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There is a solution.
(Preview)
One of the greatest messages that AA carries is that despite who I am, or how I feel, or what happened to me, I can still get well and lead a normal life. This is what encouraged me to stay and embark on the 12 step program. It did not require strength but a willingness to do the suggested program. The 12 step p...
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gonee
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When they take your smile away they might just as well shoot you
(Preview)
Today's thought from Hazelden is: When they take your smile away they might just as well shoot you. --Violet Hensley Violet is one big smile. And it's not the result of having an easy life. On the contrary, she has worked doubly hard all her life to support her family. However, she has a joyful attitude...
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Larry_H
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When is it time to go?
(Preview)
How do you know when its time to leave a relationship? How much should you give? You love the person so much, and you want to share your life(you are co-dependent)they are a recovering alcoholic. You have had extremely bad relationships with abusive alcoholics, and have serious trust issues. The per...
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slinkers32
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It's usually very difficult for us to bring balance into our lives
(Preview)
Today's thought from Hazelden is: Whatever men attempt, they seem driven to overdo. --Bernard Baruch It's usually very difficult for us to bring balance into our lives. We may find it hard not to put in overtime at work. We may be obsessed about housework or yard work to the extent that we work long hou...
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Larry_H
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Daily Reflections ~ Listening Deeply & 24hrs a Day (filling in for Sobrietyspell)
(Preview)
Daily Reflections LISTENING DEEPLY, p.226 How persistently we claim the right to decide all by ourselves just what we shall think and just how we shall act. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 37 If I accept and act upon the advice of those who have made the program work for themselves, I have a chan...
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Larry_H
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There Is a Way to Get Along With People:
(Preview)
(Saw this in my district newsletter, it was reprinted from the Grapevine. Love it!) There Is a Way to Get Along With People: 1. You must not try to dominate the group: See the truth in the other person's position rather than to be always trying to get your position across.2. You must not tr...
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FlyingSquirrel
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~ As Bill Sees It: Hope Born From Hopelessness ~
(Preview)
P. 217 Letter to Dr. Carl Jung: "Most conversion experiences, whatever their variety, do have a common denominator of ego collapse at depth. The individual faces an impossible dilemma. "In my case the dilemma had been created by my compulsive drinking, and the deep feeling of hopeless...
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FlyingSquirrel
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A well needed rest!
(Preview)
My wife,daughter and son in law heading out to Jersey Shore for 3 days to chill,renew our physical and spiritual beings as last 9 months have had many challenges for us.Our house sale has finally had final commitment since Nov last year and should have closing in a week or 2.Living between 2 places sinc...
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mikef
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The most important move is to begin
(Preview)
Today's thought from Hazelden is: The most important move is to begin. We begin weaving by stringing vertical threads on a loom to form the foundation of a new cloth. Then horizontal threads are interlaced back and forth, and we create a fabric. As the cloth begins to form, new possibilities open befo...
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Larry_H
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I needed a program.
(Preview)
When I came to AA I needed a program. I already had money, clothing, shelter and food. I needed a power by which I could live. By this time all my resources had failed me. I could not stop drinking. It was either the asylum or death. In the terrible depressive state that I was in, God had sent a very kind man to...
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gonee
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Finally not thinking about alcohol at bedtime
(Preview)
Hi all, Half the reason I post here is because I think what I have to say might be useful to someone reading these posts for the first time and thinking about quitting alcohol. So I just wanted to share that after almost 6 months in AA, I just realized that I'm not thinking about alcohol every night any more...
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TwelveSteps
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Happy Bellybutton Birthday Susie!
(Preview)
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StPeteDean
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An open book study???
(Preview)
Last night was our group conscience meeting at my home group. My group recently started a book study on Tuesday nights. It's being chaired by a relatively new woman to the program who also chairs our Monday night meeting. Since she became involved in our group (who have been around for 30 years) she...
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Reffner
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Screwing Up The Readings
(Preview)
If you've been around for very long, you've probably heard some pretty funny gaffes while doing the readings at meetings - some of them intentional, some not. Aside from the 200 different ways to pronounce "anonymity", here are some funny ones I've heard: "Sought through prayer a...
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barisax
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I need help please! Is my boyfriend a binge drinker?
(Preview)
I've never posted anything so personal online before but I am desperate and have nowhere else to turn. I've been dating this man for about 9 months and before we started dating I had heard he had an issue with drinking. 2 DUI's, relationship issues, etc. By the time we started dating, he assured me that...
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maxsmom
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Crazy Dreams!!!
(Preview)
Okay, withdrawl from Benzos sucks but the DREAMS are absolue horror-show! (and I kinda like horror movies ) When you were a kid, did you ever use a board & a fulcrum to "pitch" yourself a ball for practice hitting? I did. But this time it was small bunnies. Little critters wouldn't stay o...
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Aquaman
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Daily Reflections ~ Seeds of Faith & 24hrs a Day (Filling in for Sobrietyspell)
(Preview)
Daily Reflections SEEDS OF FAITH Faith, to be sure, is necessary, but faith alone can avail nothing. We can have faith, yet keep God out of our lives. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 34 As a child I constantly questioned the existence of God. To a "scientific thinker" like me, no ans...
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Larry_H
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~ As Bill Sees It: After The "Honeymoon" ~
(Preview)
P. 216 "For most of us, the first years of A.A. are something like a honeymoon. There is a new and potent reason to stay alive, joyful activity aplenty. For a time, we are diverted from the main life problems. That is all to the good. "But when the honeymoon has worn off, we are obliged to tak...
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FlyingSquirrel
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God exists...
(Preview)
In that 3 seconds between what triggers me and how I respond to it. Sometimes I can sit in a meeting and enjoy another member opening my journal and reading old lessons. Isn't this a joy. I went to a morning Attitude Adjustment group this AM and that share was given by the first member to speak and my eld...
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Jerry F
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P.A.W.S?
(Preview)
Hi,just joined today and this is my first post. I'm 73 days sober (the longest I've been without a drink since childhood!), and am doing pretty well mentally, not craving. I'm physically struggling though and wonder if anyone shares similar experience. I'm feeling very physically tired, in my musc...
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aneleh
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Believing in Myself
(Preview)
I'm going to do alot of paraphrasing here, in order to shorten it and highlight the spots I felt most applicable. Come forth into the light of things. Let Nature be your teacher~ William Wordsworth " Can you imagine people getting mad at a tree for dropping leaves? We do it all the time. Foolish as i...
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Wren
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Happy Bellybutton Birthday Lexie!
(Preview)
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StPeteDean
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How do you tell your sponsor you don't want them as a sponsor anymore?
(Preview)
How is the best way to do this politely? Thanks.
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Give me strength
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~ As Bill Sees It: Constructive Workouts ~
(Preview)
"As Bill Sees It", p. 215 There are those in A.A. whom we call "destructive" critics. They power-drive, they are "politickers," they make accusations to gain their ends -- all for the good of A.A., of course! But we have learned that these folks need not be really d...
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FlyingSquirrel
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What other sites or forums do you visit daily?
(Preview)
Just curious to other AA related or not sites that you have to check at least once a day.. I visit this, tmz, btnhboard, facebook, hotmail, wrestlinginc, and craigslist. Also jesus-is-savior.com when I have free time to read...
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SoberSteve
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Daily Reflections ~ To Be Of Service & 24hrs a Day (Filling in for Sobrietyspell)
(Preview)
Daily Reflections . . .TO BE OF SERVICE Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 77 It is clear that God's plan for me is expressed through love. God loved me enough to take me from alleys and jails so that I could be made a useful...
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Larry_H
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~ As Bill Sees It: p. 214 ~
(Preview)
Hmmmm looks like it's been over a year since anyone posted a daily "As Bill Sees It" here... I would like to take that on for awhile, starting with p. 214 since it's the 214th day of the year. ----- Only Try In my teens, I had to be an athlete because I was not an athlete. I had to be a musician becau...
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FlyingSquirrel
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The Programme
(Preview)
How long, on avarage do you think it should take to complete the steps?......And what about step 4, how do you know what to include or leave out? I was just reading on another thread how we should "keep it simple", sometimes I think I dwell on things too much, or analyse stuff to death. S...
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brandysnap
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Nightlight
(Preview)
....each cycle of the tide is valid, each cycle of the wave is valid; each cycle of a relationship is valid. ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh Any photograph will show us a moment frozen in time. Forever after, anyone who views that picture will see that moment as it was. Many things in our lives have cycles. Nothi...
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Wren
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More of the same gets more of the same
(Preview)
Today's thought from Hazelden is: At 70, my dad is just like he was at 35 - only more so. It's frightening that the same thing could happen to me. --Jerry Z. More of the same gets more of the same. What we were given to practice, we practiced. What we practiced, we became. What we became, we are continuing t...
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Larry_H
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Daily Reflections ~ Becoming Willing & 24hrs a Day (Filling in for Sobrietyspell)
(Preview)
WE BECOME WILLING. . . . . At the moment we are trying to put our lives in order. But this is not an end in itself. ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS , p. 77 How easily I can become misdirected in approaching the Eighth Step! I wish to be free, somehow transformed by my Sixth and Seventh Step work. Now, more than ever, I am v...
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Larry_H
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414
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Hi All,,, always SOMETHING lol...
(Preview)
Good stuff, got to 6 meetings this past week, gave 2 different women rides to mtgs, went out for "after the meeting meeting" several times, and just all around stayed on track. Then realized I had not been calling my sponsor much!! argh, always something!! Well, she was off on vacation the w...
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jonijoni1
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Not sure I "belong" here.
(closed)
(Preview)
Hi, First off, from the tiny bit that I know of AA, I'm pretty sure that you kind folks will be quick to reassure me that everyone belongs here, and I do appreciate the openheartedness. Maybe knowing that is why I'm reaching out to you. Here's the thing: I can't imagine that I'm an alcoholic. I don't ne...
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EMx2
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41
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Newbie
(Preview)
Hey. New member. Picked up my 24 Hour Chip yesterday. Two meetings in. Just finished reading Living Sober. I'll pick up the Big Book tonight. First time in awile I ever remember being so honest with myself. Anyways, 'nough rambling.
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whodathunkit
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1124
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MAKE YESTERDAY YOUR FRIEND!
(Preview)
Morning Everyone! It never ceases to amaze me how a spiritual message comes depicting the exact spot I'm in at that point, I don't believe in coincidences so I just offer praise. This mornings spiritual message talks of 'Making friends with yesterday",Forgiveness, so we can go forward. Nine d...
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mikef
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4
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630
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The winds of grace are blowing all the time. You have only to raise your sail
(Preview)
Today's thought from Hazelden is: The winds of grace are blowing all the time. You have only to raise your sail. --Sri Ramakrishna If God seems far away, who moved? At the center of our being a fullness of life exists that wants to flow through us as vitality, love, harmony, happiness, and success. Why...
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Larry_H
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Love is an expression and assertion of self-esteem. . . .
(Preview)
Today's thought from Hazelden is: Love is an expression and assertion of self-esteem. . . . --Ayn Rand How easily we love others when we feel self-assured, when we're comfortable in our chosen work, with our families and friends, with our directions in life. But the way isn't always smooth, nor shou...
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Larry_H
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4 Days sober and found a sponsor
(Preview)
So I started attending daily meetings Saturday, and even went to two yesterday. I am really serious about getting a life back, and found a sponsor to help me stay sober as well. Ive been reading The Grapevine, watching movies on recovery and going to lots of meetings. What else has helped you guys stay s...
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KPie
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In recovery, many of us still fear problems
(Preview)
Today's thought from Hazelden is: I ask that You might help me work through all my problems, to Your Glory and Honor. --Alcoholics Anonymous Many of us lived in situations where it wasn't okay to identify, have, or talk about problems. Denial became a way of life - our way of dealing with problems. In...
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Larry_H
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2
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The smell of alcohol on someone's breath.....
(Preview)
my husband still drinks. he used to be a very heavy drinker when i met him, so we drank a lot. it appears he is not an alcoholic . he thinks my being an alcoholic is a 'weakness' not a disease. Anyway, i can barely stand the smell of beer on his breath. it is such a horrible smell now... and also, my n...
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jj
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year 1, 2, 3...sayings
(Preview)
I've heard a bunch of supposed time lines of recovery and I am sure none of this is written in stone...however: It was told to me that year 1 would be learning to live sober, year 2 would be learning about self, and year 3 would be learning to live with others. I can see this progression to an extent. Year...
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pinkchip
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1223
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Ungrateful
(Preview)
Dear Lord, I have forgotten your grace that you have given me, when in my depths of depression and alcoholism you had shown me mercy and kindness, by sending someone from AA to lift me up from my own gutter. You cleaned me up and gave me a brand new life. In return I have blamed you for all my woes, which my ego...
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gonee
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What makes it a good meeting?
(Preview)
I went to my first meeting. Well, first in 10 years that is. I have to say, I was very disappointed and am feeling even more like I need to go to treatment, although maybe it was just not such a great group, for me that is. There were roughly10 people there. One man had been sober for about 25 years, and an...
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Danielle72
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Anyone got a extra copy of "Living Sober" they can lend me?
(Preview)
I really want to read this book but cant find it locally and am short on funds... thanks
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SoberSteve
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I'm a total noobie
(Preview)
Hello. My name is Tick and I'm an alcoholic
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thetick
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New Sponsor!
(Preview)
Perfect fit! Lots in common AND guess what? Today...He called ME just to see what was up! I feel more secure in The Program now that I have a guide that I trust. Peace, Rob
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Aquaman
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Happy Sober Day!
(Preview)
Hey, my Big Beautiful Sobervibers! Just checking in with you all to let you know I'm away for a few days so may not be able to post the dailies. Of course, any one of you can take it upon yourselves if you wish. I'm away until Thursday & working Friday/Saturday. If I can work out how to do it from my mobile...
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Sobrietyspell
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Daily Reflections ~ Living It & 24hrs a Day
(Preview)
The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83 When new in the program, I couldn't comprehend living the spiritual aspect of the program, but now that I'm sober, I can't comprehend living without it. Spirituality was what I had been seeking. God, as I understand Him...
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Sobrietyspell
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Hey, I just found out the meaning of life!
(Preview)
Ok, maybe not, but I had a nice little thought while meditating by the river yesterday. Let's say, just for the sake of argument, that life is just a gift from a loving God. Well, when I give a gift, why do I do that? If it's really a gift, freely given with no motivation other than love, first of all I'm not ex...
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FlyingSquirrel
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Nightlight
(Preview)
A satisfied flower is one whose petals are about to fall. The most beautiful rose is one hardly more than a bud wherein the pangs and ecstacies of desire are working for larger and finer growth~ Carl Sandburg Every one of us in the program is a flower in a beautiful garden. The ones who move down the road of...
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Wren
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