From Mark's Corner

“We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny”, p 164 Big Book. That quote certainly describes our first Alumni Reunion.  It was so powerful as we listened to speaker after speaker describe what has happened to them since leaving MHR.  We were blessed with having 8 alumni speak prior to a wonderful meal and fellowship. The evening was capped off by an awesome talk by Scott J. from Atlanta, Georgia.

The hours we spent together were meant  to be a reflection of the promises given to us in the Big Book, starting on the title page to page 164, and I saw those promises manifest in your eyes and how you are living your lives.  Seeing homes restored, babies being born, careers arising from the ashes, physical bodies getting in shape, friendships renewed….these are the reasons we work the steps, get home groups, do the disciplines of ten and eleven and work with others. 

My thanks to all of you who attended, we look forward to seeing you next year……..

Mark

Thoughts from Don B.

Moving into the winter of this year, I know that this is the time for introspection. I begin with looking back over the past year and identifying all that I have to be thankful for. This past year has brought many blessings into my life. I celebrated nine years clean and sober this year, I celebrated one year on the job at Mark Houston Recovery, I have had the opportunity to bear witness to many men doing the work to transform their lives, I am living in a home that I am buying, my son celebrated his 18^th birthday and is a senior in high school with a real possibility of graduating, my wife and I celebrated four years of marriage, we were able to buy a new car, my health is good, and I have less unsecured debt.

The next step in introspection for me is to look at what I am responsible to do in the coming year. I start with developing a budget for the entire year of 2009 and work it backward into each month. I set goals in all areas of my life and claim what I want through the process of creation; thought, word, and deed. I take a thorough look at where I have fallen short and how I can improve in the coming year. I continue to do these things because I know that the quality of my life, and the lives of those around me, depend on it. I look forward to another wonderful year of sharing this journey with all of you.

Don B.

Don B.

Greetings From Last Resort

Happy Holidays from Don M. and Jason C.!  I hope that a healthy, sober holiday season is a reality for you all who have spent any time at the Last Resort.  Don and I are both ecstatic to be a part of your launch pad into the Realm of the Spirit.  This is a special time, with the air crisp and cool and the anticipation of family and fellowship.  Remember recovery always comes first.  Always.  If you are going home, wherever that may be, find a meeting.  Sometimes getting on the Internet and putting together a plan before you get there is wise.  Feelings do come up and discomfort can raise its ugly head, so be prepared.  

The men of the Last Resort currently are recanting their individual “First Step Experiences” to the whole community and most of the Staff.  What is most obvious is no one gets here by mistake, and the transformations that are taking place at MHR are real and miraculous.  Don and I are honored to have worked with you, for you and your families.  We ask that our Creator keep sending us sick men.

On a cool note, MHR has green-lighted an office for Don and me to be built next to the house.  In fact, the ground is being cleared as we speak. What is even better is that it will have its own shower! Swanky, huh?  Most importantly, we are just having fun living life.  Please come out and visit on a Saturday night and see what else is happening.

Warm Regards,

Don M. and Jason C.

Last Words from the First Resort

“Mad Dogs” is our call, and discipline is our motto.  JD Darley  (Program Director) has joined the pack.  Big Dog JD is definitely one of the leaders of this pack.  He brings so much to the team – love, tolerance, and patience is his strut.  His bark can be loud when the pack is astray.  The truth of the matter is his tail is wagging 99 % of the time, however, his bark is louder than his bite. 

I’d like to introduce you to the K-9 of all K-9’s, Big Dog Greg Rolfe (Director of Operations), he sure can sniff out any trouble stirring up the pack, and accountability is his call.  On any given day the country side is ringing with the Mad Dog cry. “Beware of Dog”, motivation and determination is the start of this day.  We know the pack is a strong team.  Working together, in the hunt for recovery, this team is mean and lean.  In this “Dog eat Dog” world, the group of men at the First Resort are definitely running together, learning survival skills to combat drug addiction.  I will match any of these men to many in our recovery community today. Being able to see the outcome and the start of their journey in the rooms of the 12-step community is amazing. They bring Truth and never veer off topic in these meetings. My name is William Miley and I am proud to be one of the leaders of this team.  And yes, we are “Mad Dogs of Recovery!”

Will Miley

Seasons Greetings!

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope that this Winter Edition of our newsletter finds everyone doing well. We have had a wonderful fall season here at Mark Houston Recovery since I last wrote in our first newsletter. The autumn has brought a lot of exciting events here at MHR.

The Saturday Night Speaker Meetings have been very rewarding. The month of October saw a huge lineup of big speakers. Joe Hawk Hall was packed! Chris Raymer spoke and hosted a workshop which was awesome. Mark Houston spoke one night and celebrated his 26^th year sober.  Also, Chris Schroeder of C4 Recovery Solutions in New Jersey came down and shared his vision of recovery. 

On November 15, 2008, we held our first Annual Alumni Reunion, which was fabulous. Scott Jackson was flown in from Atlanta to speak. Many alumni came in from all over the country and it was a wonderful time catching up with everyone. The reunion was a truly meaningful experience for all those that attended. It really had the feel of a banquet. For those alumni who missed the reunion this year, try to come next year as it is so worth it. 

 
Lots of exciting things continue to happen here at MHR. Mark continues to bless us with his vision of recovery. I have really enjoyed getting to work in the office this year. The team here at MHR is awesome and there is always lots of laughter while we are working so hard doing what we do. I would like to say that Marsha in particular has been a blessing this year bringing her medical expertise to the residents. Currently, we are doing a build out at Joe Hawk Hall, which will be completed in 2009.

 
I would like to thank god for such a wonderful year full of blessings. I am looking forward to 2009 at Mark Houston Recovery as we continue to grow. I am grateful to get to live my life in recovery today. I hope that everyone has very Happy Holidays with their friends and family this year and enjoy the blessings of recovery.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,

Patrick

Patrick McNamee
Alumni Coordinator

Happy Holidays Everyone!

This is the season where I become even more grateful for the blessings bestowed on me.  I felt truly blessed when I became the Healthcare Coordinator 6 months ago.  It was not within the scope of nursing that I had ever experienced before.  I quickly learned that the best part of this job was getting to know and help the residents. I do become attached to each and every one of you, and even though I am always so happy to see you move forward in your life, – happy, joyous, and free – I am selfishly saddened to see you leave.  For those of you who know me- that, of course, makes perfect sense in the “World of Marsha”!  Best wishes in the upcoming year and stay in touch. Peace out! In the words of John Lennon, “We are no longer riding on that merry-go-round – we just had to let it go!”

Love to you all,

Marsha Meadows

Marsha Meadows
Heathcare Coordinator

Happy Holidays from Greg Rolfe

Hello and Seasons Greetings to all. It was awesome to see those of you who made it out for the reunion. I think of the 12^th step promises on page 89 of the Big Book: “Life will take on a new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, and to have a host of friends. This is an experience you must not miss. We know you will not want to miss it. Frequent contact with newcomers and with each other, is the bright spot of our lives.” How awesome it is to me to experience those promises and see you guys experience them as well! What a buzz, huh!

Things here at Mark Houston Recovery are awesome, and we all love what we do. Marsha Meadows has been a godsend for me and is doing an incredible job taking care of the resident’s health and medical needs. Dan Quarles is new to the team and brings a great energy to the Facilities Maintenance position. I still go to circle from time to time and am planning to do some talks with Eric Button. Also, I am very proud of the guys in aftercare. They bring love, truth, and genuine concern to the group every week. Many have service commitments, and all of them are excited about recovery.

Remember guys, what we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. Every day is a day in when which we must carry the vision of God’s will into all of our activities. Do the deal guys, and never
let up- unity, service, and recovery! Have fun, and God bless.

Greg Rolfe

Greg Rolfe
Director of Operations MHR

 Greetings from Jana

Happy Holidays to everyone and their families. I am the new National Business Development Representative here at MHR. My home office will remain in Newport Beach, CA. I am almost through my first month here at Mark Houston Recovery and have had such an amazing welcome. The staff and residents have been absolutely phenomenal. I think the best part of the job is coming to Texas and being around all of you. It truly is an energizing experience; one that doesn't leave the mind quickly.

As the New Year approaches I am grateful for my new family, as I call you all now, and can’t wait to see what limitless possibilities the staff and residents have in front of us. I hope that through all of our experiences here at MHR, our hopes and dreams manifest in more ways than we can even understand, and the Promises do come true.

Have an amazing Winter Season and I will see you all soon.

Jana Triplett

Jana Triplett

 Greetings from Chad

Hello everyone – Chad here! I have now been working for Mark Houston Recovery for ten months. Wow! I sure have seen a lot of growth in that short time.

I first started here as an RCA in February, then had the opportunity to be House Manager for Addiction Directions for the pat six months. Needless to say, it has been a wonderful experience working closely with the residents at both places. I’ve seen so many of you men go through awesome transformations.   These are blessings of living the Principles of the program. Which, as you all know, we teach men how to live here at MHR.

The new role that I have been fortunate enough to be assigned to is that of RCA Supervisor.  Although this quite a bit different than what I had been doing,  it is very exciting to be contributing in new ways. I love this job, every aspect of it, and what I am doing here and what I have been allowed to do here. Never in all my life have I been able to participate in such worthwhile work. For this am I truly grateful, and would like to extend my warmest thanks and to wish you all a very Happy Holidays. 

Chad Gross