^*^*^*^*^
(\ ~~ /)
( \ (AA)/ )
(_ /AA\ _)
/AA\
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Half Measures
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"Remember that we deal with alcohol -
cunning, baffling, powerful!
Without help, it is too much for us.
But there is One who has all power -
that One is God.
May you find him now.
Half measures availed us nothing.
We stood at the turning point.
We asked His protection and care
with complete abandon."
1976AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 58-9
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Thought to Consider . . .
Take a walk with God.
He will meet you at the Steps.
B O G G L E = Bad Or Good, God Loves Everyone
*~*~*~*~*^Just For Today!^*~*~*~*~*
It may be that problem drinking is, indeed, as some psychological experts say, an ailment characterized especially by egocentricity. Not all alcoholics are egotistical, although many of us have learned to see that tendency in ourselves. Others of us felt inferior most of the time; we felt equal or superior to other people only when drinking.
No matter which type we were, we realize now that we were excessively self-centered, chiefly concerned about our feelings, our problems, other people's reactions to us, and our own past and future. Therefore, trying to get into communication with and to help other people is a recovery measure for us, because it helps take us out of ourselves. Trying to heal ourselves by helping others works, even when it is an insincere gesture. Try it some time.
A PRAYER FOR ALL SEASONS
God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, Courage to change the things we can, And wisdom to know the difference.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 125
The power of this prayer is overwhelming in that its simple beauty parallels the A.A. Fellowship. There are times when I get stuck while reciting it, but if I examine the section which is troubling me, I find the answer to my problem. The first time this happened I was scared, but now I use it as a valuable tool. By accepting life as it is, I gain serenity. By taking action, I gain courage and I thank God for the ability to distinguish between those situations I can work on, and those I must turn over. All that I have now is a gift from God: my life, my usefulness, my contentment, and this program. The serenity enables me to continue walking forward.
Alcoholics Anonymous is the easier, softer way.
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
*~*~*~*~*^As Bill Sees It^*~*~*~*~*
Faith and Action
Your prospect's religious education and training may be far superior to
yours. In that case, he is going to wonder how you can add anything to what he already knows. But he will be curious to learn why his convictions have not worked and why yours seem to work so well. He may be an example of the truth that faith
alone is insufficient. To be vital, faith must be accompanied by
self-sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action.
Admit that he probably knows more about religion than you do, but remind him that, however deep his faith and knowledge, these qualities could not have served him very well, or he would not be asking your help.
<<<AA>>>
Dr. Bob did not need me for his spiritual instruction. He had already had more of that than I. What he did need, when we first met, was the deflation at depth and the understanding that only one drunk can give to another. What I needed was the humility of self-forgetfulness and the kinship with another human being of my own kind.
1. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 93 - 2. A.A. TODAY, p. 10
*~*~*~*~*^ Big Book Quote ^*~*~*~*~*
you can about him. If he does not want to stop drinking, don't
waste time trying to persuade him. You may spoil a later opportunity."
Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 90
*~*~*~*^Twenty Four Hours A Day^*~*~*~*
A.A. Thought for the Day
This leaves only one day -- today. Anyone can fight the battles
of just one day. it is only when you and I add the burden of
those two awful eternity's, yesterday and tomorrow, that we
break down. It is not the experience of today that drives us
mad. It is the remorse or bitterness for something that
happened yesterday or the dread of what tomorrow may bring.
Let us therefore do our best to live but one day at a time.
Am I living one day at a time?
Meditation for the Day
Give God the gift of a thankful heart. Try to see causes of
thankfulness in your everyday life. When life seems hard and
troubles crowd, then look for some reasons for thankfulness.
There is nearly always something you can be thankful for.
The offering of thanksgiving is indeed a sweet incense going
up to God throughout a busy day. Seek diligently for something
to be glad and thankful about. You will acquire in time the
habit of being constantly grateful to God for all His blessings.
Each new day some new cause for joy and gratitude will spring
to your mind and you will thank God sincerely.
Prayer for the Day
I pray for a truly thankful heart. I pray that I may be
constantly reminded of causes for sincere gratitude.
Hazelden Foundation PO Box 176 Center City, MN 55012
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