What I Want 2 Do and How You Can Help

When I was a kid I listened to heavy metal. I can still remember the Twisted Sister video for their song "I Want to Rock." The father is yelling at his son, who he obviously feels is wasting his life, and asks the question,  "What do you want to do with your life?" The son yells, "I want to rock." This is what today is about, because my answer would be, "I WANT TO TALK!" Just a spoiler, I could really use your  help in my endeavors and will talk about how at the end of this.

FYI when I use the word  recovery it refers to those who have overcame struggles they have had with drinking/drugs, physical/sexual abuse, mental illnesses, eating disorders, cutting, bullying, losing faith and everything in between.

I want to use my past and present life as a way to enable BLiR to:

1. Steer people away from addiction and other life consuming issues
2. Let those who have been physically/sexually abused and/or struggle with mental illnesses know that they are not alone
3. Give hope to those who are struggling with issues that control their lives or the lives of people that they care about
4. Educate youth and young adults on the dangers of addiction
5. Make parents more aware of the dangers their children face and teach them how to have conversations with their children and what to be aware of
6. Share with those in the church what it means to be a Christian while discussing ways they can make an impact in their own communities
7. Remove the stigma those who struggle with addictions, trauma and mental illnesses face both from themselves and the community
8. Educate the community on the strength and power those in recovery have and the wonderful things they do to begin reducing the stigma

In order to do these things, BLiR has to be able to get out and share more. There are various ways to accomplish the goals above, and they are to complete the Better Life in Recovery documentary , complete writing the book entitled Spiritual Spackle and filing for non-profit status for Better Life in Recovery, Inc. Those 3 things will allow BLiR to really begin sharing the message of hope and recovery.

I know that I need to do this. I was built from the ground up to do this, and I am a little depressed currently because I feel that I am not making the type of impact that I need to be because I am not reaching my goals. I feel that I have been given a commission and a second chance and I am squandering it. This is where you can really help me if you are so inclined.

For starters, BLiR will be having a fundraiser at the end of Summer or the beginning of Fall. My wife will be putting this together, but I know that she needs help in multiple ways. She needs someone to help her plan the event. It will be for 50 people and we do not even know who those 50 people will be. It will consist of a meal, a discussion of what Better Life in Recovery, Inc purpose and vision are and a silent auction.

BLiR needs items donated for the silent auction. BLiR needs 45 attendees that can help us meet our goal of raising between $2,000-5,000. This money will pay for the event, help us file for nonprofit status and hopefully allow us to throw another BLiR event. BLiR also needs people to talk about and share the event once we have the date.

BLiR needs to finish the documentary. In order to do that, there is a need people who  have overcame struggles with drugs, alcohol, eating and abuse that are willing to share that story on camera. The need is currently for youth and young adults that are not Caucasian. If that is you or you know someone who is willing please let get a hold of me.

Finally, BLiR needs to have more events and I need to speak more. This can only be accomplished by me getting more opportunities. I speak in and at schools, events, seminars, trainings, churches, recovery groups, small groups, youth groups, city/school council meetings, etc. If you or someone you know has a venue that I could speak at or would like to partner with BLiR for a BLiR event, please contact me.

2013: Plans and Goals

2012 was talked about in the last blog as we looked back and now we get to look ahead! 2013 is going to be incredible for Spiritual Spackle, Better Life in Recovery and me personally. There are already some plans made and the goal is to outline more goals for the future. We got off to a good start this year and our plan is to continue moving forward.

For starters, the things we know for sure. The next Better Life in Recovery (BLiR) event is going to be at New Life Church during Spring Break. The date will be either the 13th or the 15th of March. We are having our first planning session on January the 12th for it. As yet we are unsure of who the entertainment will be or the prizes that will be won by those in attendance.

We have bought a dinner party package for 50 people that we will be using over the summer as a fundraising event. We are planning a $25 a plate fundraiser paired with a silent auction in the hopes of raising several thousand dollars. We will get to the needs for that later.

A couple of the BLiR videos will be shown at the Missouri Association of Drug Court Professionals (MADCP) convention this Spring. Two more people have agreed to be interviewed for the BLiR documentary and we have contacted a pastor in East St. Louis running a recovery program that has some participants we can interview.

We will be starting a KickStarter campaign the first of the year, shooting for March when everyone is getting their tax money back. We will have 30 days to raise a minimum of $5,000. If we don't raise the money, we get nothing. Our hope is to get more than $5,000 so that we can have the funding we need to make the documentary really rock and be able to take it into a couple of schools, too.

One of our websites, www.betterlifeinrecovery.org is under construction. We need to find someone to work on www.betterlifeinrecovery.com so that we get that going also. We also need to find someone who can design our Facebook landing page.

After the BLiR event at New Life Church over Spring Break, we will begin preparing for the next major event. We are hoping to have that event towards the end of Summer. We will be using a larger facility such as Remington's, and bring in a worship band or singer that you hear on the radio. Following that BLiR will do another event.  The goal for 2013 is to have at least 3 events.

We need to complete the paperwork and raise the money needed to file for non-profit status. I am hoping to find either an accountant or attorney who will volunteer their time to help us in that endeavor. The goal is to have the articles of incorporation written and filed by February. Then in February we get our employee identification number (EIN).

This is where the silent auction/dinner comes in. We need to have donations for the silent auction. They will range from services (massages, hair cuts, lessons) to items (paintings, autographed memorabilia, gift baskets, seats at sporting events). We need to raise money for the next phase.

The next step is to file for tax exemption with the IRS, which requires more paperwork and $850. At this point we will hold a fund raiser if we have not yet gotten the money we need. We will also need to hold our first true board meeting, which will require us having a board of directors. We need a couple more people who have a passion for what we are doing willing to be board members.

We will have the documentary finished this year and ready to take into schools in 2014. We will complete the pre-test and post-test questionairres for those who view the BLiR program. In order to do this we need to complete filming the documentary.

To complete the documentary we require at least 5 more volunteers to do interviews. We aim to reach as many people as possible and have them relate to the documentary, so we need to show diversity. We are short on ethnicities. That is our primary focus to complete the filming so we can begin editing. Our need is 5 more people (preferably between the ages of 18-25) who have struggled with trauma/addiction and overcame them.

I would like to have several more chapters written for my book, if not have it finished by the end of the year. I have at least 6-8 more chapters to go before it is completed. Once completed it will have to go to an editor and then I may attempt another KickStarter campaign to get it published if I can't find a publisher to pick it up.

I would like to have more public speaking opportunities. I get to share hope. It is what I am led to do. I spoke in 2012 at two churches, two Celebrate Recovery meetings, two colleges and one community outreach. That is an average of once every other month. This year the goal is to speak 12 times.

I also will have an opportunity to reach more people with this blog. I started off writing just on here, but in 2012 I became a regular contributor to the Poached Egg website (www.poachedegg.net ). In 2013 I will start contributing to the Global University blog as well. Once again, what a great opportunity to share strength, hope and knowledge with people everywhere.

Personally, I would like to get below 200 pounds. That is a weight loss goal of 40-50 pounds. I am getting back on a cleaner diet after the first of the year, which will definitely help. I also will be trying new workouts that involve complexes and full body workouts instead of hitting a muscle group or two each day. I am optimistic that should help also as I work to overcome both my food addiction and the curse of sloth that sometimes takes me over. Finally, I will be the best husband and father I can be by continuing to put Christ first in all that I do!

So, here are the main goals in chronological order:
1. Write BLiR's Articles of Incorporation and Incorporate
2. Obtain EIN
3. KickStarter campaign
4. BLiR Spring Break Event
5. Silent Auction
6. File for tax exempt status (501c3)
7. Show clips at the Missouri Association of Drug Court Professionals (MADCP) Convention
8. Finish filming interviews for the Better Life in Recovery documentary
9. End of Summer BLiR event
10. Compile pre and post-test questionaires

In closing, I would appreciate any help you could give me in reaching these goals. If you are able to donate anything we could auction off, that would be amazing. If you have computer skills, we could use help with the website on the .com site and our Facebook page. When the Kickstarter campaign starts we could use donations and help spreading the word about the campaign. If you have a venue for us to show the documentary or for me to speak at, please contact us.

LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL WE DO TOGETHER IN 2013. THANKS FOR JOINING ME ON THE JOURNEY!!!

BLiR Strategy Meeting: State of Affairs for 2012

We had the final meeting of the year for Better Life in Recovery. We had a good year this year, considering we are not even technically a non-profit yet. Here are some of the things that were done this year:

1. Led chapel at Global University by sharing testimony and hope found in recovery
2. Led chapel at Assembly of God Theological School by sharing testimony and hope found in recovery
3. Spoke to a couple of church youth groups on the dangers of addiction and the power of recovery
4. Spoke at a couple of Celebrate Recovery groups
5. Spoke at Life Fellowship Church in Springfield about how we can live our lives addiction free
6. Filmed 4 more people that will be featured on the documentary, Better Life in Recovery
7. Our logo was created thanks to IFLE Creative
8. Purchased the website www.betterlifeinrecovery.org and it is currently under construction. We have a current bare bones website found at www.betterlifeinrecovery.com
9. The very first BLiR Event was held to talk to Ash Grove's youth and the people who love them. Here is the video made from the event:

We have many goals that are still not accomplished that were discussed at the meeting we just had. Here are the immediate needs and goals:

1. Working on the non-profit paperwork for Better Life in Recovery over Christmas and would like input/guidance on it.
2. Coming up with the non-profit filing fee of either $400 or $850 (depends on budget)
3. Complete finding board members WHO SHARE OUR PASSION
4. Find at least 50 things to sell at Silent Auction
5. Holding a $25 per plate fundraiser in Springfield with a Silent Auction to help us get a bigger name band in for the end of Summer BLiR event
6. Begin organizing for the BLiR event at New Life Church to be held during Spring Break
7. Finish www.betterlifeinrecovery.org website
8. Do a KickStarter to help fund the documentary
9. Complete filming and editing on the documentary
10. Screen documentary 
11. Create pre and post tests to see if attitudes on drug use change
12. Take documentary into area schools 
13. Find band then venue for an end of summer Springfield BLiR event
14. Fundraising, fundraising and more fundraising
15. Speaking at least once a month in the community 

So, we have multiple needs that are to be met in the coming year. If you can help us out with any of the above things please contact us and let us know how you can help.

We talk to communities, organizations, seminars, colleges, schools and churches about the struggles we all have, the allure of addictions, where they can lead and the positive things we can do instead of succumbing to temptations.  If you would like us to come and speak please contact us. We would love to come out.

Better Life in Recovery Update July, 2012

This is like the State of the Union, except it is the state of Better Life in Recovery (BLiR). We have a lot of things going on, both my wife, son and I as a family and with the forming of the non-profit. I just want to start off by saying that I am very blessed and above all needs I have one that is of the upmost importance. Prayer, prayer and more prayer. I feel that it is more vital to BLiR than anything else for it to be able to do what it is supposed to do and help those it is meant to help.

If you don't know what Better Life in Recovery is please go to this link and it will explain the purpose: http://www.betterlifeinrecovery.com/page2.php

First I will talk about what has been accomplished to advance Better Life in Recovery so far. We have had two people that have agreed to sit on the board once we form BLiR. We have began drafting the paperwork that is required for a non-profit. We have purchased betterlifeinrecovery.com and betterlifeinrecovery.org (they need a lot of work, but I will get to that later). We have gotten our logo completed, and here it is.

Two people have agreed to be on the board once we form the non-profit. We felt that we needed to have a meeting to let everyone know what we are doing, how far we had gotten and what our needs are. Thus was born our first preliminary meeting. It was attended by 7 people. We found that we still had a lot of work to do, and scheduled to meet again at the end of summer.

We have managed to conduct 8 interviews for the documentary. They have gone really well. It is terrifying to hear how young use started and the damage that addiction did to their lives. On the flip side it is amazing to hear what they have been able to accomplish in recovery. A trailer for the first 5 people that we interviewed was put together and here it is.

We have some very specific needs to address:

1. Prayer. Our first and foremost need is prayer as I mentioned above. 
2. We need $1,000 to file for non-profit status so that we can start fundraising seriously. 
3. Web designer to help us set up our web site. I know exactly how I want it to look but no ability to build it. We also need a Facebook page set up. 
4. Attorney - We have a lot of paperwork to draft and papers to file
5. Board member - If our dream is your passion we have a board member application for you.
6. Grant Writer - Funding for this project will be needed
7. Accountant - We need to budget and track things financially 
8. Marketing, Public Relations and Advertising - We need to spread the word and get into communities to make an impact
9. We still need volunteers between the ages of 18-25 who have struggled with addictions (drugs, alcohol, cutting, eating disorder) that are willing to share their story. We have a real need for ethnicities in this area. 
10. Parents who have had children struggle with addictions and have either overcame their addiction, are still struggling or have passed away while in addiction who would be willing to share their knowledge and expertise are also needed. 
11. Everyone - Word of mouth and fundraising. Talk about us on and in Facebook, Twitter, your local newspaper, local radio/television, your blog, etc and at your school, your church, your social clubs, civic events, PTA meetings, conferences, etc. Read below and if you can help in any way please do! 

Contact us and invite us to come and speak. We love to share about the affects of addiction and the power in recovery. I have already done some speaking this year. I have led chapel at both Global University and AGTS (Assembly of God Theological School). I speak on occasion at Missouri State University and College of the Ozarks. I have spoken at several Celebrate Recovery groups. I have also spoken at conferences and seminars. Several pastors have approached me to speak at their churches this summer about addiction and recovery in the next two months. Finally, I have been given an opportunity to plan an all day event that will be aimed at sharing hope and recovery with several town's youths, many who are struggling with addiction and parents in addiction. I did say that there was a lot going on in my family. We will cover that really quick. My wife and I will be gaining a daughter in the next month. Julie is due 4 weeks from now, on the 7th of August. Our daughter's name will be Addison Grace, and I am not sure which of us is more excited: Julie, DJ or me! (I would say me, but don't tell my wife I said that). In closing, let me try to over-promote myself one last time. Consider this the spoiler alert, there will be bold letters and lots of exclamation points: If you would like to donate your services to help us with our above mentioned needs, please contact us. If you would like to donate anything else: works of art, restaurant and other business gift certificates, hotel/motel/resort rooms and gift certificates, one day and season passes to shows/concerts/museums/amusement parks/zoos, tickets/season passes to athletic games, movie passes/gift certificates, autographed memorabilia (pictures, bats, gloves, balls, books, Cds, etc), gift baskets, martial arts lessons, massages, hair cuts, tanning, dance lessons, you have dinner with the highest bidder (works if you are a celebrity), etc for silent auctions and door prizes please contact us. Original music and music that you give us permission to use for the documentary, in our presentations and possibly a fundraiser CD would be great. We will be doing fundraisers, so sites to use and bands to play would both be needed if you can volunteer them. Politicians, radio media, television media, pastors, youth pastors, teachers, principals, school counselors, substance abuse counselors, administrators, bloggers, authors, actors, musicians, parents, students, professors......EVERY BODY AND ANYBODY, WE NEED YOU!! We are here to help and educate you. Help us by fundraising to bring us to your community and by word of mouth. We need you to speak to churches, student bodies, viewers, listeners, readers, parents and constituents. Contact us and we will do interviews and speak at any organization, event, college, school, business, club, small group and church. PLEASE SHARE THIS ON FACEBOOK, BLOGS, TWITTER, ETC SO THAT WE CAN BEGIN MAKING A REAL IMPACT IN THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTIONS SO THAT THEY CAN FIND A BETTER LIFE IN RECOVERY!!!

Documentary Update

The end of next week or beginning of the week after that we will be finding out if our project is one of the 1,500 projects that Pepsi pulls randomly for people to vote on. If they do, then you will probably be sick soon of hearing me ask for votes starting in November from the beginning to the end of the month. The top 10 vote getters in our category will get $25,000. That will allow us to actually pay for the documentary with the grant and have it finished by the middle of next year instead of having to pay for it all out of our own pocket. For those of you who do not know about the project, read all about it here: http://spiritualspackle.blogspot.com/p/documentaries.html

Will soon be looking to start a 501(c)(3) soon after we get the grant that will enable us to start fundraising and looking for grants that will allow us to hopefully begin touring the country in 2013, with the hope of touring Missouri in 2012 with the documentary. We will also immediately begin shooting our next documentary after we complete the first one. The second one will be parents who have had children, and some who have lost children, to drugs and/or alcohol.

As always, I am excited about the opportunity to empower both our youth and this countries parents with the knowledge they need in a format that will keep their attention from people that they can relate to to make more positive choices. The percentage of youth and young adults who suffer from the disease of addiction or the root cause of addiction who are not addicted yet (whether it be food, drugs, alcohol, sex, anger, depression, self-loathing, etc) continues to increase. This will particularly continue to be a problem as long as our economy and job market are as poor as they are currently.

We have already approached several people who have agreed to interview for the documentary. We are really in need of both males and females who are well spoken and in their late teens and early to mid-twenties who have gone through addiction to either drugs, alcohol or food and are currently in recovery. If that defines you and you would be interested in giving me an hour or two of your time on camera, leave me a comment or email me.

We also have contacted several places about possible shooting there. One is the Randy Bacon Studio and the other is the Creamery Art Center. They both have the ambiance that my editor/camera operator/wife is looking for. We will continue to look for locations that would lend to the stories that our documentary will tell. Where we film will be based a lot on the grant. We will use the area that donates us space if we do not get the grant from Pepsi and mention them prominently in our credits. If you have a great place and would be willing to let us tape their let me know!

We have had several people who have contacted us and have volunteered the use of their music if we give them mention in the credits. It is amazing to see how people will volunteer things to you when they hear the cause and know how many people it could impact. My wife and I are both blessed to have some amazing people in our lives.  If you are a musician and you own your own music and would like to contribute it to see if it would fit in the documentary let me know!

In closing, stay tuned to find out more. Furthermore, if you have any fund raising ideas or hear of any grants that would benefit us, please let me know. I will keep everybody up to date on when we will begin accepting donations of cash (after we form the 501 so they are tax deductible) and letting you donate items for our silent auctions and other fundraisers. I guess basically this is just a taste of what is to come once the documentary is actually in production in order to hopefully raise the funding to be able to take it and some of the cast to places to show the documentary and answer questions from the viewers year round.

MORE TO COME, TRUST THAT!!!