Thoughts For The Day~*~Anger ^*^*^ July 11, 2009

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
^*^*^*^*^
(\    ~~  /)
(   \ (AA)/   )
(_   /AA\ _)
  /AA\
^*^*^*^*^
Anger
^*^*^
"It is a spiritual axiom that every time we are disturbed,
no matter what the cause, there is something wrong with us. 
If somebody hurts us and we are sore,
we are in the wrong also. 
But are there no exceptions to this rule? 
What about 'justifiable' anger? 
If somebody cheats us, aren't we entitled to be mad? 
Can't we be properly angry with self-righteous folk? 
For us in AA these are dangerous exceptions. 
We have found that justifiable anger
ought to be left to those better qualified to handle it."
1952AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 90 
^*^*^*^*^*

Thought to Consider . . .

Anger is the hot wind that extinguishes the light of reason.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
A N G E R  =  Any No Good Energy Rising

*~*~*~*~*^Just For Todayy!^*~*~*~*~*

Gifts

From: "The Opening to the Spiritual World"

"This is the crux of the program and the crux of living: acceptance and action.

"The gift of understanding has allowed the simple messages from my parents, my teachers, and my church to take on new meaning and soundness. With the gift of serenity, I am ready and willing to accept what God permits to happen to me; with the gift of courage, to take action to change the things I can for the good of myself and others. The gift of wisdom has been given to me so that in personal relationships I may act intelligently and with love or, as it has also been expressed, with competence and compassion."

1973, AAWS, Inc., Came to Believe, page 4

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
A TURNING POINT

A great turning point in our lives came when we sought for humility as something we really wanted, rather than as something we must have.       
                                
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 75

Either the A.A. way of life becomes one of joy or I return to the darkness and despair of alcoholism. Joy comes to me when my attitude concerning God and humility turns to one of desire rather than of burden. The darkness in my life changes to radiant light when I arrive at the realization that being truthful and honest in dealing with my inventory results in my life being filled with serenity, freedom, and joy. Trust in my Higher Power deepens, and the flush of gratitude spreads through my being. I am convinced that being humble is being truthful and honest in dealing with myself and God. It is then that humility is something I "really want," rather than being "something I must have."
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
*~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
Carrying the Message

The wonderful energy the Twelfth Step releases, by which it carries our
message to the next suffering alcoholic and finally translates the Twelve Steps into action upon all our affairs, is the payoff, the magnificent reality of A.A.
<<<>>>
Never talk down to an alcoholic from any moral or spiritual hilltop; simply lay out the kit of spiritual tools for his inspection. Show him how they worked with you. Offer him friendship and fellowship.

1. TWELVE AND TWELVE, P. 109
2. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, P. 95
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"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."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 102~


*~*~*~*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*~*~*~*
A.A. Thought For The Day

       We in Alcoholics Anonymous do not try to chart the path for the
       human soul or try to lay out a blueprint of the working of faith, as
one might plan a charity drive.  We do tell the newcomer that we have
       renewed our faith in a Higher Power.  In the telling, our faith is
       further renewed.  We believe that faith is always close at hand,
       waiting for those who will listen to the heartbeat of the spirit.  We
       believe there is a force for good in the universe and that if we link
up with this force, we are carried onward to a new life.  Am I in this
stream of goodness?

       Meditation for the Day

       God will protect you from the forces of evil, if you will rely on Him.
       You can face all things through the power of God which strengthens  you.  Once God has set on you His stamp and seal of ownership, all His strength will serve and protect you.  Remember that you are a child of  the Father.  Realize that the Father's help is always ready and available to all His children, so that they can face anything.  God will do all that is necessary for your spiritual well-being, if you will
let Him live His way.

       Prayer for the Day

       I pray that I may rely on God as I go through this day. I pray that I may feel deeply secure, no matter what happens to me.

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012

---

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Thoughts For The Day~*~Inventory ^*^*^ July 10, 2009

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
^*^*^*^*^
(\    ~~  /)
(   \ (AA)/   )
(_   /AA\ _)
  /AA\
^*^*^*^*^
Inventory
^*^*^
"A few months after I made my original trip to Akron
I was feeling pretty cocky,
and I didn't think my wife was treating me with proper respect, now that I
was an outstanding citizen.  
So I set out to get drunk deliberately,
just to teach her what she was missing.  
A week later, I had to get an old friend from Akron
to spend two days sobering me up.  
That was my lesson,
that one could not take the moral inventory
and then file it away;
that the alcoholic has to continue to take inventory every day
if he expects to get well and stay well."  
1976, Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 293-4
^*^*^*^*^*

Thought to Consider . . .

In order to recover we have to uncover.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
F A I T H  =  Facing All In Trusting Him

*~*~*~*~*^Just For Today!^*~*~*~*~*

Practice It

from: "His Spiritual Quest"

"As Dr. Bob himself said, I don't think we can do anything very well in this world unless we practice it. And I don't believe we do A.A. too well unless we practice it. We should practice acquiring the spirit of service. We should attempt to acquire some faith, which isn't easily done, especially for the person who has always been very materialistic, following the standards of society today. But I think faith can be acquired; it can be acquired slowly; it has to be cultivated. That was not easy for me, and I assume that it is difficult for everyone else"

1980, AAWS, Inc., Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers, page 307-308

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
TOWARD PEACE AND SERENITY

. . .when we have taken a square look at some of these defects, have discussed them with another, and have become willing to have them removed, our thinking about humility commences to have a wider meaning.          

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 74

When situations arise which destroy my serenity, pain often motivates me to ask God for clarity in seeing my part in the situation. Admitting my powerlessness, I humbly pray for acceptance. I try to see how my character defects contributed to the situation. Could I have been more patient?  Was I intolerant?  Did I insist on having my own way?  Was I afraid?  As my defects are revealed, I put self-reliance aside and humbly ask God to remove my shortcomings. The situation may not change, but as I practice exercising humility, I enjoy the peace and serenity which are the natural benefits of placing my reliance in a power greater than myself.
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
*~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
The Beginning of Humility

"There are few absolutes inherent in the Twelve Steps. Most Steps are open to interpretation, based on the experience and outlook of the individual. "Consequently, the individual is free to start the /steps at whatever point he can, or will. God, as we understand Him, may be defined as a Power greater or the Higher Power. For thousands of members, the A.A. group itself has been a Higher Power in the beginning. This acknowledgment is easy to make if a newcomer knows that most of the members are sober and he isn't.
"His admission is the beginning of humility at least the newcomer is willing to disclaim that he himself is God. That's all the start he needs. If, following this achievement, he will relax and practice as many of the Steps as he can, he is sure too grow spiritually."

LETTER, 1966
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*
"Some day we hope that Alcoholics Anonymous will help the public to
a better realization 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.

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!"

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 103~
*~*~*~*~*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*~*~*

A.A. Thought For The Day

      We in Alcoholics Anonymous do not enter into theological discussions, but in carrying our message we attempt to explain the simple "how" of the spiritual life. How faith in a Higher Power can help you to overcome loneliness, fear, and anxiety. How it can help you get along with other people. How it can make it possible for you to rise above pain, sorrow, and despondency. How it can help you to overcome your desires for the things that destroy. Have I reached a simple, effective faith?

      Meditation for the Day

      Expect miracles of change in people's lives. Do not be held back by
      unbelief. People can be changed and they are often ready and waiting to be changed. Never believe that human nature cannot be changed.  We see changed people everyday. Do you have the faith to make those changes possible? Modern miracles happen every day in the lives of people. All miracles are in the realm of personalities. Human nature can be changed and is always being changed. But we must  have enough faith so that we can be channels for God's strength into the lives of others.

      Prayer for the Day

      I pray that I may have the faith to expect miracles. I pray that I may  be used by God to help change the lives of others.

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012

---

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Thoughts For The Day~*~Attitude ^*^*^ July 9, 2009

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
^*^*^*^*^
(\    ~~  /)
(   \ (AA)/   )
(_   /AA\ _)
  /AA\
^*^*^*^*^
Attitude
^*^*^
" 'Then I woke up.
I had to admit that AA showed results, prodigious results.
I saw that my attitude regarding these
had been anything but scientific.
It wasn't AA that had the closed mind, it was me.
The minute I stopped arguing,
I could begin to see and feel.
Right there, Step Two gently and very gradually
began to infiltrate my life.
I can't say upon what occasion,
or upon what day I came to believe
in a Power greater than myself,
but I certainly have that belief now.
To acquire it, I had only to stop fighting
and practice the rest of AA's program
as enthusiastically as I could.' "
1952AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 27
^*^*^*^*^*

Thought to Consider . . .

Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
A A  =  Altered Attitudes

*~*~*~*~*^Just For Today!^*~*~*~*~*

My Solution

From: "AA Taught Him to Handle Sobriety"

"Bewilderment, fear, and resentment moved into my life. And yet my ability to lie outwardly and to kid myself inwardly grew with every drink I took. Indeed, I had to drink now to live, to cope with the demands of everyday existence. When I encountered disappointments or frustrations - as I did more and more frequently - my solution was to drink. I had always been oversensitive to criticism and was acutely so now. When I was criticized or reprimanded, the bottle was my refuge and comfort."

2001, AAWS, Inc., Alcoholics Anonymous, page 555

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
 I AM AN INSTRUMENT

Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 70

The subject of humility is a difficult one. Humility is not thinking less of myself than I ought to; it is acknowledging that I do certain things well, it is accepting a compliment graciously.

God can only do for me what He can do through me. Humility is the result of knowing that God is the doer, not me. In the light of his awareness, how can I take pride in my accomplishments?  I am an instrument and any work I seem to be doing is being done by God through me. I ask God on a daily basis to remove my shortcomings, in order that I may more freely go about my A.A. business of  "love and service."
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
*~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
The A.A. Way in the Home*

Though an alcoholic does not respond, there is no reason why you should neglect his family. You should continue to be friendly to them, explaining concept of alcoholism and its treatment. If they accept this and also apply our principles to their problems, there is a much better chance that the head of the family will recover. And even though he continues to drink, the family will find life more bearable.
<<<>>>
Unless a new member's family readily expresses a desire to live upon
spiritual principles, we think he ought not to urge them. They will change in time. His better behavior will usually convince them far more than his words.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
1. P. 97
2. P. 83

*Today, the initiation of the A.A. way of life in the home is the central
purpose of the Al-Anon Family Groups, of which there are (as of 1980) about
16,000 throughout the world. These are composed of wives, husbands, and
relatives of alcoholics. In restoring families to the good life, Al-Anon's
success has been enormous.

*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery. A kindly
act once in a while isn't enough. You have to act the Good Samaritan
every day, if need be."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 97~

*~*~*~*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*~*~*~*
A.A. Thought for the Day

Disillusionment and spiritual confusion mark our age. Many of us have cast aside old ideas without acquiring new ones. Many men and women are creeping through life on their hands and knees, merely because they refuse to rely on any power but themselves. Many of them feel that they are being brave and independent, but actually they are only courting disaster. Anxiety and the inferiority complex have become the greatest of all modem plagues. In A.A. we have the answer to these &. Have I ceased to rely on myself only?

Meditation for the Day

Disillusionment and doubt spoil life. The doubting ones are the disillusioned ones. When you are in doubt, you are on the fence. You are not going anywhere. Doubt poisons all action. "Well, I don't know" -- so you don't do anything. You should meet life with a "Yes," an affirmative attitude. There is good in the world and we can follow that good. There is power available to help us to do the right thing; therefore we will accept that power. There are miracles of change in people's lives; therefore we will accept those miracles as evidence of God's power.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I will not be paralyzed by doubt. I pray that I may go along on the venture of faith.

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012

---

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Thoughts For The Day~*~Resentment ^*^*^ July 8, 2009

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
^*^*^*^*^
(\    ~~  /)
(   \ (AA)/   )
(_   /AA\ _)
  /AA\
^*^*^*^*^
Resentment
^*^*^
"It is plain that a life which includes deep resentment
leads only to futility and unhappiness.
To the precise extent that we permit these,
do we squander the hours
that might have been worth while.
But with the alcoholic, whose hope is the maintenance
and growth of a spiritual experience,
this business of resentment is infinitely grave.
We found that it is fatal.
For when harboring such feelings we shut ourselves off
from the sunlight of the Spirit.
The insanity of alcohol returns and we drink again.
And with us, to drink is to die."
1976AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 66
^*^*^*^*^*

Thought to Consider . . .

We are prisoners of our own resentments.
Forgiveness unlocks the door and sets us free.

 

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
F E A R  =  Frustration, Ego, Anxiety, Resentment

*~*~*~*~*^Just For Today!^*~*~*~*~*

Humility at Work

Tradition Twelve: "Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities."

"As this tide offering top public approval swept in, we realized that it could do us incalculable good or great harm. Everything would depend upon how it was channeled. We simply couldn't afford to take the chance of letting self-appointed members present themselves as messiahs representing A.A. before the whole public. The promoter instinct in us might be our undoing. If even one publicly got drunk, or was lured into using A.A.'s name for his own purposes, the damage might be irreparable. At this altitude (press, radio, films, and television), anonymity - 100 percent anonymity - was the only possible answer. Here, principles would have to come before personalities, without exception. "These experiences taught us that anonymity is real humility at work. It is an all-pervading spiritual quality which today keynotes A.A. life everywhere."

1981, AAWS, Inc., Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 187

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
AN EVER-GROWING FREEDOM

The Seventh Step is where we make the change in our attitude which permitsus, with humility as our guide, to move out from ourselves toward others and toward God.  

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 76

When I finally asked God to remove those things blocking me from Him and the sunlight of the Spirit, I embarked on a journey more glorious than I ever imagined. I experienced a freedom from those characteristics that had me wrapped up in myself.  Because of this humbling Step, I feel clean.

I am especially aware of this Step because I'm now able to be useful to God and to my fellows.  I know that He has granted me strength to do His bidding and has prepared me for anyone, and anything, that comes my way today. I am truly in His hands, and I give thanks for the joy that I can be useful today.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
*~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
Experimenters

We agnostics liked A.A. all right, and were quick to say that it had done
miracles. But we recoiled from meditation and prayer as obstinately as the scientist who refused to perform a certain experiment lest it prove his pet theory wrong. When we finally did experiment, and unexpected results followed, we felt different; in fact, we knew different; and so we were sold on meditation and prayer. And that, we have found, can happen to anybody who tries. It has been well said that "Almost the only scoffers at prayer are those who never tried it enough."

TWELVE AND TWELVE, P. 97

*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us
a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is
indescribably wonderful."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 17~

*~*~*~*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*~*~*~*
Thought for the Day

A.A. members will tell you that they can look back and clearly see that they were out of control long before they finally admitted it. Every one of us has gone through that stage when we wouldn't admit that we were alcoholics. It takes a lot of punishment to convince us, but one thing is certain. We all know from actual experience that when it comes to dishing out punishment, John Barleycorn has no equal. Have I any reservations as to my status as an alcoholic?

Meditation for the Day

There is a force for good in the world and when you are cooperating with that force for good, good things happen to you. You have free-will, the choice to be on the side of right or on the side of wrong. This force for good we call God's will. God has a purpose for the world and He has a purpose for your life. He wants you to bring all your desires into oneness with His desires. He can only work through people. If you try to make God's will your will, you will be guided by Him. You will be in the stream of goodness, carried along by everything that is right. You will be on God's side.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may try to make God's will my will. I pray that I may keep in the stream of goodness in the world.

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012

---

Summer concert season is here! Find your favorite artists on tour at TourTracker.com.

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