Thoughts For The Day~*~Inventory ^*^*^ July 10, 2010

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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Inventory
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"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
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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

Thoughts For The Day~*~Attitude ^*^*^ July 9, 2010

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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Attitude
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" '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
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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

Thoughts For The Day~*~Resentment ^*^*^ July 8, 2010

 ~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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Resentment
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"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
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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

Thoughts For The Day~*~Ready? ^*^*^ July 7, 2010

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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Ready?
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"We shall need to make a brand new venture
into open-mindedness.
We shall need to raise our eyes toward perfection,
and be ready to walk in that direction.
It will seldom matter how haltingly we walk.
The only question will be
'Are we ready?' "
Bill W.
1952AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 68
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Thought to Consider . . .

Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.

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

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

Perspectives

From: "Preface"

"If you have a drinking problem, we hope that you may pause in reading one of the forty-two personal stories and think: "Yes, that happened to me; or, more important, Yes, I've felt like that, or most important, "Yes, I believe this program can work for me too."

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

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
 . . . AND LETTING GO OF IT

. . . primarily fear that we would lose something we already possessed or would fail to get something we demanded. Living upon a basis of unsatisfied demands, we were in a state of continual disturbance and frustration. Therefore, no peace was to be had unless we could find a means of reducing these demands. The difference between a demand and a simple request is plain to anyone. 

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 76

Peace is possible for me only when I let go of expectations. When I'm trapped in thoughts about what I want and should be coming to me, I'm in a state of fear or anxious anticipation and this is not conducive to emotional sobriety. I must surrender over and over to the reality of my dependence on God, for then I find peace, gratitude and spiritual security.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.

*~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
To Survive Trials

In our belief, any scheme of combating alcoholism which proposes wholly to shield the sick man from temptation is doomed to failure. If the alcoholic tries to shield himself he may success 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. Release from alcohol, and not flight from it, is our answer.
<<<>>>
"Faith without works is dead." How appallingly true for the alcoholic! For if an alcoholic fails to perfect and enlarge his spiritual life through work and self-sacrifice for others, he cannot survive the certain trials and low spots ahead. If he does not work, he will surely drink again, and if he drinks, he will surely die. Then faith will be dead indeed.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
1. P. 101
2. PP. 14-15
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"Remember that we deal with alcohol, cunning, baffling, powerful!
Without help it is too much for us. But there is One who has all
power that One is God. May you find Him now!"

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, Page 58~

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

We had become hopelessly sick people, spiritually,
emotionally, and physically. The power that controlled
us was greater than ourselves---it was John Barleycorn.
Many drinkers have said: "I hadn't gone that far; I
hadn't lost my job on account of drink; I still had my
family; I managed to keep out of jail. True, I took too
much sometimes and I guess I managed to make quite an
ass of myself when I did, but I still thought I could
control my drinking. I didn't really believe that I was
an alcoholic." If I was one of these, have I fully
changed my mind?

Meditation for the Day

Painful as the present time may be, you will one day see
the reason for it. You will see that it was not only
testing, but also a preparation for the life-work that you
are to do. Have faith that your prayers and aspirations
will some day be answered. Answered in a way that perhaps
seems painful to you but is the only right way. Selfishness
and pride often make us want things that are not good for
us. They need to be burned out of our natures. We must be
rid of the blocks that are holding us back, before we can
expect our prayers to be answered.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be willing to go through a time of testing.
I pray that I may trust God for the outcome.

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012

Thoughts For The Day~*~Restraint ^*^*^ July 6, 2010

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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Restraint
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"It is evident that the harmony, security, and
future effectiveness of AA will depend largely upon
our maintenance of a thoroughly nonagressive
and pacific attitude in all our public relations.
This is an exacting assignment,
because in our drinking days we were prone to anger,
hostility, rebellion and aggression.
And even though we are now sober,
the old patterns of behavior are to a degree still with us,
always threatening to explode on any good excuse.
But we know this,
and therefore I feel confident that in the conduct
of our public affairs we shall always find the grace
to exert an effective restraint."
Bill W.
1962AAWS, Twelve Concepts for World Service, p. 68
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Thought to Consider . . .

Nothing pays off like restraint of tongue and pen.  
1953AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p, 91

 

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
A C T I O N  =  Any Change Toward Improving One's Nature

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

Prayer

From "'Ask God for Strength'":

"I went to the filthy bathroom and got down on my knees. 'God, teach me to pray,' I begged. I remained there a long time, and when I arose and left the room, I knew I never had to drink again. I came to believe, that day, that God would help me maintain my sobriety. Since then, I've come to believe that He will help me with any problem.  "Birmingham, Alabama, USA"

1973 AAWS, Inc.; Came to Believe, 30^th printing 2004, pg. 36

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*~*
The chief activator of our defects has been self-centered fear.         

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 76

When I feel uncomfortable, irritated, or depressed, I look for fear. This "evil and corroding thread" is the root of my distress: Fear of failure; fear of others' opinions; fear of harm, and many other fears. I have found a Higher Power, who does not want me to live in fear and, as a result, the experience of A.A. in my life is freedom and joy. I am no longer willing to live with the multitude of character defects that characterized my life while I was drinking. Step Seven is my vehicle to freedom from these defects. I pray for help in identifying the fear underneath the defect, and then I ask God to relieve me of that fear. This method works for me without fail and is one of the great miracles of my life in Alcoholics Anonymous.

 

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.

*~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
Talk or Action?

In making amends, it is seldom wise to approach an individual who still smarts from our injustice to him, and announce that we have gone religious. This might be called leading with the chin. Why lay ourselves open to being branded fanatics or religious bores? If we do this, we may kill a future opportunity to carry a beneficial message.
But the man who hears our amends is sue to be impressed with our sincere desire to set right a wrong. He is going to be more interested in a
demonstration of good will than in talk of spiritual discoveries.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, P. 77
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

 

"We realized that the people who wronged us were perhaps spiritually
sick. Though we did not like their symptoms and the way these
disturbed us, they, like ourselves, were sick too. We asked God to
help us show them the same tolerance, pity, and patience that we
would cheerfully grant a sick friend. When a person offended we said
to ourselves, 'This is a sick man. How can I be helpful to him? God
save me from being angry. Thy will be done.'"

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 66~

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

We tried to study our alcoholic problem, wondering what
was the cause of our strange obsession. Many of us took
special treatments, hospitalization, even confinement in
institutions. In every case, the relief was only temporary.
We tried through crazy excuses to convince ourselves that
we knew why we drank, but we went on regardless. Finally
drinking had gone far beyond even a habit. We had become
alcoholics, men and women who had been destroying
themselves against their own will. Am I completely free
from my alcoholic obsession?

Meditation for the Day

"Ask and ye shall receive." Never let yourself think you
cannot do something useful or that you never will be able
to accomplish a useful task. The fact is that you can do
practically anything in the field of human relationships,
if you are willing to call on God's supply of strength. The
supply may not be immediately available, because you may
not be entirely ready to receive it. But it will surely come
when you are properly prepared for it. As you grow spiritually,
a feeling of being plentifully supplied by God's strength will
possess you and you will be able to accomplish many useful
things.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may claim God's supply of strength by my faith
in Him. I pray that it shall be given to me according to my faith.

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012