STARTING POINT’S NIGHT AT THE RIVERSHARKS

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012 @ 5:35PM

GAME FOLLOWED BY FIREWORKS

$7.00 OF EACH $13.00

TICKET IS DONATED TO

THE STARTING POINT.

WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN HELPING STARTING POINT

AND HAVING FUN AT CAMPBELL’S FIELD?

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE

STARTING POINT’S FRONT DESK AND ON THE

WEBSITE, WWW.STARTINGPOINT.ORG .

CLICK ON THE DONATION BUTTON

QUESTIONS?

CONTACT VINCE DIPASQUALE AT

856-854-3155 X 102 OR

vince@startingpoint.org

Download Riversharks flyer

Each one of us has a history and a story.  Have you ever stopped to consider how our stories, our memories, are so special and powerful?  The journey of life is such a mystery.  There are times of joyous celebration, times of struggle, hurt, pain and loss.  Hopefully these times are also of constant change and growth.  We have many choices.  We can look at our lives positively or negatively.  Our history can be our greatest teacher or it can be our downfall.  Everything hangs on our attitudes.  Since we are all human sometimes we focus too much on the negative.  Life is a gift to be used so we can grow and share our growth with others.  During this month of May I would like to share some of my memories I consider precious moments.

Let me begin with my most precious of all memories, my birth on May 24, 1940.  I had the honor of coming into this world as a precious and beautiful little child.  I became a member of a wonderful and at times crazy, Italian family.  I was told I was a war baby.  The world I entered in 1940 was a place of fear, anxiety and uncertainty.  Over many May 24ths I have seen so many changes that brought me where I am today.  Let’s look at certain May 24ths and how that day taught me so many special lessons that have helped me in my spiritual journey.  Today with the grace of God I hope I can look at all of them through positive eyes.

May, 1940

This was my entrance into this world.  The beginning of my journey.

May, 1946

I was now old enough to start school at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Camden, NJ.  Here I was taught a strange version of God.  In my Italian, Catholic grammar school I was introduced to fear, guilt, control, structure and discipline.  Later in life these instructions  would become powerful lessons.  As usual I had to go through the negative to later learn the positive.

May, 1954

I graduated from grammar school and got ready for my next spiritual journey.  In the fall of this year, at the young age of 14, I entered the seminary to begin my journey into the next phase of my life.  I was young, naïve and had no idea who I was.  The seminary was a time of confusion and a time of growth.  For the next twelve years through high school, college and graduate school, I learned great lessons of how to endure and survive.  I was still living out what other people wanted me to be.

 May 20, 1966

I was ordained a priest and thought I was ready to take on the world.  I received so much praise and was elevated to a special place in my family.  A few months later, Labor Day weekend, my father who taught me so many lessons, passed away after years of suffering.  He taught me not to be afraid of hard work and he was my example of how to handle struggles.  1966 was a year of sorrow and joy.

May 17, 1982

Another powerful memory when I had to say goodbye to my Mom.  She left this world and joined my Dad on the other side.  She had a tough time letting me go.  Today I know they are both watching over me.  Even through their struggles they were my first teachers.

May, 1986

After ten years of struggle I was getting ready for a major change in my life.  It was a birthday I will not forget.  Two months later on July 16, 1986, I said goodbye to Father Vince and hello to the new birth of just simple Vince.  This was a new and beautiful journey of starting life all over again.  I realized what a great and scary feeling change can be.  It was also a year I was able to really start to get to know myself.

May, 1988

I was getting ready for my next great adventure by joining a new family on October 3, 1988.  I was given the gift of a special life partner and three beautiful step daughters.  What an adventure life can be!  I have so much gratitude

May 1969 to 2012

I am so grateful for my birth and my life’s journey.  In 1969 I was introduced to a very special spiritual program and given the gift of the 12 Steps of Recovery.  The principles of these steps have helped me to learn how to love and honor myself and all of the special moments of life.  I am learning to just take life “one day at a time”.  My gratitude prayer  each morning is for the gift of life.  I also say the 3^rd Step, 7^th Step and 11^th Step prayers to help me to be open to each daily experience.

As we honor and enjoy the special month of May with it’s flowers, let’s remember that life is a gift to be lived.  Enjoy the journey and thank God every day for the adventure.  Memories are a way to connect to all the teachers, events and lessons of life.  I am so grateful God sent me into this world on May 24, 1940 and I pray we may all celebrate the wonderment and joy of life.  May God bless us all!

Knowlton Mansion

8001 Verree Road ◊ Philadelphia, PA 19111

Visit www.conroycatering.com for directions

To purchase tickets, contact The Starting Point at

856-854-3155

Tickets will also be sold at the door

“Thanks to all who contributed to the capital campaign.  

We filled in 780 squares on our tote board with a total of $26,500.00.           

There are many who will benefit from your generosity.”

by Vince DiPasquale

The most beautiful definition of spirituality is to awaken and discover the message of life.  The Higher Power has created each of us and gives us a gift of life.  The purpose of life is to discover who you are in conjunction with God’s creation.  One of the greatest gifts I received over the years is the gift of the game of baseball.  Over the years, the basics of the game have not changed.  Unfortunately the god of money has tried to steal the real meaning of the game.  Yet, that is the journey of life; the battle between the God of our understanding and the gods of greed and power.  Baseball is a gift that teaches us about life.  From its early beginning when we needed to play a game just to relax, to the 1920′s when baseball survived a major scandal (Black Sox), by giving us heroes of many faces from the insanity of Ty Cobb to the gentle, humble man, Lou Gehrig.  We have seen all types of people and experienced the human condition in this wonderful sport.  We have witnessed life.  From the sandlots to Little League to semi-pro and professional to the softball games played on the asphalt of South Philadelphia to the green country fields of dreams.  From stickball on a city street to high school and college ball.  From broom sticks and cracked bats to aluminum bats and Louisville Sluggers, this game touches us all.  In the forties during the war and ever since the Depression, baseball goes on.  It was our relief from stress and depression.  It was our way to take a break from our problems and for a few hours we could relax and live our dreams in a game.  From the fifties, we have seen the struggle and the breaking of the racial barring by Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby.  Baseball reflects life.  From the Negro leagues to the big leagues, we experience life.  The sport truly explores the great struggle of life.

From the golden years of baseball to the money years of baseball, the dream of every little child is to put on a big league uniform and play between the chalk lines.  Baseball truly is a gift.  This dream is possible on any day of the week on baseball fields around the world.  In the game, you can be an instant hero and fall flat on your face in the same game.  In Field of Dreams, we feel the bond between parent and child.  We see Shoeless Joe say that heaven is playing baseball.  Lou Gehrig, in a dying tribute said, “I’m the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”  We all need heroes and everyone wants to be a hero.  Just for a few moments–to make the catch that saves the game; to hit the home run in the bottom of the ninth; or to feel the sting of defeat in “Casey at the Bat.”

I would like to share the story of a spiritual journey, a journey of a child.  A little boy, lonely and sad, created his world.  He had a dream.  In his loneliness, he created the dream through his baseball cards.  His heroes became his friends.  He played stickball and learned to be creative, like making a baseball out of a golf ball, rubber bands and thick tape.  He created a bat from an ax handle.  Baseball had already taught him how to deal with life.  You see, baseball is like life.  It’s played between the lines, there are rules, it’s a game of inches.  Even the best hitter only makes it 30% of the time.  It’s a game of hustle and skill and, like life, you need to get dirty.  Some days things work, some days they don’t.  Things always balance out.  On any given day, anything can happen.  Like it’s not over until it’s over.  There’s always a chance.  You can make mistakes and still come back.  It’s a game that involves patience and endurance.  It’s a game that humbles you.  You never stop learning.

This little boy grew into a man; he didn’t really know himself.  In fact, he hated himself for trying too hard.  Then one day he found his child; he learned about life on a baseball field.  It became his new church with green grass and brown dirt and it was a special place where he could be close to God.  Sitting in the dugout and watching the sun come up on Easter Sunday, he could feel God’s presence.  In this simple game, he learned about life.  He learned how to play and socialize and how to be a little boy again.  In life you try hard, you struggle, you succeed and sometimes you fail; it all balances out.  In the game like life, there are rules, there are guides that help you through life.  Like life, there is a beginning and an end.  It is not important whether you win or lose.  It’s how you play the game that counts.

Things in life always balance out.  This little boy found out that life is a gift.  It’s fragile, but it must always be respected and honored.  In life, you even get to meet your dream.  Your hero is a human being like you.   He has hurt, he struggles, and he has pain just like you.  We are all heroes and fools at one time or another.

Baseball is like life.  You cry, scream, yell, get frustrated, and sometimes you celebrate.  When you wake up in the morning and God yells, “Play Ball!”, give it your best shot, learn what you can, and don’t forget to enjoy it.  Life, like baseball, is a great teacher.

Life is a spiritual journey.  You play it one day at a time.  Each day brings you a new experience.  If you truly believe you’ll be led, the Higher Power, like the baseball Gods, is in charge.  We are simply servants open to be led.  Enjoy each day.  Give it your best.  Remember, you are a gift created by God.  As Yogi says, “It ain’t over ‘till it’s over.”  “Let’s play two!”

THRIVE……..

What on Earth Will it Take ?

If you could only look at one thing,

This movie is it!!!!!!!

Date:  Saturday, March 24, 2012

Time:  10 am to 12 pm (noon)

Place:  The Starting Point of NJ

            215 Highland Avenue

            Westmont, NJ  08108

THRIVE lifts the veil on what’s really going on in our world by:

• following the money upstream
• uncovering the global consolidation of power in nearly every aspect of our lives
• offering real solutions for reclaiming our lives and our future

SEE THE MOVIE, IT’S A REAL WAKE UP CALL

By Vince DiPasquale

This title has been given to the month of March because of the NCAA Basketball Tournament.  Yet as I reflect on the title the madness that I think of is the spirit and energy of change.  To many of us it can be madness.  We don’t realize how we have been programmed in so many ways.  As we go on this wonderful journey called life to truly experience who we are, which is the ultimate goal of life, we need to always face life with an open mind and in the spirit of growth.  There really are no absolutes.  Everything is in progress even our connection to our Higher Power is always in the process of development.  Let’s look at the journey of life from five different areas.  As human beings we have the following five parts; physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and social.

Physical – We have a body, a sacred gift given to us by God.  We need to build a relationship with our body.  It is always in the process of change as each day we get older.  If we treat our body with honor and respect it will treat us the same.  Physical madness is when we beat up our body in many ways and sometimes we have to hurt really badly until we are ready to surrender and begin the journey to the healthy side.  Isn’t it interesting that we think we are invincible.  Struggle and pain are ways we can grow.  In time we learn to listen to our bodies and we stop the madness and accept the reality that we can nurture and respect this sacred gift that God has given us.  Be gentle and love in a special way God’s gift to us, our physical body.

Intellect – We are a people with gifts and talents.  Each one of us is unique.  We have a responsibility to develop our skills and talents.  If you improve your mind you can do things beyond your imagination.  The madness is that we over analyze and are critical of ourselves.  We are all God’s children and we have so many gifts to share.  However unless we use them we will become stagnant and stuck preventing growth.  Don’t hide your gifts and don’t run from learning.  We are never done because there is so much to be discovered on our journey.  Keep feeding your mind and you will discover your potential.  Always remember the power of positive thinking.

Emotions – One of God’s greatest gifts is to be in touch with our feelings making us fully alive.  To be able to share our feelings is such a gift.  Feelings take us on the roller coaster of life.  All of our feelings are special.  Remember feelings are neither right nor wrong.  Whatever you feel just go with it.  They teach us the pulse of life.  If you don’t believe me go to the heart station of a hospital.  Hook yourself up to a monitor and if the lines go up and down you are alive.  Feelings and emotions are the heartbeat of life.  The madness is when we stuff or deny our feelings.  All feelings need to be processed and shared.  We all need to have outlets for our feelings.  They need to be released to people who are healthy and will listen to us.  When you are able to share your feelings we feel clean inside.  Remember for every negative feeling there is a positive one.  Stay balanced and alive.

Spiritual – Our spirit makes us the unique individuals that we are.  We are all spiritual creatures connected to the spiritual circle of life.  Once again we ask the question, “Who am I?”  We are all in the process of writing our life’s story.  Each one of us is a unique book in process.  We need to celebrate life.  Our spirit will only grow when we share it with others.  The madness is when we look at ourselves negatively and put ourselves down.  We damage our spirits through addiction and fear.  We are all powerhouses of love.  Take the time to be a person of faith and believe in yourself.  There is a free spirit in all of us.  Take responsibility for your life, live it fully and know you are part of God’s creation.  Your positive energy will reach out and touch others.  Build your spirit, be open to grow, take responsibility for life and remember you are never done.  Play, celebrate and always remember we are connected to our Creator to pray, meditate, play and love.  These are the gifts of spirit which will never die.  As you touch others it will live in them.  Be a person of spirit and love to be fully alive.

Social – Finally we are social creatures of which none of us is an island.  We have a need to interact and be connected to others.  We all need playmates and people with whom we can share our gifts and talents.  The madness occurs when we isolate and run from life.  Unless we share our gifts and talents with others we will shutdown and become depressed.  We all have a need to be part of a family.  We are all lovers and we need to share that love if it is to grow.  Get out there and enjoy the ride but don’t do it alone.  We need each other.

Healthy March Madness is to let loose and celebrate ourselves and others.  We are God’s children.  Let’s love each other and be open to learn from each other.  May we all be blessed on the journey of life.  Enjoy the ride.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY!

Alternative dispute resolution for divorces is sweeping the nation.  Bruce Matez, Esquire is a divorce and family law attorney, mediator, and trained collaborative divorce attorney practicing in Southern New Jersey.

If you or anyone you know is considering divorce, or already in the process of divorcing, don’t miss this informative and important workshop. 

When:  Saturday, March 10, 2012

10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Where: The Starting Point, Inc.

 215 Highland Avenue

Westmont, NJ 08108

Presenter:  Bruce P. Matez, Esq.

(Certified by the NJ Supreme Court as a Matrimonial Attorney)

 Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Divorce are generally  faster, less expensive and more respectful than typical divorce. Come learn more about how to divorce with dignity and respect, and without spending your life savings!

DIVORCE DOES NOT DESTROY FAMILIES;

THE WAY PEOPLE DIVORCE DESTROYS FAMILIES.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY! 

SEE YOU AT THE WORKSHOP!

(No fee required.  Basket will be passed to support The Starting Point.

No sign ups required)

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH – February

THE FOUR SEASONS OF LIFE

By:  Vince DiPasquale

Living on the East Coast we are given the great experience of the four seasons of life.  Winter is a time of the womb; Spring the time of birth; Summer a time of growth; Fall is the golden years of beauty.  Take the time during the special month of February to reflect on the journey of life.  God gives us so many lessons that we can learn from nature.  The early Indians and Pilgrims understood their deep connection to nature.  Even the animals understood God’s plan.  Winter was a time to hibernate, rest, and get ready for birth.  As I look out at the barren beach in the cold morning it’s as though Mother Nature is getting us ready for new birth and a new beginning.

Winter tells us to take time to pull back, reflect, restart and work on our spirit.  We are God’s creatures getting ready for the journey.  Winter reminds me that at the end of each day we go to sleep and retreat back to the womb for rest and a real sense of letting go and trusting in our Creator.  Sleep is a time for our next journey.  Our 12-Step programs tell us in the 10^th Step to do a daily inventory, turn the day over to our Creator and say good night with prayers of gratitude for the day.  Let’s look at winter in a positive way.  We all need time to hibernate in our caves and be open to learn the lessons of each day.   Winter is definitely telling us to Let Go and Let God.

Spring is a time of new birth.  It is nature’s coming out party.  Everything around us seems to come alive and help us to look at the wonderful message of God’s creation.  We are told to wake up and smell the roses.  For the early settlers it was a time to plant and nurture the land for their future food supply.  They were living off the land as God intended us to do.  For those in recovery it’s a time to wake up and begin our day with prayer and meditation.  Try to wake refreshed and with a spirit of gratitude and humility and hopefully to be open to God’s plan for us.  Spring reminds us to spring forward.  We are taught in our 3^rd, 7^th and 11^th Step prayers to be grateful for the gift of life each day and to be open to whatever God’s will is for us.  Try to begin each day with an attitude of gratitude and the spirit of humility and learning.  Each day is the first day of the rest of your life.

Summer is a time of growth, play and celebration.  As a child it was a time to be outdoors, go to the beach and enjoy life.  To the early settlers it was a time to watch the earth begin to blossom and to enjoy the fruits of their labors.  It was a time for picnics with neighbors and to enjoy each other.  In recovery we are reminded to continue to grow and discover the wonderful gifts of life.  To grow in knowledge and learning is our birthright so we face our history and learn to accept the gift of self.  Also it’s a time to remind us to play and celebrate with our friends and family once again.   We all have so much to celebrate.  We have been given so many rewards because we have faced our pain and earned our lessons through the experiences of life.  Enjoy the spirit of summer.  Life is to be lived and to develop the willingness to enjoy the rewards of our work.

Fall with its changes and beautiful colors, reminds us that everything has a beginning and an end.  In nature we experience the harvest and the preparation for winter.  It’s a time to remind us that we are all given so many lessons in life.  Fall reminds us of the

sadness of ending and closure.  It reminds us of the golden years.  They are a chance to enjoy the fruits of our labor.  In recovery we are taught we will receive so many rewards if we are only willing to be open to change and to grow.  We are all God’s children.  We have so many miracles inside of us.  The fall season reminds us to celebrate all life’s gifts, a time to do closure, make settlement and bring things to a conclusion.  It’s a time to remind us to mature and celebrate the mysteries of life.  Let’s take all that we’ve learned and nurture it each day.  Make it a time to enjoy life and its rewards.

The seasons of the year remind us in recovery how the 12 Steps work.  To  summarize:

Winter is the journey from denial to struggle and to surrender. The1^st Step reminds us that we are powerless over so many things and many situations in life.  Don’t be afraid of struggle, it will lead us to growth.

Spring is a time to come alive and to be open to a power greater than ourselves.  We come to believe and learn the value to Let Go and Let God.   It’s a time to experience the miracle of life through all of God’s beauty.

Summer is our journey through Steps 4-9.  It’s a time to do our work, take inventory and learn how to heal and accept our humanness.  It’s also a time of forgiveness for us and others.

Fall is the time to reap the rewards of our work.  We experience in Steps 10-12 the spirit of gratitude and openness to God’s will for us.

Enjoy the seasons of life.  We are a people in progress and growth.  Let’s all be open to life’s changes as we experience the seasons of nature.  May our journey be blessed in all that we strive to accomplish.