Thoughtfood for Monday, January 2, 2008

 

 

From the Big Book:

"Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone.  The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house."

c. 1939, AAWS. Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 98.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may realize that, for good or bad, past days have ended.  I pray that I may face each new day, the coming twenty-four hours, with hope and courage."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 2.

 

Quote for the day:

"Let your life be what it is.
Do not expect individuals,
events, objects and circumstance
to provide the satisfaction
you are seeking.
They will not. Indeed, they cannot."
__The Daily Guru

 

My share:

My comfort level with belief increases almost daily. I started out with just the slimmest ability to believe, but was assured that was enough.  As time went by, I saw more and more examples of the power of a higher power in the lives around me at meetings. With each testimonial my belief expanded.  Today, I believe nothing is impossible.  The impossible just takes longer.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, January 3, 2009  

Highway to Humility
As I thus get down to my right size and stature, my self-concern and importance become amusing. Then faith grows that I do have a place on this Highway; that I can advance upon it with deepening peace and confidence.  This is a great gift, this knowledge that I do have a destiny.
- Bill W., June 1961 © 1988 The AA Grapevine, Inc., T
he Language of the Heart, p. p.59

  From the Big Book:
"Now the domestic problem:  There may be divorce, separation, or just strained relations.  When your prospect has made reparation as he can to his family, and has thoroughly explained to them the new principles by which he is living, he should proceed to put those principles into action at home." c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 98.  

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may be taught, just as a child would be taught.  I pray that I may never question God's plans, but accept them gladly."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan 3.

 

Quote for the day:
 "To bear defeat with dignity, to accept criticism with poise, to receive honors with humility--these are marks of maturity and graciousness." __William Arthur Ward

 

My share: I was moved by and wanted to pass on the members' share below.  Be Good To You, Dave

    A MEMBER SHARES:
My name is Candi, and I'm an alcoholic.  Do we know what humility is?  Are we humble?  Humility is, of course, the state of being humble.  The dictionary defines humble as not proud or arrogant; modest, low in importance, status, or condition; lowly.  Now I can work with "not proud or arrogant; modest," but "low in importance or lowly," is a tad harder for me to swallow.  At least it was.  I think that is why I had such a hard time surrendering in the beginning.  I didn't want to be lowly.  When I first got to AA, I thought I was the biggest loser -- which is a form of grandiosity in and of itself isn't it?  I certainly spent time during my drinking days doing everything possible to warrant the moniker of biggest loser.  At least in my own mind.  I finally had to sit down and talk with my sponsor about it who suggested that when the definition says that humble means "lowly," it does not mean servile or inadequate.  It means, simply, not exalted.  It's not about thinking less of myself; it's just thinking of myself less.  Now where have we heard that before?  Humility is the awareness that all of our great accomplishments are just gifts from our Higher Power.  It's not about us.  And that means there is no reason to hold oneself higher than others.  When I look at it in that respect, humility becomes a virtue, and one of the principles AA teaches us in order that we become spiritually fit.  Another name for humility is honesty.  When I think of it that way, I no longer have to be afraid to be who I am.  I don't have to hide anything.  Thank you AA for teaching me that it's not about me and that I no longer have to be right.  I just have to be honest.  I can be wrong, and frequently am.  And my Higher Power loves me anyway.  Because after all it is about Him and not me.  Humility is truly a beautiful gift.  Thanks to all of you for being here tonight and for providing me an opportunity to be of service. 

Thoughtfood for Sunday, January 4, 2009

 

© 1998 AAWS, Living Sober, p. 9

From the Big Book:

"Though his family be at fault in many respects, he should not be concerned about that.  He should concentrate on his own spiritual demonstration.  Argument and fault-finding are to be avoided like the plague.  In many homes this is a difficult thing to do, but it must be done if any results are to be expected."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, pp. 98-99.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may not try to carry the burden of the universe on my shoulders.  I pray that I may be satisfied to do my share each day."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 4.

Quote for the day: 

"Personally, I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught."  __Winston Churchill

My share:

I was born to be a drunk.  Staying sober is a learned behavior, a daily choice to do what I did yesterday, to stay away from that first drink. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Monday, January 5, 2009

 

 

From the Big Book:

"If persisted in for a few months, the effect on a man's family is sure to be great.  The most incompatible people discover they have a basis upon which they can meet.  Little by little the family may see their own defects and admit them.  These can then be discussed in an atmosphere of helpfulness and friendliness."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 99.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray for that peace which passes all understanding.  I pray for that peace which the world can neither give nor take away."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 5.

Quote for the day:

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, Hope for tomorrow.  The important thing is not to stop questioning."    __Albert Einstein

My share:

"Hope springs eternal" is a phrase echoed from distant days in Sunday school.  I heard it and pondered it for 46 years until I joined AA and found the source of that spring.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Rewards

From the Big Book:

"After they have seen tangible results, the family will perhaps want to go along.  These things will come to pass naturally and in good time provided, however, the alcoholic continues to demonstrate that he can be sober, considerate, and helpful, regardless of what anyone says or does.  Of course, we all fall much below this standard many times.  But we must try to repair the damage immediately lest we pay the penalty by a spree."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p.99.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may face and accept whatever discipline is necessary.  I pray that I may be fit to receive God's power in my life." 

c.1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 6.

 

Quote for the day:

"We will receive not what we idly wish for but what we justly earn.  Our rewards will always be in exact proportion to our service."  __Earl Nightingale

 

My share:

The rewards of staying sober and maintaining a spiritual relationship with my higher power are clearly listed in the promises.  All of the promises, and more, have materialized in my life.  I am rewarded daily with joy at knowing I am but a part of a greater whole.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, January 7, 2009

 

 

From the Big Book:

"If there be divorce or separation, there should be no undue haste for the couple to get together.  The man should be sure of his recovery.  The wife should fully understand his new way of life.  If their old relationship is to be resumed it must be on a better basis, since the former did not work.  This means a new attitude and spirit all around."

c.1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p 99.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may see God's meaning in my life.  I pray that I may gladly accept what God has to teach me. "

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan 7.

Quote for the day:

"Do more than belong: participate.  Do more than care: help.  Do more than believe: practice.  Do more than be fair: be kind.  Do more than forgive: forget.  Do more than dream: work."  

__William Arthur Ward

My share:

Once I decided to join A.A. I heard the message of the importance of service.  I understood the necessity of being involved. None of that has changed over the years, it only became more important. I have so much more to lose with every twenty-four hour period I put under my belt.  I don't want to lose this way of life, I want to enhance it. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Thursday, January 8, 2009

A Logical Idea

From the Big Book:

"Sometimes it is to the best interests of all concerned that a couple remain apart.  Obviously, no rule can be laid down.  Let the alcoholic continue his program day by day.  When the time for living together has come, it will be apparent to both parties."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 99.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may welcome difficulties.  I pray that they may test my strength and build my character."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 8.

Quoted for the day:

"Against logic there is no armor like ignorance." 

 __Dr. Laurence J. Peter

My share:

I was not, in early sobriety, convinced that religious people had any better handle of how to live that I did.  I saw only the hypocrisy of some righteous proselytizers, preaching pious propaganda in the morning and committing adultery that night. Today, a bit calmer and less judgmental, I can appreciate the  value of blind faith and accept the concept of forgiveness.  Be Good To You, Dave 

Thoughtfood for Friday, January 9, 2009

The "If" Trap

From the Big Book:

"Let no alcoholic say he cannot recover unless he has his family back.  This just isn't so.  In some cases the wife will never come back for one reason or another.  Remind the prospect that his recovery is not dependant upon people.  It is dependant on his relationship with God.  We have seen men get well whose families have not returned at all. We have seen others slip when the family came back too soon." 

c.1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, pp. 99-100.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may put the day in the hands of God.  I pray for faith, so that nothing will upset me or weaken my determination to stay sober."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation,Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 9.

Quote for the day:

"The 'how' thinker gets problems solved effectively because he wastes no time with futile 'ifs'."  __Norman Vincent Peale

My share:The "how" thinker is the man who knows "h-o-w" stands for Honesty, Openness, and Willingness.  These three "Be-attitudes" are essential in solving problems in my day and help to keep me sober one more day.  Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Saturday, January 10, 2009

 

 

From the Big Book:

"Both  you and the new man must walk day by day in the path of spiritual progress.  If you persist, remarkable things will happen.  When we look back, we realize that the things which come back to us when we put ourselves in God's hands were better than anything we could have planned.  Follow the dictates of a Higher Power and you will presently live in a new and wonderful world, no matter what your present circumstances!

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 100.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may learn the principles of the good life.   I pray that I may meditate upon them and work at them, because they are eternal."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 10.

 

Quote for the day:

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains:  It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." __C.S.Lewis

 

My share:

For thirty years, while I was drinking, the loud broadcast of my ego's voice drowned out the inner voice of God that was always there.  When the pain became great enough to turn down the volume of my ego I was able to hear that inner voice.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Sunday, January 11, 2009

 

 

From the Big Book:

"When working with a man and his family, you should take care not to participate in their quarrels.  You may spoil your chance of being helpful if you do. But urge upon a man's family that he has been a very sick person and should be treated accordingly.  You should warn against arousing resentment or jealousy."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 100.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may seek God's guidance day by day.  I pray that I may strive to abide in God's presence."

c.1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 11.

 

Quote for the day:

"God wears Truth, the good seek Truth and the bad are rescued by Truth; Truth liberates; Truth is power; Truth is freedom.  It is the lamp that illuminates the heart and dispels doubt and darkness."  __Sri Sathya Sai Baba

My share:

Having been rescued from a seemingly impossible state of mind, to know the joy of freedom from alcohol, to hold in my heart a faith that my life will continue to get better, is a fate I never thought possible before I worked the steps. Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Monday, January 12, 2009  

Rewards
Even the newest of newcomers finds
undreamed rewards as he tries to help his brother alcoholic,
the one who is even blinder than he.
This is indeed the kind of giving that actually demands nothing.
He does not expect his brother sufferer to pay him, or even to love him.
And then he discovers that by the divine paradox of this kind of giving
he has found his own reward,
whether his brother has yet received anything or not.
© 1953 AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p.109  

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, January, 13, 2009

 

 

From the Big Book:

"If you have been successful in solving your own domestic problems, tell the newcomer's family how that was accomplished.  In this way you can set them on the right track without becoming critical of them.  The story of how you and your wife settled your difficulties is worth any amount of criticism."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, Jan. 13.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may always call on God's strength while the gold of my life is being refined.  I pray that I may see it through, with God's help."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan 13.

Quote for the day:

"We must not promise what we ought not, lest we be called on to perform what we cannot."   __Abraham Linclon

My share:

The founders were wise enough not to make promises their program could not deliver.  They knew from experince that when prospects did the steps in the same way they had done them, these things would materialize.  I beleived in those promises and shortly found many of them coming true in my life.  Some took longer but they have all, in some way, materialized in my life.  

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, January 14, 2009

 

From the Big Book:

"Assuming we are spiritually fit, we can do all sorts of things alcoholics are not supposed to do.  People have said we must not go where liquor is served; we must not have it in our homes; we must shun friends who drink; we must avoid moving pictures which show drinking scenes; we must not go into bars; our friends must hide their bottles if we go to their houses; we mustn't think or be reminded about alcohol at all. Our experience shows that this is not necessarily so."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, pp. 100-101.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may obey God and walk with Him and listen to Him.  I pray that I may strive to overcome my own selfishness."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 14.

Quote for the day:

"The brain is like a muscle.  When it is in use we feel very good.

Understanding is joyous."   __Dr. Carl Sagan

My share:

I was employed as a bouncer/handyman at a local bar.  The boss agreed to continue my employment when I finished my jail time for DUI.  I heard the warnings about hanging out at the barbershop, they said, "sooner or later you are going to get a haircut."   But I also heard that I can go anywhere, do anything a non-alcoholic can go or do as long as I have a valid reason to be there, doing that. I don't recommend this path for anyone.  But, I stayed employed at that bar for the first three years of my sobriety and worked my way up to being the manager.  My higher power kept me safe and focused on recovery while many around me continued to slide into oblivion.

Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Thursday, January 15, 2009

 

 

From the Big Book:

"We meet these conditions every day.  An alcoholic who cannot meet them, still has an alcoholic mind; His only chance for sobriety would be some place like the Greenland Ice Cap, and even there an Eskimo might turn up with a bottle of scotch and ruin everything!  Ask any woman who has sent her husband to distant places on the theory he would escape the alcohol problem."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 101. 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may relax and that God's strength will be given to me.  I pray that I may subject my will to God's will and be free from all tenseness." 

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan 15.

Quote for the day: "It is well known that 'problem-avoidance is an important part of problem solving.  Instead of solving the problem you go upstream and alter the system so that the problem does not occur in the first place."  __Edward de Bono

My share:

I realized that "I" was the problem when, in the process of the fourth step, I found that my every fear and resentment had it's origin in my twisted, ego-centric brain. Rowing upstream to alter the channel allowed the flow of life on life's terms to resume it's natural course. I have so much energy now,  I almost feel like a hydro-electric plant has been built upstream.  Be Good To You, Dave 

Thoughtfood for Friday, January 16, 2009

 

 

From the Big Book:

"In our belief, any scheme of combating alcoholism which proposes to shield the sick man from temptation is doomed to failure.  If the alcoholic tries to shield himself he may succeed for a time, but he usually winds up with a bigger explosion than ever.  We have tried these methods.  These attempts to do the impossible have always failed."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcohoilcs Anonymous, Working With Others,p. 101.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that the little stones which I put into the mosaic of my life may make a worthwhile pattern.  I pray that I may persevere and so find harmony and beauty."

Quote for the day:

"When you discover the innate vibrancy, vitality
and poignancy of Life, you will be experiencing
the inexpressible Grace of the Sacred.   __The Daily Guru

My share: I pass this morning to Lori...Be Good To You, Dave

A MEMBER SHARES:
My name is Lori, and I'm an alcoholic.  I could never have imagined my life as it is today.  I wouldn't have thought that so many changes could occur in ones life if one was willing to develop the courage to make them.  I was drunk often, I was sick, I was tired, I was insecure, hurting, miserable -- and that's just the inside stuff.  In my personal life, I was married, had a nice home, had a great job, had friends and family.  I was supposedly secure.  When the internal combined with the external, I met disaster.  But I was so very willing to change.  I crawled in here begging for help, praying to God that He and you would help me up from the gutter I was lying in.  And you did.  And He did.  I am moving into a new home, and I am raising my child on my own successfully.  I have AA in my life.  I work the Steps on a daily basis, and I have a ton of things left to change in my life.  Change is what happens.  Though the expectations may not match the outcome, it doesn't matter.  I've learned to face whatever comes my way, because you all are always here for me, I believe in my Higher Power, and I don't feel alone any more. 

Thoughtfood for Monday, January 19, 2009

Action

From the Big Book:

 "So our rule is not to a void a place where there is drinking, if we have a legitimate reason for being there. That includes bars, nightclubs, dances, receptions, weddings, even plain ordinary whoopee parties.  To a person who has had experience with an alcoholic, this may seem like tempting Providence, but it isn't."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 101.

Daily Reflection:

"Faith has to work twenty-four hours a day in and through us, or we perish."

Quote for the day:

"Action speaks louder than words, but not nearly as often."  __Mark Twain

My share:

John Steinbeck wrote,"The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry."  That was most surely true this weekend.  Making no excuses, I only offer this "amend-meant".  Apologies for the unplanned break, and I will try harder to avoid any interruption to this service in the future.

Be Good To You.  Dave

 

Thoughtfood for Tuesday, January 20, 2009  

The Gift
AA has filled my days with friends, laughter, growth, and the feeling of worth that is rooted in constructive activity. My faith in, and contact with, my Higher Power shines more brightly than I dreamed it could. Those promises I thought were impossible are a viable force in my life. I am free to laugh all my laughter, free to trust and be trusted, free to both give and receive help. I am free from shame and regret, free to learn and grow and work. I have left that lonely, frightening, painful express train through hell. I have accepted the gift of a safer, happier journey through life. ©2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous,  p. 543  

From the Big Book:
"You will note that we made an important qualification.  Therefore, ask yourself  on each occasion, 'Have I any good social, business, or personal reason for going to this place?  Or am I expecting to steal a little vicarious pleasure from the atmosphere of such places?'  If you answer these questions satisfactorily, you need have no apprehension.  Go or stay away, whichever seems best." 
c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, pp. 101-102.  

Daily Reflection:
"We Pause...And Ask As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action." Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 87  

Quote for the day:
"What we are is God's gift to us.  What we become is our gift to God."
__Eleanor Powell  


My share:
For me, every day is a gift, bonus time from my higher power, a reward for seeking to do the next right thing.  The willingness with which I pursue understanding the will of God for me in my life is also a gift, something I didn't even know I needed until I surrendered and began seeking peace. Be Good To You, Dave.   School starts again today...wish me luck.

Thoughtfood for Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A Plate of Fudge

    

From the Big Book:

"But be sure you are on solid spiritual ground before you start (to go a place where drinking is taking place) and that your motive in going is thoroughly good.  Do not think of what you will get out of the occasion.  Think of what you can bring to it.  But if you are shaky, you had better work with another alcoholic instead."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 102.

 

Daily Reflection:

"The member talks to the newcomer not in a spirit of power but in a spirit of humility and weakness." 

Alcoholics Anonymous Comes Of Age, p. 279.

 

Quote for the day:

" When a man has developed a high state of spirituality he can understand that the kingdom of heaven is within him." 

__Swami Vivekananda

 

My share:

It was so easy for this alcoholic to get wrapped up in the pursuit of living that I forgot about the dream that motivated me in the first place.  I was all about the "fudge" for thrity years when I finally re-discovered the passion that had led me to drink.   I am back on the path of my destiny. Be GoodTo You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Thursday, January 22, 2009

Footprints of Hope

From the Big Book:

"Why sit with a long face in places where there is drinking, sighing about the good old days.  If it is a happy occasion, try to increase the pleasure of those there; if a business occasion, go and attend to your business enthusiastically. If you are with a person who wants to eat in a bar, by all means go along.  Let your friends know they are not to change their habits on your account."

c. AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 102.

Daily Reflection:

"Let's Keep It Simple"

A few hours later I took my leave of Dr. Bob...The wonderful, old, broad smile was on his face as he said almost jokingly, "Remember Bill, lets' not louse this thing up.  Let's keep it simple!"  I turned away, unable to say a word.  That was the last time I ever saw him. 

Alcoholics Anonymous Comes Of Age, p. 214.

Quote for the day:

"One who walks in anothers tracks leaves no footprints."

__Old Proverb

My share:

I personally welcome the footprints left by those before me along the road to happy destiny. I follow in their footprints.  By stepping where they stepped, by staying on their path, I avoid the potholes and crevices that could break my stride and possibly throw me off the road. Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Friday, January 23. 2009

 

"At a proper time and place explain to all your friends why alcohol disagrees with you.  If you do this thoroughly, few people will ask you to drink.  While you were drinking, you were withdrawing from life little by little.  Now you are getting back into the social life of this world.  Don't start to withdraw again just because your friends drink liquor."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p.102.

 

Daily Reflection:

"Having Fun Yet?"

...we aren't a glum lot.  If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn't want it.  We absolutely insist on enjoying life.  We try not to indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, not do we carry the world's troubles on our shoulders."    Alcoholics Anonymous, p.132

 

Quote for the day:

"The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude." __Friedrich Nietzsche

 

My share:

The art of living is enhanced by gratitude.  Is not living an art?  It has become an art for me in sobriety.  Was life beautiful when I was drinking?  Not so much. Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Saturday, January 24, 2009

Happiness

 

From the Big Book:

"Your job now is to be at the place where you may be of maximum helpfulness to others,  so never hesitate to go anywhere if you can be helpful.  You should not hesitate to visit the most sordid spot on earth on such an errand.  Keep on the firing line of life with these motives and God will keep you unharmed."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 102.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that, in spite of my material limitations, I may follow God's way. I pray that I may learn that trying to do His will is perfect freedom."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 24.

 

Quote for the day:

"Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own."  __Robert Heinlein

 

My share: The bottom line of all this effort is service to others.  Only by paying more attention to the welfare of others will my own welfare improve.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Sunday, January 25, 2009

 

  

From the Big Book:

"Many of us keep liquor in our homes.  We often need it to carry green recruits through a severe hangover.  Some of us still serve it to our friends provided they are not alcoholic.  But some of us think we should not serve liquor to anyone.  We never argue this question.  We feel that each family, in the light of their own circumstances, ought to decide for themselves."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, pp 102-103.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may try to do God's will.  I pray that such understanding, insight, and vision shall be mine, as shall make my life eternal, here and now."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 25.

 

Quote for the day:

 "Tradition simply means that we need to end what began well and continue what is worth continuing."

__Jose Bergamin

 

My share:

I decided early on that my alcoholism has nothing to do with anyone else's behavior.  My problems were, and still are, problems of my own making. Drinking was only the manifestation of my inability to function in life on life's terms.  When I throw a party, I invite people of all ilks and persuasions.  I feel badly for any "normie" who finds themselves among recovering alcoholics and feels awkward doing what makes them them. I say, let them drink; no skin off my nose, and having alcohol in my house is only a problem if I drink it. I do not stock a liquor cabinet, but I have no qualms about a friend bringing wine or liquor to my party. So much for ranting.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Monday, January 26, 2009  

Reprieve
 It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action
and rest on our laurels.
We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe.
What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent upon our spiritual condition.
Every day is a day when we must carry the
vision of God's will into all of our activities.
"How can I best serve Thee -- Thy will (not mine) be done."
©2001 AAWS,Alcoholics Anonymous,  p.85  

  Thoughtfood for Wednesday, January 28, 2009  



  From the Big Book:
"Some day we hope that Alcoholics Anonymous will help the public to a better understanding of the gravity of the alcoholic problem, but we shall be of little use if our attitude is one of bitterness or hostility. Drinkers will not stand for it." c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p. 103.   Prayer for the day: "I pray that I may not be weary, disillusioned, or disappointed.  I pray that I may not put my trust in the ways of the world, but in the way of the spirit." c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 28.  

Quote for the day:
"Life whispers its meaning to us
in the silence of
the surrendered, open heart.

That which we do not understand
provides the key to this
dawning Recognition."  __The Daily Guru  

My share:
It's a good thing A.A. is so inclusive.  Had this outfit been more careful about who they let in, I'm sure they would have barred me. There was a time when, before the book was written, before the traditions were recognized, individual groups tried to make their own rules.  We are the beneficiaries of their wisdom in adopting the third tradition.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Thursday, January 29, 2009

 

 

From the Big Book:

"After all, our problems were of our own making.  Bottles were only a symbol.  Besides, we have stopped fighting anybody or anything.  We have to!"

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, Working With Others, p 103.

 

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may depend on God, since He has planned my life.  I pray that I may live as I believe God wants me to live it."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan. 29.

 

Quote for the day:

"Oh! that you could turn your eyes towards the napes of your necks, and make but an interior survey of your good selves." __William Shakespeare

 

My share:

I was pleased to find the quote by William Shakespeare.  Seems people named Bill often discover great wisdom within.  The result of that internal survey is a greater understanding of the path HP has laid out for me.  Be Good To You, Dave

Thoughtfood for Friday, January 30, 2009  

Simplicity

Repeated experiences have forced  us to this logically inescapable conclusion: If we do not take the first drink, we never get drunk. Therefore, instead of planning never to get drunk, or trying to limit the number of drinks or the amount of alcohol, we have learned to concentrate on avoiding only one drink: the first one. In effect, instead of worrying about limiting the number of drinks at the end of a drinking episode, we avoid the one drink that starts it. Sounds almost foolishly simplistic, doesn't it?
©1998 AAWS, Living Sober,  p. 5  

From the Big Book:
Chapter 8  TO WIVES*  
"WITH FEW EXCEPTIONS, our book thus far has spoken of men.   But what we have said applies quite as much to women.  Our activities in behalf of women who drink are on the increase.  There is every evidence that women regain their health as readily as men if they try our suggestions."  
*Written in 1939, when there were few women in A.A. this chapter assumes that the alcoholic in the home is likely to be the husband.  But many of the suggestions given here may be adapted to help the person who live with a woman alcoholic--whether she is still drinking or is recovering in A. A.  A further source of help is noted on page 121."  c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Wives, p. 104.  

Prayer for the day:
 "I pray that I may strengthen my inner life, so that I may find serenity,  I pray that my soul may be restored in quietness and peace."
c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan 30.  

Quote for the day:
"There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness, and truth."  __Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy  

My share:
If it were not so simplistic, I wonder if I would have gotten it. Be Good To You, Dave.

Thoughtfood for Saturday, January 31, 2009

Powerless

From the Big Book:

"But for every man who drinks, others are involved--the wife who trembles in fear of the next debauch; the mother and father who see their son wasting away."

c. 1939, AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, To Wives, p. 104.

Prayer for the day:

"I pray that I may take my suffering in my stride.  I pray that I may accept pain and defeat as part of God's plan for my spiritual growth."

c. 1975, Hazelden Foundation, Twenty-Four Hours A Day, Jan 31.

Quote for the day:

"What we actually learn, from any given circumstances, determines whether we become increasingly powerless or more powerful."  __Blaine Lee

My share:

I discovered that by admitting my powerlessness, I became empowered with all that my higher power could activate within me. I had no idea I could be so strong, focused, happy, joyous or free.  I am humbled by this knowledge and motivated to share it.  Be Good To You, Dave