~*~A

~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~
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Awakening

"Alcoholism is a grievous and often fatal malady of the mind and body. We have found that these awful conditions invariably
bring on the third phase of our malady. This is the sickness of the spirit; a sickness for which there must necessarily
be a spiritual remedy. We AA's recognize this in the first five words of Step Twelve. Those words are:
'Having had a spiritual awakening...' Here we name the remedy for our threefold sickness of body, mind, and soul."
Bill W., The Language of the Heart, p. 297

Thought to Consider . .

"When the spiritual malady is overcome,
we straighten out mentally and physically."

Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 64
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*~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~*
P R O G R A M
People Relying On God Relaying A Message.

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

Sabotage

"From "Tightrope":

"After a few years, I was a nightly blackout drinker. My lover drank heavily as well, and I began to compare my drinking with his. I argued to myself that I could not have a problem because his drinking was worse than mine at times. In fact, I suggested that he might try A.A. When he did try this Fellowship, I did all I could to undermine his efforts to get sober - his recovery would present an obvious, if unacknowledged, threat to my drinking. Eventually, the stress became too much and we broke up, but not before I had succeeded in undermining his recovery."

*~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~*
IT'S OKAY TO BE ME

Time after time newcomers have tried to keep to themselves certain facts about their lives. . . . they have turned to easier methods . . . But they had not learned enough humility . . .

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 72-73

Humility sounds so much like humiliation, but it really is the ability to look at myself -- and honestly accept what I find. I no longer need to be the "smartest" or "dumbest" or any other "est." Finally, it is okay to be me. It is easier for me to accept myself if I share my whole life. If I cannot share in meetings, then I had better have a sponsor -- someone with whom I can share those "certain facts" that could lead me back to a drunk, to death. I need to take all the Steps. I need the Fifth Step to learn true humility. Easier methods do not work.

*~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
"The Spiritual Angle"

How often do we sit in A.A. meetings and hear the speaker declare, "But I haven't yet got the spiritual angle."

Prior to this statement, he has described a miracle of transformation which has occurred in him - not only his release from

alcohol, but a complete change in his whole attitude toward life and the living of it.

It is apparent to everyone else present that he has received a great gift, and that this gift is all out of proportion to

anything that may be expected from simple A.A. participation. So we in the audience smile and say to ourselves, "Well, that

guy is just reeking with the spiritual angle - except that he doesn't seem to know it yet!"

GRAPEVINE, JULY 1962
Copyright1967 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*
"Everybody knows that those in bad health, and those who seldom play, do not laugh much. So let each family play together or separately as much as their circumstances warrant. We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 132~

*~*~*~*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*~*~*~*
A.A. Thought for the Day

Having gotten over drinking, we have only just begun to enjoy the benefits of A.A. We find new friends, so that we are no longer lonely. We find new relationships with our families, so that we are happy at home. We find release from our troubles and worries through a new way of looking at things. We find an outlet for our energies in helping other people. Am I enjoying these benefits of A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

The kingdom of heaven is within you. God sees, as no one can see, what is within you. He sees you growing more and more like Himself. That is your reason for existence, to grow more and more like God, to develop more and more the spirit of God within you. You can often see in others those qualities and aspirations that you yourself possess. So also can God recognize His own spirit in you. Your motives and aspirations can only be understood by those who have attained the same spiritual level as you have.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may not expect complete understanding from others.

I pray that I may only expect this from God, as I try to grow more like Him