We're so glad to be free from liquor that we do something about it. We get into action. We come to meetings regularly. We go out and try to help other alcoholics. We pass on the good news whenever we get a chance. In a spirit of thankfulness to God, we get into action. The A.A. program is simple. Submit yourself to God, find release from liquor, and get into action. Do these things and keep doing them and you're all set for the rest of your life. Have I got into action?
Meditation for the Day ~
God's eternal quest must be the tracking down of souls. You should join Him in His quest. Through briars, through waste places, through glades, up mountain heights, down into valleys. God leads you. But ever with His leadership goes your helping hand. Glorious to follow where the Leader goes. You are seeking lost sheep. You are bringing the good news into places where it has not been known before. You may not know which soul you will help, but you can leave all results to God. Just go with Him in His eternal quest for souls.
Prayer for the Day ~
I pray that I may follow God in His eternal quest for souls. I pray that I may offer God my helping hand.
Hazelden
A bit evangelical & abstract this one but I'm sure we can figure it out with a God or Higher Power of our own understanding. Sorry for the add on. I didn't want to just blindly write it out as if it represented all my own beliefs. For the most part I really enjoy this little book even though it's not strictly speaking A.A. I hope I'm not in violation of any A.A. traditions. I like to write out these daily posts. They help to keep me sober. Thanks for letting me have the space to do so. Much appreciated, thankyou. Have a Happy Sober Day, Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
As for me, there is no apology necessary. Therein all human beings, lies that "small still voice" that urges/prompts one to do/say what is right/the "Godly". Whether there is belief in the diety or not, that something inside is there that propels one toward good....... if one but "listens". Most disbelief, stems from the fact that as humans we tend to HAVE to HAVE concrete evidence. Writings have an effect on one. There comes feelings ....... some are joyful, happy, serenity, calmness, ect. while others bring one to levels of anger, sadness, remorse...... They can be motivators to "listen to that little voice inside" think about the effect one's own action/words effect those situations or people one comes in contact with each day. That is what AA, for me, has done. Been a motivator, to meditate on my own words and actions. Ponder feelings in various situations on a daily basis and whether or not I can do anything to improve upon them, help with them, ect. That is what spiritual writings do.......they are food for thought.....thoughts that can motivate towards good/Godly. One's own good actions and words, first. Secondly, for those around us. I personally too am inspired by such. Though the word "God" appears in many of your posts those who come to AA can substitute it for Higher Power. In the beginning it is surely that most AA members are reluctant or resisting this notion. Most know that alcohol has caused negativity/adverse effects upon their lives. They come thinking they will be quickly fixed or they are usually in the "blame" stage. They resist they have a BIG part in how their lives have turned out or are going. Yet ...... so many who stick with come to realize there is good and their lives begin to turn toward that good. For me everything that is written about God.....is that He is all good. He has an interest in each individual (after all He created each) He wants all that is good for each. And basically that is what AA is about. AA does not force any member to believe in the twelve steps any more than the God of my understanding. They are in existence, however, in my opinion to bring out the best in each individual to lead and live healthier, happier lives. Personally, I say "thank you for the posts" One day at a time...... Wanda
Thanks v.much Wanda, good to 'meet you'! It's definitely about a 'coming to believe' gradually over time. We get out of our old way of thinking & open up to new ideas, their possibilities & the strength they give us. This includes that good old concept of a Higher Power ;) We say in A.A. ~ I came.. I came to.. I came to believe. This is so true for me & I love the 24 Hours a Day book. It feeds my imagination! Have a fantastic day, Dx
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
As per BB, page 417, 4th ed, (Dr. Paul): acceptance is the answer to all my problems today..until I accept that person, place or thing exactly as it is I can't stay sober.. until I accepted my alcoholism I couldn't stay sober, etc. If in doubt do the John Hopkins U Med School 20 questions, do 90 meetings in 90 days minimum, back to basics, etc. Thanks for the thoughts. For a sponsee who went out recently over a broken relationship, etc. I suggested going into sober living and it seems to have helped, he is working on 90 days now and hitting meeting regularly...
