Thoughts For The Day~*~Surrender ^*^*^ December 27

*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*
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(    /AA\ )
   /AA\
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Surrender

Such is the paradox of AA regeneration: strength arising out of complete defeat and weakness, the loss of one's old  life as a condition for finding a new one. But we of AA do not have to understand that paradox; we have only to be  grateful for it. 
Bill W.
c. 1957, 1985 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, p. 46
^*^*^*^*^
Thought to Consider . . . .

We surrender to win

*~*AACRONYMS*~*

K I S S  =  Keep It Simple, Surrender 

*~*^Just For Today!^*~*
 

Autonomy

From "When A.A. Came of Age"

"Some may think that we have carried the principle of group autonomy to extremes. . . . "But this ultra-liberty is not so risky as it looks. In the end the innovators would have to adopt A.A. principles  "at least some of them"  in order to remain sober at all.  If, on the other hand, they found something better than A.A., or if they were able to improve on our methods, then in all probability we would adopt what they discovered for general use everywhere. This sort of liberty also prevents A.A. from becoming a frozen set of dogmatic principles that could not be changed even when obviously wrong."  Bill W., 1959

2001 AAWS, Inc.; Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, pgs. 104-05

*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*

PROBLEM SOLVING

"Quite as important was the discovery that spiritual principles would solve all my problems."
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.  42

Through the recovery process described in the Big Book, I have come to realize that the same instructions that work on my alcoholism, work on much more.  Whenever I am angry or frustrated, I consider the matter a manifestation of the main problem within me, alcoholism.  As I "walk" through the Steps, my difficulty is usually dealt with long before I reach the Twelfth "suggestion," and those difficulties that persist are remedied when I make an effort to carry the message to someone else.  These principles do solve my problems!  I have not encountered an exception, and I have been brought to a way of living which is satisfying and useful.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.

*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*

Life Is Not a Dead End

When a man or a woman has a spiritual awakening, the most important meaning of it is that he has now become able to do, feel, and believe that which he could not do before on his unaided strength and resources alone. He has been granted a gift which amounts to a new state of consciousness and being. He has been set on a path which tells him he is really going somewhere, that life is not a dead end, not something to be endured or mastered. In a very real sense he has been transformed, because he has laid hold of a source of strength which he had hitherto denied himself.
TWELVE AND TWELVE, PP. 106-107

*~*^Big Book Quote^*~*

"We do not like to pronounce any individual as alcoholic, but you can quickly diagnose yourself, Step over to the  nearest barroom and try some controlled drinking. Try to drink and stop abruptly. Try it more than once. It will not take long for you to decide, if you are honest with yourself about it. It may be worth a bad case of jitters if you get a full knowledge of your condition."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 31~
 
*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*

A.A. Thought for the Day

I need the A.A. principles for the development of the buried life within me, that good life, which I had misplaced, but which I found again in this fellowship. This life within me is developing slowly but surely, with many setbacks, many mistakes, many failures, but still developing. As long as I stick close to A.A., my life will go on developing, and I cannot yet know what it will be, but I know that it will be good. That's all I want to know. It will be good. Am I thanking God for A.A.? 

Meditation for the Day

Build your life on the firm foundation of true gratitude to God for all His blessings and true humility because of your unworthiness of these blessings. Build the frame of your life out of self-discipline; never let yourself get selfish or lazy or contented with yourself. Build the walls of your life out of service to others, helping them to find the way to live. Build the roof of your life out of prayer and quiet times, waiting for God's guidance from above. Build a garden around your life out of peace of mind and serenity and a sure faith. 

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may build my life on A.A. principles. I pray that it may be a good building when my work is finished.
Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012

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Thoughts For The Day~*~Broad Highway ^*^*^ December 26

*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*
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(    /AA\ )
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Broad Highway

We can only clear the ground a bit. If our testimony helps sweep away prejudice, enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself, then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway.  With this attitude you cannot fail. The consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you. 
c. 1976, 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 55
^*^*^*^*^
Thought to Consider . . . 

The joy is in the journey, so enjoy the ride

*~*AACRONYMS*~*

F A I T H =  Fantastic Adventures In Trusting Him. 

*~*^Just For Today!^*~*

Alike

From "The Missing Link"

"They opened a book and read a chapter titled 'Step Seven.' After the reading, they went around the table for comments, and for the first time in my life, I found myself surrounded by people I could really relate with. I no longer felt as if I was a major misfit, because here was a roomful of people who felt precisely as I did, and a major weight had been lifted. I happened to be in the last chair around the table to speak and, confused by the reading, all I could say was, 'What the heck are shortcomings?'"

2001 AAWS, Inc., Fourth Edition; Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 286

*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*

ACCEPTING SUCCESS OR FAILURE

Furthermore, how shall we come to terms with seeming failure or success?  Can we now accept and adjust to either without despair or pride?  Can we accept poverty, sickness, loneliness, and bereavement with courage and serenity?  Can we steadfastly content ourselves with the humbler, yet sometimes more durable, satisfactions when the brighter, more glittering achievements are denied us?
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.  112

After I found A.A. and stopped drinking, it took a while before I understood why the First Step contained two parts: my powerlessness over alcohol, and my life's manageability.  In the same way, I believed for a long time that, in order to be in tune with the Twelve Steps, it was enough for me "to carry this message to alcoholics."  That was rushing things.  I was forgetting that there were a total of Twelve Steps and that the Twelfth Step also had more than one part.  Eventually I learned that it was necessary for me to "practice these principles" in all areas of my life.  In working all the Steps thoroughly, I not only stay sober and help someone else to achieve sobriety, but also I transform my difficulty with living into a joy of living.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.

*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*

A Higher Power for Atheists

I have had many experiences with atheists, mostly good. Everybody in A.A. has the right to his own opinion. It is much better to maintain an open and tolerant society than it is to suppress any small disturbances their opinions might occasion. Actually, 1 don't know of anybody who went off and died of alcoholism because of some atheist's opinions on the cosmos. "But I do always entreat these folks to look to a 'Higher Power' -namely, their own group. When they come in, most of their A.A. group is sober, and they are drunk. Therefore, the group is a 'Higher Power.' That's a good enough start, and most of them do progress from there. I know how they feel, because I was once that way myself."
LETTER, 1962

*~*^Big Book Quote^*~*

"...the actual or potential alcoholic, with hardly an exception, will be absolutely unable to stop drinking on the  basis of self knowledge. This is a point we wish to emphasize and re-emphasize, to smash home upon our alcoholic  readers as it has been revealed to us out of bitter experience."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, More About Alcoholism, pg. 39~

*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*

A.A. Thought for the Day

I am glad to be a part of A.A., of that great fellowship that is spreading over the United States and all over the world. I am only one of the many A.A.'s, but I am one. I am grateful to be living at this time, when I can help A.A. to grow, when it needs me to put my shoulder to the wheel and help keep the movement going. I am glad to be able to be useful, to have a reason for living, a purpose in life. I want to lose my life in this great cause and so find it again. Am I grateful to be an A.A.? 

Meditation for the Day

These meditations can teach us how to relax. We can be of service to other people in a small way, at least. And we can be happy while doing it. We should not worry too much about people we cannot help. We can make it a habit to leave the outcome of the things we do to the Higher Power. We can go along through life doing the best we can, but without a feeling of urgency or strain. We can enjoy all the good things and the beauty of life, but at the same time depend deeply on God. 

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may give my life to this worthwhile cause. I pray that I may enjoy the satisfaction that comes from good work well done.

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center

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Thoughts For The Day~*~Right Living ^*^*^ December 25

Visit AA Night Before Christmas

*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*
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(   \  (AA/   )
(    /AA\ )
   /AA\
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Right Living

Service, gladly rendered, obligations squarely met, troubles well accepted or solved with God's help. The  knowledge that at home or in the world outside we are partners in a common effort, the well-understood fact that  in God's sight all human beings are important, the proof that love freely given surely brings a full return, the  certainty that we are no longer isolated and alone in self-constructed prisons, the surety that we need no longer be  square pegs in round holes but can fit and belong in God's scheme of things -- these are the permanent and  legitimate satisfactions of right living for which no amount of pomp and circumstance, no heap of material possessions, could possibly be substitutes.  

c. 1952 AAWS, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 124

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Thought to Consider . . .

The peaks and valleys of my life have become gentle rolling hills.

*~*AACRONYMS*~*

B E S T  =  Been Enjoying Sobriety Today?

*~*^Just For Today!^*~*

Initiation

Step Twelve: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."

"There are as many definitions of spiritual awakening as there are people who have had them. But certainly each genuine one has something in common with all the others. And these things which they have in common are not too hard to understand. When a man or a woman has a spiritual awakening, the most important meaning of it is that he has now become able to do, feel, and believe that which he could not do before on his unaided strength and resources alone."

1952, AAWS, Inc.; Printed 2005; Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pg. 107

*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*

AT PEACE WITH LIFE

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."
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.  85

I read this passage each morning, to start off my day, because it is a continual reminder to "practice these principles in all my affairs." When I keep God's will at the forefront of my mind, I am able to do what I should be doing, and that puts me at peace with life, with myself and with God.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.

*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*

A Vision of the Whole

"Though many of us have had to struggle for sobriety, never yet has this Fellowship had to struggle for lost unity. Consequently, we sometimes take this one great gift for granted. We forget that, should we lose our unity, the millions of alcoholics who still 'do not know' might never get their chance."

<<<>>>

"We used to be skeptical about large A.A. gatherings like conventions, thinking they might prove too exhibitionistic. But, on balance, their benefit is huge. While each A.A.'s interest should center principally in those about him and upon his own group, it is both necessary and desirable that we all get a larger vision of the whole.

"The General Service Conference in New York also produces this effect upon those who attend. It is a vision-stretching process."

1. LETTER, 1949 - 2. LETTER, 1956

*~*^Big Book Quote^*~*

"Much to our relief, we discovered we did not need to consider another's conception of God. Our own conception,  however inadequate, was sufficient to make the approach and to effect a contact with Him. As soon as we admitted  the possible existence of a Creative Intelligence, a Spirit of the Universe underlying the totality of things, we began  to be possessed of a new sense of power and direction, provided we took other simple steps." 

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 46~

*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*

A.A. Thought for the Day

Many alcoholics will be saying today: "This is a good Christmas for me." They will be looking back over past Christmases which were not like this one. They will be thanking God for their sobriety and their new-found life. They will be thinking about how their lives were changed when they came into A.A. They will be thinking that perhaps God let them live through all the hazards of their drinking careers, when they were perhaps often close to death, in order that they might be used by Him in the great work of A.A. Is this a happy Christmas for me? 

Meditation for the Day

The kingdom of heaven is also for the lowly, the sinners, the repentant. "And they presented unto Him gifts-gold, frankincense, and myrrh." Bring your gifts of gold-your money and material possessions. Bring your frankincense-the consecration of your life to a worthy cause. Bring your myrrh-your sympathy and understanding and help. Lay them all at the feet of God and let Him have full use of them. 

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be truly thankful on this Christmas Day. I pray that I may bring my gifts and lay them on the altar.

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012

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Thoughts For The Day~*~Certainty ^*^*^ December 24

Visit     AA Night Before Christmas

*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*

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(\    ~~  /)
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(    /AA\ )
   /AA\

  ^*^*^*^*^

Certainty

The great fact is just this, and nothing less: 

That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences 

which have  revolutionized our whole attitude 

toward life, toward our fellows, and toward God's universe. 

The central fact of  our lives today is the absolute certainty 

that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives 

in a way which is  indeed miraculous. 

He has commenced to accomplish those things for us 

which we could never do by ourselves. 

c. 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 25

^*^*^*^*^

Thought to Consider . . . 

I stood in the sunlight at last.

*~*AACRONYMS*~*

Y A N A =  You Are Not Alone.

*~*^Just For Today!^*~*

Aid

From "A Vision for You"

"God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order."

2001 AAWS, Inc., Fourth Edition; Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 164

*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*

A "SANE AND HAPPY USEFULNESS"

We have come to believe He would like us to keep our heads in the clouds with Him, but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth.  That is where our fellow travelers are, and that is where our work must be done.  These are the realities for us.  We have found nothing incompatible between a powerful spiritual experience and alife of sane and happy usefulness.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.  130 

All the prayer and meditation in the world will not help me unless they are accompanied by action.  Practicing the principles in all my affairs shows me the care that God takes in all parts of my life.  God appears in my world when I move aside, and allow Him to step into it.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.

*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*

Giving Without Demand

Watch any A.A. of six months working with a Twelfth Step prospect. If the newcomer says, "To the devil with you," the twelfth-stepper only smiles and finds another alcoholic to help. He doesn't feel frustrated or rejected. If his next drunk responds, and in turn starts to give love and attention to other sufferers, yet gives none back to him, the sponsor is happy about it anyway. He still doesn't feel rejected; instead he rejoices that his former prospect is sober and happy. 

And he well knows that his own life has been made richer, as an extra dividend of giving to another without any demand for a return.

GRAPEVINE,

 JANUARY 1958 

Copyright®1967 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. 

*~*^Big Book Quote^*~*

"Now we go out to our fellows and repair the damage done in the 

past. We attempt to sweep away the debris which  has accumulated out 

of our effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves. If we 

haven't the will to do this,  we ask until it comes. Remember it was 

agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over 

alcohol."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg.76~

*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*

A.A. Thought for the Day

We have been given a new life just because we happened to become alcoholics. We certainly don't deserve the new life that has been given us. There is little in our past to warrant the life we have now. Many people live good lives from their youth on, not getting into serious trouble, being well adjusted to life, and yet they have not found all that we drunks have found. We had the good fortune to find Alcoholics Anonymous and with it a new life. We are among the lucky few in the world who have learned a new way to live. Am I deeply grateful for the new life that I have learned in AA.? 

Meditation for the Day

A deep gratitude to the Higher Power for all the blessings that we have and that we don't deserve has come to us. We thank God and mean it. Then comes service to other people, out of gratitude for what we have received. This entails some sacrifice of ourselves and our own affairs. But we are glad to do it. Gratitude, service, and then sacrifice are the steps that lead to good A.A. work. They open the door to a new life for us.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may gladly serve others out of deep gratitude for what I have received. I pray that I may keep a deep sense of obligation. 

Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012

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