

Mr. Tzu, understood that we need to focus on what is right in front of us. I think he was inspired by a common scripture. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries…” -Mathew 6:34 (NLT).

Anyone struggling with addiction (and those who have been betrayed) need to stop worrying if we are going to be sober tomorrow. The rest of the scripture says, “... Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Mathew 6:34 (NLT). We also need to stop worrying about if we have done a great job yesterday. Yes, we do need to take account of what we have done. We also need to apply Christ’s atonement in our lives every day. This allows us to stay in the present. Where I am going with this is that I love living in the present. It allows me to have great memories that I can look back on with fondness; however, I cannot stay in the past very long. I need to keep searching for the next thing that will allow me to see the next big adventure in Dad’s story. However, I also need to love life today. I need to connect with as many people (or that one person) who will allow me to connect with our Dad in Heaven.

What now? Call a friend that you haven’t talked to in a while. Do not text them. Text is cold and emotionless. Even better, visit them in person. After all, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20 (NLT).

By CT, Writing Team Director