Daily Reprieve

[admin]

RELIEF FROM GUILT



"I learned that alcoholism isn't a sin, it's a disease." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 344, 4th Ed.



"My guilt overwhelms me – it is a burden too heavy to bear." Psalm 38:4



For what it's worth: Drinking enough alcohol might temporally relieve my guilt, but only to cause more guilt. The real relief from guilt came to me by way of Alcoholics Anonymous. There I learned that alcoholism is a disease. I readily accepted that I suffered with this disease, but it has taken many sober years to understand its power to control my entire being. As I come to understand, I see why I did those shameful things that produce guilt. It is like a bright light shining into a dark soul, revealing more and more of the road out of the darkness. Guilt can still attack when I am weak, but now I have protection from it. I go to my Heavenly Father and tell Him how I am feeling about the things I did. He usually says “What things?� letting me know He has forgotten. Moreover, He always reminds me that He loves me just as I am today.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

6/22

A TROUBLED HEART



"…We were full of fear…" Alcoholics Anonymous, page 52



"Do not let your heart be troubled." John 14:1



For what it's worth: Anxiety certainly troubled my heart. Fear was a bully in my life, and I did not even know it. I would have died in fear except for the grace of God. He led me to Alcoholics Anonymous and Step Four of the Twelve Steps. That Step revealed fear’s power over me. But how to be rid of it? The answer was in asking God to teach me to trust His love. Day by day, He has done so, carrying me through numerous experiences that prove His love. Now, He and I walk together in a peace that I never believed possible for me and my heart is no longer troubled.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

6/23

THE MASTER'S MESSAGE



"This is our twelfth suggestion: Carry this message to other alcoholics!" Alcoholics Anonymous, page 89



"How true it is that a servant is not greater than the master. Nor are messengers more important than the one who sends them." John 13:16



For what it's worth: My destructive alcoholic existence could not possibly carry any decent lesson for anyone, other than not to let it happen to you. Nevertheless, had it not happened to me, I would not have a recovery experience to share with others. God transformed my life into an epistle for others, and, when He gives me the opportunity to carry that message, I must remember Who makes it possible, and give my Master praise, not me!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

6/24

WE DON’T CRAWL



"As God's people we stand on our feet; we don't crawl before anyone." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 83



"You didn't choose me. I chose you." John 15:16



For what it's worth: When I entered Alcoholics Anonymous, I could not stand tall. My shame made me crawl. I wore a mask, trying to hide the pitiful soul I was, but God and those tricky drunks saw right through my front. I can trace my recovery back to that first AA meeting where God offered me a drop of hope and AA people let me know I was no longer alone. Looking back over my sober years, I know I did not choose God, He chose me. Moreover, as one of His chosen, I need to feel special, not shameful, despite my past, and despite what those of my past may still believe about me. If the shame attacks today, I will remember, "we don't crawl before anyone," especially ourselves or our God.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

6/25

A MIRACLE OF MIRACLES



"And the miracle of all miracles was that I didn't have to drink over any of it." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 336, 4th Ed.



"We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:8 & 9



For what it's worth: God had forsaken me, so I could not rely on Him for anything except harsh punishment for my sinful self. That insane belief fueled my alcoholic drinking for years. The truth is, God rescued me from the hell of alcoholism and placed me in Alcoholics Anonymous for intensive care. That is exactly what I was generously given by a bunch of tricky, sober drunks in AA. Despite my defiance and resistance to things spiritual, they planted the idea in me that I could trust their Higher Power as they did. Nourished by the Twelve Steps, that idea grew into a complete trust that I am loved by God just as I am. My Heavenly Father taught me this great reality by carrying me through all manner of desperate and close to death situations without one sip of alcohol. Every time I turn to God instead of trying somehow to escape reality, I find that I am turning to sobriety, strength, and serenity instead of disease, despair, and death.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

6/26

CLOSE TO HIS HEART



"Abandon yourself to God as you understand God."

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164



"…Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away."

John 6:37



For what it's worth: Although I insanely believed God had abandoned me, He was right there with me, protecting me and creating the realities necessary to drive this stubborn, prideful child of His into his first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. And He was not soft and easy on me because He knew it would take pain to break my defiant resistance. Looking back, I now see that my God is always right by my side, even on the rough days when He feels distant. My Heavenly Father continues to work on me, day by day, repeatedly proving He is actually carrying me in His arms, close to His heart.





For what it's worth:



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

6/27

GOD IS GENEROUS



“Never could we recapture the great moments of the past.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 151



"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18



For what it's worth: What a waste! I lost so many of life’s precious moments to alcohol. Many I will never remember because of blackouts. However, I do not want to squander even more by dwelling on the past. Instead, let me focus on the many joyful moments I have experienced in recovery. Every thing I ever lost to alcohol has been freely restored to me a hundredfold. Dreams I never believed could possibly come true are reality. God has been generous with me!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

6/28

WHAT HAPPENED



“Ideas, emotions, and attitudes which were once the guiding forces of the lives of these men are suddenly cast to one side, and a completely new set of conceptions and motives begin to dominate them.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 27:4



“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” Job 8:21



For what it's worth: Was it a miraculous transformation? A spiritual awakening? What words truly describe what happen to me? I was a worthless, self-absorbed, miserable drunk. Now I have value. Now I care deeply about others. My life is full. I do not know the words to describe it, nor do I feel worthy of such wonder as has occurred deep within my being. It has to be a gift from God. It could not have come from any other source - certainly not from me. I am the one who used to curse God. I am the one who hurt many of His children. I remember the tears of despair and the shame of my sinful behaviors. I used to spit at myself in the mirror. However, now, I can laugh at myself, and enjoy feeling worthwhile and loved. Now I do my best to shout joyfully the glory of my Heavenly Father. Only He could have made that possible!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

6/29

TWO TRUSTWORTHY GUIDES



“There are many helpful books also. Suggestions about these may be obtained from one's priest, minister, or rabbi. Be quick to see where religious people are right. Make use of what they offer.” Alcoholics

Anonymous, page 87:2



“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper
than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul
and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our
innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12



For what it's worth: Back in my diseased days, there was no way I would listen to religious people or read any of their material. I had an insane resentment toward anything religious that stayed with me long after I was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. In my 13th year of recovery, although I was not drinking, I was in despair, crippling anxiety, and deep depression, requiring hospitalization and professional care. However, I kept getting worse. So, in desperation, I started reading the Psalms. I could identify with the writer’s mood changes, conflicts, cursing God and then praising Him. That was the beginning of a fascinating journey into God’s word. I am amazed how closely related the Bible is to our Big Book. The principles are identical. Combining the two in my daily 11th Step prayer and meditation, I now have two trustworthy guides toward total wellness and the joy that goes with it.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

6/30

POWERFUL TESTIMONY



“Nevertheless, he was drunk in a short time. More baffling still, he could give himself no satisfactory explanation for his fall.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 26



“I cried out, "I am slipping!" but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.” Psalm 94:18



For what it's worth: It took a miraculous transformation of my entire being for me to get and stay sober. I am convinced that it could happen only in Alcoholics Anonymous and only by a Higher Power. I have been granted a daily reprieve based upon my spiritual condition, which I could not have developed and cannot maintain alone. I must beg God for His help each new day and all throughout the day. All of the people I have talked with who relapsed told me they did not go to God the day they relapsed. That is powerful testimony to me!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/1

WRECKED AND SAVED



“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 which matter so much to some people no longer signify much to them.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 161:2



“And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.” Romans 3:22



For what it’s worth: A wrecked vessel sure applies to me. And I knew I was sinking fast, but believed I was all alone. I did not realize how many others were in the same boat. Alcoholics Anonymous not only showed me that I was not alone - the ones who had been saved before me threw me the life line. I found that they had all “wrecked in the same vessel” and, no matter how badly they wrecked, they were “being restored and united under one God”. Now I am not alone, and I am not wrecked. I am just like many others, and we are together on the same path, climbing the same Steps that saved so many before us from the hell of alcoholism.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/2

SAFE AND SOBER



“I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 76:2



“O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you.” Psalm 141:1



For what it's worth: Being a good drunk, I want everything right now. However, sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous teaches me to be patient and tolerant, not just of others, but of myself, and, even more so, of my Higher Power. Many years of suffering were required for me to become willing to give up alcohol. The same was true of character defects. It took years of agony caused by those deficiencies for me to be willing to be rid of them – every one. Still there are times when I want to hang on to some, or, at least, regret not having them readily available as a defense against life on life’s terms. It is in those temping times that I must call on my Lord to come quickly. Even though He may seem slow to me, there has never been a time when my Heavenly Father did not hear me and grant me His grace to keep me safe and sober.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/3

A NEW SONG TO SING



“We thank God from the bottom of our heart that we know Him better.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 75:3



“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.” Psalm 40:2



For what it’s worth: If someone had an attitude about me that I had about God, I would want nothing to do with them. If someone would have treated me as I did God, I would want to stay as far away from them as I could get. But not God! Obviously, based upon all of my experiences, He loves me. Although I cursed Him, He stayed with me, carrying me through extreme, life threatening experiences, and bringing me to a new and sober life. “From the bottom of my heart”, I sing a “new song” of praise and gratitude to Him. Now I know how unbelievably forgiving and loving He really is!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/4

HE HEARD MY CRY



“We grow by our willingness to face and rectify errors and convert them into assets.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 124:1



“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.” Psalm 116:1



For what it's worth: My whole life was an error and the only way I knew to rectify it was to forget it. Alcohol was the friend that always helped me escape into oblivion. Once the drink lost its magic, I was lost. Years of agony and despair forced me to cry for mercy, and when I did, the Lord carried me to a bunch of tricky drunks who taught me how to convert my mistakes into assets. I will never be able to offer enough gratitude to those AA angels and the good Lord. Indeed, He heard my cry. He always does.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/5

TO BE WITH HIM



“There you will find release from care, boredom and worry.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 152:2



“After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” 1 Timothy 6:7-8



For what it's worth: Horrible loneliness, crippling anxiety, and total irresponsibility were dominant in my boring, alcoholic existence. When I finally hurt enough, I went to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. I had tried every other form of help. All had failed. So, surprisingly, AA offered me a sober way of life that, at first, I did not believe would work for me. It did, however, with God’s grace. Moreover, I was able to put off the worries of the world, begin caring about others, and be content with what I had left after the losses of alcoholism. Today, God has restored all those losses a hundredfold. An even more precious gift, though, is that my Heavenly Father has instilled in me a desire to walk away from all of it to be with Him.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/6

KEEP IT SIMPLE



“They flatly declare that since they have come to believe in a Power greater than themselves, to take a certain attitude toward that Power, and to do certain simple things, there has been a revolutionary change in their way of living and thinking.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 50:4


“The Lord protects the simple hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.” Psalm 116:6



For what it’s worth: Everything was so complicated and overwhelming when I was drinking alcohol. There were so many important things that had to be done, like protect my supply of alcohol, and figure out what excuse I would use this time I couldn’t get to work. Sobriety not only gave me a new life, it made life a lot simpler. Now I have a single purpose: to do God’s will. And I have learned a simple way to do that: one day at a time. Today I will thank my Heavenly Father for His gift of my new, gentler, softer, simple life.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/7

THE POWER OF LOVE



“He is the Father, and we are His children.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62:3



“His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:2



For what it’s worth: Growing up in a war zone teaches well about survival, but little about love. I learned that from a bunch of drunks. I had to get sober first in Alcoholics Anonymous. There I watched and learned as folks reached out to me and accepted me just as the mess I was. I saw how they gave of themselves to serve others and sacrificed for another suffering alcoholic. It was in AA that I found a loving Higher Power, Who I now call my Heavenly Father. In AA I have come to believe that I am a child of God and He loves me unconditionally. That is the greatest gift I have ever been given. It changed my attitude, my thinking, my behavior, my entire being, and my whole life.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/8

SNEAKY DENIAL



“Why could they not see that drink meant ruin to them?” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 107:3



“May your love and your truth always protect me.”

Psalm 40:11



For what it’s worth: Denial is the most insidious part of my alcoholism. It blinded me from the truth about my life and my drinking. It nearly killed me. And it still can. When I’m at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, I listen closely when someone talks about a relapse. I have learned that there is always some sneaky form of denial involved. Even after years in recovery, I am still vulnerable to this treacherous devil. Each morning I beg my Heavenly Father to protect me with His love and truth.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/9

FILLING AN EMPTY SOUL



“We found the Great Reality deep down within us.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 55:3



“Worship the Lord with gladness.” Psalm 100:2



For what it’s worth: Being a slave of alcoholism, I worshiped king alcohol, none other. But my empty soul craved Something more. I wasted years drinking to try to dissolve this spiritual need, but it never left. Once the alcohol was removed long enough for me to really feel the agony of a dark, empty soul, I had to take action. Not to become saintly, just to relieve the pain. Thank God that Alcoholics Anonymous was there when I reached out, because the beginning Steps of AA started the filling process, and the rest of the Steps continue to fill my soul. But, left on my own, I would have died void of anything spiritual. So, to express my gratitude, the least I can do is to “worship the Lord with gladness” and give Him the praise.





God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/10

SACRIFICE – NO EASIER, SOFTER WAY



“To be vital, faith must be accompanied by self sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 93:2



“…You hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside are full of greed and self-indulgence.” Matthew 23:25



For what it’s worth: In my diseased days, hypocrisy was my favorite way to hide the trash buried deep within. Fortunately, once sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, fear of failure forced me to be real. And, surprisingly, I was accepted just as the waste I was. And, in sufficient sober time, the Steps of AA and the grace of a Higher Power slowly transformed me from the inside out. I grew to realize that I would not be able to just sit and enjoy my blessings in sobriety. That is exactly what I would like to do, so each new day I seek God’s help to sacrifice self and comforts, actively serving others so that my new life bears witness to those I would help of the power of God and AA. I am not striving to become a saint. It is simply that there is no easier, softer way for me.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/11

SURVIVAL WITH PURPOSE



“He had come to pass his experience along to me - if I cared to have it.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 9-10



“But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” Matthew 23:3



For what it’s worth: Although I tried to hide it from others and drank alcoholically to hide it from myself, I was extremely afraid of what was happening to me. I was convinced that I would die a lonely death and spend eternity in hell. There was no way I would survive; and certainly no way God would use my misery and insanity to benefit another suffering soul. However, Alcoholics Anonymous and a Higher Power proved me wrong on both counts. I have been granted a new life with the responsibility to share my experience, strength and hope with others, not just by word, but by action.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/13

HARMONY



“Is he not, even in his best moments, a producer of confusion rather than harmony?”

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 61



“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14



For what it's worth: Discord, confusion, conflict were the results of my diseased days. It was inevitable every time I drank alcohol. Once I was blessed with a daily reprieve in Alcoholics Anonymous, the results changed because I changed. That, too, was inevitable as long as I did not take that first drink of alcohol and lived by the Twelve Steps in my daily life. Clothed with sober behavior and those twelve principles, I can experience the love that binds us together in AA and in my life outside of AA. Moreover, in any instance of disharmony, I can take my own inventory to see where and how I am the producer.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/15

“BONDAGE TO SELF”



“We hope you are convinced now that God can remove whatever self-will has blocked you off from Him.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 71



“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Hebrews 10:23



For what it's worth: My alcoholism is a self-centered disease that dominated my thinking and motives for years. Even after years in recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous, its impact can yet be felt. It certainly did block me off from God, and it still is capable of just that. I have taken this defect to God in our Sixth and Seventh Step on many occasions. Moreover, I believe God will remove self-will, but in His time, not mine. I need to be patient with myself and my Lord, being careful not to use God’s timing as an excuse to hang on to things selfish. And, I am certain I must do my part, daily applying Step Six and Seven and taking inventory in Step Ten. It helps to look at the progress God and I have made already in my struggle with bondage to self. Above all, I need constantly to trust that my Heavenly Father loves me just as I am right now.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[janbear]

“A PEARL OF GREAT VALUE”



“What we really have is a daily reprieve…” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85:1



“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout
for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great
value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” Matthew 13:45-46



For what it's worth: A daily sentence to hell is what my miserable existence seemed to me during my diseased years. Moreover, the end would not come soon enough. That agony was severe enough to push me to Alcoholics Anonymous where I was granted “a daily reprieve” from hell. Now that I have this gift from God, this precious “pearl of great value”, I need to be willing to go to any length to keep it safe in this cracked jar of clay. I need never take it for granted. I need to be willing to go to any length to maintain my spiritual condition so that I do not lose this precious gift. I have to go to my Heavenly Father each new day and beg His strength to hold together this jar of clay for one more day. He has never let me down.



God bless you!



Joe W.

__________________________________________________ __



“Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!”

Dr. Bob, The Doctor’s Nightmare, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 181



“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:

[janbear]

HEALTHY BY GOD’S GRACE



“We are convinced that a spiritual mode of living is a most powerful health restorative.� Alcoholics Anonymous, page 133



“You restored me to health and let me live.� Isaiah 38:16



For what it's worth: Every thing about me was unhealthy, physically, mentally and spiritually, when I finally arrived at Alcoholics Anonymous. With sober time, professional help, and daily practice of AA principles, my health has been restored. Although age is demanding its price, I am certainly improved mentally, and the spiritual transformation is nothing short of miraculous. Even after years of observation, I am still amazed at the therapeutic power in Alcoholics Anonymous. Only God could have created something so healthy for a bunch of drunks. I believe He loves us dearly!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[janbear]

POWER IN WEAKNESS



“No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles.� Alcoholics Anonymous, page 60



"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9



For what it's worth: The dual diagnosis of alcoholism and clinical depression can be heavy at times. However, others suffer much more serious mental challenges. I am deeply grateful that I am a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and have AA principles to support me. In addition, I have a number of close friends who understand and are always ready to help. Most significantly, I have a loving, merciful Heavenly Father Who understands, and welcomes me with open arms when I go to Him for His strength. He has never let me down. The best piece of my support system is that I know I am loved just as I am, even with my weaknesses.



God bless you!



Joe W.

_

[janbear]

“BROTHERLY LOVE�



“We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action.� Alcoholics Anonymous, page 17:3



“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.� Romans 12:10



For what it's worth: There was no way out of the agony alcoholism was causing in my life. That is, until I suffered enough to finally reach out for help. The arms of Alcoholics Anonymous were there to gather me in and hold me in an understanding and non-judgmental way that I had a hard time trusting at first. I had never experienced such as I witnessed in AA. There was “brotherly and harmonious action� and a depth of personal sharing combined with the “language of the heart� that was miraculous and magnetic, drawing me back each day. There they threat each other with dignity and respect. There was love there. Moreover, God was there. That frightened me at first, but now I attend AA meetings because I find God there. There, also, I can relax and enjoy the brotherly love that is there like nowhere else.



God bless you!



Joe W.

__________________________________________________ __



“Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!� Dr. Bob, The Doctor’s Nightmare, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 181



“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.’� Hebrews 13:5

__________________________________________________ __

[janbear]

TREASURE TODAY

"This dream world has been replaced by a great sense of purpose, accompanied by a growing consciousness of the power of God in our lives." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 130

"We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it." Psalm 39:6

_For what it's worth_: The analogy of a mere moving shadow, hurrying through life to achieve material rewards that mean nothing, describes the waste my life had been before Alcoholics Anonymous. Here in AA I have found spiritual purpose and a life full of meaning. Moreover, as I live that life one day at a time, I grow in consciousness of God and His unconditional love. The waste of my past has been replaced with treasure today.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[admin]

7/26

SHORT PAIN, LONG GAIN



“Our moments of triumph were short-lived.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 66



“The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:8



For what it’s worth: My past had few “moments of triumph,” but years of despair. It seemed that the agony of alcoholism would never end. And there was nothing to look forward to, because I believed I was condemned to hell. Actually, as I see it today, what I suffered was short lived when compared to the years of joy I have experienced in recovery. And my sober experiences prove that no matter how long any difficulty occurs, if I do not drink, it ends with me closer to my God. I always find that my Heavenly Father has been there with me, carrying me safely through the temporary suffering into a joy that will last forever, even into eternity.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/27

HIS LOVE



“Abandon yourself to God as you understand God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164:3



“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:19



For what it's worth: “Fullness of life” had been denied me by a punishing God. I was convinced of that, so I was not about to abandon myself to Him as I understood Him during my diseased years. However, due to the spiritual awakening given to me as the result of being sober and living the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, I have been able to give myself to God. My understanding now is that He is a loving God. Moreover, I know from experience that the more I focus on His love the more fullness of life I enjoy. My Heavenly Father is healing me and making me whole again with His love.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/28

THE HARD PART OF FORGIVENESS



“If we are sorry for what we have done, and have the honest desire to let God take us to better things, we believe we will be forgiven and will have learned our lesson.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 70



“What joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!” Psalm 32:1-2



For what it's worth: Guilt ruled me and fueled my alcoholic drinking for years. I believed I was destined to hell, and rightfully so, because of my sins and because there were so many in my past that I was not about to forgive. However, once I was sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, I started listening to the words of the Lord’s Prayer about forgiveness that is said at meetings I attend. Then I had to pray for willingness to forgive and beg God’s forgiveness for all the times I betrayed Him. My Heavenly Father has answered my prayers. I believe He has wiped my record clean. In addition, with His help, I have been able to forgive all others. Now I need daily to do my best to live honestly, practicing our principles in all my affairs, so that I do not offend again. That is now the hard part.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/29

OUR GIFT



“Carry this message to other alcoholics! You can help when no one else can.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 89



“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” Romans 12:6



For what it's worth: There was no meaning in my life during my drinking years. I wandered around lost, with no direction, no purpose. Having found the welcoming arms of Alcoholics Anonymous, and, through AA, found the loving arms of a Higher Power, I have a mission. I have been given a special gift from God: sobriety. AA people taught me well that to keep that gift, I must give it away. I believe that is God’s will for me. Moreover, I am convinced I will have to answer to Him how well I carried the message.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/30

A GOOD START TO MEDITATION



“Step Eleven suggests prayer and meditation.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85:3



“I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:12



For what it's worth: The word “meditation” was not even in my vocabulary back in my diseased days. I did not start meditating until long after I was sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, and even then, I was poor at it. I am still weak in that area. However, I have learned not to be leery of the practice. Moreover, I understand better the need for meditation to maintain my spiritual condition. The question is how to meditate and what to meditate about when we attempt a conscious contact with God. I try to be quiet - inside and out. The first thing I think about is all of my Heavenly Father’s mighty deeds in my life. That always gets me off to a good start.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

7/31

OFFENDING AND BEING OFFENDED



“When a person offended we said to ourselves, ‘This is a sick man. How can I be helpful to him? God save me from being angry. Thy will be done.’” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 67



“An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” Proverbs 18:19



For what it's worth: No wonder I ran into so much opposition. I readily offended and was easily offended. Many sober years of living the 10th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous changed that to some degree, but I can still too easily be offended. Sometime I wonder what good it does me to say the Prayer of St. Francis each morning and then offend or get offended. Of course, I know what good it does. I am asking God to help me, not declaring what virtues I have. My virtues are still in the minority compared to my defects. My Heavenly Father will help me today to show more love than demanding to be loved. Then, perhaps I can assist another in some way, and not be so threatened or hurt when I feel offended and want to react. I have a perfect role model for this. Jesus Christ did not react when people were spitting on Him, cursing Him, and even killing Him.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/1

GOD’S LOVE AT WORK



“Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63:2



“For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard.” Acts 22:15



For what it’s worth: Now, having had no purpose before, I know my reason for being here. God rescued me from the hell that is alcoholism, guided me to Alcoholics Anonymous, offered me Twelve Steps for support, and has given me a mission. Our Third Step prayer says it clearly. My agony has been removed so people can see what God can do. I can be a living, breathing example of His power and everlasting love. I do not want to hide behind a cloud of complacency; I want to get up and out where people can see God’s unconditional love at work.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/2

MOTIVATION TO BELIEVE



“Faced with alcoholic destruction, we soon became as open minded on spiritual matters as we had tried to be on other questions.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 48



"Your faith has healed you." Matthew 9:22



For what it’s worth: My closed mind and hardened heart stubbornly resisted any thing spiritual. I nearly died all alone and with out a God. However, the agony of advanced alcoholism forced me to listen to people in Alcoholics Anonymous who often spoke of the love of a Higher Power. Moreover, while I was listening, I was drying out and starting to feel the emptiness in my soul. It became so painful that I had to do something. That is what motivated me to open my mind and my heart to the possibility that I was loved by this Higher Power. Living the Steps of AA over a period of sober time, I was able to advance to even trusting this God. Then, with more sober time, I grew to know from my own experience that I was loved by my Heavenly Father.



God bless you!

Joe W.

[admin]

8/3

LIFE TODAY - A PRECIOUS TREASURE



“The old pleasures were gone. They were but memories.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 151


“God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.” Ecclesiastes 5:20



For what it’s worth: The old pleasures? I am hard pressed to remember any. Moreover, the memories haunt me still. Therefore, when I am enjoying the present, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Every loss I have ever experienced has been replaced a hundredfold. Every agony I ever suffered has been rewarded with a blessing. The God that I found through Alcoholics Anonymous - totally different from the punishing Judge of my yesteryear - has become my loving Heavenly Father. When I get my past out of His way, trust Him with my future, and just be with Him today, life is, indeed, a precious treasure.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/4

SUCH A PLACE



“But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 17



“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us.” 1 John 1:3



For what it’s worth: Isolation was fundamental to my disease. Toward the end, isolation was so strong that I still need to be careful about this tendency. I am deeply grateful that, when God rescued me from the hell of alcoholism, He guided me to Alcoholics Anonymous. Here I have found a Fellowship like no other. A place so friendly and understanding that I want to go there, even when I may not care to go anywhere else. The people of AA share with open honesty in “the language of the heart”. It is inspiring and contagious, drawing me back repeatedly. I am blessed to be a member in good standing of such an incredible organization. I just wish the rest of the world had such a place.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/5

TRUSTING THROUGH TORMENTED MOMENTS



“…There is no doubt in my mind that you were 100% hopeless, apart from divine help.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 43:2


“I trust in your unfailing love.” Psalm 13:5



For what it’s worth: My disease produced years of torment, relieved only by the grace of God working through Alcoholics Anonymous and professional therapy. Even in sobriety, I have experienced torment, but maintained abstinence from alcohol with divine help. Each ordeal proved to me that I could trust my Heavenly Father’s love. He and I got through the agony one moment at a time. Some time He would put someone or something in my life at just the right moment to divert my attention from my suffering. At other times He would help me get to just the right meeting where the topic would be just what I needed to hear. And, for those moments I was unable to take action, He would hold me close to His heart. I believe that each tormented moment brought me closer to my Heavenly Father.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/6

HIS STILL SUFFERING CHILDREN



“We simply wish to be helpful to those who are afflicted.” Alcoholics Anonymous, Forward



“You understand, O LORD; remember me and care for me.” Jeremiah 15:15



For what it’s worth: My active alcoholism was such a self-centered disease that I did not care to be helpful to anyone. I was too self absorbed. That had to change for me to get and stay sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. There I was taught that I had to give it away to keep it. Moreover, since I have finally grown enough to realize how much my Higher Power understands and cares for me, the least I can do is try to carry the message to His children who still suffer.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/7

FROM CLOUDED TO CLEAR CONSCIENCE



“Being convinced that self, manifested in various ways, was what had defeated us, we considered its common manifestations.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 64;2



“My conscience will not reproach me as long as I live. Job 27:6



For what it’s worth: Alcohol clouded my conscience. But, once the alcohol was removed, I began to see clearly the destruction left by my self-centered disease. It was only a miracle that I did not drink again to blind me from the sight of that devastation. Instead, a Power greater than me guided me to Twelve Steps where I was blessed to climb out of self-condemnation up to a level of acceptance of my humanness and weaknesses. Fortunately, along the way, this weak human being found a Heavenly Father’s unconditional love. And together we prefer to “continue to set right any new mistakes as we go along” instead of wallowing in shame and self-reproach ever again.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/8

WILLINGNESS



“Much has been written pro and con, but among physicians, the general opinion seems to be that most chronic alcoholics are doomed.” Alcoholics Anonymous, The Doctor’s Opinion



“Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.” Psalm 10:12



For what it’s worth: I believed I was a doomed drunk. I would not admit it back then, but I certainly felt helpless. I covered it up well with many masks that fooled people. That is, until I arrived in Alcoholics Anonymous. Those wise folks saw right through my fronts. They had been doomed, but found a Power greater than themselves Who lifted up His hand to free them from the claws of alcoholism. And, despite my resistance, their example proved to me that He would do the same for me. All I needed was willingness. And, in those instances when I did not even have the willingness, they taught me how to get it: go to God and ask Him for it. That has worked every time.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/9

HE WAS ALREADY THERE



When we drew near to Him He disclosed Himself to us! Alcoholics Anonymous, page 57:3



“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8



For what it’s worth: There was no way I wanted to be near God. I was afraid of Him. I had cursed Him, betrayed Him, and slapped Him in the face. Yet, once I was sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, and finally realized my need for God if I was to stay sober, all I had to do was become the least bit willing to go to Him, and He was already there with His arms wide open to me.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/10

GIVE HIM A BRAKE



“So our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62:2



“He rescued me because he delighted in me.”

Psalm 18:19



For what it’s worth: When I reflect on it, I am overwhelmed at how often my drunken, insane judgment resulted in serious jeopardy. And I can not even recall many of those dangers because of blackouts. Then, when I add all the hazardous and near death experiences of my sober years, I come up with an amazing number of times my Higher Power has bailed me out of trouble. I have taken advantage of His generosity, and I owe Him deep gratitude, but I know now how much He loves taking care of me. Nevertheless, today I’ll try to give Him a brake.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/11

RAGE REIGNED



“God save me from being angry.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 67


“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Proverbs 29:11



For what it’s worth: Rage reigned in me. And it showed. I was full of anger at God, myself, and a full range of other people, places and things that I believed had wronged me. It is miraculous that the people and the Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous combined with professional care relieved the rage. Still, each morning I need to do as suggested in the Eleventh Step: “pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action.” I even have to ask my Heavenly Father to help me remember to pause.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/12

REFLECTING LOVE



“Showing others who suffer how we were given help is the very thing which makes life seem so worth while to us now.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 124:2



“…Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:11



For what it’s worth: Despite my hypocrisy, observers saw me drinking away all that was valuable in life and sinking into a dark pit of emptiness and loneliness. There was nothing for them to wish to imitate. Now that the miracle of sobriety has occurred, it is a different story. A Higher Power restored the value to my life and filled the emptiness. And I am no longer alone. I believe that is why God saved me: to be an example to others. Hopefully, those who observe me now see God’s strength and mercy. Every decent aspect of my life now is due to my Heavenly Father’s love. My job is to reflect His love.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/13

AN INSTRUMENT OF GOD’S LOVE



“...The personality change sufficient to bring about recovery from alcoholism has manifested itself among us in many different forms.” Alcoholics Anonymous, Spiritual Experience



“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” 1 Timothy 4:15



For what it’s worth: As I see it today, a profound change deep in my being was required for me to overcome the defiant, arrogant denial and resistance that was in me. That is exactly what occurred, not instantaneously, but in sober time. I was not capable of producing such a transformation. Therefore, it had to be the amazing grace of God. It is my responsibility to maintain that spiritual experience. I must be diligent and dedicated to this task, applying the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to my daily life. As I do so, God blesses me with His abundant love and I make myself available to be used as an instrument of His love for others.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/14

“INFINITELY MORE SATISFYING”



“I have since been brought into a way of living infinitely more satisfying and, I hope, more useful than the life I lived before.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 42-43



“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.” Ephesians 4:22





For what it’s worth: My old, alcoholic existence was so corrupted that I believed I was destined to hell. After all, why would God want anything so decayed? I thought a bunch of drunks in Alcoholics Anonymous might not mind, so I reached out to AA, but only for relief from the agony of my miserable existence. The welcome I received there in AA was surprising and kept me coming back long enough to discover the spiritual power of their Twelve Steps. Those Steps have carried me up out of hell to a piece of heaven that is “infinitely more satisfying” than anything I experienced before. Before, I had no value. Today, I can be used by God to help another lost soul climb out of hell.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/17

FREEDOM AND MERCY



“Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164:3


“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13



For what it's worth: There was no way I would admit my faults back during the years of my alcoholic drinking. Actually, I tried my best to hide them. That behavior was so much a part of me that it was difficult to change even long into recovery. However, the people of Alcoholics Anonymous told me it had to be done if I was to stay sober. So, my motives were not pure, but I started being honest about my defects of character. As I did, I found relief, just as AA people had shared with me had happened with them. Even after years in recovery, it can still be difficult to admit when I am wrong. Often, I have to go to my God and ask His help. But, when I do, I experience freedom and mercy.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/18

FALSE IDOLS



“Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63:1


“I hate those who cling to worthless idols…” Psalm 31:6



For what it’s worth: Alcoholism had me wandering around lost, with no purpose, no direction, and no place to call home. Alcoholics Anonymous has given me all of those things and much more: a God of my understanding Who loves me unconditionally. Now that I have such precious gifts – blessings I never believed possible – I need to be vigilant that I never give anything else in my life more significance, more attention, more worship than my Heavenly Father. I would like to think that would be easy to do, especially in view of all He has done for me. But I can easily create and adore idols like material objects, worldly matters, and selfish pursuits that I give more attention and devotion to than my Heavenly Father and His will for me today.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/19

TIME WITH GOD



“Step Eleven suggests prayer and meditation.” – Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85


“Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer.” – Psalm 143:8



For what it’s worth: The mornings of my diseased days were horrible, filled with dread and despair. I still remember even after years of recovery. I never want to go back to that hell on earth. To prevent it I must maintain my daily reprieve by practicing actions that I have learned in Alcoholics Anonymous. One of the best is one that I insanely put off way too long. I really didn’t believe that I was worth God wanting to be with me anytime during the day. I remembered, too, that I had cursed Him. But, fortunately, in His time not mine, my merciful, patient, and loving Heavenly Father blessed me with the experience of the wonder and power of morning prayer and meditation. Words will not express the privilege and value of spending the dawn of each new day with my Heavenly Father. We both love it!





God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/28

FOR ME



“We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84



“Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” Psalm 66:16



For what it's worth: During my years of alcoholic despair, the way I saw it, God had done plenty for me: every misery I had ever suffered was all punishment for being such a disappointment to Him. Recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous returned me to enough sanity to realize God was not against me, but for me. Now, after years of practicing the spiritual principles of AA, I know that God always was for me. It is obvious to me that He only could have rescued me from the gates of hell and carried me through the difficult days I have experienced in sobriety. He only could have been so generous, so merciful, so loving. He only could be the Heavenly Father who loves me to jump up in His lap and talk with Him about my life.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/29

COMPLACENCY



“…The alcoholic has often seemed a fool of the first magnitude.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 137:3



“…The complacency of fools will destroy them.” Proverbs 1:32



For what it's worth: As an alcoholic, I certainly reached the first magnitude status. Moreover, I made top honors as a fool and hypocrite. I was just right for Alcoholics Anonymous. Their program is an adjustable wrench that fits any nut. It fit this one. Despite my early resistance, I grew up emotionally, mentally, and spiritually on the Twelve Steps in the care of a Higher Power and the example of the people of AA. Now my job is to maintain the spiritual condition I have developed. The most foolish thing I could do now is to become complacent. That, indeed, will eventually destroy me.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

8/31

A WITNESS TO MYSELF



“In the face of collapse and despair, in the face of the total failure of their human resources, they found that a new power, peace, happiness, and sense of direction flowed into them.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 50:4



"You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.” Isaiah 43:10



For what it's worth: God kicked in the doors of the hell of alcoholism and carried me out to the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. Since that time, He has saved me from numerous life tragedies. In view of that, one would expect that my first response to new threats would be to have immediate and complete trust. But, no. I can still hesitate with doubt because the best I can be on any given day is human. My God realizes that and loves me just as I am. Additionally, when I go to Him, He reminds me of all the occasions when He helped me through the toughest of times. Not only has He chosen me to be His witness to others, I am His witness to myself, knowing and believing from my own experience that He is God and He loves me unconditionally. He never has and never will let me down!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/4

WALKING TALL



“As God’s people we stand on our feet; we don’t crawl before anyone.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 83



“Lord, I cry out to you. I say, ‘You are my place of safety. You are everything I need in this life.’” Psalm 142:5



For what it's worth: A sorry excuse of a man, a pitiful, shameful soul I was when I walked into my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. That man is gone. Thanks to the Power that is AA, a new man walks into those meetings today. Ever since I cried out to the Lord, even in a weak, feeble manner, He has been my strength and my security. He is, indeed, everything I need in life. When I keep that fact in mind, I need not crawl before anyone or anything. Nothing can daunt me. God is for me. I can walk tall, hand in hand with my Heavenly Father, facing together whatever life brings today.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/5

WHY ME?



“This is the baffling feature of alcoholism as we know it - this utter inability to leave it alone, no matter how great the necessity or the wish.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 34:2


"For many are invited, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14

For what it’s worth: Like millions of others, Alcoholism had enslaved me and bound me with chains. I know I escaped only by the Grace of God. But, why me, Lord? Why is this drunk sober, but so many others, even those who desperately want to be, are not. I do not know the answer. But, what I am certain of is that since I have been chosen to receive the precious gift of sobriety, I will be judged on how well I use that gift to help others.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/6

IN MY BEST INTEREST



“…Though perhaps he came to scoff, he may remain to pray.” Alcoholics Anonymous, Doctors Opinion



“I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3



For what it's worth: When I first came to Alcoholics Anonymous, I scorned prayer. I defiantly refused to say the Serenity Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer with you at a meeting. I figured you should be grateful enough that I was attending the meeting and not expect me to pray with you. My first sponsor taught me to say, “Please help me”, and then “Thank you”. That was the simple start to a rewarding prayer life. The next thing I had to do was to learn to be patient with the good Lord after I went to Him in prayer. I am still working on that. I have made progress. Now I often can seek my Heavenly Father’s help and wait, expecting that I can trust that His response will be in my best interest, even though I may not see it that way.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/7

LEARNING TO PRAY



“We…are careful to make no request for ourselves only.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87



"…Lord, teach us to pray…” Luke 11:1



For what it’s worth: Who would have imagined that I would learn how to pray from a bunch of drunks? Prayer had become foreign to me, and I refused to pray even long after I stopped drinking in Alcoholics Anonymous. Eventually the agony of an empty soul drove me to pray. My sponsor started me praying with a simple prayer: “Please help me.” Later he had me add “Thank you.” That was the beginning of brand new prayer life for me. But, at first, even my prayers were self-focused. I paid close attention to the prayers suggested in our Third and Seventh Steps. They taught me to pray in a manner that surrenders my self to God, not for my gain, but that I become a better instrument of His peace; and for His glory, not mine.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/8

ME, ME, ME



“Were we thinking of ourselves most of the time?” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86


“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2



For what it’s worth: The “his majesty, the baby” in me always wants what he wants when he wants it. Just because I am now sober in Alcoholics Anonymous does not miraculously change that character defect. Actually, the world I live in supports that selfish, spoiled attitude. But AA teaches me that self-centeredness can kill me, and that God is the only one Who can save me from myself. So, I need to be thinking of Him and what He wants, not preoccupied with me and my wants, tuning God out. That is still too easy for me to do. My alcoholic mind always wants more and more, but what I need is more of Him, not more of anything else.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/9

WE HANDLE IT TOGETHER



“Do not be discouraged.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 60



“I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be
afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with
you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9


For what it’s worth: When I first entered Alcoholics Anonymous, I heard the words in How It Works when you read: “Do not be discouraged.” But I was totally demoralized. I had failed at every turn and lived in despair. I did not believe I could take the Steps required for sobriety, and I wanted nothing to do with your Higher Power. Ever so slowly, by not drinking and attending many meetings, the sharing and example of AA members poked a pinhole in my pessimism, and I came to believe that God might help me, if I asked Him. My pride was beaten down by the torture of my empty soul, so I was able to ask Him. Ever since then, one day at a time, my Heavenly Father helps me be confident. On those days my faith is weak, I recall that He loves me unconditionally, and I focus on this prayer: “Lord, help me remember that nothing will happen to me today that You and I can not handle together.”



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/10

NOT JUST DO, BUT BE



“We ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 68



“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6



For what it's worth: For years during my drinking, I had no understanding of what was happening in my life. Thanks to the grace of God at work in Alcoholics Anonymous, the anesthetic, alcohol, unchained my brain, and I began to see the pain I inflicted on others and the agony I caused myself. That ugly destruction demanded correction. However, although I was sober in AA, I was still relying on my own intelligence, which, by the way, is the same that got me where I was. Therefore, if I was to make any progress, I had to turn to a Higher Power. I had to ask God to teach me to trust His love. At first, it certainly was not with my whole heart, but He did not require perfection, just a simple, sincere attempt. From there, my Heavenly Father took over. Still to this day, when I stay out of His way, He directs my path to what He wants me to be -- not just do, but be.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/11

A SECURE HEART



“It (fear) set in motion trains of circumstances which brought us misfortune we felt we didn’t deserve.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 67



“His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.” Psalm 112:8



For what it's worth: For years, fear in the form of deep insecurity dominated my life and reinforced my drinking. Fortunately, the drinking stopped, and I was able to identify the foe. Moreover, learning to trust God and the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous helped me make gigantic strides stomping out many fears. Nevertheless, some insecurity remains. It usually comes out to haunt me when someone I care about says or does something that taps into some of my deep-seated insecurities. It hurts, not because the person wanted to harm me, but because my insecurity is already there at the ready to make me believe it is true. If I did not suspect it to be true, it could not cause suffering. Just like our Big Book states, my own fears set in motion a train of circumstances that I feel I do not deserve. Only after time spent in prayer and pain can I triumph over this foe. Only when I allow myself to get over it, and take it to my Heavenly Father, do I begin to renew a secure heart.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/12

THE GOOD LIFE



“A new life has been given us or, if you prefer, a design for living that really works.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 28:2



“How happy you will be! How rich your life!” Psalm 128:1-2


For what it’s worth: Alcoholism destroyed all my dreams of a good life. When I walked into my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, I sought only relief from the agony of my miserable, alcoholic existence. After attending hundreds of AA meetings that I did not want to go to, fighting the drink all the times I wanted to drink, and listening to people sharing about it, I came to believe that a Higher Power could grant me happiness like He had them. And, ever so slowly, as I climbed the Twelve Steps, God demonstrated that He was, indeed, enriching my life. Now I can simply open my eyes and heart and see and feel the good life all around me. It is difficult to thank Him enough for all He has generously given.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/13

DEPENDENCE AND INDEPENDENCE



“…We simply do not stop drinking so long as we place dependence upon other people ahead of dependence on God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87


“My salvation and my honor depend on God.” Psalm 62:7

For what it’s worth: Independence was a treasured value that I had surrendered to alcoholism. So, once freed from alcohol, I was excited about getting it back. Yet, when it was offered by Alcoholics Anonymous, I resisted it, because I believed there was a catch to it. And there was: I had to become dependent upon a Higher Power to gain independence. It took a lot of sober time for me to come to trust God enough to depend upon Him. But, gradually, as I grow closer to Him, I experience independence. My Heavenly Father makes it possible for me to be free of alcohol, worry, fear, rage, self-pity and insanity. I am freed from slavery and granted dignity and honor. And I am free to seek peace and joy in this life and eternal happiness in the next.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/14

THE STRONGEST THING ON EARTH



“We can laugh at those who think spirituality the way of weakness.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 68



“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:7



For what it's worth: Spirituality was for the cowardly who were afraid of life. I believed that fabrication until alcoholism beat me down to a pitiful excuse of a man and I was forced to re-examine my prejudice. It started in my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. The people there were confident and secure and believed in a Higher Power. They were spiritual but not weak. As I attended more meetings with AA people, I came to see for myself that they lived strong, happy lives based on solid spiritual principles. They were, at best, human beings, but with strength they received from their Higher Power. They were shining lights to me in my darkest time. They shared their great treasure with my empty soul. They taught me that this precious gift is stored in the fragile human that I am, but that it is protected by the Spirit of God. Therefore, when I am in His presence and His will, I am the strongest thing on earth.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/15

THE ONLY WAY



“There had been a humble willingness to have Him with me - and He came.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 12



“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12



For what it's worth: Why would I want God anywhere near me? He was responsible for my misery, punishing me for my sinful ways. So I believed, even well into recovery. I cannot be sure what changed my mind, but I know it all centered on my involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous. Had I not ended up in AA, I would have died an agonizing alcoholic death, probably in the gutters of Baltimore with cockroaches crawling all over my stinking body. I firmly believe that God knew AA was a way for me where there was no other way. He knew the tricky drunks there could touch me deeply in ways no one else could. He knew I needed the solid foundation of the Twelve Steps upon which to build a sober life. Mostly, He knew AA was the only path I would ever walk to him. That is all that was required, a simple, humble, single step toward Him. His outstretched arms were right there and He has carried me the rest of the way along this fantastic spiritual journey we are on together. Since AA was, literally, what saved my life and my soul; I would be a fool to avoid it in any way. Moreover, while I stay involved, it is vital that I serve, not be served.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/16

SELF-SACRIFICE



“For if an alcoholic failed to perfect and enlarge his spiritual life through work and self-sacrifice for others, he could not survive the certain trials and low spots ahead.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 15



“…O God, I will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.” Psalm 56: 12



For what it's worth: A major reason I was so miserable and alone is that I stubbornly refused to sacrifice for any purpose except to get a drink. Although alcohol nearly killed me, I had no idea that I needed to change or would ever be different. That was before my final effort to survive - my first day in Alcoholics Anonymous. There I found the key necessary to escape the horror of an alcoholic death. I was taught the give-to-receive philosophy of spirituality. It took many sober years of hard work, practicing that principle in all manner of ways with my sponsor and other old timers, but I finally understood that I must sacrifice for others to survive alcoholism. Still today, I have to be willing to “work and self-sacrifice for others” to sustain my daily reprieve. Moreover, it is the best way I know to “offer a sacrifice of thanks” to my Heavenly Father for all He has done for me. When I give of myself, offering something important to me, to help others, that is a special act of gratitude to Him.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/17

POWER



“As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63



“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20



For what it's worth: Alcohol lost its power. It could no longer take me to oblivion. For years, I sought the return of its magic, but found only more agony. Eventually that torture drove me to Alcoholics Anonymous, looking only for relief. However, I found much more. I had been powerless, unmanageable, insane, untrusting, and unwilling to change. All of that gradually changed as I felt a new power enter my being. I could not describe it, but I could feel it. It was more than talk - talk is cheap, but this had tremendous value. It changed my life. I am deeply grateful and daily enjoy the benefits of this power. I call it my Heavenly Father.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/18

LIFE AND DEATH



“Death was often near.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 107

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; …Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23: 4 & 6

For what it’s worth: My alcoholism demanded I live selfishly, only to drink. There was no concern about my soul. No wonder death frightened me. Despite my fear, my drinking brought death near far more often then I will ever know. What I do know is that, instead of a meaningless, alcoholic death, I have a life of fulfillment and joy. Each day I give thanks to my God and ask Him to allow my life that day to reflect His goodness and love.

God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/19

SHOUTING GRATITUDE



“We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 83



“…Be content with what you have…” Hebrew 13:5



For what it's worth: For years, there was nothing but despair - no hope of anything ever being better than the lonely misery of my alcoholism and the agony of my dark, empty soul. Although I was too sick to realize it at the time, that started to change at my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was there that a seed of hope was planted that has grown into a whole forest full. Many sober years later, lived one day at a time, I have everything I need and far more than anything I could have ever earned. Moreover, everything I ever lost has been restored a hundredfold. I believe I might as well slap my God in the face anytime I complain or want more than what I already have. I always need to be not just content, but deeply grateful for all that my Heavenly Father has done for me. Anytime I am weak in this area, I must run to Him, begging His forgiveness and shouting my gratitude.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/20

HOW TRULY LOVING



“The power of God goes deep!” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 114



“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” Psalm 145:3



For what it's worth: How arrogant of me to think God could never reach me! In reality, He did not need to reach me. He was there the whole time, daily protecting me, especially during many near death experiences. Moreover, just at the right moment when I surrendered and was willing to accept it, He carried me to Alcoholics Anonymous. I never would have gotten here on my own. Since that day, August 8, 1974, I can not begin to keep track of all the blessings I have received from my Higher Power. Just counting the one-day-at-a-times of sobriety is staggering. That is especially true when I think of all those days I craved a drink; the days I did not believe I could make it; the times when I was severely depressed; those periods of being in a spiritual desert; and, all the just-want-to-escape days. In addition to counting all the days God grace kept me sober, when I think of all His other blessings in every other aspect of my life throughout those years, and the multitude of times when I was not even aware of God at work in my life, I realize there is no way to fathom how truly loving my Heavenly Father is, has been, and will continue to me to me!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/21

GOD WILL GET IT DONE



“We trust infinite God rather than our finite selves.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 68



"What is impossible with men is possible with God."

Luke 18:27



For what it's worth: It certainly appeared impossible that my miserable alcoholic existence would ever be transformed into anything resembling decency. However, it happened, thanks to the grace of God at work in Alcoholics Anonymous. Since then, how often miracles have occurred; so, why hesitate to trust that there will be another? No matter how dark, light will come. No matter what the turmoil, serenity can be born. No matter how impossible it seems to me, it is possible with God. And, repeatedly He has proven to me that He loves me so much that, if it is in my best interest, He will get it done.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/22

CONFUSION AND DOUBT



“I was to sit quietly when in doubt, asking only for direction and strength to meet my problems as He would have me.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 13



“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36



For what it's worth: Confusion and doubt were companions to my drinking for so long that I grew accustomed to them. However, recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous restored me to enough sanity to realize that I do not have to live in that mental condition. Now, when in doubt or confused about a life situation, I take it to my Higher Power and to my sponsor. They help me identify the cause, seek solutions, ask God’s direction and strength, and sit quietly and persevere until my Heavenly Father does exactly what He has promised: to never let me down. That always works out better than jumping in with my own controls and fixes, and creating more problems with increased doubt and confusion.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/23

GOD’S SCHEDULE, NOT MINE



“The right answer will come, if we want it.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 69



“Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails.” Psalm 143:7



For what it's worth: By the time I arrived at the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous, my spirit was nearly dead. It had been neglected for years. It was dark and empty. As the alcohol left my system, my spirit began to scream for attention, demanding fulfillment. The Twelve Steps provided a path to the grace of God where my spirit finds nourishment and growth, but it is not yet wholly healed. It can start to feel dark and empty again when faced with one of life’s uproars, and I believe a clear direction or answer is needed at the time, but not present. When this occurs, I take it to my God, expecting the right answer right now. However, I do not get it, and my spirit can start to fail. Then I must remember, if I am honestly open to the right answer and willing to accept it, the right answer always comes – according to God’s schedule, not mine. At those times, I can almost hear my Heavenly Father asking me how long I will continue to try to be in charge. And I think I see Him smiling.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/24

THANKFUL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES



“We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day ‘Thy will be done.’” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87-88



“Be thankful in all circumstances…” 1 Thessalonians 5:18



For what it's worth: During my drinking days there was not one drop of gratitude in me and even less interest in God’s will. But alcoholism pushed me to the edge of eternal damnation, and in desperation I reached out to Alcoholics Anonymous. There I found that to survive the deadly power of my disease, I had to develop a thankful heart and, not only an interest in God’s will, but the willingness to do His will in my daily life. I have been striving to accomplish both for many sober years. My goal is to be able to be thankful even when God’s will is difficult.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/25

ALL OF HIS POWER AND MIGHT



“The age of miracles is still with us.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 153



“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.”

Job 5:9



For what it's worth: Only a miracle could have saved me from the inevitable and final consequences of alcoholism and shepherded me to Alcoholics Anonymous. Only a miracle could have strengthened me against the craving for a drink and the need to escape the agony of growing up emotionally and spiritually. Those miracles, plus uncountable more, have occurred in my life. And I am aware of hundreds more that have happened to others. When I pause a moment to consider all the miracles I know, and include those I believe from the Bible, how can I ever doubt God’s omnipotence? When my spirit is right within me, I know beyond a doubt that my Heavenly Father is for me and will never let me down. All I need to do is to go to Him humbly and confidently. I do not need to know His will for me, nor even if what I seek is in my best interest. He will know that. When I ask, my Heavenly Father will listen and bring all of His loving power and might to my aid.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/26

THE SUNRISE ALWAYS COMES



“We alcoholics are undisciplined.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 88



“Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5



For what it's worth: Alcoholism retarded my emotional and mental development so much so that the self-discipline necessary to recover came hard and slow. Over my years of sobriety there have been innumerable growing pains: periods of emotional turmoil and mental anguish. Only by the grace of God did I survive those times without escape into alcohol. With my own experiences my Heavenly Father taught me that I will always get through those trying times, and that some blessing will result. The weeping does not last. Sometime it seems slow, but rejoicing does come. For me, the sunrise always comes to brighten the darkness and the gloom.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/27

A LIFE OF LIGHT



“I must turn in all things to the Father of Light who presides over us all.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 14



“If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12



For what it's worth: Darkness, depression and despair were a way of life during my drinking years. I saw no hope, no light. Death seemed the only way out, but all of my attempts failed. That agony forced me to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous - for relief only. However, I found much more. There was hope in the smiles and laughter of the recovering drunks at that place. There seemed to be some kind of light in their lives, and they told me I could find the same, if I was humble enough to admit my powerlessness, come to believe in a Power greater than myself, and turn my life over to that Power. Although I did not believe I could do that, the agony of my empty soul drove me to try. And that is all that was required: a feeble, honest, and humble attempt. The Power took it from there; led me along a path were rarely do we see anyone fail with many others just like myself; up Twelve Steps; and, out of the darkness into a life of light. Today, anytime I sense the darkness and go to my Heavenly Father with willingness to follow His will instead of having my own way, He always leads me back to the life of light.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/28

ONE GIGANTIC DIFFERENCE



“Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84



“The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power…and you will be changed into a different person.”

1 Samuel 10:6



For what it's worth: One gigantic difference for me between my diseased days and my recovering days is how I am when I wake up in the morning. Awakening used to be horrible, filled with crippling anxiety, depression and despair, cursing God that I had to face another dreaded day. Oh, how I remember those miserable mornings! Thank God mornings are different now. I awake with a grateful heart, thanking God and looking forward to His blessings that day. Even when I may have to face trials, I awake with hope, trusting God’s love. Words are so inadequate when I try to tell my Heavenly Father thanks for all the changes in me and my life.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

9/29

HEAVEN’S BACK GATE



“We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 133


“Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.”

Psalm 143:2



For what it's worth: Fear of God’s harsh judgment was instilled in me from childhood. So, by the time I was a no-good, sinful drunk, I knew God had condemned me to burn forever. Actually, I could already feel the heat. Yet, as my whole being changed in sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, I was thrilled by the thought that maybe I was not so bad and just maybe I was not eternally damned. As I grew spiritually, a major blessing has been the knowledge that I am loved just as I am by my Heavenly Father. Now I know He wants me to be at peace in His presence forever. I am not a saint by any definition, but I believe He will leave heaven’s back gate open for me some day.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

A LUKEWARM ATTITUDE



“Many of us exclaimed, ‘What an order (to practice these principles in all our affairs)! I can’t go through with it.’” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 60



“So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16



For what it's worth: Before Alcoholics Anonymous, any principles I had all drowned in a flood of alcohol. Fortunately, AA offered me a set of guidelines that led to a serene and joyful life, if I was willing to take certain Steps to get there. God gave me that willingness and a daily reprieve even during trying times. However, even after years in AA, I must watch for an insidious enemy that can creep up on me silently before I know it. That is an unwillingness to step out of my comfort zone – a lukewarm attitude that I must resist or it can kill me.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/1

MY STUBBORN HEART



“We find that our thinking will, as time passes, be more and more on the plane of inspiration.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87

"But my people would not listen to me…so I gave them over to their stubborn hearts...” Psalm 81:11-12

For what it's worth: My stubborn heart wanted no inspiration from God. Actually, no part of me wanted anything to do with Him. But “the Hound of Heaven” pursued me even deep into the hell fires of alcoholism and delivered me to the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was here in AA that I learned of my need to ask a Higher Power for direction in my life. Then I need to listen. God inspires me through people, events, nature and all manner of ways, but my difficulty is that I hear Him but act like I do not. I rationalize or I play like I did not hear Him. I know what God expects of me, but I give myself reasons for not doing His will. I am deeply grateful for His patience, but today I must listen and follow through with action. I do not want my problems given back over to my stubborn heart.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/4

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT



“Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all of our activities.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85

“Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6

For what it's worth: During my diseased years, every day was miserable and there was no hope that the next day would improve. Perhaps one of the greatest gifts of recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous is hope of better times. When I suffer a difficult day, a losing bout with clinical depression, or even a spiritually dry period of time, I still have a kernel of hope. At those times, the only part of God’s will I can manage to carry into my activities is not to take that first drink. Moreover, I feel like I can not even accomplish that without begging my Higher Power for strength to do it. However, I know from experience that a bright new day always follows, and I will be sober to enjoy every moment of it. Granted, it may not be the next day, or even the day after, but it always comes - in God’s time, not mine. In fact, my Heavenly Father has shown me over and over that His goodness and love are there with me all the days of my life, even on the ones when I can not feel it. And, can you believe it; I may even have a shot at dwelling with Him forever.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/11

THE BIG BOOK WITHOUT WORDS



“…We tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 60


“In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” Titus 2:7



For what it's worth: Talk is cheap, especially when powered by alcohol. My words could create a victim instead of the villain or a hero instead of the loser I was. Doing so became so much a part of me that even I started to believe the lies. Here in recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous, I have to be especially vigilant about this defect. The lies and false impressions must stop. Empty words will not create healing. Daily practice of certain, simple principles will. Without that daily practice, the study of these principles, being learned and sounding off with authority on them is meaningless. The only way to do myself and anyone else any good is to practice these principles each day in all of my activities. Then, when I talk the Big Book, I do not have to use words.


God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/12

HELL STILL CALLS



“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him…” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 60



“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1



For what it's worth: Once I was sober long enough in Alcoholics Anonymous for the alcohol to be out of my system, I began to feel the agony of my dark, empty soul. I had to find relief. With the support of AA people and the grace of God, I found far more than just relief. My search led me up the Twelve Steps to a conscious contact with my Heavenly Father. I need to continue my search daily, being careful not to neglect my soul for worldly or selfish pursuits. My soul has tasted the heavenly and seeks more of heaven on earth, but hell can still call to me. I need to beg God’s help each new day.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/13

NOT THE FOOL I USED TO BE



“We have begun to learn tolerance, patience and good will toward all men, even our enemies, for we look on them as sick people.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 70


“A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11



For what it's worth: Overlooking an offense was weak and cowardly. Retaliation was my usual response to anyone who offended me, real or imagined. And my wisdom revealed itself in how creative I could be getting revenge. My attitude changed, of course, with sober time in Alcoholics Anonymous, but it required hard work, guidance from my sponsor, the Twelve Steps, and the grace of God. Today I may not always readily practice tolerance and patience when offended, but I can see the wisdom in doing so. I can practice my Tenth Step every time I fail in this matter and beg God’s help to improve. I can pray for the person, and that is remarkable growth for me. And I can see the progress my Heavenly Father and I have made in this area. I am certainly not wise in these matters, but, at least, I am not the fool I used to be.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/14

AN EASIER, SOFTER WAY OF LIFE



“Abandon yourself to God as you understand God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164



“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” Mark 12:30



For what it's worth: Alcohol was only one of the quick fixes I used to solve long standing problems. It is the one that progressively dominated and drove me to hell on earth. But I also wasted my early life trying to heal myself with relationships, successes, and the possession of all manner of human pleasures and desires, resulting in all manner of complications and troubles, which, of course, fueled my drinking habit. Looking back through sober insight, I see that God used the agony of my alcoholism to guide me to Alcoholics Anonymous. There, ever so slowly, He instilled a little wisdom in this insane, intoxicated mind of mine, teaching me the enduring spiritual solution to my long standing problems: a conscious contact with Him. When my focus is on my relationship with my Heavenly Father, my daily life is simple and peaceful – an easier, softer way of life than the pursuit or control of human relationships and satisfactions.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/15

ACCEPTANCE AND GRATITUDE



“…Unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 417


“How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?” Psalm 116:12



For what it's worth: Was that really me -- that worthless drunk with not one drop of acceptance or gratitude in his entire being? It seems to me that drunk just disappeared one day. It happened in Alcoholics Anonymous. It was like a bright, white cloud overcame the drunk and, when it cleared, there I stood, free of denial and full of gratitude. Ever since then there has been spiritual growth in some small degree from both the mountains and valleys along life’s path. And as old age arrives, acceptance and gratitude increase. I have to accept losses, changes, and health problems. And I treasure what used to be taken for granted, like a breath, a step, a new day.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/16

AN EXTRA HELPING OF GRACE



“No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 60



“And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful.” Psalm 90:17



For what it's worth: Before sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, I had discarded all principles I had and I was wandering aimlessly downhill into hell. Fortunately, in recovery I was given a set of principles for a sober and happy journey through life. Some days are uphill, and I struggle to maintain the course rather than turning back to my old ways. Although I certainly can not feel it on those days, I can not help but wonder if my Higher Power is not smiling down on me a little more, giving me an extra helping of grace.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/17

THE SPIRIT WITHIN



“Everybody, including himself, would be pleased.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 61



“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

For what it’s worth: There were many years of self-indulgence during my diseased, drinking existence. So, I expect that it will take many years to overcome that defect. The “his majesty, the baby” in me still demands to be pleased. This is one reason I am deeply grateful to my Higher Power: He loves me unconditionally, just as I am. And I am grateful that God has given me a clear conscience, combined with an intense desire to be close to Him. Now I pray for and strive for willingness to be rid of every aspect of myself that interferes with my relationship with my Heavenly Father. He even motivates me with my own human weaknesses, allowing me to be distressed when I pursue to be pleased, and granting me peace and joy when I sacrifice self. Today I pray for the strength to act according to the Spirit with me.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/18

SHARING SECRETS



“Time after time newcomers have tried to keep to themselves certain facts about their lives.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 72


“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13



For what it’s worth: My life was full of secrets that I certainly never intended to reveal to anyone for any reason. In Alcoholics Anonymous I learned that, to get out and stay out of the hell my alcoholism had created for me, it was absolutely necessity that I share my secrets. My experience proves that secrets gain power when I keep them secret. If I reveal them, they lose their ability to eat at me from inside and trigger relapse. Beyond that, I have found that sharing secrets with the right person produces freedom and peace.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/19

AN OLD DEPRESSED DRUNK



“In some circumstances we have gone out deliberately to get drunk, feeling ourselves justified by nervousness, anger, worry, depression, jealousy or the like.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 37


“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.” Psalm 107:13



For what it's worth: For years I drank alcohol when depressed. I did not realize the insanity of that behavior until I was sober a number of years in Alcoholics Anonymous. Moreover, I did not understand the magnitude of the blessing that kept me sober even though the depression continued undiagnosed and untreated. In my thirteenth year of sobriety in AA, I was hospitalized and diagnosed with major depression. Over the years since then, despite professional treatment, bouts with depression reoccur. When they are severe enough, it is even difficult to pray. My Heavenly Father knows of my distress and always carries me through, usually without me even thinking of a drink of alcohol. Now, that is down right miraculous for an old depressed drunk!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/20

HUMBLED



“But they had not learned enough of humility…” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 73



“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Psalm 25:9



For what it's worth: Alcoholism humbled me to the extent that I was forced to admit my powerlessness over alcohol and the unmanageability of my life. As difficult as that may have been for an arrogant drunk like me, it was not nearly enough. Much more is required to practice the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Then, even after the spiritual awakening that results from living these Steps in my daily life, I come to realize the darkness in everything I think I know and the imperfection in everything I think I finally have right.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/21

WE WILL BE AT PEACE



“Easy does it.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 135



“He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.” 1 Chronicles 5:20



For what it's worth: For years every new day was dreaded, bringing nothing but additional turmoil and despair into my already miserable existence. I had no hope of change the day I walked into my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. However, the change was immediate. As disabled as I was I could still sense that the people there had peace, and I felt hope for the first time in years. I wanted what they had, so I did what they did. Over the years that I have been practicing the principles they taught me, learning from my mistakes more than my successes, I have formed a few simple but significant convictions for my life. For example, anytime it becomes a conflict, I need to stop fighting, surrender, and take it easy. When life is confusing or complicated, I need to stop rushing recklessly into it for answers and solutions and carry the problem to my God for direction and the next right step. When it is heavy and cumbersome, I need to go to Him for relief and comfort. And when I am anxious about anything in life, feeling a need to control, I must beg my Heavenly Father to renew my trust in His love. He has repeatedly proven to me that He loves me and will never let me down. Together we can be at peace no matter what life brings today. I just need to trust Him.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/22

GOD’S WORK IN PROGRESS



“It reminds us that we are to place principles before personalities; that we are actually to practice a genuine humility.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 566, Appendix I



“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:10



For what it's worth: A deep-seated feeling of inadequacy reinforced my drinking for years. Fortunately, I found Alcoholics Anonymous, the only free program I know to build a decent self-image. And AA starts its construction with a solid foundation of humility. AA taught me to give rather than get; to serve more than be served; to be concerned about others rather than be self-absorbed; to treat others as I want to be treated; and, to never think of myself better or worse than anyone. As significant as those lessons are to my well being, even more important is the fact that AA introduced me to a Higher Power that loves me just as I am. So, surely, I am a work of art. At times, it may be hard to tell what type of art. Nevertheless, I am God’s work in progress, and I can tell that He places a bright stroke of color on His art work whenever I humble myself by putting someone else first.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/23

A BUNCH OF MIRACLES



“My ideas about miracles were drastically revised right then.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 11:5


“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” Job 9:10


For what it’s worth: My life turned out to be horror and misery. That convinced me there would be no miracles in my life. And I could never have believed there would be so many, all initiated simply by walking into a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. First, there was a seed of hope planted into the hardened heart and empty soul of this hopeless drunk. As I miraculously stayed sober that seed grew into a whole forest full of hope. During that time many more miracles matured: I grew able to trust; I began to know that I was lovable and could be loved; I gained some worth and knew I was worthwhile; I came to believe that a Higher Power could not only make me sane, but love and care for me – unconditionally; and, instead of distancing myself from Him, I want to grow closer. Yes, I am a living, breathing miracle. More accurately, I am a living, breathing bunch of miracles.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/24

MY FATHER’S STRONG ARMS



“He is the Father, and we are His children.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62



“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John1:12



For what it's worth: My insane prejudice toward religion decided that the idea of being a child of God was a Church fable. Even if true, God had demonstrated He had no love for this child. I came to Alcoholics Anonymous with that attitude. After hundreds of AA meetings, hearing untold numbers of AA people share what God had done for them, the eyes of my dark soul opened slightly and I began to see all manner of insanity in my thinking about God. As this happened, I noticed how often God was mentioned as “Father” in AA literature, and that Dr. Bob referred to His Higher Power as his Heavenly Father. I could not help but notice that this new concept of God as my Father gave me warmth and comfort where there had been only a cold, dark, empty soul. Being a good drunk, of course, I wanted more of that good feeling. Fortunately, even my feeble attempt at prayer and meditation nourished the idea so much that I have come to believe that I am a child of God, one He loves dearly. He does for me something I do not recall my father ever doing. He opens up His loving arms to me anytime I need to run to Him and jump up in His lap just to be held in His strong arms.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/25

HIS GRACE



“But for the grace of God, there would have been thousands more convincing demonstrations.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 25



“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.” 1 Corinthians 15:10



For what it's worth: The hypocrite in me would have you believe otherwise, but, if there is a sin or a crime I did not commit when drunk, I can not take credit. Alcoholism deadened my conscience and controlled my self-centered actions. Now that I am sober in Alcoholics Anonymous a number of years, no matter what someone else does, I must be cautious and never think myself morally superior to anyone. The old hypocrite in me wants to, but I know it is only by the grace of God that I am sober and free, not already behind bars or deep in hell. All I have is a daily reprieve, and there are days when my spiritual condition is frail enough to fail. Drunk again, I am capable of anything. But, right now I am not drunk again. I am what I am right now by the grace of God, and I will do everything possible to insure God’s grace is not without effect. I know He will give me opportunities and His help today to demonstrate His grace.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/26

A POWERFUL LESSON



“We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.� Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84



"Submit to God and be at peace with him.� Job 22:21



For what it's worth: There was always a war inside of me with me, or outside of me with just about everybody else. I was always losing, but alcohol would deaden the pain of the wounds. However, my Creator must have been watching and knew I was dying, so He directed me to Alcoholics Anonymous. There I was blessed to be able to stop drinking and see and feel the damage I was inflicting on myself and others. As I did so, AA people told me about a Higher Power who could heal me, if only He were sought. I had to stop fighting, surrender my stubborn, false pride, and turn my will and my life over to God’s care. When I finally did, He immediately began treatment. He has done most of the work Himself, but, every now and then He refers me out to trusted professionals for the rest. Along the way, He has taught me a powerful lesson that will keep me from ever being at war with myself or anyone else, if I practice it. That lesson is this: the more I surrender to my Heavenly Father in my daily life, the more peace I find each day.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/27

GOD’S WILL AND JOY



“The joy of living we really have, even under pressure and difficulty.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 15



“The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:17



For what it's worth: This talk about doing the will of God was just a lot of brain-washing that religions did to get people to do what they wanted them to do, like put more money in the collection basket. That is how prejudice I had grown about everything related to religion. Many sober years in Alcoholics Anonymous were required to open my mind and remove the prejudice so that I could come to understand the difference between religion and spirituality. Now that I do, and now that I have been practicing spiritual principles as best I can on a daily basis for many sober years, I know from my own experience that the key to a joyful life is doing the will of God. Actually, it is amazing to me how that works. When I choose God’s will over my will, I am absolutely certain to find serenity and peace in some manner in my life. And it seems to me that the harder the decision is for me as a weak, self-centered human being, the greater the joy is that my Heavenly Father places into my life.



God bless you.



Joe W.

[admin]

10/28

BE AN EXAMPLE



“Our hope is that when this chip of a book is launched on the world tide of alcoholism, defeated drinkers will seize upon it, to follow its suggestions.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 153



…”You will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” Matthew 15:14



For what it's worth: Despite my early resistance to read it because of “all that God stuff”, my old book, Alcoholics Anonymous is now worn and torn from use. Fortunately, as I worked through my insane fear of God, and began reading the Big Book, it became invaluable to me. Now that I have read it, much of it over and over, I need to focus on grasping and practicing its principles. My motive must not be to gain a reputation for knowledge of the book, but to be a humble example of its principles.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/29

LISTENING TO THE MOANS



“If we have carefully followed directions, we have begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into us.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85



“So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” Acts 24:16



For what it's worth: Concern about right and wrong was lost in a flood of alcohol, and I had no conscience when I arrived at the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. I am blessed that AA gave me sobriety and a set of values for my life. Living the Twelve Steps as best I can in my daily life has allowed me “to sense the flow of His Spirit” deep within me. My defects, however, still outnumber my virtues, and the “his majesty, the baby” in me squirms to run rampant. And you can bet he’s up to something contrary to the Spirit’s principles. It is then that the Spirit deep within will moan. I can hear the Spirit, but my problem is listening to the moans.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/30

INSULT TO AA AND GOD’S WORK



“True leadership, we find, depends upon able example and not upon vain displays of power or glory.” 12&12, p.124



“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16

For what it's worth: Drinking reduced me to something I wanted no one to ever see. That is why I wore so many masks. Eventually, recovering in Alcoholics Anonymous, I could take off the masks and

face the world without shame. Of course, that required spiritual transformations from down deep inside me that I was incapable of producing. Yet, years of sober living by certain character building principles have made it possible for me to stand tall and look the world in the eye. Now, I have to be watchful to never take credit for AA and God’s work. Oh, I want to at times, but, if I do, it is a lie – and, worse, an insult to AA and God.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

10/31

JUST AS STUBBORN



“So how, exactly, can the willing person continue to turn his will and his life over to the Higher Power?” 12&12, page 39



“He does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:2



For what it's worth: Self-will stubbornly ruled every motive and behavior I experienced during my active alcoholic years. Had I continued having my own way, I would have soon died a lonely, miserable death. It is only by the grace of God that I survived the inevitable destruction of alcoholism and found Alcoholics Anonymous. Once here, real and daily work had to be done to get and stay sober. I had to grow spiritually. One significant change was demanded: not yielding to every impulse and human desire. I had been so totally self-absorbed for years; just that one objective will require a life-time of daily practice. Each day I must apply my once worthless will power to seeking and doing God’s will. That would be impossible for me except that in AA I found a God always willing even when I am not. So, I go to Him each new day and beg His help doing His will. Together we can accomplish something I am good at: being stubborn. We can be just as stubborn doing His will as I was doing my own.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/1

TRUST GOD



“…We simply do not stop drinking so long as we place dependence upon other people ahead of dependence on God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 98:1



“In spite of this, you did not trust in the LORD your God…” Deuteronomy 1:32



For what it’s worth: There was no trust left in me when I walked into my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. Folks in AA suggested that I turn my will and my life over to God, but false beliefs blocked me from that, and I was blind to all the times in my past that He had saved me. But my empty soul screamed out for some kind of fulfillment, motivating me to at least try to do as AA suggested in the Third Step. That decision is all it took. Without demanding anything of me, God started teaching me to trust Him. He made me aware of all His help in my past; I saw how He was placing all the right people at all the right moments in my life; and, as His grace kept me sober, I began to realize that He was carrying me through some extremely difficult times. Now, after years of learning, I have an inner peace that I can trust my Heavenly Father in everything.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/2

\MY JOB IS TO LISTEN



“In any meeting, anywhere, A.A.'s share experience, strength, and hope with each other, in order to stay sober and help other alcoholics.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page xxiv, Foreword to Fourth Edition



“My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding.” Psalm 49:3



For what it's worth: When I was new in Alcoholics Anonymous, there were many people I did not like, and I would tune them out when they spoke at AA meetings. My sponsor noticed this and told me it was like someone tossing me a hand full of dirt with a piece of gold in the midst of the dirt. I would miss the gold because I stubbornly refused to pay attention to the one throwing it. So, I went to work to practice listening to everyone. I have been working at it for many sober years now. I have not achieved anything like perfection, but I have made progress. So far, there have been numerous "gold nuggets". Moreover, my experience has taught me to pay attention to what is said rather than who is speaking; what a newcomer shares at a small meeting may be more significant to me than what the best speaker says at an International Convention; the simple truth usually comes from the folks who keep it simple; I usually hear words of wisdom from those who are not trying to impress me with their wisdom; and, I best understand when someone speaks to me using the language of the heart. Additionally, I have learned that God speaks to me without regard for the length of sobriety of the person speaking. To hear Him, my job is to listen.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/3

WATCHING GOD WORK



“To some extent we have become God-conscious.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85:2


“The Lord gives strength to his people.” Psalm 29:11

For what it’s worth: Alcoholism would have me be alone and isolated. But recovery immediately reversed that condition, placing me with caring people, sharing together their experience, strength and hope. At first, I was resistant and blind to it, but eventually I grew to see that God was there with those people, granting them the strength to stay sober, grow spiritually, and help me do the same. Today, as I become God-conscious, when I open my eyes and soul to it, I can see my Heavenly Father working in all sorts of folks that He places in my life at just the right moments. And He can be downright tricky about it. It is important that I do my best not to tell Him how to do it, just relax and enjoy the pleasure and privilege of being aware of His presence and love.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/5

PEACEFUL, JOYOUS, AND FREE



“…As we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63



“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9



For what it's worth: The fact that every day was dreaded, burdened with unknown fears and blackened with despair was not the course I had planned. I nearly died like that except for Alcoholics Anonymous. Although I insanely and stubbornly resisted, AA is where I found hope and learned of the source of my fears. I had kicked God out of my life long ago, and I had succeeded in living as far away from Him as I could – so I thought. It turns out that “The Hound of Heaven” had pursued me into my self-created hell and determined that my steps would lead to AA. My Heavenly Father knew His AA people would lead me back to Him by way of their Twelve Steps. And sure enough, a spiritual awakening as the result of those Steps, and a growing consciousness of His presence, has turned my days into far more peaceful, joyous, and free days than I could have ever planned.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/6

STAYING OUT OF HELL



“His ways of thinking and doing are the habits of years.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 118:2



“…God is trying (separating and sifting) them, that they may see that by themselves [under the sun, without God] they are but like beasts.” Ecclesiastes 3:18 (Amplified Bible)

For what it’s worth: I need to be careful not to be overcome with shame when I am reminded about the depth of my human weaknesses. The years of pouring alcohol all over my already defective being produced a drunken, self-absorbed, evil-minded beast that was descending deeper and deeper into hell. That is why every morning I thank my Higher Power for His mercy and ask Him to help me forgive myself. And I beg my God to help me stay close to Him and do His will today so that I do not drink this day. So, today I do not have time to become a saint because I’ll be too busy just trying to stay out of hell.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/7

HIS WAY INSTEAD OF MY OLD WAY



“Whenever a human being becomes a battleground for the instincts, there can be no peace.” 12&12 p.44, Step Four


“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29



For what it's worth: My alcoholic instincts were totally self-centered, but never accomplished any long term satisfaction for me. Instead my selfish ways led to complete dissatisfaction and self destruction. So much so that I was suicidal by the time I opened the door to my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. What a blessing that there I found a new way of living! Oh, it is taking years of sobriety and chiseling away at my old stubborn self, but daily practice is getting the job done. Some days go well, others are uphill and slow. I find that those days I put myself first are difficult. When I whine about my situation, there is no rest, just struggle all day long. But, when I try to be an instrument of peace, I have peace. When I take up my yoke, whatever it is for that day, my soul is quiet and serene. And when I sacrifice self for others, joy rushes into this old, hard heart. Since I have experienced all of this, you can bet that I beg my Heavenly Father every new day to help me live His way today instead of my old way.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/7

HIS WAY INSTEAD OF MY OLD WAY



“Whenever a human being becomes a battleground for the instincts, there can be no peace.� 12&12 p.44, Step Four


“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.� Matthew 11:29



For what it's worth: My alcoholic instincts were totally self-centered, but never accomplished any long term satisfaction for me. Instead my selfish ways led to complete dissatisfaction and self destruction. So much so that I was suicidal by the time I opened the door to my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. What a blessing that there I found a new way of living! Oh, it is taking years of sobriety and chiseling away at my old stubborn self, but daily practice is getting the job done. Some days go well, others are uphill and slow. I find that those days I put myself first are difficult. When I whine about my situation, there is no rest, just struggle all day long. But, when I try to be an instrument of peace, I have peace. When I take up my yoke, whatever it is for that day, my soul is quiet and serene. And when I sacrifice self for others, joy rushes into this old, hard heart. Since I have experienced all of this, you can bet that I beg my Heavenly Father every new day to help me live His way today instead of my old way.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/8

SPIRITUALITY AND WILLINGNESS



“Willingness, honesty and open mindedness are the essentials of recovery.” Alcoholics Anonymous, Appendices II, Spiritual Experience



“You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” James 2:24



For what it's worth: It was not God that was distant from me. It was my attitude and my behavior that had distanced me from God. It was not God punishing me. It was my drinking. But alcohol blinded me. I could not see things spiritual. My eyes were opened only after long-term sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, listening closely to the sharing of AA people, learning from their example, and daily practicing the Twelve Steps. Only then was I able to understand that a spiritual awakening had to be supported by action or die. I must be willing to do whatever God puts in front of me to be done, and He is generous. Yes, He helps me, but, being a Gentleman, He does not push His will on me. It seems to me that He waits to see what I am willing to do. Then He is right there with me. But, if I do not put the shovel in the ground, the hole does not get dug. What I really appreciate is that, when I can not pick up the shovel for whatever reason, I can go to my Heavenly Father and beg His help to grant me willingness. He always comes through.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/9

ONE STEP AT A TIME



“…We be shown all through the day what our next step is to be…” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87



“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths.” Psalm 25:4

For what it’s worth: I was lost. Alcohol had blinded me and I fell deep into the swamp of alcoholism. Although I could not see it at the time, and despite my prideful resistance, I eventually came to believe that God showed me a solid path out of that swamp - that path where we rarely see anyone fail. Since that time, God has proven to me over and over again with many varied experiences in recovery, that whenever I feel lost, I can go to my Heavenly Father for direction. He always shows me the right course. But I need to be patient because He often keeps it simple, revealing only one step at a time.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/10

GOOD-BYE TO GLOOM AND DOOM



“On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86



“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118:24


For what it's worth: Impending doom was a rip tide in my miserable, alcoholic existence, constantly pulling me under and throwing me deeper and deeper into the alcoholic abyss. Thank God that strong undercurrent of anxiety is gone! Slowly, probably because of my attitude that it was just some hackneyed expression, the people in Alcoholics Anonymous taught me the “one-day-at-a-time” philosophy. It is amazing how such a simple idea has made such a dramatic change in my life. It is a blessing to wake up free of that horrible doom and gloom and begin the day with Step Eleven’s prayer that starts with “on awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead.”



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/11

FROM WEAKLING TO WARRIOR


“Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85:2



“The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength.” 1 Samuel 2:4



For what it’s worth: The image of a powerful warrior appealed to me, but alcoholism reduced me to a worthless weakling. Having unsuccessfully searched for strength every place else, I finally crawled to Alcoholics Anonymous - where I thought weaklings went. To my grateful surprise, what I have found here in AA is a Higher Power Who granted a once hopeless drunk the strength to get and stay sober, and Who gives this once worthless weakling the strength to stand tall and fight even the toughest battles.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[janbear]

11/13

NEXT STEP & DAILY BREAD



“We usually conclude the period of meditation with a prayer that we be shown all through the day what our next step is to be, that we be given whatever we need to take care of such problems.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87



“Give us today our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11


For what it’s worth: In my active alcoholism my focus was not on the next step, but the next drink. And since the next drink always led to another one, I had to worry about having enough for the next drink tomorrow. All in all, my drinking existence was complicated and I was preoccupied with my addiction, not my life. Here in sobriety that all changed. I entrusted my life to God as I understand Him, and the people of Alcoholics Anonymous taught me to live a sober life one day at a time. Now I can keep it simple, focusing on right now, knowing from experience that God will show me my next step, and provide whatever I need right now. When I maintain this attitude, I am far less likely to have that next drink. I will have inner peace regardless of today’s circumstances and needs.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/15

A GOOD PLACE


"You don't have to cry here. This is a good place." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 431 (Fourth Edition)



"Oh, that my eyes were a fountain of tears; I would weep forever!"

Jeremiah 9:1

For what it’s worth: During the last years of my active alcoholism, I was convinced that I would weep forever. Instead, I desperately reached out for relief, reluctantly walking into my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. And, to my amazement, like thousands of others, I found that AA is “a good place.” Here I don't have to cry anymore tears of agony. Tears today are tears of joy.



My first sponsor taught me a prayer: "Lord, thank you for letting me laugh again, but don't ever let me forget how long I cried."



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/16

HIS TIME, NOT MINE



"I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 76



"Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles." Isaiah 40:31

For what it’s worth: The “his majesty, the baby” in me wants what he wants when he wants it. Waiting is not his game. And he can be so arrogant that he is impatient even with the Lord. God, being the Gentleman that He is, always waits for me to get over my self- glorification. He and I both know that the self-inflicted torment that always accompanies my self-sanctification finally drives me to be willing to let go and accept that my Higher Power moves according to His time, not mine. Although He sure seems slow at times, even sometime right up until the last minute, the wait is always worth it. My Heavenly Father is so creative and finds so many ways to lift me up “on wings like eagles.” I have come to trust Him, and I have found “new strength” to put “his majesty, the baby” in his room every now and then when he wants to act out.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/17

FROM A LION TO A LAMB



“Your job now is to be at the place where you may be of maximum helpfulness to others…” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 102



“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.” Isaiah 40:11



For what it's worth: Alcoholics Anonymous has produced dramatic spiritual changes in me. For example, when I first came to AA, there was nothing I wanted from God. I believed He had already given me enough suffering. That attitude followed me long into AA. One night at an AA meeting, I loudly expressed my anger that a picture of the Good Shepherd was hanging in the meeting room in a church basement. Like a menacing lion, I growled that they should take it down. Those stubborn drunks did not. So, I left the meeting. The lion showed them! Many sober years later, I purchased that same picture and it hangs in my home today. The concept of a Good Shepherd holding a little lamb close to His heart touches me deeply. I often see myself as the lamb. Additionally, I believe the Good Shepherd is a spiritual example and guide for me in Twelve Step work and sponsorship. God and AA have transformed me from a mean, old, roaring lion to a tame and caring little lamb. (Well, “tame” and “little” may be stretching it.)



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/18

HIS WORK IN PROGRESS



“He will also report that out of every season of grief or suffering, when the hand of God seemed heavy or even unjust, new lessons for living were learned, new resources of courage were uncovered, and that finally, inescapably, the conviction came that God does ‘move in a mysterious way His wonders to perform.’” 12&12 p.105, Step Eleven



“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28



For what it's worth: God was causing everything to work against me as punishment for my sinful, alcoholic ways. I carried that insane thinking long into sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. There, despite my stubborn resistance, I came to believe God used the agony of my miserable existence to guide me to AA, knowing AA would direct me back to Him. And, sure enough, my own personal experiences in recovery have repeatedly proven to me that God uses every suffering and every joy for a blessing to me or some other, usually both. When I can get out of His way, I love to watch Him work. He can be real tricky and extremely creative. I believe He can even take any of my many human weaknesses and somehow make them spiritual strengths whenever He needs to do so. He is an amazing Artisan and I am His work in progress.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/19

LIFTED INTO HIS LOVING ARMS



“But its (meditation) object is always the same: to improve our conscious contact with God, with His grace, wisdom, and love.” 12&12 p.101, Step Eleven



“You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.” Psalm 86:5



For what it's worth: When I walked into my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, I was certain God wanted nothing to do with me because of all my failures to do His will and live His way. As I attended AA meetings, becoming sober and clear-headed, I heard AA people share about God’s love, and I wanted to learn more. So I started talking to my sponsor and others. And, as I did what they did, practicing the Twelve Steps, especially Step Eleven, I began to sense a transforming change deep in my being. It came hard and slow, and I often became frustrated, trying all manner of meditation methods. But I persisted, and even my weak efforts were rewarded by my Creator. Often today I can sense His presence and warmth. And, if it lasts only for a moment, it lifts me into His loving arms.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/20

THE MASTER BUILDER



Many of us said to our Maker, as we understood Him: “God, I offer myself to Thee – to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63



“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.” Psalm 118:22



For what it's worth: My foundation was never strong, so it was easily rotted by alcohol. I did not realize there was anything of value left in me by the time I finally crawled into an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. When I was ready, AA people had me turn myself over to a Higher Power in their Third Step. He must have found something to work with, because He started building a solid foundation for me right away. Later, in Step Seven, I surrendered the good and the bad of myself to Him. He knew what to keep and what to discard, because He used some of the defective parts in me as construction materials. The Master Builder is still building with me. And when I get out of His way and stop trying to supervise, He builds a miracle.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/21

MY FELLOWSHIP OF THE SPIRIT



“We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25



For what it's worth: The spirits I lived by were alcohol. I worshiped them, spending much of my life with them, and they turned on me, nearly killing me. The Spirit I found in the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous renewed my life and gave me everything of value in my life. One would expect then that I would be deeply grateful, always practicing AA principles in all of my affairs of life. Yet, as long as I have been practicing, I still do not get it right all too often. Self-seeking and lack of discipline continue to throw me out of step with the Spirit. What I am so grateful for these days is the unconditional love of my AA brothers and sisters and my Heavenly Father. I am not, and do not have to be perfect. All I need to do is try as hard as I can each day. And on the days I cannot even manage that well, I can call of them for help. They are always there with me in my Fellowship of the Spirit.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/23

SOBRIETY AND SALVATION



“They have a new attitude, and they have been saved from a living death.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 150



"Your faith has saved you; go in peace." Luke 7:50



For what it's worth: My faith was superficial at best and, therefore, easily drowned in alcohol. The only belief I had was that I would suffer eternal hell’s fire. And I was convinced I deserved it. That, however, was before Alcoholics Anonymous worked its miracles on me. Over my sober years of living the Twelve Steps as best I could one day at a time, I have come to believe differently. It is difficult to express, but I feel assurance that I have been rescued from hell’s flames and may even get in Heaven’s back gate. I know that is not because of anything I have done, but due to God’s merciful grace. I thank Him daily, especially on those days when I recall the hurts and pains I caused others. It is on those days that I realize what a gift of sobriety and salvation I have been so freely granted!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/24

WALKING LIGHTER



“We do not tire so easily, for we are not burning up energy foolishly as we did when we were trying to arrange life to suit ourselves.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 88



“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31



For what it's worth: Each day’s heavy load of anxiety and despair was backbreaking during my drinking years because I believed there was no one to help me carry it. And there was none, because of the distance I maintained as part of my mistrust of the world and everyone in it, and above it. Thanks to Alcoholics Anonymous I have learned to trust people and a Higher Power. As a result, the load is lifted. I trust the Fellowship of AA, the Principles of AA, and my Heavenly Father. Now, I may not soar like an eagle, but I sure do walk lighter.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/25

A WINNING COMBINATION



“It did not matter too much what our material condition was, but it did matter what our spiritual condition was.” 12&12 p.122, Step Twelve
“We brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 1 Timothy 6: 7

For what it's worth: Alcohol betrayed me. Instead of providing comfort and relief, it dumped me near death, all alone, except for the demon despair and the Baltimore cockroaches. Sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, thank God, honored its promises, granting me far more than anything I ever expected. I need be watchful, though. I can grow accustomed to my blessings, growing complacent, secretly questioning why I cannot have more – after all, look at what I have accomplished. That pride and greed will never let me be at ease. However, a humble acceptance and an attitude of gratitude will always bring peace. That winning combination, acceptance and gratitude, puts a smile on my soul and prepares me to leave this world the only way I can – empty handed.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/26

A FORM OF SLAVERY



“Could we then foresee that troublesome people were to become our principal teachers of patience and tolerance?” 12&12 p.141, Tradition Three



“Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1



For what it's worth: My slavery had many masters other than alcohol. For example, rash judgment and intolerance ruled my emotions. Once I finally found Alcoholics Anonymous, that defect nearly drove me out numerous times. Even to this day, I am uncomfortable with people who seem to be preaching at me, trying to impress me, seeking attention at meetings in various ways, or using the group as an audience for their discourse, and especially the “saints” who seem to have gained perfection. See, all are judgments - perhaps real, perhaps rash – nevertheless, judgments. Worse yet, an intolerant reaction may enslave me for that meeting, or that day, maybe even longer. When this happens, I must tell someone as soon as possible, and take the matter to my Heavenly Father. He always reminds me that I never make progress with this defect when dealing with some one I appreciate and accept, but how often He has taught me patience and tolerance through those troublesome folks. I need frequent reminders, so I ask Him for strength to avoid this form of slavery, following His example: He certainly has been patient and tolerant with me.





God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/27

A SMILE ON GOD’S FACE



“Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63
“He (who has suffered) does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” 1 Peter 4: 1-2

For what it's worth: God used my two worse weaknesses as strengths to save my life and my soul. Only the severe suffering He allowed could have conquered my pride and my fear and driven me to Alcoholics Anonymous. I was seeking only relief, certainly not the will of God. It did not take long, however, to realize that drastic change was required to prevent return to the hell I had just escaped. And I knew deep in my being that I could not do what was necessary – not alone. That fear was the great motivator for me to reach out and open up my mind, heart and soul. So, my motives were not pure, but AA and God accepted me just as I was and went to work on me. The work so far is not finished and not perfect, but I believe my Heavenly Father is pleased. He relieved my suffering and I try to live by His Way of Life as best I can each day. And, it seems to me that on those days His will is tough for me, I see a bigger smile on His face.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/28

MORE FOR EVERYTHING EVER LOST



“Let no alcoholic say he cannot recover unless he has his family back.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 99



"Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." Mark 5:19



For what it's worth: There were tears in my beers for years over the loss of my family. I went to God and begged Him to give them back, but He refused. Even after 33 years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, and all manner of amends attempts, they still will have nothing to do with me. The grief lasted for years. Had I continued drinking over the loss, I would have died in my tears. Instead, God and AA saw to it that I now have two families: the one my beautiful, new wife gave me of hers and all the brothers and sisters I have in AA. That is a great deal: two for one. It seems to me that my Heavenly Father always gives double, triple, or even more for everything ever lost.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/29

GO CONFIDENTLY



“He is the Father, and we are His children.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62



“His divine power has given us everything we need for life…” 2 Peter 1:3



For what it's worth: False pride nearly killed me. Even years into recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous, this defect can trigger a reunion with alcohol and destroy me. The old timers taught me “there is nothing as small as an alcoholic all wrapped up in himself”. So, to police pride, I get together with my Higher Power each new day. Some days I do most of the talking. Other days He gets in a few words. When I listen with the fact in mind that I have nothing of my own in which to glory, and that my defects still way outnumber my virtues, I more clearly hear my Heavenly Father tell me how much He loves me just as I am, and I truly sense being a child of God. It overwhelms me when I think about His immense Goodness and my immense smallness, yet His total love for me. Today, if I can maintain an honest and humble attitude of gratitude, I can go confidently into another new day, trusting my Father has given me everything I need for life today.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

11/30

ECONOMIC INSECURITY



“Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84



“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6



For what it's worth: Every day was heavy with anxiety during my drinking days. That fear did not magically disappear when I stopped drinking in Alcoholics Anonymous. Then I was afraid that I could not do what was required to stay sober. I had, however, not counted on the grace of God and the power of the example of AA people. Additionally, there were numerous personal experiences, directed, I am sure, by the hand of God. All of this taught me to trust God’s love. So, since I trust God’s love, as I grow older, why do I get antsy about finances? I need to go to my Heavenly Father and beg His forgiveness for my doubts, thank Him that I have everything I need today, and seek His strength to leave tomorrow in His hands, trusting His love for me. After all, reality is as Dr. Bob tells me: “Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!”



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/1

SPIRITUAL DESERTS



“Here we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86



For what it's worth: This morning is an example of the spiritual deserts I travel through periodically. The journey varies in length and degree. I can not come up with a Bible verse. I have no inspiration, no intuitive thought, and I can not make a decision about what to write as The Daily Reprieve. I ask God for help, and feel I hear no answer, but He does have me writing this message. I am easily distracted. I cannot concentrate. I do not feel even a drop of spirituality in me. I am forced to accept that all is OK because deep inside me I still believe I am loved just as I am. Let me try to focus on that and perhaps a drop of spirituality will dampen my dryness.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/2

A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY INTO THE TRUTH



“Nothing counted but thoroughness and honesty.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 65



“I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there.” 1 Chronicles 29:17



For what it's worth: Little lies had led to bigger lies, then to a life of lies. So, I was afraid I could not do what was required when the people of Alcoholics Anonymous spoke of the need for “rigorous honesty”. I was frightened to face the truth about myself, and I was anxious about people knowing the truth about me. It came down to one fear being stronger than the other: get honest or go back to the hell I had just left. Fortunately, as I listened to AA people share the truth about themselves, I learned that they were like me, and that helped me become open with them. I started with small facts and moved on to more significant information about my self – all was readily accepted without judgment. This became a growth process that prepared me to be able to complete my Fourth and Fifth Step, something I never believed I could do. That was the beginning of a spiritual journey into the truth about my self. It will be life-long and seems to produce progressive degrees of freedom as I root out the residue of my past life of lies.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/3

OVERLY CRITICAL OR HONEST



But we must be careful not to drift into worry, remorse or morbid reflection, for that would diminish our usefulness to others.

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86



“Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.” Job 9:20



For what it's worth: Morbid thinking was part of drinking. The thought that I was guilty of all manner of sin and condemned by God fired my drinking for years. That mind-set was so ingrained that it followed me into recovery. Years of hammering on my part and the grace of God, teaching me to trust His love, finally drove it out. Still though, I have to be careful “not to drift into worry, remorse or morbid reflection”. Since I am not playing with a full deck of serotonin, I have to be especially careful when taking inventory. When I am in the midst of clinical depression, it can be difficult to know if I am being overly critical of myself or just being honest. Now I can get anxious about that or I can enjoy the blessing of two mental diseases, alcoholism and clinical depression, making me more dependent on my Heavenly Father’s love.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/4

JOURNEY TO JOY



“We were bothered with the thought that faith and dependence upon a Power beyond ourselves was somewhat weak, even cowardly.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 46



“The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.” Lamentations 3:25



For what it's worth: Before I was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, I thought it unmanly to be dependent on any one or any thing. Actually, serious labor was required to be rid of that old idea. The longer I am sober, however, the more I understand and accept my dependence on a Power greater than myself. It would have been totally beyond my human capability to arrive at this point in my life without the loving mercy and grace of God. Moreover, without depending upon God, I would have no hope of continuing my spiritual journey up the Twelve Steps of AA to an everlasting joy with my Heavenly Father and my AA family.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/5

HOW LIGHT MY BURDEN – HOW GREAT MY GIFT



“As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87


"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28



For what it's worth: Alcohol gave me rest for years until it turned on me, creating conflict and turmoil in my life. By then, I was addicted and returned to it over and over, looking for relief, never again finding any. That was a blessing, forcing me to search elsewhere. Eventually, I found the gift of sobriety and peace in Alcoholics Anonymous. However, that gift is stored in a cracked vessel. Some days the cracks seem larger than others. I can be burdened with mental agitation. I can grow weary and confused. I can struggle with shame from the past, depression in the here and now, and doubts about the future. On those days I must go to my Heavenly Father and talk with Him about what is going on with me. He may not carry my burden for me, but He always holds me close, whispering how much He loves me, promising to strengthen me, giving me rest and reassurance. Then I can relax and take it easy, thinking about how light is my burden and how great is my gift.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/6

CLOSE TO GOD, CLOSE TO OTHERS



“He (God) will show you how to create the fellowship you crave.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164



“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10



For what it's worth: The loneliness was horribly painful. I will never forget it. That is why I now so deeply appreciate the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. I have always craved the sharing, the friendship, the trust, and the love that I have found here in AA. As significant as my AA friends are to me, however, it is vital that I keep God first above all other relationships. He is the One Who created the Fellowship. He is the One Who brought me here. He is the One Who transformed me into someone worthy of a friend, able to serve and honor others above myself. I have deep-rooted gratitude for this blessing, but my experience proves to me that when I am distant from my God, I distance my self from others. So, today I will focus on staying as close to my Heavenly Father as I can. Then I will be more devoted to my brothers and sisters in AA and where ever life takes me today.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/7

A SPIRITUAL ECSTASY



“Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted -- to understand, than to be understood -- to love, than to be loved.” 12&12 p.99, Step Eleven



“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7



For what it's worth: My alcoholism was all about self-seeking, a short route to a lonely, miserable death and hell’s fire - except for sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. I can not take any credit because I do not even recall asking God, but He and AA worked hard and long to open the door for me to escape that miserable self-centered existence and enter a joyful life of concern for others. Moreover, I was given tools to use to reach out to others and a special prayer seeking the Lord’s strength to sacrifice self-interest and focus on others, the Prayer of St. Francis. When I practice what I pray there, I believe I am closer to the spiritual ecstasy of true love than at any other time.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/8



ADVISE AND DIRECTION



“Only by discussing ourselves, holding back nothing, only by being willing to take advice and accept direction could we set foot on the road to straight thinking, solid honesty, and genuine humility.” 12&12 p.59, Step Five



“…Whoever listens to me (Wisdom) will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:33



For what it's worth: Being the alcoholic fool I was, I shunned all advice, but I was always ready with my opinions, usually loudly expressed whether requested or not. I was opinionated long into recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous. Fortunately, thank God, I finally realized I had to listen or die. My first sponsor, a street-smart, wise gentleman, taught me what to listen to and where to go and to whom to go to for advice. Over time, I learned that it is safer to take advice than to give it. And, I believe when I seek direction rather than proudly assuming I do not need any, I definitely am far more likely to do God’s will and be blessed doing so.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/9

PRACTICE THE GOLDEN RULE



“You will learn the full meaning of ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself.’” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 153


“Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:10



For what it's worth: Alcoholism stole my family, friends and love. My life was empty. I expected to die alone, unloved and unloving. But there was Something unknown to me and unwanted by me that desired better for this poor, lonely drunk and guided me through circumstances I do not understand to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. That stated it all. A drop of hope was planted. People welcomed me, shared with me, cared for me, and did not judge me. They even told me I was important to them. For years I had not believed that kind of love existed in the world. But, even as sick as I was, I sensed it there in that AA meeting room. As I grew healthy, especially spiritually, the eyes of my soul opened and I had a clear view of the love of our Fellowship. To this day, many years later, it still impresses me, and I am not easily impressed. The main thing I learned is to return the love; do for others what was done for me; and, practice the “golden rule” not only at AA meetings, but in life.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/10

PRAY FOR OTHERS



“We are careful never to pray for our own selfish ends.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87



“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12



For what it's worth: There was affliction, but no joy, no patience, and no faith in my alcoholic existence – probably because prayer had been long absent. I would not pray even early in Alcoholics Anonymous. That deeply concerned my sponsor and he asked me to start saying “please help me” and “thank you”. That worked for me and gradually led to a sober life of “please help me” and “thank you”. But I was confused about the statement in the Big Book where it says we never “pray for our own selfish ends”. Was I doing it all wrong? The Prayer of St. Francis offered some clarity. When I pray to be an instrument of peace for others, bringing hope where there is despair, joy where there is sadness, and when I ask to be able to understand more than be understood, love more than be loved, Francis’ prayer follows that with this statement: “For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” Francis reminds me that when I pray to do for others, I surely benefit. So, I can focus on others in prayer. God focuses on me and my needs.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/11

THE ONES THAT GOT IT



“Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84.


“May my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word.” Psalm 119:169



For what it's worth: There was so much of life that I did not understand, and the little I did was washed away by alcohol. Alcoholics Anonymous presented a challenge because it offered sobriety - and much more. But to arrive at the “much more” I first had to grow in understanding that there was much more beyond just being sober. My sponsor had taught me to watch people. He told me I needed to know who to lean on when I needed support. Over sober time, I began to sense a difference in sober people. Some were satisfied with just being sober. And sobriety certainly is a gift from God all right, but other folks had more. I could tell by their attitude, their behavior, and their love for others. It seemed to me that a lot of people were satisfied just to come to meetings, while others managed to get more involved. It was almost like some folks just did not get it. And some did. I wanted to be among the ones that got it.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/12

A LIFETIME JOB



“So Step Six – ‘Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character’ -- is A.A.'s way of stating the best possible attitude one can take in order to make a beginning on this lifetime job.” 12&12 p.65, Step Six



“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37:23



For what it's worth: God was directing my steps right down to eternal punishment in the fires of hell. And I deserved it. That attitude kept me drunk for years. Fear that it was true forced me to seek help, of all places, with a bunch of drunks in Alcoholics Anonymous. No one else would accept this sinful, miserable, defiant, and arrogant drunk. No one judged me, just reached out to me, showing me through their example, and teaching me through their sharing that a Higher Power would direct my life, if I let Him. I had to, no other opinions were left. Sure enough, as I started up the Twelve Steps, my life slowly started taking on new meaning. I have been working at it many years and I am not yet sure God delights in every detail of my life, but I know He loves me unconditionally. And He has given me Step Six and Seven so I can let Him direct my work as we continue removing all my defects, working toward knowing He does in fact delight in every detail of my life – a lifetime job.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/13

I WANT TO BE A MAN



"This is the Step that separates the men from the boys." 12&12 p.63, Step Six



“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it (perfection). But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3: 13-14



For what it's worth: The idea of perfection was down right ridiculous to me even long into recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous. It seemed a matter for saints to contemplate, not sinful drunks such as me. I actually rebelled at Step Six, initially seeing it as trying to make me a saint even though the Big Book said we are not saints. Only after I realized the pain my character defects caused me and those I love did I become willing to be rid of them. Then I took Step Seven and daily ask God to remove them. However, even after years of hard work on Step Six, I am weak in willingness to strive for perfection. Perhaps, if I knew I would die next week, I would try harder, like cramming for finals. I daily beg my Heavenly Father for willingness to be united with Him in His goal for me rather than stubbornly insisting on my selfish, limited objective. Doing it His way instead of mine is the difference between the men and the boys. And I want to be a man!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/14

HOW TO RUIN A GOOD DAY



“We ask especially for freedom from self-will…” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87



“…It (love) is not self-seeking…” 1 Corinthians 13:5



For what it's worth: Alcoholism is a deeply-rooted disease of self-centeredness. Alone, I have no way to uproot it. I need people, tools, and a Higher Power. The only place I find that combination is Alcoholics Anonymous. However, even after years of digging to uproot it, using the guidance and example of AA people and the tools of the Twelve Steps, selfishness stubbornly refuses to die. That is why it is vital to my sobriety and my spiritual condition that I ask “especially for freedom from self-will” in my daily prayer. The word “especially” is significant to me because it emphasizes my basic defect, the one I battle every day of my sober life. You see, today I can demonstrate my love of God and my gratitude to Him by sacrificing my will for His. That means I will have a day of freedom from self and experience the resulting peace and joy. But, if “his majesty, the baby” insists on having his way, today will be a day of guilt, self-reproach, and failing because self-seeking sneaks in and ruins even a good day.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/15

A WILDFLOWER



“In this book you read again and again that faith did for us what we could not do for ourselves.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 70



“And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.” Matthew 6:30



For what it's worth: The faith of my youth did not work. Even the faith I had in alcohol betrayed me. There came a time when it would not bring oblivion and I was forced to feel all that I dreaded to feel. As I look back, was that not God working for me? Had not this God that I believed was punishing me, actually saving me? Certainly He used my agony to drive me to seek help. And finding help in Alcoholics Anonymous led me right to Him. My sober life in AA, practicing these principles, has opened up all manner of hope, peace and joy that I never believed possible for this once miserable, hopeless, worthless drunk! I am closer to God than I have ever been and ever expected to be. I must be one of His wildflowers – one He’ll keep.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/16

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT



"It's about my personal contact with my personal Higher Power as I understand Him." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 406, Fourth Edition



"I have tried my best to find You -- don't let me wander from You.” Psalm 119: 10



For what it’s worth: During active alcoholism, I tried to wander as far from God as I could get. So, by the time I finally arrived at the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous, I wanted nothing to do with Him. Here in recovery, however, I have learned that staying sober is all about a close contact with a Higher Power. My relationship with my God impacts everything in my life. Every moment of this day will be far better than anything I could do alone, and nothing will happen to me today that my Heavenly Father and I cannot handle together. Actually, based on my experience, staying close to Him means that even hardship today can turn out to be a blessing tomorrow.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/17

RELATIONSHIPS LIKE NOWHERE ELSE



“Learning how to live in the greatest peace, partnership, and brotherhood with all men and women, of whatever description, is a moving and fascinating adventure.” 12&12 p.77, Step Eight



“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1



For what it's worth: The isolation and loneliness of my alcoholism was devastating, and combined with despair, daily stormed my mind with thoughts to end it all. I could not have survived it much longer. That is why I was struck by the rapport I witnessed as soon as I entered the door at my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. I could hardly believe the intimacy and the open and honest sharing I found there. I wanted more, so, being a good drunk, I came back over and over. And I keep coming. Every meeting I attend rewards me with some degree of love with one or more people at that meeting. Over my years of sobriety in AA I have been blessed with friendships that are unbelievably loving and overflowing with empathy, compassion, mutual respect, and joy. I have always craved relationships such as I have found no where else other than in AA.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/18

HARDSHIP BUILDS GRATITUDE



“And they have increasingly found a peace of mind which can stand firm in the face of difficult circumstances.” 12&12 p.104, Step Eleven



“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12



For what it's worth: The more devastating my alcoholic existence became, the more I cursed God, blaming Him for every agony. Thanks to recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous, that is reversed. I find that I have grown emotionally and spiritually through trials and tribulations. Now, although I can hardly believe it, I can actually be grateful for difficult circumstances. The easy times are nice, but it is the hard times that produce growth. Moreover, as I grow older and start losing things like my memory, my breathing ease, and my walking capacity, I become more grateful than when I had those abilities. When my breathing is strained, I thank God for every breath. When it is difficult to walk, I thank God for each step. When I can remember something, I whisper “Thank You” to my Heavenly Father. Before, I just took those things for granted.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/19

STAND FIRM – ONE DAY AT A TIME



“And they have increasingly found a peace of mind which can stand firm in the face of difficult circumstances.” 12&12 p.104, Step Eleven



“…But he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13



For what it's worth: Any spiritual foundation I had was weak - superficial at best - and easily washed away in the flood of alcohol. By the time I finally arrived at Alcoholics Anonymous, my soul was dark and empty and I had no hope of change. After I was in AA long enough, however, and no longer anesthetized with alcohol, I felt something I believe I had never felt before: the spiritual torment of my hungry soul. That forced me to seek spiritual fulfillment. Thank God I was in AA and had a great sponsor. He guided me to the Steps and to other AA people who were deeply spiritual. They worked with me to build a solid foundation on the first three Steps, and then they walked with me up the rest of the Steps to a way of life that has filled my soul with an inner trust that has seen me through some extremely trying times. With the power of the Twelve Steps, the support of the Fellowship, and a loving Heavenly Father, I will stand firm, if not to the end of my time, at least to the end of this day. Then, I will start on the next day.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/20

WEAKNESS TO STRENGTH



“We heard story after story of how humility had brought strength out of weakness.” 12&12 p.75, Step Seven



“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28



For what it's worth: An attitude that came with me into Alcoholics Anonymous was that God was against me. What I saw and heard in AA about others being transformed from weakness to strength, however, forced me to question my own insane prejudice about God and find a Higher Power much different than the one I had known. The Heavenly Father I know now has proven His power to create worth from waste. I witness that Power every time I attend an AA meeting. Moreover, He has taught me I can take my weaknesses to Him in Step Six and Seven and beg Him to remove whatever stands in His way of using me according to His purpose. One thing I have learned is that my Heavenly Father has tricky and creative ways of helping me, and He does not check with me first about how He will do so. For example, often I have been angered at some cutting remark and it turns out to be related to a defect that I have been stubbornly protecting. But I wallow in self-pity until it hurts enough to take it to my Heavenly Father, Who has been waiting patiently with open arms. Then He shows me why I was upset, and, once I ask with a willing and humble attitude, He goes to work for my good and often for the good of others, bringing strength where there had been weakness. (I do believe He seems a little slow at times.)



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/21

STRONG CORDS STANDING FIRM



“We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit…” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164



“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12



For what it's worth: There was no one for support. I was alone. I needed someone I could talk with, tell secrets to, feel close with, and trust. Sadly, I turned to alcohol to fill the void and that magnified the loneliness. I certainly never expected to find what I searched for when I went to my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. But, there it was - everything I had ever craved in relationships. It took me some time to trust it all, but it has proven to be like a loving family to me. I could not have survived alcoholism without the Fellowship. I would never have found a Heavenly Father. I would not have the principles of the Twelve Steps and the guidelines of our Traditions to live by each day. I would still be alone, lost, confused, in total despair, and weak and vulnerable with no support. Instead, I have strong cords of friendship that will not be broken, standing firm in the Fellowship of the Spirit.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/22

A NEW FOUNDATION



“Yes, there is a long period of reconstruction ahead.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 83



“I will give you a new heart...and I will put a new spirit in you.” Ezekiel 36:26


For what it’s worth: Before reconstruction started, I needed a new foundation. However, excavation of the old one was to be difficult and tiresome. Without a new spirit from a Higher Power, I would never have had the motivation and strength to start applying the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to my life. They are now the new foundation upon which the Master Builder works.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/23

MORE OF HIS LOVE



“We found that dependence upon His perfect justice, forgiveness, and love was healthy, and that it would work where nothing else would.” 12&12 p.116, Step Twelve



“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Titus 3:5



For what it's worth: God would never forgive me. I believed I had disappointed Him way too often. Only after years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous was I able to understand that God certainly did not rescue me because of the good in me, but because of the Good in Him. So, instead of focusing on how bad I was, I started trying to meditate on how good is God’s loving mercy. When I looked at all He had done for me, it was easy to see how much He loved me. So, I started to ask Him to teach me to trust His love. Over the years, with many personal experiences, He has done just that. I have repeatedly witnessed the depth and the extent of His love. My Heavenly Father has taught me that I can definitely depend on Him through even the most difficult of times. Actually, I now believe that the more I can surrender my pride and depend on Him, the more of His love I experience.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/25

PROMISED PEACE



“He finds himself in possession of a degree of honesty, tolerance, unselfishness, peace of mind, and love of which he had thought himself quite incapable.” 12&12 p.107, Step Twelve



“God promises peace to his people — but let them not return to folly.” Psalm 85:8



For what it's worth: There was no peace, only constant conflict during my drinking years. The inner turmoil grew so intense that I had to surrender or die. I was a mangled mess of a man when I walked into my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, but the people, the principles, and the Spirit of AA changed that man, replacing the fear, the rage, and the chaos with serenity and peace. I was doubtful when AA promised I would know peace, but here it is deep in my being. And no one can take it away from me – except me. That first drink will destroy it!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/26

THE ULTIMATE GOAL



…“Any person capable of enough willingness and honesty to try repeatedly Step Six on all his faults -- without any reservations whatever -- has indeed come a long way spiritually, and is therefore entitled to be called a man who is sincerely trying to grow in the image and likeness of his own Creator.” 12&12 p.63, Step Six



“…Grant me a willing spirit…” Psalm 51:12



For what it's worth: My direction was leading to hell. I had wandered around lost and confused, easily becoming what others wanted me to be until the alcohol made be something no one wanted me to be, including me. I am blessed that in Alcoholics Anonymous I found a path that traveled up Twelve Steps to a spiritual awakening that transformed me into a new man with a new Manager Who assigned me a new direction. My ultimate goal now is to be what God wants be to be. And every day I make decisions that indicate the degree of my willingness - or my reservations - about my God-given objective. I fall short almost daily, and I have to ask my Heavenly Father first thing every new day to “grant me a willing spirit”.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/27

FREEDOM FROM SELF



“Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted -- to understand, than to be understood -- to love, than to be loved.” 12&12 p.99, Step Eleven


“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit...” Philippians 2:3

For what it's worth: Everything focused on satisfying the demands of my self-centered disease. Blessedly, God’s grace brought me to Alcoholics Anonymous and freed me from slavery to alcoholism. Steps Four and Five* showed me the extent of my self-absorption, and I had to wonder if I could ever improve, but I had not yet realized the strength of Steps Six and Seven*. I say the Seventh Step prayer daily and eventually began to understand the full meaning of the Prayer of St. Francis*. It is a tool for me to chip away at my selfish motives and actions. Every time I practice the principles of that prayer, I am making a crack in the walls of bondage to self, because there is no way I can be concerned only about me when I am seeking to comfort others and showing love more than demanding to be loved. For me, the Prayer of St. Francis is a daily prayer and a powerful tool for gaining freedom from self.

* Scroll down to see The Steps and the Prayer of St. Francis.

God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/28

A MAP TO GOD’S WILL



“Abandon yourself to God as you understand God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164



“Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (New Life Version)



For what it's worth: Before I made the best decision of my life, I had to surrender to the reality that I needed help and decide to go find it. Then, when I finally entered my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, I had no idea what a drastic change would occur once I was sober enough. Ever so slowly, staying sober and living the Steps as well as I could, I began to think about God’s will, not mine. I was unsure of what God’s will was for me until I practiced Step Eleven long enough to understand that Step. For me, it is a daily detailed map to His will. It starts with “upon awakening” and maps out what I am to do throughout the day in any situation to do God’s will. That is why I use it every morning, and, with the help of my Heavenly Father, I follow the directions as best I can the rest of the day. It’s like the song says: I was lost, but now I’m found”. Instead of wandering around lost in the dark without purpose, I have a daily goal, God’s will, and a well lighted path to get there, Step Eleven. For many years now, not perfectly, but with progress, it has been working, thanks to God’s amazing grace.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/29

12/29

WHAT DID YOU DO WITH THE BLESSINGS?



“…We can truly thank God for the blessings we have received…” 12&12 p.95, Step Ten



“Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.” Psalm 21:6



For what it's worth: There was not one ounce of gratitude in my entire being. Now my cup runs over - and certainly not by the grace of Joe. Only a Higher Power could have rescued me and carried me to a place of peace like Alcoholics Anonymous. It was the Twelve Steps of AA that lead to the spiritual awakening that produced immense and intense gratitude. I may not be able to take credit, but what I can do is put my gratitude into action. That way I can stand tall when I am asked, “What did you do with all the blessings I gave you?”



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/30

PRAYER THAT ALWALYS WORKS



“All of us, without exception, pass through times when we can pray only with the greatest exertion of will.” 12&12 p.105, Step Eleven



“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Romans 12:12 (New Living Translation)



For what it's worth: Alcoholism emptied my soul of all spirituality. I did not notice until I was alcohol free long enough to feel the pain of a starving soul. Then I went to my sponsor and discussed it at AA meetings, and the guidance I received was to pray. That had become so foreign to me that my sponsor suggested I start with simple prayers like “please help me” and “thank you”. And that is all my Higher Power required to rush in and teach me the power of prayer. Now, even when I am in a spiritual desert and can only reluctantly pray, I still sense hope and keep on praying, if only the simple prayers I started with; only now I say “thank you” before I say “please help me.” That always works.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

12/31



THE BLESSING OF GIVING



“We have gained some understanding of the ancient words ‘Freely ye have received, freely give.’” 12&12 p.166, Tradition Eight


“God will give to each person according to what he has done.” Romans 2:6



For what it's worth: In my twisted mind, getting, not giving, was my motive during my miserable drinking existence. Once I stopped drinking in Alcoholics Anonymous and the alcoholic fog lifted, I finally saw how wrong I was. Recovery in AA is all about giving. AA taught me that I have to give it away to keep it. More than that, my experience repeatedly proves to me that I not only keep it, I always get more than I give. For me, that is the blessing of giving. That must be why my Heavenly Father is encouraging to me to give more. It is always in my best interest. Actually, here lately He has been dropping hints that self-denial is a nice gift to Him. I hear His whispers that I can do without some material thing and offer it to Him, not thinking of it as a sacrifice, but as a gift. I am not giving up but giving up to Him.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/1

WHO AM I TO JUDGE?



“One unkind tirade or one willful snap judgment can ruin our relation with another person for a whole day, or maybe a whole year.” 12&12 p.91, Step Ten



“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” Romens 2:1



For what it's worth: Rash judgment came with the crowd of alcoholic defects that I carried around during my drinking years. And I was slow to learn the consequences of my character flaws. However, when I was sober here in recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous long enough to feel, I was made aware of the pain these defects inflict on me and others. Steps Six and Seven are powerful tools and I have been practicing for years to be non-judgmental, so I would like to think that I have made a lot of progress. Recently, however, my Higher Power pointed out to me that the judgment I had made about what a loved one was doing to me, I was doing to them, only in a more cunning manner and without even realizing it. My Heavenly Father has some wily ways of keeping me humble and letting me know I still have so far to go.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/2

PATH TO PEACE



“To some extent we have become God-conscious.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85



“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3



For what it's worth: Back in my drinking days, I rarely thought about God, and, when I did, I was cursing Him. So, why would He want to rescue me? He did, though, and placed me on a path that leads from the hell of alcoholism right up to Him: Alcoholics Anonymous. There the miracle happened! Oh, not the fast and flashy type, because it took AA and God quite awhile to change me so that, instead of cursing Him, I pray to Him; I even thank Him. That was the start of a fantastic spiritual adventure that brings me to a place I never thought I could find, a place of peace. Moreover, as God, AA and I travel together, I learn that the more aware I become of God, the more I think about Him each day, and the more trust I place in Him, the more peaceful I am that day. Imagine that! So my path to peace today will be thinking about my Heavenly Father as much as possible. Of course, me being me, with my defects far outnumbering my virtues, I have already asked my Heavenly Father for help with that today.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/3

INSIDIOUS PRIDE



“Most of us sense that real tolerance of other people's shortcomings and viewpoints and a respect for their opinions are attitudes which make us more useful to others.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 19


“Patience is better than pride.” Ecclesiastes 7:8



For what it's worth: Pride nearly killed me, keeping me from asking for help. It still can, possessing the power to drive me back to the bottle and to death. Pride has many insidious methods of attack: when I want to give advice but am not willing to listen to it; any time I think my opinions better than others; when I believe my way is the only way, especially when reason strongly suggests others are right; when I judge the motives of others and “know” I am right; or, when I feel obligated to straighten out the questionable behavior of others or speak out for everyone as “the voice” of the group, or in any other way have “the savior” complex whose purpose is to save the world. Those are only a few. Pride can come up with many other devious ways to strike. That is why I must go to my Heavenly Father each new day, and often during the day, to beg Him to remind me I am not running the show. He is. My job is to do His will, not mine. It is so much more relaxing to let Him be The Savior!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/4

AN ANCHOR



“This lack of anchorage to any permanent values, this blindness to the true purpose of our lives, produced another bad result.” 12&12 p.72, Step Seven



“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19



For what it's worth: There was no anchorage before. Alcohol created the storms and set me adrift in the rough waters with no compass and no power. There was no hope of rescue. But, just before I sank, an unfamiliar, strong wind directed me to a place of quite, calm waters in Alcoholics Anonymous. There I was safe from the insidious power of alcohol, and I found “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”. There I found hope and a loving Higher Power. Many a storm has tried to break me loose from that anchor, but none have succeeded. That experience deepens my hope and strengthens my trust in my Heavenly Father. Today, I am solidly anchored. So, bring on this new day!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

“THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD”



“But for the grace of God, there would have been thousands more convincing demonstrations.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page25



“You live under the freedom of God’s grace.” Roman 6:14



For what it's worth: What I am today I never thought possible. Moreover, what I am today has nothing to do with me. When I was running the show, all hell was loose and running rampant. Fortunately, the pain back then was so severe I had to find relief, and ended up, of all places, with a bunch of drunks in Alcoholics Anonymous. That is the best spot on earth that I could have been. There I was accepted just as the mess I was. More significantly, there I found my heart’s desire: love and self-worth. Actually, it is more accurate to say that my heart’s desire was given to me rather than I found it. Because it is a gift, freely given, no strings attached, that I certainly did nothing to deserve. To receive the gift, I was saved from what I deserved. So easily I could have ended up like so many of my suffering brothers in a padded cubicle or a locked cell, being eaten alive from the inside out for killing someone while driving drunk, probably in a blackout. There but for the Grace of God!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/6

PEACE THROUGH SURRENDER



"I not only have peace with God, I have the peace of God through an active God consciousness." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 457, Fourth Edition



"May His grace and peace be yours." 1 Thessalonians 1:1



For what it’s worth: During my active alcoholism, just about everything inside and outside of me was in conflict. I did not know I would have to surrender to resolve the conflict. Nevertheless, that is exactly what people in Alcoholics Anonymous told me. In addition, they shared with me how they did it: staying sober, living the Twelve Steps of AA, and developing a relationship with God, as I understood Him. Many sober years and the grace of God were required, but now the conflict is quite. My war with the world is ended. My defenses are down. Oh, how difficult it was to surrender, but how wonderful the rewards!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/7

THERE WITH ME



“And they have increasingly found a peace of mind which can stand firm in the face of difficult circumstances.” 12&12 p.104, Step Eleven



“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” Isaiah 43:2a



For what it's worth: It used to be that alcohol was required for me to face any difficulty. Now that I have been sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, practicing these principles as best I can in my daily life, I can now face whatever life brings. And when any given day will be trying, I can go confidently, knowing my Higher Power will be there with me.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/8

GUARD THE TONGUE



“Nothing pays off like restraint of tongue and pen.” 12&12 p.91, Step Ten



“If we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” James 3:2



For what it's worth: Making amends may never be possible for all the ugly, cutting words I have used. I have caused untold harm; untold largely because of blackouts. Today, the best amends I can make is not allowing it to happen again. Staying sober is the first step, but then begins the hard work. I must guard my tongue. It is still too easy to waste time and words trying to impress with embellishments of the truth or by engaging in gossip. Even idle discussion of worldly affairs can weaken my guard on the tongue, as can any other conversation that has little or no purpose. There is so much about recovery to discuss with my brothers and sisters. And we speak “the language of the heart”. I know of no better way to strengthen my guard on the tongue than exercising it on spiritual matters with folks who are trudging the same path I am. And I believe God said He would be there with us.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/9

SAVED



“…They have been saved from a living death.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page150


“I was facing death, and He (the Lord) saved me.” Psalm 116:6



For what it's worth: The belief that I would not be saved inflamed my drinking for years. I even experienced serious doubts long into sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. Only after years of prays for my Higher Power’s help, frequently discussing it with my sponsor, and honestly sharing about it at AA meetings, have I come to believe that I am forgiven and worth saving. What I am now experiencing is that the deeper the roots of this belief grow, the more precious I see the gift of salvation to be. And even more unbelievable is the thought that a sinful, worthless drunk like me is at times granted the privilege of being some small part in saving another soul along the way.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/10

POOR AND NEEDY



“Therefore, dependence, as AA practices it, is really a means of gaining true independence of the spirit.” 12&12 p.36, Step Three



“As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.” Psalm 40:17



For what it's worth: Since alcohol conquered me and beat me into submission, why was dependence and surrender so negative to me? I did not resist alcohol as much as I fought the surrender concept of Alcoholics Anonymous. It had to be the insanity of my alcoholism. How blessed I am to have come to believe that I could be restored to sanity; and, far more, to have turned my will and my life over to the care of God as I understand Him. I could not have done that before when I understood Him to be a harsh, punishing God. Although it took years of sober time, AA gave me a new understanding of a merciful, loving Heavenly Father. That God I surrender to every new day. Doing so has created marvelous changes not only in my life, but deep within me. Instead of dodging Him, I run straight into His lap. Instead of trying to be independent, I seek more and more dependence upon Him. Actually, I am simply becoming more aware of how dependent I already am. It warms my old, cold heart when I stop and say to myself: “I am poor and needy, but my Heavenly Father is thinking about me right now.”



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/11

WHY ME?



“So it is by circumstance rather than by any virtue that we have been driven to A.A., have admitted defeat, have acquired the rudiments of faith, and now want to make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to a Higher Power.” 12&12 p.38, Step Three



“Moses answered God, ‘But why me?’” Exodus 3:11 (The Message)



For what it's worth: The Baltimore cockroaches at my place were big, but friendly enough. But I don’t think they would have missed me if I would have died there. Who would have? I believed that is how it was supposed to be for me. God had condemned me long ago. I was on my way to hell, where I should be, because of what I had become. Somehow, for some reason, that is not what happened. Instead, I ended up in Alcoholics Anonymous. That of itself is phenomenal. Yet, from that moment on, with or without me realizing it, miraculous changes have occurred, too numerous to mention. Sometimes I still wonder - why me? Sometimes I can still think of too many reasons why it should not be me. Then I question if I am being too hard on myself, or just being real?



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/12

GROWING UP



“I ruthlessly faced my sins and became willing to have my new-found Friend take them away, root and branch.” – Alcoholics Anonymous, page 13



“Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!” - Psalm 32:1



For what it’s worth: Rebellion and sin are both good words to describe my diseased days. And I nearly died that way. What a blessing to have been rescued and carried to AA where I have a way to face my past: Steps 4 and 5. I have done those Steps, but I am still spiritually immature. I can still beat up on myself about my past and too easily rebel against God’s will in the present. I’ll be grateful when I grow up spiritually. I have tasted the joy mentioned in the Psalm, and I want more.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/13

JUST AS I AM



“If you’re an apple, you can be the best apple you can be, but you can never be an orange.” – Alcoholics Anonymous, page 427



“He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” - John 15:2



For what it’s worth:

I was an apple, rotten to the core, trying to hide the decay. Most, once they saw the decay, threw me away. Not the people in Alcoholics Anonymous, they welcomed me just as I was. I learned early in AA that I don’t have to hide, I can be what I am and how I am on any given day. They not only accepted me, they introduced me to a new God – new to me - far different than the one I believed was punishing me for being rotten. I liked this new God and tried to grow closer and closer to Him by living the Twelve Steps that AA taught me. As I grew closer, I could see that He was pruning me to be able to bear fruit. Now I offer myself to Him each day and ask Him how I can be of help to Him in His work with bad apples like me. He blesses me by using me to bear more good fruit.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/14

MIRACLES RIGHT HERE WITH ME



“The age of miracles is still with us.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 153


“Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!” Psalm 66:5



For what it's worth: If there were miracles, they happened to good people, not sinful, self-centered drunks like me. After all, why would a supreme being with supreme intelligence waste anything of value on a supremely worthless, empty being such as me? So, I can not understand why I was chosen to be rescued from the ruins of alcoholism and carried to a place of miracles, Alcoholics Anonymous. And, indeed, in AA there are miracles, all manner of miracles. Whenever I am together with a group of recovering alcoholics in an AA meeting, convention or on a retreat with AA people, the sharing that occurs during those get-togethers overwhelms me with the reality that miracles are all around me. I am right there seeing and listing to living, breathing, talking miracles. I love to reach out and touch them, shake their hand, put my hand on their shoulder; they are real. They have been raised out of their own hell and hopelessness to this place of miracles and peace – AA - right here with me at this precious moment in my sober life. And we are all most grateful to our God as we understand Him.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/15

GRATEFUL GIVING



“Giving, rather than getting, will become the guiding principle.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 128


“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 25:40



For what it's worth: Alcoholism, I learned the hard way, was all about getting, not giving. I found Alcoholics Anonymous to be just the opposite. Its gives and gives, and gives more. And it does it all with gratitude. As an AA member, I practice AA principles, digging deep to root out self-centeredness as God fills the void with a desire to give what He so freely gives. Millions of AA members are doing that all over the planet. I believe that is the reason AA will continue to stand tall even in a chaotic world. It seems to me that no other place on earth has the attitude of grateful giving as does AA. Granted, it is admirable that Charity givers donate to save their souls and get to heaven, but we in AA give to save our butts and stay out of hell. And, as long as we are here on earth, ours may be a more meaningful motivator. Additionally, even the best charities may not be as serious to their members as is AA to its members. After all, we desperately need AA for survival. Not only that, we have to give it away to keep it. And we must keep it or die.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/16

FREE AND UNDESERVED GIFTS



“What he has received is a free gift, and yet usually, at least in some small part, he has made himself ready to receive it.” 12&12 p.107, Step Twelve


“And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.” Romans 11:6



For what it's worth: There was no part, even a small part that I played in my rescue from the hell of alcoholism. I did nothing to make myself ready; I was too busy trying to drink myself to death. The same is true of my recovery from the devastation of this disease. After all, it took a miracle just to get me into my first Alcoholic Anonymous meeting. And I left so many of them in a rage over the God talk, that it took a number of miracles to keep me coming back. I have been sober in AA for some years now, and I still feel this gift of sobriety is undeserved. Any time I start to believe I have earned it, a new character defect, or one of the old ones that I thought I was rid of, attacks me. I am deeply grateful my Heavenly Father grants gifts “free and undeserved”. Otherwise, I would still be a lost soul.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/17

GIVING GODS GIFTS TO OTHERS



“He finds himself in possession of a degree of honesty, tolerance, unselfishness, peace of mind, and love of which he had thought himself quite incapable.” 12&12 p.107


“We beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.” 2 Corinthians 6:1

For what it's worth: Ignoring God was what I did as a practicing alcoholic. I did it so well that I was afraid to face God once I was sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. Fortunately, my fear of returning to the hell of alcoholism finally dominated and I reluctantly turned to God. My motives certainly were not pure, but He did not seem to mind. Even though I was undeserving, God started freely and generously pouring out His kindness on me. He has continued over my years of sobriety with precious love gifts, some whenever He wished, others at just the right time when I needed them most. I must never take God’s gifts for granted, grow complacent about them, nor in any other way ignore them. Rather, I must always be grateful and not just say “thanks” but demonstrate gratitude by trying to give the gifts to others.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/18

WHAT AN HONOR!



“They will be honored by our confidence.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 75



“You are honored, and I love you.” Isaiah 43:4

For what it's worth: There was no honor as a worthless drunk, and none ever expected. So, it was a welcome surprise to find respect in Alcoholics Anonymous. But that is exactly what happened. As with so many others, AA took this once no-good, empty soul of mine and placed it on a path of spiritual transformation. After years of living the Twelve Steps one day at a time, I am now one of God’s miracles in progress. And He must want people to notice. Although it is beyond my wildest expectations, they ask me to help them. Can you imagine that? What an honor! These are good, intelligent folks, seeking a strong sobriety and a close relationship with their Higher Power. They must see something in me that they trust is likely to help them. Again, what an honor! My Heavenly Father must truly love me! He picked me out of the garbage and made me an unlikely channel of His loving care for others. One more time, what an honor!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/19

PLAYING SAVIOR



“Our present anxieties and troubles, we cry, are caused by the behavior of other people -- people who really need a moral inventory.” 12&12 p.45


“How can you think of saying, ‘Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?” Luke 6:42


For what it's worth: You would drink, too, if the injustices done to me had been done to you. That is how I saw it until I was sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. There Step Four forced me to take my own inventory, and Step Ten keeps me honest about who and what I am to judge. When I mind my own business and care for my own soul, I can be at peace. However, I throw serenity right out the window as soon as I concern myself with what others say and do. If I wrap myself up tight in self-righteousness, I choke out any semblance of joy. And it is hard to find anything more pitiful than an alcoholic playing savior.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/20

KEEP SPIRITUALITY ALIVE



“Both (Bill W. and Dr. Bob) saw that they must keep spirituality active.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 156



“If I keep my eyes on God, I won't trip over my own feet.” Psalm 25:15 (The Message)


For what it's worth: Hypocrisy ruined any spirituality I had. And my drinking had me constantly tripping over my own feet, literally and figuratively. Alcoholics Anonymous got me sober and straightened out my step, and the Higher Power I found in AA instilled a bit of spirituality in this dark, empty soul. My biggest job today is maintaining that spirituality. I have spoken with many who relapsed and they have shared a powerful message with me. All too many report that they allowed their spirituality to die. I must learn from their painful experience and take a daily Tenth Step inventory, diagnosing my spiritual condition. Is it alive with passion or dying of indifference? One major symptom is my gratitude: do I have to use words for folks to know I am grateful? Am I keeping my eyes on God, or am I too occupied with my own desires, material possessions, or control issues? Additionally, what is my degree of commitment to improve day by day? And, when life’s forces attack, do I turn to human consolations or to my Almighty Advocate? Even when wounded, do I stop and bleed awhile and then rise up and fight again, trusting God’s love?



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

THE JOY OF MY LIFE



“There had been a humble willingness to have Him with me -- and He came.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 12



I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” Psalm 40:8

For what it's worth: In the last years of my drinking, there was no joy. No wonder I wanted to end my life. But God would not cooperate, so the constant misery forced me to seek help. That was the best decision of my bad-decision life, because it gradually brought into my life everything I had ever sought. I was blind to it for a long time, but now I see clearly how God knew what He had written on my heart. He knew what would make me happy. He had been trying to tell me all along, but I would not listen, until I finally stopped fighting Him and surrendered, thanks to Alcoholics Anonymous. Without AA I would never have come to understand the life-giving significance of a “conscious contact” with my Higher Power. There are many ways to express what man ultimately seeks in life, but I have found from personal experience, when God and I are together there is joy in my life. And all I have to do is have “a humble willingness”, and He always comes to me. You see, He always knew that, down deep in my being, what I really sought was to be with Him each day, doing what He wants me to do that day. That is the fulfillment of my once empty soul, my purpose in life, and the joy of my life!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/22

HOW TO INCREASE JOY



“Realization dawns that he is but a small part of a great whole; that no personal sacrifice is too great for preservation of the Fellowship.” 12&12 p. 130



“We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.” 2 Corinthians 6:6


For what it's worth: Misplaced in life and empty in soul and spirit, I drank to die. Instead of the morgue, I am blessed to have ended up in Alcoholics Anonymous. After many sober years in AA, I am honored that I found my place in life as “a small part of a great whole”. My experiences here in our Fellowship prove to me a great reality: as I daily strive to improve my spiritual condition, I become a more useful tool for God to use as an instrument of His love. And, with my background in the subject of self, what appeals to me about that is that the better instrument I am for God, the more I give to others, and the more joy I experience. So, selfish or not, let me work on that spiritual condition today.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/23

BLESSED TO BE A MEMBER



“They have found wisdom beyond their usual capability.” 12&12 p.104



“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” Proverbs 24:3


For what it's worth: Wisdom was not one of my strengths. I was immature and foolish. Fortunately, God takes care of children, fools and drunks. I had triple coverage, and God knew I needed to be with wise people who could guide me by example. I would not listen to words alone. And I was not easily impressed. But the degree of sharing and action in Alcoholics Anonymous kept me coming back. I am still coming back, because of what I found here in AA. Here is a program founded upon the wisdom of personal experience, with the understanding that can only come from walking in the shoes of others, and established on the basis of actively giving to others. Actually, once an AA member is given even a drop of that wisdom and understanding, they can not keep it unless they give it away. I am blessed, indeed, to be a member of this wondrous Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/24

MAN’S OPINION LEADING TO GOD



“Our eyes begin to open to the immense values which have come straight out of painful ego-puncturing.” 12&12 p.74



“But the people of the town were divided in their opinion about them.” Acts 14:4


For what it's worth: When I was drinking and I was hurt by someone’s opinion of me, I would get drunk and forget about it. However, sober awhile in Alcoholics Anonymous, I found that I was overly sensitive to people’s opinion. As a defense for my vulnerable self-image, I developed an arrogant attitude. Fortunately, as I grew up emotionally and spiritually in AA, I learned “the immense values” of “ego-puncturing” for character-building. However, despite years of maturity in the Program, my inner strength weakens and that arrogant attitude jumps out to “defend me”. My Higher Power has a tricky way of helping me with this defect. He will see to it that something happens that forces me to again surrender my ego. When that occurs, He insures that I get the message and inventory my spiritual condition to find out where I am slack and, with His help, do something about it. I usually find that I was trying to be more confident in me rather than relying on my Heavenly Father. It certainly is difficult for me, but when I truly keep myself in His care, the contradictions, misjudgments, ill will, misunderstanding, and any negative reaction of man can be of “immense value”, keeping me humble and reminding me to seek a more conscious contact with my Heavenly Father rather than man.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/25

OUR PAST – GOD’S TOOL



“We have listed the people we have hurt by our conduct, and are willing to straighten out the past if we can.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 70



“God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.” Ecclesiastes 5:20
Luke 6:42


For what it's worth: My past has a family I lost because of hurt I inflicted. Some I recall, but how much did I cause in blackouts? I cried and drank over this loss for years. There has been no communication from them in forty years, despite numerous amends attempts since I have been sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. Sponsors, spiritual advisors, therapists, and attorneys have helped me through the years. I have grieved, but I no longer beat myself up over it. I pray for my lost family and I have insured that they have my address and phone number. If they ever give me the opportunity, I will be ready to make amends. AA has taught me to accept my life just as it is with my past just as it is. I do not brood over the loss of my family because I have seen God use this piece of my past - and every hardship I have ever suffered - to bring hope to others. My past is His tool. That makes it precious. So, whenever the past tries to get me down, I rise up remembering that fact. That way I certainly do “not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it”.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/26

LIFE’S THORNS



“…I would have the elements of a way of living which answered all my problems." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 13



"I was given a condition which has been a thorn in my flesh. Three times I begged God to take it from me. Each time he said, 'No, but I am with you; that is all you need.'" 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9

For what it's worth: While drinking, I did not feel any thorns. Once sober long enough in Alcoholics Anonymous, however, the pain got my attention and required treatment. I found that I was not alone in this aspect, either. A number of AA folks suffered with another disease in addition to alcoholism, and some hurt from other of life’s rough realities. I prayed and had hopes of relief, but the thorn was not removed. But God must have heard my prayers because He helped me persist and stay sober long enough to secure an accurate diagnosis, and receive appropriate treatment. Like Bill W. and the Apostle, Paul, my experience is that, when I accept my need and humbly ask for help, my Heavenly Father is right there with me, always. Yet, at times I am still slow to go to Him.



God bless you!



Joe W.



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“Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!” Dr. Bob, The Doctor’s Nightmare, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 181

“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

[admin]

1/28

THE RIGHT DIRECTION



“…We ask God to direct our thinking…” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86



“I have always tried my best to let wisdom guide my thoughts and actions…But it didn’t work.” Ecclesiastes 7:23

For what it's worth: Once breathing was difficult, I grew aware of and then grateful for every breath. That may be what is happening with my thinking. I ask my Higher Power every morning to direct my thinking, but it wanders off all over this planet and others, on its own, unsupervised, especially when I try to pray and meditate. I persist, and perhaps the most significant part of my morning prayer is when I seek God’s help with my motives. I get that idea from the Big Book. It tells me that my “thought-life will be placed on a much higher plane when…cleared of wrong motives”. So, my thoughts may be running loose, but God and I are doing our best to keep them headed in the right direction.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/29

THIS GOD OF OURS



We finally saw that faith in some kind of God was a part of our make-up… - Alcoholics Anonymous, page 55



How kind the LORD is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! - Psalm 116:5



For what it’s worth: When I finally stopped running and resisting, God was right there with open arms. He did not make it difficult to find Him, I did. I had to give up old ideas and come to trust that God loved me. And I even had to have His help to do that. Now I enjoy my close relationship with Him. I actually feebly attempt to improve it. That’s still hard for me to imagine – that I, who used to curse God, now want a closer, more conscious contact with Him. It’s because the hole in my soul was the absence of God in my life. Somewhere, buried deep within me was a longing for Him. But fear blinded me to how close God always was to me. I never could have dreamed that He was so merciful, kind and loving! My Heavenly Father certainly has been with me. And I believe He always will be.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/30

THE EVERY DAY GOOD SAMARITAN



“You have to act the Good Samaritan every day, if need be.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 97



“Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.” Luke 10:34

For what it's worth: When I arrived at the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous, I was not inclined to talk about the Bible’s parables. I did not trust anyone or anything “religious”, and many sober years were required to recover from my prejudice and learn the difference between religion and spirituality. Once I did, a spiritual awakening occurred. I began to sense the Spirit deep within the principles of AA, and I was amazed and inspired. I realized AA did not care about the color of a man, the language he spoke, his religion, or even his morals. They did not judge him, just accepted him for exactly what he was right then and there no matter where he came from, or what he looked like, or what he wore, or how he smelled. If he was a needy, suffering soul, AA reached out to him, took him in, and took care of him. That is exactly what they did for me. No wonder I am profoundly honored to be a member of this Fellowship! And, as a member, I pray I will be a “Good Samaritan every day, if need be”.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

1/31

THE NARROW GATE



“He (God) has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 25



“You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate.” Matthew 7: 13



For what it's worth: Hell’s fire was to be my eternity. I was convinced that was to be God’s punishment for the disrespect and disappointments I caused Him. I am fortunate that the last years of my drinking seemed like I was already in hell, because the agony and fear forced me to seek relief. I searched everywhere with no success. Finally I attended a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. An unknown number of AA meetings were required, but eventually I began to believe that I would not burn in hell. Maybe God had something better in mind for me. As I grew spiritually, practicing the Twelve Steps, I grew confident that this path God had placed me on – the one where “rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path” - this path leads through the narrow gate.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/1

A HARVEST OF BLESSING



“Do not be discouraged.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 60



"Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! ... So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time." Galatians 6: 7 & 9


For what it's worth: Doing life wrong was a real talent that I carried with me into sobriety. I have done so many things wrong in recovery that it is amazing that I am still in recovery. How often have I grown complacent? Thank God His awakenings have been fast and forceful, so I did not slid back into hell. How often have I been angry at God, even insanely deciding to make Him suffer by ignoring Him for awhile, and fussing with Him about being slow to respond to my demands? I recently saw a truck with these big letters: “GOD”. And in smaller letters it said: “Guaranteed Overnight Delivery”. I told my Higher Power He did not work that fast, so I might switch. I am not sure He saw the humor in that. Seriously, I am blessed that my God and Alcoholics Anonymous are patient and forgiving. Both always strengthen me to not be discouraged, despite human struggles, and continue to “trudge the Road of Happy Destiny” where I “will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time” – God’s time, not mine.

God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/2

EQUAL



“Our friend felt as though the gates of hell had closed on him with a clang.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, page 27:2


“These men who were hired last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.” Matthew 20:12



For what it’s worth: I drank daily for oblivion, trying to quite that sound of the clanging of the gates of hell closing behind me on my way down. As I was falling into hell, I passed many good people who were on their way up to heaven. So, when I finally sobered up in Alcoholics Anonymous, I believed all those good folks were way ahead of me. And, if I made it to heaven’s gates, they would be in places far higher than I would. After all, they had “borne the burden” much longer than I had. Today, however, I am not so sure. I believe that the Higher Power I found in recovery is far too merciful and generous to consider me lower than any one. I feel confident my God has made me equal.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/3

THANKS FOR LIFE



“I have hope to share and love to give, and I just keep going one day at a time, living this adventure called life.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 288 Fourth Edition



“Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise Him half enough?” Psalm 106: 2


For what it’s worth: Instead of dying, I am living. During the last years of my alcoholic existence, each day was dreaded, another day in my death. Now every day is a blessed day, another day in my life. How did this miracle happen? It all started the day I decided to walk into an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting instead of killing myself. And it has been growing ever since. There have been tough days and joyous days, but all sober and promising. I can take no credit. The Higher Power I found through AA is the creator of my sober living. I can never do half enough to thank Him.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/4

GRACE TO NOT MESS IT UP



“God makes that possible.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62



“He replied, ‘What is impossible for people is possible with God.’” Luke 18:27

For what it's worth: Already in despair, I was convinced I would die alone, never finding joy or love. Left to my own power, that is how it would have ended. But, unknown to me, some Higher Power was involved in my life, and rescued me from the path to hell and placed me on that path in Alcoholics Anonymous where rarely do we see anyone fail. And, despite my weaknesses, that same Higher Power gave me strength to thoroughly follow that path up Twelve Steps to a spiritual awakening where I came to know the Source of my new life. I met a new God, a Heavenly Father Who is doing for me what I certainly could never do for myself. His work is difficult, but His love is patient and never-ending. When I let go and let Him, He grants me more joy and love than I could have ever imagined possible. And I need never be alone again, unless I take a drink of alcohol. Today, my Heavenly Father will grant me the grace not to mess this up.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/5

FILLING THE ABSENCE OF LOVE



He is the Father, and we are His children. - Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62



…You are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. – Isaiah 43:4



For what it’s worth: Alcoholism was a jealous lover, ripping all love out of my life. I grieved so often over the losses in my life that I came to believe that I was unlovable. Once I finally left alcohol and stayed away from that jealous lover long enough to get her out of my system, I was finally able to identify the most agonizing feeling I have ever experienced: the hole in my heart and soul caused by the absence of love. I began a search for love, and, as it has been said, I looked in all the wrong places, coming up emptier than before, becoming suicidal even in sobriety. Only the fact that I was deeply involved in AA by that time saved me. AA gave me a way where there had been no way to come to know that I was loved. At first it was the kind folks in AA. They showed me that they cared, so maybe I was lovable. The real proof came when I finally started to see that God had been involved in my life all along. I began realizing that what I had wanted all my life had been a relationship with the Great Lover. The hole in my soul began to fill - and it was pure joy. I wanted more, so I applied Step Eleven to my search. Time in prayer and meditation has lifted me, like a little child, up into my Heavenly Father’s lap. Today I try hard to stay there all day long. I pray that one day I’ll be able to do just that all day every day.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/6

FAULT-FINDING



“Argument and fault-finding are to be avoided like the plague.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 98


“Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from fault?’” Proverbs 20:9



For what it’s worth: During the last years of my active disease, just about everything I did was sick and insane. My behavior was often rude and rotten, my motives were self-serving, and my attitude was usually defiant and hostile. Moreover, I brought those attributes with me into sobriety and recovery. Therefore, how can I justify finding fault with anyone? Of course, I cannot. Yet, I do. I remain quick and proficient at it. Although I work hard at change, I can easily fail. Obviously, I have a long way to grow. Along the way I am grateful that I have found a merciful and patient Higher Power Who has given me two guides, the Bible and the Big Book, to direct me along the right path with Steps leading to spiritual progress, not perfection.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/7

CONFIDENCE



“Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85


“I can do all things in Him that strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13



For what it’s worth: Shame about my past, fear of today and anxiety about tomorrow – those were the thoughts and feelings that dominated each day of my miserable, alcoholic existence. Thanks to sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous and the grace of God, I now go confidently into each new day, never alone, having asked my Heavenly Father to be with me. Experience has proven to me that every time I ask His help, He comes through. I enjoy watching Him work. On the difficult days, He can be unbelievably astonishing and creative.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/8

MORNING ANXIETY



The remorse, horror and hopelessness of the next morning are unforgettable. - Alcoholics Anonymous, page 6



Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. - Psalm 143:8



For what it’s worth: Unforgettable is right. I still vividly recall all those horrible mornings when nothing but alcohol would calm the turmoil in my gut. It must take a long time in recovery to get over that tendency of waking up with anxiety, because it still occurs, especially after desperate dreams. On those occasions, I definitely need my morning prayer and meditation as soon as possible. I may not feel like it, but spending time with my Heavenly Father is spiritually necessary for me. God holds me and whispers His love to me in the morning, and my trust in His love melts away any anxiety that’s present. It certainly is more therapeutic than drinking!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/9

BONUSES AND BLESSINGS



“Give freely of what you find and join us.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164



“Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back--given back with bonus and blessing.” Luke 6:38 (The Message)



For what it's worth: Once alcoholism created fear of losing everything, taking became my defense – indeed, my way of life. And when my taking demands were frustrated, alcohol was my elixir. Even sober, many years into recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous, if a Tenth Step inventory reveals any signs of taking rather than giving, like control or possession issues, seeking understanding more than trying to understand, demanding love more than demonstrating love, I must immediately go to my Heavenly Father with humility and contrition and beg His help to improve, finding the underlying fear, and gaining trust in His love. Usually all I need to do is open my eyes and my heart to all He has already given me for so little I have given. When I am willing to look, I see that my life overflows with bonuses and blessings.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/10

STRONG SOBRIETY



“As the pain subsides, a healing tranquility takes its place.” 12&12 p 62



“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17



For what it's worth: What was the truth about me? Since I had never trusted anyone enough to let them get close and know anything significant, there was no one to help me find out the truth about myself. Therein was a source for my drinking, as well as a goal for my recovery. To stop drinking and stay stopped I had to know the truth about myself. Thank God, that is what happens through the Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. But, even with those Steps, I needed a guide and some examples to follow. AA provided that, also, in the form of a sponsor and a bunch of tricky drunks. They seemed to be sober forever and took me into their care. They saw right through me. That tricky bunch knew when to hug me and when to boot my butt. They were always firm, but true. Ever so slowly, I came to trust these men, their principles, and their God. I climbed the Steps with them, and, sure enough, the agony subsided and a peace entered my once empty soul. Most assuredly, the sobriety of these friends was made of iron, and they made my sobriety strong.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/11

SLOW DOWN AND TAKE IT EASY



“Most of our experiences are what the psychologist William James calls the "educational variety" because they develop slowly over a period of time.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 567 (569)



“Full of hope, you'll relax, confident again; you'll look around, sit back, and take it easy.” Job 11:13 (The Message)

For what it's worth: It was obvious I was in a hurry to drink my way to hell. God blocked that, but, now that He has me sober and safe in Alcoholics Anonymous, why am I still in a hurry when it comes to being with Him? All too often I want to rush through prayer and meditation. I know that slowing down is good for me: slowing my driving saves gas money; and, slowing down my life saves stress. Likewise, my experience proves to me that prayer and meditation always gets me off to a better start for the day. And I know that spending time with my Heavenly Father not only has immediate blessings, it stores up treasures for tomorrow. Certainly, my spiritual growth has been slow, and it is still weak. So, to strengthen it, I need to ask my Heavenly Father to help me be “full of hope”, “relax”, be “confident”, and “sit back, and take it easy”, and enjoy spending time with Him. Afterall, He wants to spend time with me!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/12

OUR THOUGHT-LIFE



“Our thought-life will be placed on a much higher plane when our thinking is cleared of wrong motives." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86



"What is true, what is honest, what is just, what is pure, what is lovely, what is of good report; if there be virtue, and if there be praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8



For what it's worth: Every thought I had before recovery was negative, angry, hateful, evil - all of the above. I did not know how to think any other way. Even in Alcoholics Anonymous, my thinking remained mistrusting and resentful way too long. I talked with my sponsor often about it. Of course, he saw it long before I ever mentioned it. Everyone did. Only after I started reading the above-mentioned passage in our Big Book almost daily for a long time, did my thinking improve. I have turned this reading into one of my morning prayers. Now, at least once in awhile, I think about things that are lovely, honest, and true. I still have trouble with the "pure" part, but, I'm trying. And I know my Heavenly Father likes that.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/13
THE VIEW IS INDESCRIBABLE



“Now and then we may be granted a glimpse of that ultimate reality which is God’s kingdom.” 12&12 p.98



“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has
imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

For what it's worth: A drunken oblivion was my escape from my assumption that I was a lost soul, destined for hell’s eternal fires. So, the idea of salvation was for saints; impossible to my sinful nature. That was one reason I liked Alcoholics Anonymous. They told me: “We are not saints.” So, maybe I could make it in AA. I stayed away from the self-canonized and stuck with the sinners. They took me with them to do all manner of twelve step service in every imaginable situation, from a Bishop’s home to the Prison for the Criminally Insane and the gutters of big cities. Slowly, a deep soul-reform occurred. I began to believe that we sinners were special. It appeared that God had a special place in His heart for us. And, truly, every now and then, He would show us a little piece of heaven, usually when we were doing something for some other drunk. These experiences were - and remain - pure ecstasy and fulfillment. Indeed, I am deeply grateful I have been blessed with glimpses of God’s treasures. Each time the occasion is so indescribable and entrancing that every part of my once empty soul and defeated spirit is filled with hope. It may not last long enough, but the view is out of this world.




God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/14

POWER AND GUIDANCE



“The persistent use of meditation and prayer, we found, did open the channel so that where there had been a trickle, there now was a river which led to sure power and safe guidance from God as we were increasingly better able to understand Him.” 12&12 p.109



“May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.” Psalm 104:34



For what it's worth: Never could I believe that I would meditate. That was far beyond my reach. I was a wasted, worthless drunk. Even after a long period of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, I shunned meditation, believing it to be too “religious”, too impractical, and impossible for me. My mind was overloaded with hundreds of fears and thousands of resentments. But these were slowly deleted as I practiced the Steps, opening my thought-life to new possibilities. Although I had paid little attention, I had been hearing AA people share about the benefits of meditation. I respected most of these folks as deeply spiritual, and I started talking with them and spending time with them. Eventually, I tried to meditate without much success, but I persisted, and I have come to understand that my Heavenly Father is pleased with even the slightest attempt to grow closer to Him. I know because I have been rewarded with the blessings of prayer and meditation: “a river which led to sure power and safe guidance from God.”

God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/15

BEST, FREE THERAPY



“Historians may one day recognize Alcoholics Anonymous to have been a great venture in social pioneering which forged a new instrument for social action; a new therapy based on the kinship of common suffering; one having a vast potential for the myriad other ills of mankind.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 571, Fourth Edition, The Lasker Award



“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11: 28



For what it's worth: Despair, inner conflict, and unknown fear were heavy during my drinking years. I found no relief in all the places I expected to, but in the one place I never would have believed: with a bunch of drunks. Alcoholics Anonymous was where I belonged. I believe it is the only treatment on earth that could have broken through my stubborn, prideful resistance. And I am convinced that those drunks were the only ones who could see right through me. They surely did understand me and accept me for just what I was. Then they set about rebuilding be from toe to soul. Now I enjoy a warm and wonderful sense of assurance and acceptance in a powerful program of renewal; the best, free therapy I know. Additionally, AA freely gave me a Higher Power that welcomes sharing my burdens, lessening the load; sometime carry me and the load. All I have to do is be willing to ask. And when I am not, He allows my suffering to make me willing.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/16

POWER IN THE PRINCIPLES



“There is scarcely any form of trouble and misery which has not been overcome among us.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 15



“My heart is troubled and restless. Days of suffering torment me.” Job 30:27



For what it's worth: Despite despair, I was sober, but suicidal. I was just home from the psychiatric ward. My insurance had expired before the doctors and the hospital had barely started treatment. I was curled in the fetal position, trembling, and frightened I would end up in a padded cell somewhere alone. My wife did not know what to do, so she took just the right action: she knelt down by my side and started singing one of her Church hymns about the power of God. I do not understand it, but somehow I gained strength to get up from there and move on very slowly, literally, one step at a time, back to AA meetings, back to prayer, back to sanity and some semblance of normalcy. Had I taken that first drink during that desperate time, I would never have recovered. Thank God for His Power in the Principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/17

HOPE DURING HARDSHIP



“He will also report that out of every season of grief or suffering, when the hand of God seemed heavy or even unjust, new lessons for living were learned, new resources of courage were uncovered, and that finally, inescapably, the conviction came that God does ‘move in a mysterious way His wonders to perform.’” 12&12 p.105



“But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man.” Isaiah 52:14



For what it's worth: Conflict, abandonment, aloneness, despair, and unknown fears were spurs in my soul. Daily drinking for oblivion provided only temporary escape from the pain. If I stopped drinking, how would I live with that agony? That fear took me to the edge of the grave before I finally tried Alcoholics Anonymous. But once the alcohol was out of my system, I had to fight to made daily decisions to face the inner turmoil instead of going back to alcohol for relief. Thank God I had AA meetings for support and proven Steps to take to deal with the agony without drinking. I was able to identify the causes of my misery and start the healing process. However, AA did not grant me immunity from pain, but offered me hope and new attitudes when suffering. For example, I know from personal experience that God uses every ounce of my hardship to bless me or someone else. Plus, my Heavenly Father reminds me that His own Son “was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood”, and I realize I will never be asked to suffer like that.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/18

PRACTICING PERSEVERANCE



“If you persist, remarkable things will happen.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 100



“Many were amazed when they saw him--beaten and bloodied, so disfigured one would scarcely know he was a person.” Isaiah 52:14



For what it's worth: Difficulties in life were dodged with a drunk, or two, or three, whatever it took to avoid the problem. So, once I was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, it was perhaps the hardest practice I have ever accomplished to not take that first drink today no matter what, because some days, the no-matter-whats were downright vicious. Those days I struggled, practicing perseverance. I could never have done it alone. I had no idea I was developing a spiritual condition that was protecting a precious gift, my daily reprieve. Now that I am aware, I know I must brave whatever this day offers. Two things I know for certain about that: I will never have to endure anything that will harm me so that people will not recognize me as a person, and, when I persist, “remarkable things will happen.”



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/19

TODAY



"On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86



"Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day..." Matthew 6: 32-33



For what it's worth: Every day was wasted, shameful of the past and dreading the future. That is the reason I appreciate Alcoholics Anonymous teaching me to take life one day at a time. It took me years of practice, and I still have to be reminded each morning. I use what I call the Eleventh Step prayer that starts with “on awakening” and goes on to suggest how to live the rest of my day. I have been doing that for years, so I know it works - especially on difficult days.

God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/20

DAILY TREASURE HUNT



"To some extent we have become God-conscious." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85



"Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." Luke 12: 34



For what it's worth: My "treasure" was alcohol - the relief it offered. I was drink-conscious, my heart and mind consumed by my disease. However, sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous has elevated my values, and now I seek a far more precious mental awareness – a constant consciousness with my Higher Power. I am still a world away, but the Twelve Steps have opened a spiritual path to this incredible prize. I try to walk a little closer each day. Some days I fall back. Other days I can take little bigger strides. But, when I keep my mind and my heart centered there one day at a time, I feel safe and assured, knowing I am on the right path with others in “the Fellowship of the Spirit”.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/21

HELP NOT HURT



"If...our conduct continues to harm others, we are quite sure to drink. We are not theorizing. These are facts out of our experience." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 70



"Decide...to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another's path." Romans 14: 13



For what it's worth: Although I am blessed with years of one–day-at-a-time sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, I remember the hurt I caused others during the years I was drinking. Yes, I know God’s merciful forgiveness, but I believe, in His infinite wisdom, He allows the memories to continue in order to motive me to never repeat that drunken, abusive conduct. I can never reverse what I have done or make up for it, but I can change. I must. Otherwise, I am destined to repeat the past - far worse next time. So, each morning I ask my Heavenly Father for strength to stay sober today and rid myself of defects that harm others. My Heavenly Father may even use me today to place a seed of hope or a spark of joy in someone’s life, or even allow me to be an “instrument of His peace”, something I ask daily in the Prayer of St. Francis. What an honor for a once worthless, old drunk!

God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/22

IN THE POTTER’S HANDS



"We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 83



"As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand." Jeremiah 18: 6



For what it's worth: All of the Promises are finally real in my life. Years into recovery, I still regretted the past and wished to slam the door on it, and lock it. No more. The past was the way to my present and a motivator for my future. The door is open and unlocked, so I can look back and know I never want to repeat that past. Tears can fall over the agony caused to others by my dual diseases, alcoholism and clinical depression. But I do not blame myself. I do not have to carry that heavy shame. Today, thanks to my Higher Power, I have accepted that two diseases progressively and insidiously took control of me, dictating attitudes and behavior, dissolving responsibility and caring. Now that I have long-term recovery with both illnesses, I am more of the man I started out to be before the diseases enslaved me. Oh, I know I am a broken clay jar, but I was not thrown out. The Potter remolded me. You can still see the cracks, but, in His hands, the jar has become better shaped, stronger and harder.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/23

HAND IN HAND



"But insist that if he is severely afflicted, there may be little chance he can recover by himself." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 92



"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me." John 15: 4





For what it's worth: God did not return my family when I asked Him, so I showed Him - I lived as far away from Him as I could. How insanely arrogant! I nearly ended up successful, dead from alcoholism and eternally burning in hell. Instead, I am blessed with sobriety in Alcoholic Anonymous. As I become sane and more aware of how “severely afflicted” I was, I comprehend from deep within just how desperately I need this Fellowship and a Higher Power. I must constantly walk the walk on this path where "rarely have we seen a person fail", holding your hand and God’s. And I have noticed on tough days we walk best on my knees.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

SHOW IT



"He is not likely to get far in any direction if he fails to show unselfishness and love under his own roof." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 127



"Dear Children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions." 1 John 3: 18



For what it's worth: There was no love, only loneliness and despair under my roof, far distant from my family. Alcoholism had killed those relationships years before. And I expected it to lead me to a slow, agonizing death in the gutters of Baltimore. Instead, I was blessed to be led under a safe and sturdy roof where a family of rescued souls was waiting to welcome me. The love of members of Alcoholics Anonymous for a fellow sufferer saved me. Their example showed me how to reach out to others and their Steps were my way up out of my self-centered hell. Along the way, I have been gifted with another family and been adopted as father and papa. Now, it is my responsibility to reach out to the new person that comes under our roof, to serve those already here, and to do all in my power to bring those still out there in under AA's roof. Additionally, I need to take that same attitude and behavior home under my own roof.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/25

A CARING, COMFORTING FRIEND

"Spiritually, I found a Friend who never lets me down and is ever eager to help. I can actually take my problems to Him and He gives me comfort, peace, and happiness." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 303, Third Edition

"All praise to the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others with the same comfort God has given us." 2 Corinthians 1: 3 & 4

For what it's worth: God was no comfort to me, and certainly no Friend. I drank to escape Him. I believed my hell on earth was His work for so often disappointing Him. But, if so, how was it I ended up in Alcoholics Anonymous? I was overwhelmed with both disbelief and gratitude when I first realized it was God who quietly, although painfully, carried me to the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. He knew I would meet friends here who would introduce me to Him. And He certainly has turned out to be different from my previous understanding. I found God to be always just what I need: a Friend and a Father. You see, I work hard on spiritual growth, but my defects still far outnumber my virtues. For example, there are days I do not want to let go and let God; I stubbornly resist admitting I am wrong; my words and behavior hurt those I love; and, way too many times I ask to do God’s will only begrudging. What I love is I can go to my Friend and Father with my defects, and He does not judge or punish me, just comforts me. Moreover, there are times when He whispers the name of someone else that has come to Him in pain and He suggests I go out and comfort that suffering soul. I know He has done the same with others because they have reached out to me just when I needed it most. He can be real tricky and creative the way He does that, bonding people together in caring, comforting friendships.


God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/26

ASK WITH COMPLETE ABANDON



"We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon." Alcoholics Anonymous, page59

"Lord, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea! Don't turn away for me in my time of distress." Psalm 102:1

For what it's worth: Pride nearly killed me. I could not ask for help until I was standing at that turning point between being buried alive by my disease or seeking help. Finally, I reached out to Alcoholics Anonymous. My motive was selfish; I was arrogant, resistant, and angry; but, apparently, I was just right for AA. Hands reached out to welcome me and pulled me up from the grave that alcoholism had dug for me. Alcoholics Anonymous offered me Steps that lifted me up to a new level of life with a Higher Power who is all loving. I know because every single time I come close to falling from that new level, as soon as I remember to pray for help, He hears me, listens, and never turns away. Since I have been up here in Alcoholics Anonymous with my Heavenly Father, I have been close to relapse, close to death, and faced much distress in recovery, but each time I have "asked His protection and care with complete abandon", He is there for me.


God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/27

A NEW SONG



"Assuming we are spiritually fit, we can do all sorts of things alcoholics are not supposed to do." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 100



"Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds." Psalm 98: 1



For what it's worth: Shame and worthlessness ran deep for years, carving a canyon in my soul that I believed was endless. Even long into recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous, those feelings seemed bottomless. Intense application of the Twelve Steps, hard work with a sponsor, professional therapy, and fervent prayer were needed to just begin to fill the canyon. Over the years, however, with the spiritual strength of our Principles and the Power of my Heavenly Father, the canyon is filled and those feelings are gone. Actually, if you listen closely where they used to run, you can hear an echo of my new song. It is a song written by the Great Song Writer Himself!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/28

A REPAIR JOB



So our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making...though we usually don’t think so. Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62



Notice the ways of God; then accept them. Don’t fight the ways of God. Ecclesiastes 7: 13



For what it’s worth: A fear that I was a wreck and couldn’t be fixed followed me long into sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. For example, twice I could not go forward with Step Four because I was afraid to face myself and learn the truth. Fortunately, I had a wise sponsor who suggested that I back off to Step Three. Sure enough, there were reservations in my decision to turn my life over to God. So I brought this topic up at meetings, discussed it with my sponsor, and prayed about it. Then, as sincerely and humbly as I could, I turned this wreck over to the Great Mechanic. I found that He is truly creative in the way He uses many tools, including the Twelve Steps, AA people, and my spouse, to make the necessary fixes in this old wreck. Even after years of sobriety, I still tend to go around making my own troubles, though I usually do not think so at the time. And the Great Mechanic is always right there working on me, so I never know when the opportunity for improvement will occur. I have to be alert, staying tuned to God’s ways, not fighting them. When I do, I can smile and be grateful, for “the ways of God” surely are kind to me, gradually fixing what I once believed to be a wreck beyond repair.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

2/29

"MUCH OF HEAVEN"



"We have found much of heaven and we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 25



"Yes, your joy will overflow!" John 15:11



For what it's worth: The years of agony and despair of my alcoholic drinking created a negative mental disposition set deep in concrete. Eventually, and nearly too late, the pain of alcoholism drove me to Alcoholics Anonymous for relief, but an attitude adjustment was required to get and stay sober. I was afraid that was impossible and hell was inevitable. But I was listening closely to what AA was teaching me: “Without help it is too much for us.” That is when I started to practice Step Two, coming to believe a Higher Power could open my mind to let out the negative and draw in the good. And, sure enough, over my years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, “much of heaven”, more than I ever dreamed, is mine. Now, even on days that certainly do not feel like heaven, I still have joy deep in my being. And that gives me all the hope I need for that day. That is pretty good for this old drunk, once headed for hell!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/1

SIMPLE & GRATEFUL

"The very simple program they advised me to follow was that I should ask to know God's will for me for that one day, and then, to the best of my ability, to follow that, and at night to express my gratefulness to God for the things that had happened to me during the day." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 209


"The Lord watches over those who rely on his unfailing love. " Psalms 33: 18

For what it's worth: Inner conflict churned constantly in me before recovery. So, the simplicity and single mindedness of Alcoholics Anonymous appealed to me and gradually calmed the turmoil. One major way it worked was in prayer. I had not prayed for years, so my sponsor started me off with a simple “please help me” in the morning and a “thank you” at night. Even I could do that. And I did, and it worked. As a matter of record, every single, simple action and idea that AA people offered worked and worked well. Their down to earth wisdom deeply attracted me and kept me coming back until I relied on the Program and trusted the Higher Power I found through AA. The Principles of AA and the Love of God have never let me down.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/2

LOVED ANYWAY



"He wants to enjoy a certain reputation, but knows in his heart he doesn't deserve it." Alcoholics Anonymous,page 73



"Man looks on outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." 1 Samuel 16: 7



For what it's worth: Insecurity runs deep. Years of recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous and professional therapy have made remarkable progress, as well as uncovered reasons for the insecurity, but have not removed it. I still have to be watchful for that defect. All too often, the "his majesty, the baby" in me feels “threatened” and needs to look important - even indispensable, be in charge, take credit, sound wise, play “the savior”, embellish the truth, or any number of self-promotion gimmicks. Thank God for the Tenth Step, a spot-check inventory or a daily, honest review of my motives, intentions and defenses. And thank God for Step Six and Seven where I can go for help with this defect of character. Most of all, I am deeply grateful for a Heavenly Father who knows my insecurity, but looks on my heart and loves me anyway.

God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/3

THAT MAN CHANGED



"Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 98



"He healed them all. The crippled were well, the lame were walking, the blind could see. And they praised God." Matthew 15: 30-31



For what it's worth: There was a miserable excuse of a man, a lying hypocrite, irresponsible, unable to keep his family, lost, confused, depressed, living in despair, and a worthless drunk. The man arrogantly fought God Himself, cursing Him, blaming Him for his misery. Yet, God so loved that man that He rescued him from his torment and carried him to a place of peace, Alcoholics Anonymous. I know because I am that man. Left alone, I would have died in that wrecked life. Instead, I am healing as I sit here writing today’s version of The Daily Reprieve. I am happy, joyful and free. And I have nothing to do with it. It is my Heavenly Father!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/4

EXPECTATIONS



“He provided what we needed.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63



“He offers strength to the weak.” Isaiah 40: 29


For what it’s worth: Everything of value was lost to alcoholism, and I came to Alcoholics Anonymous with nothing, expecting nothing. How wrong I was! I have found not only everything that I ever needed, but everything I ever dreamed of here in recovery. I found a God of my understanding that is completely different from my distorted concept of a harsh, punishing Judge. The Heavenly Father I was introduced to here in AA loves me just as I am, graciously provides my daily bread, and generously, patiently offers me strength all the times I am weak. I have nothing more to seek. I have found it all. And in a place where I never expected to find anything.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/5

HEALING PRAYER



“To get over drinking will require a transformation of thought and attitude.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 143



“…Pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5, 16



For what it's worth: My thoughts and attitude were rooted in resentment and shame for years before I finally arrived in Alcoholics Anonymous. I believe my Higher Power knew it would take the acceptance and love of the people and the power of the Twelve Steps of AA to transform my thoughts and my attitude. It may have taken years, but God and AA have done it. Now the resentments are gone and I experience joy instead of shame when I think about people from my past. Instead of entertaining negative thoughts, I can pray for them. And, since He forgave me, I ask my Heavenly Father to let those I harmed forgive me. If they do not, I ask Him to not hold it against them and grant them peace. Either way, God will bless them, and I can heal further.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/5

UNDERSTANDING



"Here was the understanding I'd been searching for all my life." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 355


“Understanding is a fountain of life…” Proverbs 16:22



For what it's worth: No one understood before. But, what could I expect? I feared intimacy, stubbornly resisting open, honest relationships. Besides all that psychological jargon, I was a low-down, worthless, stinking drunk. Loneliness was inevitable. Alcohol deadened the aloneness agony for years, but when it lost its magic, I was forced to seek other relief. Nothing satisfied my need for acceptance and understanding until I walked into a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. I had never witnessed the degree of personal sharing as I did there. I listened closely. Obviously, they trusted each other and were willing to be open and honest with one another. I soon knew they understood. So, I keep coming back, and the empathy I feel in AA surely is “a fountain of life” to me. Here I find everything I searched for all my life: a wholeness of being that includes a heart full of hope and trust; a soul in love with a Heavenly Father that I know loves me unconditionally; self-respect, worth, acceptance; the ability to love and be loved; and, a life of joy. Living without all of this for so long makes me realize how precious a gift I have. I will never be able to thank Alcoholics Anonymous enough for understanding. God knew they would.

God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/6

BUILD WITH ME



"God, I offer myself to Thee -- to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63



“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.” Luke 20:17



For what it's worth: Alcoholism flooded my life and rotted my foundation. So, when I finally arrived in Alcoholics Anonymous, I had nothing solid on which to build. Moreover, although my heart was heavy, my soul was dark and empty. So, I desperately needed help but I resisted anything spiritual because my prejudice blindly labeled it “religious”. Years of sobriety, AA meetings, sponsorship, living the Twelve Steps one day at a time, and simple prayer like “please help me” and “thank you” were required for me to grow spiritually. It started with Step Two. Therein was hope for the first time in years that Something could make me well and whole. The building step followed. Step Three is one I renew everyday when I ask God to build with me what He wishes. I had no foundation and no decent building materials to offer Him, but I certainly am pleased with the job He is doing. Today I will try not to tell Him how to do it, and just be ready in case He needs me.

God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/7

"TO HAVE HIM WITH ME"



"There had been a humble willingness to have Him with me -- and He came.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 12



"You heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help." Psalm 31: 22



For what it's worth: It was insanely arrogant to believe I was punishing God. But, He had refused to return my family, so I would show Him. I told Him I would live my life as far away from Him as I could. And I nearly went to hell. But the trip became too hot and melted my pride, so I took a short detour to Alcoholics Anonymous (back then I believed it was right next door to hell). I walked in that AA door desperate for relief and for no other reason, but AA members and God must have interpreted it as my cry for help. I was blind then, but I see clearly now that was the start of an unending, difficult, but eternally rewarding spiritual journey from rejecting God to a deep desire “to have Him with me”. When I first started realizing the “and He came” part, I could not believe it. It was exhilarating! Of course, that did not last. I have crawled through dry spiritual deserts, climbed up to peaks and fallen into pits along the way, but my Heavenly Father has stayed with me the whole way.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/8

TURNING POINTS



"We stood at the turning point.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 59



“Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone." Psalm 33:22



For what it's worth: If there were any turning points where I might have changed my life, I drank my way right through them without much notice, until the eleventh hour when I had to decide to die with the bottle or try to live without it. Now I know God brought me to that crossroads still alive and directed me to the right path, Alcoholics Anonymous. There He walks with me along the way, protecting me. And, when I let go and let Him, He continues to guide me at every turn. He has never let me down no matter how critical the juncture. And we have faced many crises – all successful - hand in hand.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/9

A WAY FOR THE WORLD



"Just to the extent that we do as we think He would have us, and humbly rely on Him, does He enable us to match calamity with serenity." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 68



"He renews my strength. He guides me along the right paths, bringing honor to his name." Psalm 23: 3



For what it's worth: At my weakest moment, a Higher Power lifted me out of despair and guided me to Alcoholics Anonymous. Once there, He offered me freedom from the slavery of alcoholism and serenity in life. Then, years later when I was sucked into a double rip tide off the Carolina coast, He gathered the Rescue Squads required to save me. When I was dying of heart failure far from home, He provided the emergency care just in time to continue my life. Over and over, I am proof of my Heavenly Father’s power and love. Moreover, I know hundreds and hundreds of others who are examples of His strength, whom He has led along the right path in Alcoholics Anonymous from waste to worth, from turmoil to tranquility. I believe AA is God’s gift, not just to drunks, but to the world. It is not intended to glorify man but to honor its Creator. For those who would see, there is no doubt that the Principles and the Power of Alcoholics Anonymous have been proven millions of times over. If only the world would see! To those who would hear, this Program shouts out God’s wisdom, love and omnipotence. It is a way from calamity to serenity, from hate to love, from war to peace. If only the world would listen!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/10

STEP ELEVEN AND THINKING



"Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86



"Trust in the Lord...do not depend on your own understanding...don't be impressed with your own wisdom." Proverbs 3: 5-7



For what it's worth: What wisdom? With a jump-start from alcoholism, my own thinking nearly transported me to hell. It really did not matter - I believed I was destined to rot there anyway because God was against me. Of course, my thinking was insane. Obviously, God was for me. He had to be. Somehow I ended up, not in hell, but in the only place on earth where I could be saved, Alcoholics Anonymous. God, in His infinite wisdom knew that. He knew there were Twelve Steps and people there to help me climb out of the stinking self-centered cistern my thinking had created. They even have a book, Alcoholics Anonymous that is full of proven suggestions about how to change my thinking. One is Step Eleven where each morning I ask my Heavenly Father to direct my thinking away from “self-seeking motives” and toward His will, not mine. Now, I do not know about wisdom, but I do know that practicing that type of thinking one day at a time over a period of sobriety will create not only positive thinking, but an attitude of gratitude. I think I will try it again today.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/11

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS



"Today, I'm counting my blessings instead of my troubles." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 355



"It is good to give thanks to the Lord." Psalm 92: 1



For what it's worth: Could there have possibly been any blessings in my miserable drinking existence, other than that I survived? I saw only troubles. My vision did not improve even long after getting sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. When I was told to count my blessings, it did not take long. Thank God the list grew. And as my eyes opened, I recall being overwhelmed because I had believed I would never experience such favor. As my physical sight weakens, the eyes of my soul seem to see more clearly the treasures I have been so freely given. It takes longer and longer to count my blessings. So, today I will take more time to say THANKS.

God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/12

TURNING POINT



“We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.” - Alcoholics Anonymous, page 59



“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” - Luke 15:20



For what it’s worth: There have been many turning points in my life, and I went the wrong way at most of them, but not at the one leading to Alcoholics Anonymous. That was definitely the right turn, but I can take no credit; I barely knew what I was doing. I certainly had no idea that I was turning on to a path leading to my Heavenly Father. Although I’m still a long way off, I see Him waiting with open arms. And at the beginning of each new day in my run home, I ask His help and keep running.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/13

TAKE HEART



"There is scarcely any form of trouble and misery which has not been overcome among us." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 15


"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33

For what it's worth: Despair was my drinking companion for years, so my first drop of hope was exhilarating. It happened at my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous and it has grown with each meeting I have attended since. It expands with each hope-filled story I hear, especially with the ones I live. And there are extensive examples - many appearing insurmountable at the time - of God’s grace overcoming difficulty during my sobriety. So, hope fills my being. Why, then, hesitate to trust? Why allow any insecurity or anxiety in my heart? Today, I will not. If my tiny piece of the world throws any dirt at me, I will remember the many tribulations my Heavenly Father and I have already conquered, and I will “take heart” and go confidently with Him to conquer today. I will give God the praise and live with an attitude of gratitude and hope.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/14

HAND OF GOD


"What seemed at first a flimsy reed has proved to be the loving and powerful hand of God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 28


"But when Peter looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. ‘You don't have much faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?’" Matthew 14: 30 & 31

For what it's worth: There was no trust. And every day of my years without trust was crammed with unknown anxieties. Only alcohol would calm them momentarily. Lack of trust followed me into Alcoholics Anonymous. It must have been obvious, because some AA members tricked me into going on a retreat with them, and it was there that the retreat leader, Fr. Vincent Collins, the author of the Acceptance pamphlet, saw my greatest need. He told me that I needed to ask God to teach me to trust His love. I was too spiritually sick to follow his advice then, but when I did, the results were amazing. It took years, but God has taught me to trust His love, often in ways that were designed to get through to mistrusting, hard-headed souls like me. Today, I live with trust in my Heavenly Father. I lived without it for so long that I do not know how to describe it. But, even when weak, tired, during severe storms, when it seems I may be drowning, there is a spirit in me that reaches out to the hand of God. He always grabs me, pulls me into His arms, and hugs me.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/15

A GOOD BOSS



"We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day ‘Thy will be done.’” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87-88

"The way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced." Matthew 7: 20

For what it's worth: My best efforts produced a flop, but my pride would not let go, constantly trying to sell it as a hit. I drank to kill the disappointment and shame, succeeding only at being a drunk and a hypocrite. Strangely, therein was my success, because that torment drove me to seek relief in Alcoholics Anonymous. Once sober and no longer delirious, I finally surrendered my flop of an existence to God’s loving way of life. I am no longer running the show - at least, most of the time. There are still times when the insanity returns and I attempt control, acting like I know what I am doing. My Heavenly Father just smiles and reminds me Who is in charge. He can be creative, even downright tricky the way He does that, but the results when He is the Boss are always better. Imagine that!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/16

"So when AA suggests a fearless moral inventory, it must seem to every
newcomer that more is being asked of him than he can do. Both his pride
and his fear beat him back every time he tries to look within himself.
Pride says, 'You need not pass this way,' and fear says, 'You dare not
look!' But the testimony of AA's who have really tried a moral
inventory is that pride and fear of this sort turn out to be bogeymen,
nothing else. Once we have a complete willingness to take inventory,
and exert ourselves to do the job thoroughly, a wonderful light falls
upon this foggy scene. As we persist, a brand-new kind of confidence is
born, and the sense of relief at finally facing ourselves is
indescribable. These are the first fruits of Step Four." (Twelve and
Twelve, Step Four, pg. 49)

[admin]

3/17

AT HOME



“A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations and affairs.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 19



“I'm doing the very best I can, and I'm doing it at home, where it counts.” Psalm 101: 2 (The Message)


For what it's worth: The home is where my alcoholism was most devastating, destroying the family that lived there. I drank to obliterate those memories for years and carried the shame long after I stopped drinking. Only after many sober years in Alcoholic Anonymous do I no longer shut out my past, but learn from it. And those experiences certainly prove the insidious influence of selfishness in the home. For example, I know how much hurt an unguarded, selfish tongue can inflict at home, how much anger can grow from control issues at home, the damage done from acting superior or being the know-it-all at home, and so on, and so on. I pray the Prayer of St. Francis (below) every morning because it is the best tool I have ever found to fight self. But, all too often, at some point in the day I am demanding, short, intolerant, hurtful, or in some other way selfish at home. Thank God for Step Ten. Although, the folks at home must get tired of my amends, and I am sure they will love it when I achieve sainthood. I surely have all the tools I need to get there, but I will never make it. Perhaps that is why my eyes mist with gratitude when I recall that my Heavenly Father loves me just as I am – even if others may not for the moment.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/18

IN HIS HANDS


"We realize that the things which came to us when we put ourselves in God's hands were better than anything we could have planned." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 100

"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous." Psalm 27:14

For what it's worth: When afraid to face God and self, the oblivion of alcoholism is a place to hide. I had no idea God would find me there and come in after me. That is what had to happen, because I do not recall asking for His help. He dropped me on the door step of Alcoholics Anonymous where I had to face Him and myself. In doing so, I found a merciful Heavenly Father and a man who is not nearly as bad as I believed, actually no more and no less human than the other drunks in AA who are also seeking a closer contact with their Higher Power. Some days that is more difficult than others because I get in the way. Even after years in recovery, old defects, insecurities, weaknesses, defenses can creep up and demand attention. When this occurs, I shake my little rubber sword at the Omnipotent Almighty and ask Him when the heck I will be well. He smiles and reminds me to wait patiently and “be brave and courageous”. There have already been so many examples of God’s grace in my life. Still I am inpatient. Today I will put myself back in His hands, and everything will be better than I could have planned.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/19

A FRIEND’S COMFORT


"Spiritually, I found a Friend who never lets me down and is ever eager to help. I can actually take my problems to Him and He gives me comfort, peace, and happiness." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 303 (Third Edition)


"All praise to the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others with the same comfort God has given us." 2 Corinthians 1: 3 & 4

For what it's worth: There was no Friend, only a harsh Judge dispensing cruel punishment during the years of my alcoholic drinking and insane thinking. The Judge disappeared and a Friend showed up only after alcohol cleared from my entire being. Then I could see He had been there all along, guiding me to Alcoholics Anonymous. There my Friend knew I would find Him and learn that He is my loving Heavenly Father, always “eager to help” me climb the mountains and survive the spiritual deserts on my journey striving to be closer to Him. I have stumbled and fallen so often, and My Heavenly Father has always been there to lift me up and comfort me. Watching Him work over the years, I notice that He does it so that I learn to do the same for others - in His name, not mine. I pray I have a good answer in case I am asked if I did for others as He did for me.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/20

TOUCHED BY LOVE


"For me, AA is a synthesis of all the philosophy I've ever read,
all of the positive, good philosophy, all of it based on love." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 542 (Third Edition)



"Love each other." John 13: 34

For what it's worth: Perhaps the absence of love was the deepest hole in my soul. Worse yet, I never believed it would be filled. Drink blotted out that despair only momentarily, but it sealed the void, and I nearly died, not just alone, but without love. I did not realize it for years, but alcohol had to go for me to find love and be able to love. Nothing could have done that for me other than Alcoholics Anonymous. It is a Program of love I believe inspired by Love. Before recovery, I was incapable of giving and receiving love. Now, not only am I able to love, I am loved. How many ways and how often I have experienced love I cannot count. How many times have I gone to an AA meeting in need and been touched deeply with love? How many times have I cried out to my Heavenly Father and been held in His loving arms? And, although I lost a family to alcoholism, how about the family I have been given in recovery? How about all the close friends we develop in recovery through sponsorship and sharing with one another in the language of the heart? There is no hole in my soul now. It overflows with love.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/21

DO FOR HIM



“So the difference between "the boys and the men" is the difference between striving for a self-determined objective and for the perfect objective which is of God.” 12&12 p.68



“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” Colossians 3:23


For what it's worth: For years self-satisfaction was my nature and the constant demand of my alcoholism. Therefore, change required much more than sobriety. Years of radical transformation were necessary. And I believe that could have been realized only in Alcoholics Anonymous under the direction of a merciful Higher Power. Now, after years of living the Twelve Steps and with the grace of God, every now and then I can actually disregard “self-determined” wishes and seek God’s will. I know I can never do for Him what He has done for me, but my Heavenly Father lets me know how much He appreciates even the simple, little things I do for Him. He is so generous!



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/22

THIS PATH



"Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 58



“The gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." Matthew 7: 13 & 14

For what it's worth: Although I did not start out on that road, without warning alcohol had me on a fast route to hell - almost without stopping. Only the grace of God could have interrupted that plunge and redirected me to a happier destiny in Alcoholics Anonymous. And I am, indeed, grateful to be on this journey with Fellowship brothers and sisters who have suffered as I have suffered and who seek as I seek. They understand in ways others cannot. They support in ways others cannot. I know this path we travel is narrow and not well traveled by the large numbers who need it. And I know “there but for the grace of God” I would still be among those numbers. So, with gratitude in my old heart and belief in a paradox (“give it away to keep it”) in my simple mind, I hope my Heavenly Father gives me an opportunity today to bring someone onto this path where “rarely have we seen a person fail”, and helps me be an example of how to thoroughly follow this path.


God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/23

TOOLS OF RENEWAL



“As the day goes on, we can pause where situations must be met and decisions made, and renew the simple request: ‘Thy will, not mine, be done.’” 12&12 p.103


“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:15-17



For what it's worth: Despair became solitary confinement within the prison of my alcoholism. So, the hope I felt at my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous was significant – it meant freedom to me. Moreover, it kept me coming back long enough to receive other blessings. One that I desperately need and that has been vital to me in my recovery is what I call renewal. You see, I can make grand plans for change, but fail so often. Also, if the climb in life gets too steep, I tend to stop. And, if I fall and bleed, I want to sit on the ground and cry. So, I need renewal at those weak times. And I have found it. First of all, our one-day-at-a-time philosophy breaks it down for me into manageable measures, and I can start my day over when I need. In addition to that, I have my daily Third Step prayer that I can repeat as often as necessary throughout the day. I also have my Eleventh Step that instructs me to take it easy, pause, and ask God for the next right step. There are so many tools of renewal. I call on as many as I can find. My religious background offers one that is powerfully inspiring when I stop to think about the Passion and Death of Christ. First of all I know I will never be asked to suffer like that. Moreover, I see that after a short period of darkness, tremendous hope is renewed – there is a Resurrection.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/24

THE DID-NOT-DOs



“Who wants to confess his faults to another and make restitution for harm done?” 12&12 p.24



“Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.”
Matthew 25:45 (The Message)

For what it's worth: Restitution was owed me. I was not about to make amends with that attitude, so, it was not likely I would stay sober, even in Alcoholics Anonymous. Gratefully, a spiritual awakening occurred in me as the result of living the Twelve Steps. One blessing from that was gaining new vision into my past and developing a positive attitude about treating it and learning from it. I easily saw past behaviors readily visible – things I did that hurt people; but, what about all I did not do - often more harmful? Was that neglect so shameful I hid it? Now that I see the omissions, I carry them to my Heavenly Father and we apply healing AA principles and practices.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/25

“ON THE BROAD HIGHWAY”



“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.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 55


“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment…” Romans 14:1



For what it's worth: God, as I understood Him when I finally arrived at the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous, was One to be feared, not only because of His power, but because of His wrath and harsh punishment. So, I strongly resisted the idea of drawing closer to Him. The people in AA did not judge me, just welcomed me. And, with sober time, their genuine sharing and the chapter in the Big Book, “We Agnostics” “swept away prejudice” and caused me to “search diligently” for a relationship with a Higher Power. I am forever grateful. Preachers and teachers could not reach me. But a bunch of tricky drunks certainly did. I believe I will always be touched deeply when someone shares with me about their struggles, like mine, with “religion” and “the God stuff”. It is that sharing that broke the chains of prejudice and fear, and freed me to join you on the Broad Highway



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/26

MARVELOUS AND MYSTERIOUS WAYS



“Are these extravagant promises?” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84



“You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed.” Joshua 23:14

For what it's worth: Further agony was the only assurance I had from God – punishment because my life insulted Him. That insane belief bolstered the drink and the despair until the need for relief drove me to Alcoholics Anonymous. It was there I learned about the Promises*. I was extremely critical of these at first, believing they were cruel - no drunk could ever achieve anything even close. Then, as I progressed in recovery, I began to witness that those Promises were coming true in the lives of others, but certainly not mine. That is, not according to my schedule. Was I just being inpatient? Actually, I seriously doubted some the Promises would ever come true in my life because of circumstances that seemed irreparable. So, I accepted that as fact and trudged on one day at a time, happy with what I had, not expecting anything better. However, I obviously misjudged the power of God and Alcoholics Anonymous. Together they work in marvelous and mysterious ways. Lo and behold, the very situation that I believed insurmountable and hopeless now has a ray of hope.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/27

STILL MORE



“Our answer is in still more spiritual development.” 12&12 p.114



“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7



For what it's worth: Although there were no accomplishments during my drinking years, I remember some from my earlier life. I recall stopping and enjoying them for awhile afterwards. I have not found that true in Alcoholics Anonymous. After I finish something, these tricky drunks always have something else for me to do. Just one example is when I complete one Step, my sponsor always starts me immediately on the next one. Moreover, the Higher Power I found in Alcoholics Anonymous does the same. As soon as I make progress in one spiritual area, He reminds me how far I still have to go. So often, when I start feeling progress in my serenity level during serious challenges, a trivial, even common commotion of life comes along and I blow it big-time. When I take this to my Heavenly Father, somehow or another, usually at AA meetings or during my prayer and meditation, He whispers to me I need “still more spiritual development.” There are times when He yells it.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/28

TRUST HIS LOVE AND GO CONFIDENTLY

“…We are now on a different basis of trusting and relying upon God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 68

“I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the Lord." Jeremiah 39:18

For what it’s worth: Some form of fear ruled my thinking and my behavior for years. A religious background compounded it, creating fear of God. The Professionals I paid tried, but provided no relief. So, I was certain that a bunch of drunks in Alcoholics Anonymous had nothing to offer me. Fortunately, the agony and despair of my disease forced me to attend an AA meeting. And then, meeting by meeting, day by day, AA members shared their success with me, and I came to believe that I, too, might be free of fear. But first I had to trust in something. I gradually began to trust AA. Then I grew to realize something had been with me all along. Something had saved me from tragedy. Something had guided me to AA. That was my Higher Power, and I called Him “Something with a capital S”. Some time after that I was talking with an AA member, a Catholic Priest, and he told me rather strongly that what I needed was to ask God to teach me to trust His love. Although I was reluctant for some time, since I have started asking God to teach me to trust His love, experience by experience over the years of my recovery, He has proved His love. These days, when I sense anxiety creeping in, I carry it to my Heavenly Father. He comforts me, always reminding me of all the times He has proven His love. So, I go confidently.

God bless you!



Joe W.

[admin]

3/29

A LIFE AND DEATH JOURNEY

“He should realize that we are engaged upon a life-and-death errand.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 75

“Death had its hands around my throat; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow.” Psalm 116:3

For what it’s worth: Suicide on an installment plan, one drink at a time, used to be the direction of my miserable existence. Every day was a dreaded day in my death. Now each day is a joyful day in my life. I know I had nothing to do with this miracle. It was a free gift of God's grace. What I do have everything to do with is treating my disease. It has the power to kill miracles. If I take that first drink of alcohol, only the grave could end my “trouble and sorrow”. Today death will not have “its hands around my throat”, because I am praying in the morning, getting to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, and trying my best to stay close to my Heavenly Father. He and I are walking together on this life and death journey today.

God bless you!



Joe W.