Thoughts For The Day~*~Fear ^*^*^ September 15, 2013

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*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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  /AA\
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Fear
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"We of AA now find ourselves in a world characterized
by destructive fears as never before in history.
But in it we nevertheless see great areas of faith
and tremendous aspirations toward justice and brotherhood.
Yet no prophet can presume to say whether the world outcome
will be blazing destruction or the beginning,
under God's intention,
of the brightest era yet known to mankind. . .
We AA's can say that we do not fear the world outcome,
whichever course it may take.
This is because we have been enabled to deeply
feel and say,
'We shall fear no evil - Thy will, not ours, be done.' "
Bill W., January 1962
c. 1988AAGrapevine, The Language of the Heart, p. 268
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Thought to Consider . . .

Let us always love the best in others -
and never fear their worst

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
F A I T H =  Fear Ain't In This House

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

Bright Spot

From: "Working With Others" 

Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail. This is our twelfth suggestion: Carry this message to other alcoholics! You can help when no one else can.  You can secure their confidence when others fail. Remember they are very ill. 

Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends - this is an experience you must not miss. We know you will not want to miss it. Frequent contact with newcomers and with each other is the bright spot of our lives. 

2001, AAWS, Inc., Alcoholics Anonymous, page 89

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
A NEW LIFE

Yes, there is a substitute and it is vastly more than that. It is a
fellowship in Alcoholics Anonymous . . . . Life will mean something
at last.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 152

Life is better without alcohol. A. A. and the presence of a Higher
Power keeps me sober, but the grace of God does even better; it
brings service into my life. Contact with the A. A. program teaches
me a new and greater understanding of what Alcoholics Anonymous is
and what it does, but most importantly, it helps to show me who I
am: an alcoholic who needs the constant experience of the
Alcoholics Anonymous program so that I may live a life given to
me by my Higher Power.

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

Some will object to many of the questions that should be answered in a moral inventory, because they think their own character defects have not been so glaring. To these, it can be suggested that a conscientious examination is likely to reveal the very defects the objectionable questions are concerned with.
Because our surface record hasn't looked too bad, we have frequently been abashed to find that this is so simply because we have buried these selfsame defects deep down in us under thick layers of self-justification. Those were the defects that finally ambushed us into alcoholism and misery.

TWELVE AND TWELVE, pp. 53-54
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"A body badly burned by alcohol does not often recover overnight nor do twisted thinking and depression vanish in a twinkling. We are convinced that a spiritual mode of living is a most powerful health restorative."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, Page 133~

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

"We all realize that we know only a little. God will constantly
disclose more to all of us. Ask Him in your morning meditations what
you can do today for the person who is still sick. The answers will
come, if your own house is in order. See to it that your relationship
with God is right and great events will come to pass for you and
countless others. Give freely of what you find in A.A. But obviously,
you cannot transmit something that you haven't got. So make a life
study of A.A." Am I always looking for ways of presenting the AA.
program?

Meditation for the Day

"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Confidence
means to have faith in something. We could not live without confidence
in others. When you have confidence in God's grace, you can face
whatever comes. When you have confidence in God's love, you can be
serene and at peace. You can rest in the faith that God will take
care of you. Try to rest in God's presence until His life-power flows
through you. Be still and in that stillness the still, small Voice
will come. It speaks in quietness to the human mind that is attuned
to its influence.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may find strength today in quietness. I pray that I may
be content today that God will take care of me.

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012

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Thoughts For The Day~*~ ^*^*^*^*^ Comfort ^*^*^ September 14, 2013

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~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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Comfort
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"When I am feeling depressed,
I repeat to myself statements such as these:
'Pain is the touchstone of progress.' . . . 'Fear no evil.' . . .
'This, too, will pass.' . . .
'This experience can be turned to benefit.'
These fragments of prayer bring far more than comfort.
They keep me on the track of right acceptance;
they break up my compulsive themes of guilt,
depression, rebellion, and pride;
and sometimes they endow me with the courage
to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference."
Bill W., AAGrapevine, March 1962
c. 1967AAWS, As Bill Sees It, p. 110
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Thought to Consider . . . 

God enters us through our wounds.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
H E L P =  Hope, Encouragement, Love, Patience.

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

Upkeep

From "Having Fun Yet":

"When my own house is in order, I find the different parts of my life are more manageable. Stripped from the guilt and remorse that cloaked my drinking years, I am free to assume my proper role in the universe, but this condition requires maintenance. I should stop and ask myself, Am I having fun yet? If I find answering that question difficult or painful, perhaps I'm taking myself too seriously and finding it difficult to admit that I've strayed from my practice of working the program to keep my house in order."

1990 AAWS, Inc.; Daily Reflections, pg. 31

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
PEACE OF MIND

Do we lay the matter before our sponsor or spiritual adviser,  earnestly asking God's help and guidance -- meanwhile resolving to do the right thing when it becomes clear, cost what it may?

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS pp.86-87

My belief in a Higher Power is an essential part of my work on Step Nine; forgiveness, timing, and right motives are the other ingredients.  My willingness to do the Step is a growing experience that opens the door for new and honest relationships with the people I have harmed.  My responsible action brings me closer to the spiritual principles of the program -- love and service.  Peace of mind, serenity, and a stronger faith are sure to follow.

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

The unique ability of each A.A. to identify himself with, and bring recovery to, the newcomer in no way depends upon his learning, his eloquence, or any special individual skills. The only thing that matters is that he is an alcoholic who has found a key to sobriety.

<<<>>>

In my first conversation with Dr. Bob, I bore down heavily on the medical hopelessness of his case, freely using Dr. Silkworth's words describing the alcoholic's dilemma, the "obsession plus allergy" theme. Though Bob was a doctor, this was news to him, bad news. And the fact that I was an alcoholic and knew what I was talking about from personal experience made the blow a shattering one. You see, our talk was a completely mutual thing. I had quit preaching. I knew that I needed this alcoholic as much as he needed me.

1. TWELVE AND TWELVE, pp. 150-151 - 2. A.A. COMES OF AGE, pp. 69-70
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"When we became alcoholics, crushed by a self-imposed crisis we could
not postpone or evade, we had to fearlessly face the proposition that
either God is everything or else He is nothing. God either is or He
isn't."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 53~

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

"How does A.A. grow? Some of us sell A.A. as we go about. Little clusters of twos and threes and five's keep springing up in different communities, through contact with the larger centers. Those of us who travel drop in at other groups as often as we can. This practice enables us to lend a hand to new groups which are springing up all over the land. New groups are being started each month. A.A. is even spreading outside the United States and is slowly becoming world-wide. Thus we grow." Am I doing all I can to spread A.A. wherever I go?

Meditation for the Day

"Lord, we believe. Help Thou our unbelief." This cry of the human heart is an expression of human frailty. It signifies the soul's sincere desire for progress. As a person feels the existence of God and His power, that person believes in Him more and more. At the same time, a person is more conscious of his falling short of absolute trust in God. The soul's progress is an increasing belief, then a cry for more faith, a plea to conquer all unbelief, all lack of trust. We can believe that that cry is heard by God and that prayer is answered in due time. And so our faith grows, little by little, day by day.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that with more power in my life will come more faith. I pray that I may come to trust God more each day.

 

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012

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Thoughts For The Day~*~Trouble ^*^*^ September 13, 2013

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~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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Trouble
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"There was a time when we ignored trouble,
hoping it would go away.
Or, in fear and in depression, we ran from it,
but found it was still with us.
Often, full of unreason, bitterness, and blame,
we fought back.
These mistaken attitudes, powered by alcohol,
guaranteed our destruction, unless they were altered.
Then came AA.
Here we learned that trouble was really a fact of life
for everybody --
a fact that had to be understood and dealt with.
Surprisingly, we found that our troubles could,
under God's grace, be converted into
unimagined blessings."
Bill W., Letter, 1966
c. 1967AAWS, As Bill Sees It, p. 110
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Thought to Consider . . .

Though adversity, we find strength.

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

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

Popular

From "When A.A. Came of Age":

"At this point the Cleveland Plain Dealer ran a series of pieces that ushered in a new period for Alcoholics Anonymous, the era of mass production of sobriety.

"Elrick B. Davis, a feature writer of deep understanding, was the author of a series of articles that were printed in the middle of the Plain Dealer's editorial page, and these were accompanied every two or three days by red-hot blasts from the editors themselves. In effect, the Plain Dealer was saying, "Alcoholics Anonymous is good, and it works. Come and get it."

"The newspaper's switchboard was deluged. Day and night, the calls were relayed to [early members] Clarence and Dorothy and from them to members of their little group."

2001 AAWS, Inc.; Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, pg. 20

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
REPAIRING THE DAMAGE

Good judgment, careful sense of timing, courage and prudence -
these are the qualities we shall need when we take Step Nine.

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 83

To make amends can be viewed two ways: first, that of repairing
damage, for if I have damaged my neighbor's fence, I "make a mend,"
and that is a direct amend; the second way is by modifying my
behavior, for if my actions have harmed someone. I make a daily
effort to cause no further harm. I "mend my ways," and that is an
indirect amend. Which is the best approach? The only right approach,
provided that I am causing no further harm in so doing, is to do
both. If harm is done, then I simply "mend my ways." To take action
in this manner assures me of making honest amends.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
*~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
A "Special" Experience?

I was the recipient of a tremendous mystic experience or "illumination," and at first it was very natural for me to feel that this experience staked me out as somebody very special.
But as I now look back upon this tremendous event, I can only feel very
grateful. It now seems clear that the only special features of my experience were its suddenness and the overwhelming and immediate conviction that it carried.
In all other respects, however, I am sure that my own experience was
essentially like that received by any A.A. member who has strenuously
practiced our recovery program. Surely, the grace he receives is also of God; the only difference is that he becomes aware of his gift more gradually.

GRAPEVINE, JULY 1962

*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*
"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. 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."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, Page 99~~
*~*~*~*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*~*~*~*
A.A. Thought for the Day

"No one is too discredited, nor has sunk too low, to be welcomed
cordially into A.A., if he or she means business. Social distinctions,
petty rivalries and jealousies are laughed out of countenance. Being
wrecked in the same vessel, being restored and united under one God,
with hearts and minds attuned to the welfare of others, the things
that matter so much to some people no longer signify much to us. In
A.A. we have true democracy and true brotherhood." Has A.A. taught
me to be truly democratic?

Meditation for the Day

When you call on God in prayer to help you overcome weakness, sorrow, pain, discord, and conflict, God never fails in some way to answer
the appeal. When you are in need of strength for yourself or for the
help of some other person, call on God in prayer. The power you need
will come simply, naturally, and forcefully. Pray to God not only
when you need help, but also just to commune with Him. The spirit of
prayer can alter an atmosphere from one of discord to one of
reconciliation. It will raise the quality of thought and word and
bring order out of chaos.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may bring peace where there is discord. I pray that I
may bring conciliation where there is conflict.

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012

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Thoughts For The Day~*~Destiny ^*^*^ September 12, 2013

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~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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Destiny
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"Yes, we are again citizens of the world.
It is a distraught world, very tired, very uncertain.
It has worshipped its own self-sufficiency --
and that has failed.
We AA's are a people who once did that very thing.
That philosophy failed us too.
So perhaps, here and there, our example of recovery can help.
As individuals, we have a responsibility,
maybe a *double responsibility*.
It may be that we have a date with destiny."
Bill W., October 1944
1988AA Grapevine, The Language of the Heart, p. 100
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Thought to Consider . . .

What if I were caring rather than judgmental?

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
A A  =  Altruistic Action

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

Decisions

From: "Look Before You Leap" 

Wise men and women rightly give a top rating to the virtue of prudence. They know that without this all important attribute little wisdom is to be had. 

Mere looking before we leap is not enough. If our looking is charged with fear, suspicion, or anger, we had better not have looked or acted at all.

 Letter, 1966 

We lose the fear of making decisions, great and small, as we realize that should our choice prove wrong we can, if we will, learn from the experience. Should our decision be the right one, we can thank God for giving us the courage and the grace that caused us so to act.

 Letter, 1966

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
I AM RESPONSIBLE

For the readiness to take the full consequences of our past acts, and to take responsibility for the well-being of others at the same time, is the very spirit of Step Nine.

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 87

In recovery, and through the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, I  learn that the very thing I fear is my freedom.  It comes from my tendency to recoil from taking responsibility for anything:  I deny, I ignore, I blame, I avoid.  Then one day, I look, I admit,  I accept.  The freedom, the healing and the recovery I experience is in the looking, admitting and accepting.  I learn to say, "Yes,  I am responsible."  When I can speak those words with honesty and sincerity, then I am free.

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

To reach more alcoholics, understanding of A.A. and public good will towards A.A. must go on growing everywhere. We need to be on still better terms with medicine, religion, employers, governments, courts, prisons, mental hospitals, and all enterprises in the alcoholism field. We need the increasing good will of editors, writers, television and radio channels. These publicity outlets need to be opened ever wider.

<<<>>>

Nothing matters more to A.A.'s future welfare than the manner in which we use the colossus of modern communication. Used unselfishly and well, it can produce results surpassing our present imagination.
Should we handle this great instrument badly, we shall be shattered by the ego manifestations of our own people? Against this peril, A.A. members' anonymity before the general public is our shield and our buckler.

1. TWELVE CONCEPTS, p. 52 - 2. GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER 1960
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"...we have ceased fighting anything or anyone, even alcohol."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 84~

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

"What draws newcomers to A.A. and gives them hope? They hear the
stories of men and women whose experiences tally with their own. The
expressions on the faces of the women, that undefinable something in
the eyes of the men, the stimulating atmosphere of the A.A. clubroom,
conspire to let them know that there is haven at last. The very
practical approach to their problems, the absence of intolerance of
any kind, the informality, the genuine democracy, the uncanny
understanding that these people in A.A. have is irresistible." Have
I found a real haven in A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

"If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." The
eye of the soul is the will. if your will is to do the will of God,
to serve Him with your life, to serve Him by helping others, then
truly shall your whole body be full of light. The important thing is
to strive to attune your will to the will of God, a single eye to
God's purpose, desiring nothing less than that His purposes be
fulfilled. Try to seek in all things the advance of His kingdom,
seek the spiritual values of honesty and purity, unselfishness and
love, and earnestly desire spiritual growth. Then your life will
emerge from the darkness of futility into the light of victory.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that my eye may be single. I pray that my life may be lived
in the light of the best that I know.

 

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012

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