Thoughts For The Day~*~ ^*^*^*^*^ Comfort ^*^*^ September 14, 2006

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
^*^*^*^*^
(\    ~~  /)
(   \ (AA)/   )
(_   /AA\ _)
  /AA\
^*^*^*^*^
Comfort
^*^*^
"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
^*^*^*^*^

Thought to Consider . . . 

God enters us through our wounds.

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

*~*~*~*~*^Just For Today!^*~*~*~*~*
 

 Family

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

At the Convention "Family Group speakers asked and answered plenty of questions like these: 'Weren't we just as powerless over alcohol as the alcoholics themselves?' . . . 'Weren't we often filled with just as much bitterness and self-pity as the alcoholic had ever been?' . . . 'After the first tremendous relief and happiness which resulted when A.A. came along, hadn't we often slipped back into secret and deep hurt that A.A. had done the job and we hadn't?' . . . 'Not realizing that alcoholism is an illness, hadn't we taken sides with the kids against the drinking member? . . . No wonder, then, that when sobriety came, the emotional benders in our homes often went right on and sometimes got worse.' . . .

"'We thought A.A.'s Twelve Steps were wonderful for alcoholics, but didn't think we had to take them too seriously. After all, we had been doing our best. There was nothing wrong with us. . . .

"'But when the Family Groups were formed, these notions and attitudes began to change, and the change was mainly in us. The transformation really set in when we began to practice A.A.'s Twelve Steps in daily living, in all our affairs, and in the company of those who were able to understand our problems as no alcoholic partner could.'"

© 2001 AAWS, Inc.; Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, pgs. 33-34

*~*~*~*~*^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 ^*~*~*~*~*

"As each member of a resentful family begins to see his shortcomings
and admits them to the others, he lays a basis for helpful
discussion. These family talks will be constructive if they can be
carried on without heated argument, self-pity, self-justification or
resentful criticism."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 127~

*~*~*~*^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, 2006

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
^*^*^*^*^
(\    ~~  /)
(   \ (AA)/   )
(_   /AA\ _)
  /AA\
^*^*^*^*^
Trouble
^*^*^
"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
^*^*^*^*^

Thought to Consider . . .

Though adversity, we find strength.

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

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

Choose

From "The Man Who Mastered Fear":

"I went into Ralph's room one evening and told him the truth. . . . He might have handed me fifty dollars and said that I ought to pull myself together and make a new start. I have thanked God many times in the last sixteen years that that was just what he did not do.

"Instead, he got dressed, took me out, bought me three or four double shots, and put me to bed. The next day he turned me over to a couple who, although neither was an alcoholic, knew Dr. Bob and were willing to drive me to Akron where they would turn me over to his care. The only stipulation they made was this: I had to make the decision myself."

© 2001 AAWS, Inc., Fourth Edition; Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 249

*~*~*~*~*^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, 2006

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
^*^*^*^*^
(\    ~~  /)
(   \ (AA)/   )
(_   /AA\ _)
  /AA\
^*^*^*^*^
Destiny
^*^*^
"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
c. 1988AA Grapevine, The Language of the Heart, p. 100
^*^*^*^*^

Thought to Consider . . .

What if I were caring rather than judgmental?

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

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

Distinctions

Step Nine: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

"The making of direct amends divides those we should approach into several classes. There will be those who ought to be dealt with just as soon as we become reasonably confident that we can maintain our sobriety. There will be those to whom we can make only partial restitution, lest complete disclosures do them or others more harm than good. There will be other cases where action ought to be deferred, and still others in which by the very nature of the situation we shall never be able to make direct personal contact at all."

© 1952, AAWS, Inc.; Printed 2005; Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pg. 83

*~*~*~*~*^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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Thoughts For The Day~*~Diagnosis ^*^*^ September 11, 2006

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
^*^*^*^*^
(\    ~~  /)
(   \ (AA)/   )
(_   /AA\ _)
  /AA\
^*^*^*^*^
Diagnosis
^*^*^
"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 a 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 case of the jitters if you get a
full knowledge of your condition."
c. 1976, Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 31-2
^*^*^*^*^
Thought to Consider . . .
I have learned that I did not get here a day early
or a drink short.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
Y A N A  =  You Are Not Alone

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

Character

From "How It Works":

"Our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making. They arise out of ourselves, and the alcoholic is an extreme example of self-will run riot, though he usually doesn't think so. Above everything, we alcoholics must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it kills us! God makes that possible. And there often seems no way of entirely getting rid of self without His aid. Many of us had moral and philosophical convictions galore, but we could not live up to them even though we would have liked to. Neither could we reduce our self-centeredness much by wishing or trying on our own power. We had to have God's help."

© 2001 AAWS, Inc., Fourth Edition; Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 62

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
MAKING AMENDS

Above all, we should try to be absolutely sure that we are not delaying because we are afraid.

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS,  p. 87

To have courage, to be unafraid, are gifts of my recovery.  They empower me to ask for help and to go forth in making my amends with a sense of dignity and humility.  Making amends may require a certain amount of honesty that I feel I lack, yet with the help of God and the wisdom of others, I can reach within and find the strength to act.  My amends may be accepted, or they may not, but after they are completed I can walk with a sense of freedom and know that, for today, I am responsible.

©Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.©
*~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
Satisfactions of Right Living

How wonderful is the feeling that we do not have to be specially
distinguished among our fellows in order to be useful and profoundly happy.
Not many of us can be leaders of prominence, nor do we wish to be.
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 fact that in God's sight all human
beings are important, the proof that love freely given brings a full return,
the certainty that we are no longer isolated and alone in self-constructed
prisons, the surety that we can fit and belong in God's scheme of things -
these are the satisfactions of right living for which no pomp and
circumstance, no heap of material possessions, could possibly be substitutes.

TWELVE AND TWELVE, p. 124
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*
Men and women drink essentially because they like the effect
produced by alcohol. The sensation is so elusive that, while they
admit it is injurious, they cannot after a time differentiate the
true from the false. To them, their alcoholic life seems the only
normal one. They are restless, irritable and discontented, unless
they can again experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes
at once by taking a few drinks—drinks which they see others
taking with impunity."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Doctor's Opinion, pg. xxviii~
*~*~*~*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*~*~*~*
A.A. Thought for the Day

Continuing the answers to the question of how a person can live
without liquor and be happy, we say: "You will be bound to the other
A.A.s with new and wonderful ties, for you and they will escape
disaster together and all will commence shoulder to shoulder the
common journey to a better and more satisfactory life. You will know
what it means to give of yourself that others may survive and
rediscover life. You will become happy, respected, and useful once
more. Since these things have happened to us, they can happen to
you." Have these things happened to me?

Meditation for the Day

God manifests Himself in human lives as strength to overcome evil
and power to resist temptation. The grace of God is that power which
enables a human being to change from a useless, hopeless individual
to a useful, normal person. God also manifests Himself as love-love
for other people, compassion for their problems, and a real
willingness to help them. The grace of God also manifests itself as
peace of mind and serenity of character. We can have plenty of power,
love, and serenity in our lives if we are willing to ask God for
these things each day.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may see God's grace in the strength I receive, the love
I know, and the peace I have. I pray that I may be grateful for the
things I have received through the grace of God.

©Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012©

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