Principle 8

Merry Christmas, everyone! #Christmas

When Is The Best Time To Dig A Well?

Yeah...life's a roller coaster sometimes. It's scary and even sickening, but try to enjoy the ride. #getrealdealheal

Taking a break from socials for a while. See you IRL.

If.

You really don't have anything better to do. Seriously.

These guys. #grateful for them and all they do to help #principle8 help others #getrealdealheal through #tunes #testimony & #truth #recovery

Blessed to take part in a ‘faith and family day’ @coolspringcornmaze in Mercer, PA on September 17 at 1:00PM.

Tunes, testimony, truth…and #tractors #tractorsunday #principle8

Ok…I know. I have a weird sense of hvmor, but this strvck me as fvnny. I get that they were going for an vpside down ‘A’ …bvt in a Roman alphabet kinda way, it says ‘BLUCK COW’.

Transparency and willingness to 'lead with weakness' are near and dear to the heart of Principle 8's mission to share experience, God's strength and hope. If you missed my interview with Australian podcaster, Rodney Olsen, please visit Bleeding Daylight and check it out. Congrats to Rodney and his team on this important podcasting milestone. Cheers to 100 episodes, mates!

…like Jesus

This mailbox approved by the Postmeowster General.

Folding a queen mattress into the back of a minivan can give new meaning to the term #tacotuesday

Join us for tunes testimony fellowship and fun! #recovery #principle8 #getrealdealheal

Don’t allow yourself to slip back into slavery, but serve others humbly.

Setting up for an evening of music and ministry at #victoryinthevalley with @jamiekimmetmusic &TashaLayton @JohnTibbs @adayawaits and lil old me @principle8 #isaiah61:1

This guy. Wrote a book. Made a movie. Took a chance and let a stranger write a song for it. #blessed #aarondunbar #blankethillproductions #forgivinggodmovie #soundtrack #jcfilms

“Forgiving God” premiere last night. Blessed to be part of this project. #jcfilms #forgivinggodmovie#soundtrack #blankethillproductions

FREE faith-based movie premiere THIS SATURDAY in Western PA! #forgivinggodmovie starring @deuces1966 Dean Cain! #Jesus AND #Superman AND great independent talent (and...well...me in a jumpsuit and pink hair) all in the same movie?! Throwin' it back to #1985 Come to #kittanning and see it before you can DVD it!

Victory In The Valley is just a few weeks away!

Blessed to return to #victoryinthevalley again this year. Another great lineup including @tashalayton @kimmettmusic @johntibbsmusic @adayawaits #freeconcert #christianmusic #christianmusicfestival #pennsylvaniamusic

#currentmood #hefeelinme #cerealbox #cinnamontoastcrunch

This package of plastic storage bags got me thinking... When things are going well, it's easy to think we can handle things that used to trip us up. That kind of thinking leads to relapse. It's time to #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery

WHEN LIFE 'SUCKS' - LOOK FOR PATTERNS Ok...so, yeah...this is a little gross. This is the filter inside our #vacuum It looks a little like an #eclipse doesn't it - #corona and all. When life sucks...look for patterns. What marks does the dirt in your life leave behind? How do you #getrealdealheal ?

Evidence is not proof. What do you see? A UFO? It was actually the #goodyearblimp ...but zooming in with my phone camera yielded this fuzzy, grainy photo. Sometimes, we zoom in on our problems, but we don't have the right tools or our vision is clouded. We get a blurry picture and try to make sense of it...and when it doesn't make sense , we call it a blimp when it might be a UFO or vice versa. We might offer 'exhibit A' as proof of something...maybe to convince someone of something we ourselves want to believe. But evidence is not proof. These days, photos, video and film can be so convincingly 'real' that almost anything can be made to seem plausible, even probable. Hollywood can bring dead stars back to the screen and show past presidents parlaying with Forrest Gump. #deepfake footage nowadays can make it seem as though almost anyone is saying or doing almost anything. The digital age is dangerous, but the desire to manipulate others by deception is as old as the Garden. Stay wise, and remember that evidence can be planted, but proof is rooted firmly in the truth.

#aloesaurus here knows that sometimes, we just want to be soothed. What do you turn to? Is it healthy...or do you rely on things that hurt you and others? It's time to #getrealdealheal

"Slo-mo' of one of God's amazing creations doing its thing. #hummingbird

#cactus #guitar

Another great day at "the office" in the house of the Lord. Luke 2:49 #worshipleader

Tracking a new tune, "Forgiving God" with Bobby and Kraig for an upcoming independent film of the same name shooting now in #kittaning and featuring @deuces1966

Like playing Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball on #nintendo64 "We got a good ole fashioned slugfest!" Yes, those are normal sized bricks and abnormally large slugs. #leopardslug

Today's office. #guestworship #worshipleader

...so, don't allow yourself to become a slave to anything.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV If.

So much to say, but can't find the words. #getrealdealheal #principle8

Often when we're trying to set ourselves up, we fall. #sobriety includes an accurate view of ourselves. #addicts tend to think grand thoughts. We also tend to be verbal processors - thinking, planning and scheming out loud, having past or future arguments out loud, even when the other person isn't there (it's much easier to win that way 😜) It's not too early or too late to really start talking about our problems, but sometimes, we just need to stop talking, put our hands over our mouths and listen to sound advice. It's time to #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery

(sound on!) These are the days of the #judgesandkings Whole world's gone crazy, Everybody's doin' their own thing... Before the judges and kings We all tend to think we are better than we actually are. We even revel in our goodness. But if we are honest with ourselves we're not as good as we should be. We do the things we shouldn't do and we don't do the things we should. It's #thehumancondition If this song seems preachy please know it's also preaching to the choir and I'm in the choir just like everybody else. There's only One good and perfect Teacher. #principle8 #getrealdealheal #proverbs #indiemusic #songwriter

There's a joke about someone who won a contest for being the most humble person in town. When they walked on stage to accept their award, they were disqualified. The ancient Greeks knew the dangers of #hubris but the warnings were more ancient still. Quite often, it's when we're cocky that we end up with egg on our faces. When our feathers get ruffled, it's usually our wounded pride underneath that's causing the agitation. It's hard to be humble, but let's give it a try. Pride goes before a fall. #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery

According to experts, over 85% of women in the so-called 'adult entertainment' industry don't want to be. Fraud, force and finances are typical reasons they fear to leave. Many feel they can't earn a better living, but the ones who really profit are the owners of the websites and clubs and parlors, and the madams and pimps. We can be part of the solution or continue to be part of the problem. When there's no demand, there's no need for a supply. #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery

Boy, did I need this one. We tend to think of our selves as being trustworthy, but self is capricious, cunning, crafty, deceitful, and dangerous. Trust an objective source of wisdom that doesn't change with the wind. #principle8 #recovery #getrealdealheal

Trying to hide our bad behavior is a losing battle. We don't keep our secrets - they keep us. #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery

Transparency is transformational. When we #getrealdealheal And start owning our stuff, we don't have to live in fear of being found out. Integrity is empowering. #principle8 #recovery

#lust comes in many forms. Whether it's the objectification of people for our own gratification, greed, gluttony, or the gotta gets - gratitude is the antidote. Unless we #getrealdealheal death and destruction are inevitable. #principle8

Most people know drug addiction can be fatal, but #sexualaddiction can also lead to an untimely demise. Think about it...how many times do we read a newspaper story or see something on TV about a jealous spouse or lover taking violent action against their rival, their significant other, and/or themselves? Some sexual addicts succumb to hopelessness and take their own lives. Some even die accidentally as they take more and more extreme measures to heighten their pleasure. It's time to #getrealdealheal A double life might cost you your life. #recovery #principle8

Many of us remember our parents warning us not to play with matches, not to play with fire 🔥 If we're drawn like a moth to the flame, it's time to #getrealdealheal before we get burned again. #principle8 #recovery #proverbs

Are you a stone roller? Are you a rolling stone? Are you maybe feeling like #Sisyphus - a trickster who cheated death, but is cursed to push the same stupid rock up the same hill forever? There is one who can roll the stone out of your way. He rolled a stone from the mouth of His own grave. His Name is #Jesus Surrender to escape your fate. #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery

We make our own graves. Sure, bad things happen to good people all the time, but we are responsible for our choices. We live in a fallen world. That doesn't mean we should fill it with holes. #getrealdealheal #principle8 #proverbs

Getting sick from what you ate, then eating something that will make you sick? Covering your tracks? Eating the evidence? Cleaning up your mess so no one sees? Purging, then binging? It's time to #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery

#boundaries are key. Not only do we need #healthyboundaries with others, but also with ourselves. A lack of self or impulse control is a mark of an addict. We mustn't place ourselves in positions of temptation. We can't assume we're strong enough to dance on the line without crossing it. In other words: If you know you can't swim, stay out of the pool. If you don't know if you can't swim...stay out of the pool. If you think 🤔 you can swim, but you nearly drowned last time... Stay out of the pool! Don't stand at the edge of the pool. You might fall in. Just don't go to the pool. It's time to #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery #proverbs

#principle8 exists to engage, encourage, equip and empower those struggling with or affected by #sexualaddiction through #tunestestimonyandtruth If you're drowning, it's time to #getrealdealheal #recovery #hopeonarope

💈 ✂️ They say if you hang out in a barber shop (or a salon, if your prefer) eventually, you'll get a haircut. The company we keep is important. It's harder to stay sober if you're hanging out with your old drinking buddies all the time. A few weeks ago, I was in need of a haircut, so I tried a couple places, but they were too busy to take a walk-in that day. I checked a local barber shop. The door was wide open. There was much playing, but no one was there. I called out. No answer. I looked around. I saw a stack of men's magazines - so called 'adult' entertainment on a side table. The old me would have leafed through them instead of leaving. Since I've turned over a new leaf, I walked out. #Jesus hung out with 'sinners' and I do, too. If with no one else, then in the company of my self and I'm sinner enough for the #Savior It's a hard decision to know when to to walk away to save your sanity or bless a business so they see Jesus. Maybe I'll barge in on that barber again someday and tell him what the Lord has done for me, how He has set me free. In his chair, I may be a captive audience, but then, so is he. Maybe we'll even become friends...as long as he doesn't give me the #SweeneyTodd treatment...

Can't stop paying for sex, massages, etc? Do you keep hooking up in risky relationships? It's time to #getrealdealheal #recovery #principle8 #adulteryischildish

Don't fall for false promises. Anyone who will cheat with you, will cheat on you. If your spouse is stepping out, you have the right to set boundaries. Fidelity is a reasonable expectation. #boundaries #principle8 #proverbs

(hint: It's Jesus) The rest of us would be out of luck without Him.

People don't need to learn how to be selfish. It's instinctive. It's our sin nature. Freud wrote about the Id - the part of the psyche that demands what it wants when it wants it. Sadly, that attitude isn't confined to little kids. Learning to temper our desires is to grow in real maturity.

Promises...promises. Addicts will say just about anything to maintain a desired status quo. Setting boundaries is an important way to keep yourself from being used. Faithfulness is difficult. There will always be temptation, but being honest about our struggles helps us process our pain and get to the roots of our issues. There is One who can be trusted to be faithful. His Name is Jesus. He said that even looking at another person lustfully was like commiting adultery with them. We can't live up to that standard, but we can surrender our temptations as they come. The book, Every Man's Battle suggests learning to 'bounce' your eyes off of people you find attractive. Ladies, this goes for you, too. There's a short, steep and slippery slope between seeing, looking, lingering and lusting. Avoid the edge.

I don't know about you, but alcohol figured prominently in a number of my poor decisions. Setting boundaries with booze is vitally important in recovery - even if drugs and alcohol aren't your 'real' problem. Sex addiction issues are frequently concurrent with substance abuse. Lowering your inhibitions isn't usually a good thing. #beergoggles #recovery #enjoyresponsibly #principle8 #thinkbeforeyoudrink

Happy (heavenly) Father's Day

I'm grateful for the grace others have shown me. I try to #payitforward #forgive #getrealdealheal #principle8 #proverbs

Man, do I relate. I spent a good bit of my life angry at God for allowing the consequences of my bad choices. Can you relate? It's time to #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery #proverbs

TODAY! TODAY!! TODAY!!! FREE FESTIVAL🎉🎸🥁✝️ STARTS AT 4:00PM GET HERE! @chriscleveland5 @starsgodim @kimmettmusic @kloveradio @familyliferadio @allanscottmusic @adayawaits @damoncovert

...and the unrighteous can run, too. #thankgod Only safe place is in God's protective custody. Take Him up on the offer. You won't be sorry. #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery

When we partake of #porn or engage workers in the so-called 'adult' entertainment and /or sex trade industries, we are depriving the innocent of what is right and just. There's just no way of knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that the people in these lines of work are there of their own free will and wouldn't rather do anything else for a living. #thinkaboutit #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery

Seems these days there are a lot of open mouths and closed ears. Many #addicts are verbal processors. We talk out loud - often in circles - until we believe our thoughts and actions are justified. It's like what Dr. Jerry Root calls "the rationalization of deceit." We say something until we believe it...and we hope others will, too. It's time to close our mouths, open our minds and our ears and listen. It's time to #getrealdealheal #principle8

Ever shoot your mouth off? Yeah...me, too. Gets ya into trouble, doesn't it? Let's #getrealdealheal and focus on our #recovery #principle8

Ever feel like another person is always taking from you instead of taking care of you? ...Maybe you ARE that person? I was. Sometimes, I still am. Addicts of all kinds take from others to fill up what they're lacking or feel they lack. It's time to #getrealdealheal #recovery #principle8

Is your heart out of rhythm? Irregular? Erratic? It's time to #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery

A good friend can make all the difference in life and in recovery.

Contentment is wise. Lust comes in many forms, and our eyes are never satisfied. "It's not having what you want...it's wanting what you've got." - Sheryl Crow Soak Up The Sun

I'll be honest...like many pieces of scripture, this one is a mystery to me. But I think it means that regardless of what we devise, the Lord's divine sovereignty will prevail. That's not a license for us to go out and do whatever we want. I think the key is humility... The humility to at least try to figure out what God would have us do in every situation, instead of what we would plan or want. Yes, back in the day I had a WWJD bracelet, but Jesus would not have done the things I did, nor thought the thoughts I thought. The trick for me is to get out of my own head and try to imagine what my loving creator would have me do with my life. How might I serve others? How might I love them...really love them? Lord, direct my desires. Direct my steps. #principle8 #proverbs #getrealdealheal #recovery

We don't need to be ashamed of our sexuality or our sexual sins, but we don't need to be proud of these things, either. They don't define us. #recovery #principle8 #getrealdealheal

Even a good compass can be affected by external forces. There are powerful magnetic fields that can draw us off course without us even realizing it. Pretty soon, we are very far away from where we intended to be. There is a true North. It's a tough bearing to follow. Virtually impossible. Fortunately, we can recalibrate our moral compass by comparing it with a constant - God's Word. It's good to know that God judges us by our motives and not just our actions, but we must walk circumspectly, cautiously and always check our headings, as well as asking ourselves and trusted others about our true intentions. Godly friends will call us out on the carpet, call us out on our crap. #principle8 #recovery #getrealdealheal

Ok, I'll be honest...until I looked closely, I thought there were two #donuts in this pic. Wishful thinking? Yes, sometimes the mind sees what it wants. Mine often wants donuts. We usually want what's feels good, not necessarily what is good. I want the donut. I should eat the apple. Sometimes, we sabotage ourselves because of a poor self image. When we remember our intrinsic value and dignity, it's easier to believe we are worthy of good care. Self-discipline protects us and others from the harm of bad decisions. #recovery #principle8 #discipline

"Homewrecker." It's an old-school term for a third party who breaks up a 'happy' family. Truth is, the homewreckers are the ones who succumb to external #temptation and the ones who are in #denial about the condition of their #marriage When we're betrayed, it's easier to play the victim than accept any responsibility for the erosion of our relationships, but it's rarely that simple. If we're the betrayer, we also want absolution. We may believe and even claim we're justified by the actions, inactions or attitudes of our partner... but it's rarely that simple. If we spent as much time and energy in honest work on our #relationships as we do trying to escape our reality, we'd be a lot better off. Homes, like houses, take work to build and maintain. Don't tear down. Build up. Repair, don't run. #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery

Is your heart sick? Is your hope postponed? Why put it off any longer? What do you long for? Chances are, it's not what you chase after. It's something deeper, more pure. More real. There were two trees in Eden. One was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The other was the tree of life. Only one was forbidden.

Has your mouth ever written a rubber check? Boy, mine has. Ever throw the word 'love' around? Yeah, me, too. Ever commit to do something you didn't have the time, tools or talents to do? Been there. Done that. Ever make a situation worse be shooting your mouth off? Oh, yeah. Almost got me killed once. We have to remember to think before we speak and let our 'yes' be 'yes' and our 'no' be 'no.' It's the best way to go. #integrity #recovery #principle8 #getrealdealheal

"A word to the wise is enough." This quote and ones like it have been attributed to Ben Franklin and others...and have deep roots in the ancient Jewish #talmud #billcosby is often quoted as saying: "A word to the wise ain't necessary, it's the stupid ones that need the advice." Bill probably fancied himself a member of the former set and not the latter - all evidence to the contrary (or at least enough to meet the legal standard.) I was deeply disturbed and saddened to learn about Mr. Cosby's private life. I have fond memories of watching the Fat Albert & The Cosby Kids and The Cosby show, now tainted. Bill Cosby's old stand-up routines are filled with hilarious truth, but he was living a lifelong lie. Sadly, over the last few years it became widely known that Bill had big problems and hurt a number of people. If we are wise in our own eyes then we are fools. This song may come across as 'preachy' and since no one is immune, probably even 'preaching to the choir,' but I'm in that chorus, too. We all think we're better than we are. https://youtu.be/4A5tNsOeH5o We all need wisdom. There's only One true Source, but we can find trustworthy agents of the Source, if we're willing to humble ourselves, look and listen. #principle8 #getrealdealheal #sexualaddiction #recovery #celebraterecovery #CR #hurtpeoplehurtpeople

If we dress provocatively, what exactly are we provoking? In our fallen brokenness, we all want to be seen and thought of as attractive, but what are we trying to attract? If we advertise our 'availability' should we be surprised when people view us primarily as an outlet for sex rather than a genuine, committed loving relationship? Ladies and gentlemen, we can do better. We can help each other be better. Let's. #lipstickonapig #principle8 #getrealdealheal #sexualaddiction #recovery #dressforsuccess

Life is hard, but leading a double life is twice as hard. We may think we'll never get caught, never have to answer for our indiscretions; but sooner or later our bad decisions will catch up with us. #getrealdealheal #principle8 #sexualaddiction #recovery

Forbidden fruit may be tempting, but it's forbidden for a reason. Father knows best. #principle8 #recovery #sexualaddiction

It is our own pride and arrogance that assumes our way is better than YAHWEH. Things are so turned around that we're often proud of our deviation from long held beliefs about what's right and wrong, classy (Remember classy? Whatever happened to classy?) or tasteless. We need not shame ourselves or others, but should any of us really feel a deep longing to be proud of our sexual behavior...our sexuality? Regardless of orientation, is there a need to figuratively or literally parade it through the streets? Out sexuality is NOT our identity. We don't have to keep it in the closet, but we ought to keep it in the bedroom, or at least in our own homes. There's no need for us to share intimate moments with the world. Straight, bi, pan, or gay, there's just no need for blatant PDA. #whathappenedtoclassy #recovery #sexualaddiction #principle8

Do you understand, really understand WHY you do what you do? Is it wise? As we say in a certain Recovery fellowship: Seek the counsel of the W.I.S.E. Walking with Integrity through Similar struggles with an Encouraging spirit

What could possibly go wrong?! 💥🎆 #fireworks

Lust is between your ears, not your legs. The mind is the battlefield. Surrender to win. #principle8 #recovery #sexualaddiction

Why do we call it 'adultery?' It's childish and immature! It's tempting to step out on our spouse when things are rough or when we don't feel like our needs are being met. But it only make things worse. #playthetapeforward Think it through. #adulting is hard. Adultery only makes it harder. It's time to #getrealdealheal Remember: In the #Bible the only One who had the right to condemn the woman caught in adultery...didn't. His Name is #Jesus and He loves you. He did, however, tell her to leave her life of sin. #recovery from #sexualaddiction is possible - IF you work a program! #principle8

"The mind must wrap around the foot." - Michael Scott Jim said no. Michael wouldn't do it. Dwight got burned. Technically, Pam ran. Oh...and it's just a TV show. Yes, there is a science to coal walking, and it can be done...but why? Is it really worth it? What are you trying to prove...and to whom? It's time to #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery #sexualaddiction

Nah. Ya can't. The old adage is true: If you play with fire, eventually you're gonna get burned. Respect the flames. Don't be a playa. #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery #sexualaddiction

"...What big teeth you have." "All the better to eat you with, my dear." Is there a big bad wolf in your life you can't seem to cut loose? Anyone who will cheat with you will cheat on you. Time to put away the red riding hood and #getrealdealheal #principle8 #sexualaddiction #recovery

Have you paid for sex or sex acts? If you know you have to stop, but you can't... It's time to #getrealdealheal #principle8 #recovery #sexualaddiction

Trusting God - in recovery and in daily life - is a moment by moment, day by day process. Sometimes, it means redefining 'need'. We often say things like: "I need a new car." or "I need more money." All we need to say is: "God, I need You." He already knows this, but confessing is blessing. #principle8 #confessingisblessing #getrealdealheal

Ever seen...or been...that guy with the wandering eye? There's a short, steep and slippery slope between seeing, looking, lingering and lusting. Look ahead or you'll fall behind. #getrealdealheal #proverbs #principle8 #recovery #sexualaddiction

What we call the 'heart' is perhaps more akin to what we might call the mind or the spirit or the soul. Your mind is not your brain, but your brain affects your mind and your mind affects your brain. Guard your heart - your mind, your spirit, your soul - by protecting your brain. It will help you #getrealdealheal #proverbs #recovery #principle8