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09-04-2007, 02:46 PM
Daily Reflections
EMOTIONAL BALANCE
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible,. . . . .
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS , p. 83
When I survey my drinking days, I recall many people whom my life
touched casually, but whose days I troubled through my anger and
sarcasm. These people are untraceable, and direct amends to them
are not possible. The only amends I can make to those untraceable
individuals, the only "changes for the better" I can offer, are
indirect amends made to other people, whose paths briefly cross
mine. Courtesy and kindness, regularly practiced, help me to live
in emotional balance, at peace with myself.
************************************************** *********
Twenty-Four Hours A Day
A.A. Thought For The Day
One of the mottoes of A.A. is "First Things First." This means that
we should always keep in mind that alcohol is our number-one
problem. We must never let any other problem, whether of family,
business, friends, or anything else, take precedence in our minds over our
alcoholic problem. As we go along in A.A., we learn to recognize the
things that may upset us emotionally. When we find ourselves getting
upset over something, we must realize that it's a luxury we alcoholics
can't afford. Anything that makes us forget our number-one problem
is dangerous to us. Am I keeping sobriety in first place in my mind?
Meditation For The Day
Spiritual progress is the law of your being. Try to see around you
more and more of beauty and truth, knowledge and power. Today try
to be stronger, braver, more loving as a result of what you did
yesterday. This law of spiritual progress gives meaning and purpose to
your life. Always expect better things ahead. You can accomplish much
good through the strength of God's spirit in you. Never be too
discouraged. The world is sure to get better, in spite of setbacks of war,
hate, and greed. Be part of the cure of the world's ills, rather than part
of the disease.
Prayer For The Day
I pray that I may keep progressing in the better life. I pray that I
may be a part of the forces for good in the world.
************************************************** *********
As Bill Sees It
For Emergencies Only?, p. 66
Whether we had been believers or unbelievers, we began to get over
the idea that the Higher Power was a sort of bush-league pinch
hitter, to be called upon only in an emergency.
The notion that we would still live our own lives, God helping a little
now and then, began to evaporate. Many of us who had thought
ourselves religious awoke to the limitations of this attitude. Refusing
to place God first, we had deprived ourselves of His help.
But now the words "Of myself I am nothing, the Father doeth the
works" began to carry bright promise and meaning.
12 & 12, p. 75
************************************************** *********
Walk In Dry Places
Battles we've won or lost.
Achievements.
Even the continuous sobriety we're
enjoying is no shield from traps we seem to set for ourselves. At
times, we can find ourselves in the foolish game of continuing to fight
battles we've won or lost.
One losing battle is the attempt to win the approval of someone who has always disliked us. That person may be gone, but we still fight....and lose..... the same battle when we find ourselves in a similar situation.
We also may have won some battles without knowing it. This can happen when we've set our goals unrealistically high. We may be fairly
successful in our work, for example, but still feel that we have failed
because a high goal we set eluded us. That goal, however, may have
been all but impossible to attain, and while we mourn our perceived
failure, we ignore the successes we many have achieved in the
meantime. Consequently, we should never let any of these battles
interfere with our plan for sobriety. We must stay sober at all costs.
This day, I'll not strive to impress people who may always disapprove
of me. I will also accept my successes even if they fall short of
my highest dreams.
************************************************** *********
Keep It Simple
I have never seen a greater monster or miracle than myself.----Montaigne
We know we’ve hurt people. We’ve heard our family cry out from pain we’ve caused them. Because of alcohol and other drugs, we acted like monsters.
But we now live surrounded with love. We now work to make this world better. Recovery is a miracle. The rebirth of our spirit is our miracle.
It’s no wonder we love life the way we do! We’ve been given a second chance. Our joy is overflowing. Our Higher Power must love us very much.
Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me with the monster that lives within me. I pray it will never again be let out.
Action for the Day: Today, I’ll see myself as a miracle. I’ll be grateful for my new life.
************************************************** *********
Alcoholics Anonymous - Fourth Edition
SAFE HAVEN - This A.A. found that the process of discovering who he really was began with knowing who he didn't want to be.
During my years in the broadcast industry, I worked from time to time as a radio storm chaser. It was my job to use radar information to follow the storm and spot tornados, hail, flooding, and storm-related hazards or damage. I would then use a cellular phone in my vehicle to give live reports over the radio while chasing the storm. One night the storm was extremely turbulent. Our listening audience was larger than ever as I gave my live report, sounding as if I were on the front lines of a war zone.
pp. 453-454
************************************************** *********
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
Tradition Six - "An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose."
In one of their trade associations, the question arose of just how this campaign should be handled. Of course, they would use the resources of radio, press, and films to make their point. But what kind of person should head the job? They immediately thought of Alcoholics Anonymous. If they could find a good public relations man in our ranks, why wouldn't he be ideal? He'd certainly know the problem. His connection with A.A. would be valuable, because the Fellowship stood high in public favor and hadn't an enemy in the world.
p. 157
************************************************** *********
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve...
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things...
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy...
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men...
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life...
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men, richly blessed.
--This prayer was found on an unidentified Civil War soldier
SMILES
A SMILE COSTS NOTHING, but gives much. It enriches those who
receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a
moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich
or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor but he
can be made rich by it.
A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business,
and is the countersign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary, cheer
to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is natures' best antidote
for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen, for it
is something that it is of no value to anyone until it is given away.
--Anonymous
***********************************************
Father Leo's Daily Meditation
NATURE
"All are but parts of one
stupendous whole. Whose body
nature is and God the soul."
-- Alexander Pope
I belong to this world, this mighty universe -- but more importantly, it
belongs to me. I have a responsibility in this world and to this world.
No longer can I abrogate my responsibility. God created and is
creating through me. What I say, what I do, how I feel is important. I
am important. I am terrific -- because God made me and works
through me.
Sometimes I feel the one-ness. I stand on a mountain top and look at
the rolling hills beyond and I feel noble. The birds sing, the streams
murmur and I feel a tremendous sense of joy.
But I also feel the pain of the world. The people suffering, the
pointlessness of man's violence and the injustice of prejudice. All this
I feel, too.
Spirituality involves this mixture, the paradox of my being an angel
in the dust!
Thank You for including me in Your design for life. I tremble at the
responsibility You have shared with me.
************************************************** *********
"Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light."
Micah 7:8
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do
not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things
there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
************************************************** *********
Daily Inspiration
To be completely at peace, avoid hurting anyone for any reason. Lord, I will act with kindness and when others are hurtful to me, I will focus on Your presence within them to give me courage to respond gently.
If we spend time thanking God for the good things in our lives, we won't have time to do so much complaining. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of life and the many things that bring me joy.
EMOTIONAL BALANCE
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible,. . . . .
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS , p. 83
When I survey my drinking days, I recall many people whom my life
touched casually, but whose days I troubled through my anger and
sarcasm. These people are untraceable, and direct amends to them
are not possible. The only amends I can make to those untraceable
individuals, the only "changes for the better" I can offer, are
indirect amends made to other people, whose paths briefly cross
mine. Courtesy and kindness, regularly practiced, help me to live
in emotional balance, at peace with myself.
************************************************** *********
Twenty-Four Hours A Day
A.A. Thought For The Day
One of the mottoes of A.A. is "First Things First." This means that
we should always keep in mind that alcohol is our number-one
problem. We must never let any other problem, whether of family,
business, friends, or anything else, take precedence in our minds over our
alcoholic problem. As we go along in A.A., we learn to recognize the
things that may upset us emotionally. When we find ourselves getting
upset over something, we must realize that it's a luxury we alcoholics
can't afford. Anything that makes us forget our number-one problem
is dangerous to us. Am I keeping sobriety in first place in my mind?
Meditation For The Day
Spiritual progress is the law of your being. Try to see around you
more and more of beauty and truth, knowledge and power. Today try
to be stronger, braver, more loving as a result of what you did
yesterday. This law of spiritual progress gives meaning and purpose to
your life. Always expect better things ahead. You can accomplish much
good through the strength of God's spirit in you. Never be too
discouraged. The world is sure to get better, in spite of setbacks of war,
hate, and greed. Be part of the cure of the world's ills, rather than part
of the disease.
Prayer For The Day
I pray that I may keep progressing in the better life. I pray that I
may be a part of the forces for good in the world.
************************************************** *********
As Bill Sees It
For Emergencies Only?, p. 66
Whether we had been believers or unbelievers, we began to get over
the idea that the Higher Power was a sort of bush-league pinch
hitter, to be called upon only in an emergency.
The notion that we would still live our own lives, God helping a little
now and then, began to evaporate. Many of us who had thought
ourselves religious awoke to the limitations of this attitude. Refusing
to place God first, we had deprived ourselves of His help.
But now the words "Of myself I am nothing, the Father doeth the
works" began to carry bright promise and meaning.
12 & 12, p. 75
************************************************** *********
Walk In Dry Places
Battles we've won or lost.
Achievements.
Even the continuous sobriety we're
enjoying is no shield from traps we seem to set for ourselves. At
times, we can find ourselves in the foolish game of continuing to fight
battles we've won or lost.
One losing battle is the attempt to win the approval of someone who has always disliked us. That person may be gone, but we still fight....and lose..... the same battle when we find ourselves in a similar situation.
We also may have won some battles without knowing it. This can happen when we've set our goals unrealistically high. We may be fairly
successful in our work, for example, but still feel that we have failed
because a high goal we set eluded us. That goal, however, may have
been all but impossible to attain, and while we mourn our perceived
failure, we ignore the successes we many have achieved in the
meantime. Consequently, we should never let any of these battles
interfere with our plan for sobriety. We must stay sober at all costs.
This day, I'll not strive to impress people who may always disapprove
of me. I will also accept my successes even if they fall short of
my highest dreams.
************************************************** *********
Keep It Simple
I have never seen a greater monster or miracle than myself.----Montaigne
We know we’ve hurt people. We’ve heard our family cry out from pain we’ve caused them. Because of alcohol and other drugs, we acted like monsters.
But we now live surrounded with love. We now work to make this world better. Recovery is a miracle. The rebirth of our spirit is our miracle.
It’s no wonder we love life the way we do! We’ve been given a second chance. Our joy is overflowing. Our Higher Power must love us very much.
Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me with the monster that lives within me. I pray it will never again be let out.
Action for the Day: Today, I’ll see myself as a miracle. I’ll be grateful for my new life.
************************************************** *********
Alcoholics Anonymous - Fourth Edition
SAFE HAVEN - This A.A. found that the process of discovering who he really was began with knowing who he didn't want to be.
During my years in the broadcast industry, I worked from time to time as a radio storm chaser. It was my job to use radar information to follow the storm and spot tornados, hail, flooding, and storm-related hazards or damage. I would then use a cellular phone in my vehicle to give live reports over the radio while chasing the storm. One night the storm was extremely turbulent. Our listening audience was larger than ever as I gave my live report, sounding as if I were on the front lines of a war zone.
pp. 453-454
************************************************** *********
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
Tradition Six - "An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose."
In one of their trade associations, the question arose of just how this campaign should be handled. Of course, they would use the resources of radio, press, and films to make their point. But what kind of person should head the job? They immediately thought of Alcoholics Anonymous. If they could find a good public relations man in our ranks, why wouldn't he be ideal? He'd certainly know the problem. His connection with A.A. would be valuable, because the Fellowship stood high in public favor and hadn't an enemy in the world.
p. 157
************************************************** *********
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve...
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things...
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy...
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men...
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life...
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men, richly blessed.
--This prayer was found on an unidentified Civil War soldier
SMILES
A SMILE COSTS NOTHING, but gives much. It enriches those who
receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a
moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich
or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor but he
can be made rich by it.
A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business,
and is the countersign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary, cheer
to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is natures' best antidote
for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen, for it
is something that it is of no value to anyone until it is given away.
--Anonymous
***********************************************
Father Leo's Daily Meditation
NATURE
"All are but parts of one
stupendous whole. Whose body
nature is and God the soul."
-- Alexander Pope
I belong to this world, this mighty universe -- but more importantly, it
belongs to me. I have a responsibility in this world and to this world.
No longer can I abrogate my responsibility. God created and is
creating through me. What I say, what I do, how I feel is important. I
am important. I am terrific -- because God made me and works
through me.
Sometimes I feel the one-ness. I stand on a mountain top and look at
the rolling hills beyond and I feel noble. The birds sing, the streams
murmur and I feel a tremendous sense of joy.
But I also feel the pain of the world. The people suffering, the
pointlessness of man's violence and the injustice of prejudice. All this
I feel, too.
Spirituality involves this mixture, the paradox of my being an angel
in the dust!
Thank You for including me in Your design for life. I tremble at the
responsibility You have shared with me.
************************************************** *********
"Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light."
Micah 7:8
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do
not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things
there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
************************************************** *********
Daily Inspiration
To be completely at peace, avoid hurting anyone for any reason. Lord, I will act with kindness and when others are hurtful to me, I will focus on Your presence within them to give me courage to respond gently.
If we spend time thanking God for the good things in our lives, we won't have time to do so much complaining. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of life and the many things that bring me joy.