~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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(   \ (AA)/   )
(_   /AA\ _)
  /AA\
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Belief
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"Despite contrary indications, I had little doubt that a mighty purpose and rhythm
underlay all. How could there be so much of precise and immutable law,
and no intelligence? I simply had to believe in a Spirit of the Universe,
who knew neither time nor limitation."
- Bill W.
1976AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 10
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Thought to Consider . . .

Faith is not belief without proof;
it's trust without reservation.

*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
A B C =  Acceptance, Belief, Change

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

Spirituality

From "The Three Legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous":

"The liberals were the largest contingent and they had no objection to the use of the word "God" throughout the [Big] book, but they were dead set against any other theological proposition. They would have nothing to do with doctrinal issues. Spirituality, yes. But religion, no positively no. Most of our members, they pointed out, believed in some sort of deity. But when it came to theology we could not possibly agree among ourselves, so how could we write a book that contained any such matter? There was no such thing as group opinion in these areas and there never could be. Alcoholics who had tried the missions were forever complaining about this very thing. The alcoholic’s unreasoning rebellion against the specifically religious approach had severely handicapped the missions. The liberals said they did not intend to be critical; they only wanted us to remember the hard facts. Those contentions could not be denied. It was true that we could not agree on a religious basis for our fellowship and that the straight religious approach had worked in relatively few cases."

2001 AAWS, Inc.; Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, pg. 162-63

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~^*~*~*~*~*
GIVING UP CENTER STAGE

For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. . .Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 70

Why do I balk at the word "humility"?  I am not humbling myself toward other people, but toward God, as I understand Him.  Humility means "to show submissive respect," and by being humble I realize I am not the center of the universe. When I was drinking, I was consumed by pride and self-centeredness. I felt the entire world revolved around me, that I was master of my destiny. Humility enables me to depend more on God to help me overcome obstacles, to help me with my own imperfections, so that I may grow spiritually. I must solve more difficult problems to increase my proficiency and, as I encounter life's stumbling blocks, I must learn to overcome them through God's help. Daily communion with God demonstrates my humility and provides me with the realization that an entity more powerful than I is willing to help me if I cease trying to play God myself.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
*~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
The Spiritual Alibi

Our first attempts at inventories are apt to prove very unrealistic. I used
to be a champ at unrealistic self-appraisal. On certain occasion, I wanted to
look at the part of my life which seemed good. Then I would greatly
exaggerate whatever virtues I supposed I had attained. Next I would
congratulate myself on the grand job I was doing in A.A.
Naturally this generated a terrible hankering for still more
accomplishments, and still more approval.
I was falling straight back into the pattern of my drinking days.
Here were the same old goals power, fame, and applause.
Besides, I had the best alibi known as the spiritual
objective made this utter nonsense seem perfectly right.

GRAPEVINE, JUNE 1961
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*

"We represent no particular faith or denomination. We are dealing only
with general principles common to most denominations."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, Page 93~

*~*~*~*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*~*~*~*
A.A. Thought For The Day

Today is ours. Let us live today as we believe God wants us to live.
Each day will have a new pattern which we cannot foresee.   But we
can open each day with a quiet period in which we say a little prayer,
asking God to help us through the day.  Personal contact with God, as
we understand Him, will from day to day bring us nearer to an
understanding of His will for us.   At the close of the day, we offer Him
thanks for another day of sobriety.   A full, constructive day has been
lived and we are grateful.  Am I asking God each day for strength and
thanking Him each night?

Meditation For The Day

If you believe that God's grace has saved you, then you must believe that He
is meaning to save you yet more and keep you in the way that you should go.
Even human rescuers would not save you from drowning 
only to place you in other deep and dangerous waters.
Rather, they would place you on dry land, there to restore you.
God, who is your rescuer, would certainly do this and even more.
God will complete the task He sets out to do.   He will not
throw you overboard, if you are depending on Him.

Prayer For The Day

I pray that I may trust God to keep me in the way.  
I pray that I may rely on Him not to let me go