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bluidkiti
05-31-2016, 08:39 AM
June 1

Wisdom for Today
When I am sitting in a meeting, I look around at the myriad of faces. I see people from all walks of life. There are professionals, blue-collar workers, housewives, those that are wealthy and those that are penniless. This disease surely shows no bias in whom it attacks. But the real question is how do I view these people sitting in the room with me. Do I pass judgment on them because of how they look or what they say? Do I sit and think that they don't have a chance because they do not think the right way or do not appear genuine in their efforts to get clean and sober? Do I listen intently to their every word trying to determine if they are being honest? Am I skeptical of others at meetings?
If I feel I can judge another and his or her attempt to get clean and sober, then I am hurting that person. And in hurting that person I am also hurting myself. Before I could ever point a finger at others, I must first point the finger at myself. I need to ask myself these same questions about myself. Certainly if I am busy judging others, then I am being arrogant; for I am no different and fully capable of any self-delusion that others might be capable of. Anyone sitting in the meeting will be able to hear my criticism of others and will see that I am not being genuine in my attempt to help others. In judging others, I also am not being genuine in an attempt to help myself. I must check this attitude of criticism and judgment at the door. I can ill afford to isolate others or myself from the program. Do I work to accept all people as my equal in meetings?
Meditations for the Heart
None of us is capable of coming to God by our own free will. In order to come to a relationship with a Higher Power, we all must be Spirit-led. We can only open our hearts and minds to this Spirit and trust that He will lead us to this relationship with God. Looking back at my own life, I know I did not open the doors to this relationship by myself. For that matter, I would not have even known where to look for the doors. I started this journey in childhood, and addiction quickly led me down a different path. I lost all contact with a Power greater than myself. This disease beat me, and I finally gave up in defeat. I got back on track by simply bringing my body to meetings. In doing this and by working the steps, I came to believe again. Throughout the recovery process, the Spirit will lead us to new doors and help us to expand our understanding, our faith and our relationship with this Power Greater. Do I open my heart and mind to this spiritual journey?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Let me stand beside my brothers and sisters in this program of recovery as an equal. Do not let me give rise to personal judgment or criticism of others. Instead let me speak to them words from my heart and about my experiences. Let me share what has worked, as well as those things that did not. Let me not fear opening myself to them, and give me an accepting heart. Let me follow the light of Your Spirit today.
Amen.

bluidkiti
05-31-2016, 08:40 AM
June 2

Wisdom for Today
It is important for all of us to remember who we are. It is equally important to remember who other people are. There is one group of people we know that continues to use alcohol, and even drugs, but do not seem to have the sort of problems that we encountered in our own life. These individuals seem to drink normally and even there drug use does not appear to violate their values. We must be careful not to grow intolerant of these people or hate them. This has never proven to be helpful for any addict or alcoholic. We may need to avoid contact with them particularly in drinking or using situations in order to protect our recovery, but to grow resentful toward them because they can still drink or use will not help. The program teaches us that we have no business in drinking or using situations unless we are there for a legitimate reason, such as a family wedding or other celebration. Even then we should only attend if we are in a solid place spiritually.
The other group of people we know are those who clearly have problems with their alcohol and drug use. These people we have no business being around at all unless they call wanting to know more about how we got clean and sober. These twelve step calls are best done with someone else in the program so that we avoid the emotional traps of old friendships. We do not belong in slippery places. We hear at meeting to avoid old people, places and things. This is good advice as we have seen many who have tried to hang out in old haunts who have failed to stay clean and sober as a result. We are people who tend to live life in extremes. In recovery, we cannot afford to do this anymore. We can not live in the extreme of hating all who still use and we cannot live in the extreme of living life on the edge of certain relapse. Have I learned to tolerate those who drink or use in a socially responsible manner? Have I accepted that I must avoid old playgrounds?
Meditations for the Heart
We must learn to live life in a way that petty annoyances do not weigh us down. We can make healthy choices to not react to emotional unrest in others with emotional unrest of our own. We can hold onto the inner peace that God gives us even in the most difficult of situations. We can learn to allow this inner calmness to be our guide in our interactions with others. We no longer need to pick fights with others, and we no longer need to accept invitations to argue with others. This does not mean that we avoid problems, rather we seek solutions to the problems that may arise in and around us. Here we learn that we cannot always rely on our own strength, but we can always draw on His strength. When we lose our inner peace and react to these situations with anger or malice, we are closing the door on God's Spirit. Am I working to keep the door open to His Spirit?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Help me to find healthy balance in my life, my attitudes, and my behavior. Let me always seek tolerance, wisdom and find that which is healthy for me in all I do. Remove from me any judgment of others, and let me not find room in my heart for resentment. Grant me inner peace as I walk through this day.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-01-2016, 07:52 AM
June 3

Wisdom for Today
I cannot forget that addiction is my number one problem. This disease has ways of continually trying to sneak up on me in my life, even when I am strong and active in my program. It is especially cunning, baffling, and powerful when other problems are occurring in my life. This is why it is so important for me to keep, "First things first." I must always remember I have this disease and not put other problems I may have in front of my recovery. The reality is that I have only two problems. One is staying clean and sober, and two is all the rest. I will not ever be able to deal with all the rest effectively if I do not deal with my number one problem first. I need to continue to work my program and stay in a good place spiritually if I am to find solutions for my other problems, whatever they may be. I cannot put family problems, occupational problems, legal problems, financial problems ahead of my recovery.
I also must be cautious of becoming too relaxed in my recovery. Success has a way of making me feel too comfortable in my sobriety. Here is where my disease can seize an opportunity to catch me when I am not looking. I cannot let success blind me from the fact that this disease continues to live in me even with years of success under my belt. Overconfidence has been the downfall of many leading them back to relapse. Any problem can be dangerous for us, but none more than the disease of addiction. Do I keep "First things first?"
Meditations for the Heart
Progress is what we seek. Each day we can find new opportunity for growth. We can build on the gains made yesterday. We can find that new strength, new wisdom, and new courage can be ours today, if we only seek to do God's will for us. We need to open our eyes to the opportunities He affords us. We can learn from each mistake, and we can learn from each success. When I stay grounded in the truth of progress and not perfection, I find that I stay willing to keep growing in my recovery and in my spirituality. Some days the progress comes in the form of not repeating past errors in judgment. Other days I find that my faith is strengthened. Other days I may find that my relationships with others are improved. Wherever the progress occurs in my life, I must be grateful to have been led to the opportunity for growth. Each of these opportunities are ones that I would not have had if I did not find this program. Today I can even be sure that the truth is that the program found me. Do I seek to make progress every day in my recovery?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Help me always to seek to make progress. To do this I know I must keep first things first. This means that I must always keep You first, for without You I know recovery does not happen. Grant me keen eyes, so that I may see every opportunity that is provided me for growth. Help me to trust that You will provide for me what is needed for the task of this growth.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-01-2016, 07:52 AM
June 4

Wisdom for Today
Recovery is not always easy; in fact there are times when it is down right hard. In these difficult times we must be careful not to act impulsively. This is where the AA motto, "Think, Think, Think," comes in. First, we must think the drink or drug through till the end. What this means is that we must think past the drinking or drugging to the consequences that wait for us on the other side. And they do wait; and because we are alcoholics and addicts, we cannot know how bad these consequences may be. Secondly, we must think about what the program tells us to do in these situations. How can we use the steps to help us get through these difficult times. What would my sponsor say to me? What principles of the program can I rely on to help me choose to do the next right thing.
Finally, I must think about what my Higher Power would want me to do in this situation. How can I use God to help me with my current situation? What does my Higher Power want me to do? Each of these statements summarizes a plan to help me deal with life on life's terms. So when things get difficult as they sometimes do, I must train myself to use this motto in my life as a plan of action. This motto will help me make healthy decisions. It will guide me step by step back to a place of stability in my recovery. I can even use this motto when life is not so difficult. It will keep me on track, and I will be less likely to end up in difficult situations. Do I use, "Think, think, think," in my daily life?
Meditations for the Heart
As we grow closer and closer to our God, as we understand Him, we become less and less entangled in in the frustrations of humanity and its limitations. Man is filled with shortcomings and cannot satisfy all our desires. But God can indeed fill our every need. Whenever we need His help, He is there. Whenever we need His encouragement, He is there. Whenever we need His encouragement, He is there. And whenever we need His wisdom, He is there. This is where we all need look to have our needs fulfilled. Should we turn only to our fellow man to satisfy our needs, we will surely be let down sooner or later. But God always satisfies our needs. This does not always happen in the ways in which we might expect, but it will happen in the way God wants it to. Do I go to God and lay my needs before Him?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Sometimes life gets frustrating, and I know I need to turn to You for Help. Let me learn to use the program as a guide for my life, and let me always slow down and look to You for whatever I need. Give me answers for this day, and help me to think before I act. Let me use Your wisdom in the difficult times I may face.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-03-2016, 08:18 AM
June 5

Wisdom for Today
As addicts and alcoholics, we are a people of excess. Much of how we have lived our lives has been in excess. I can remember kiddingly telling others that my drug of choice was, “MORE.” Recovery has a way of changing this kind of thinking. One of my favorite mottos in the program is, “Easy does it.” This tells us to do the best we can with what we have and not to get to bent out of shape over things that happen both within the program and outside of it. For many of us, we drank or used drugs to help us cope with a myriad of emotions. It did not take much to push our buttons, and we would go on an emotional tear. It did not matter if it was anger, guilt, sadness, or fear; each of these emotions and others we would experience in the extreme. This was not because the situation warranted it, but it was because we lived life in the extreme. Our personalities and character would multiply our emotions until we had to find a way to escape.
“Easy does it,” tells me that I need to learn patience, tolerance, understanding, delayed gratification, and wisdom. It teaches me to learn moderation in my response to life’s twists and turns. It teaches me to relax and to wait. It shows me the importance of slowing down enough to check things out with my Higher Power. It lets me know that I am not running the world and do not have to be responsible for more than God asks me to do. It teaches me that if I am going to live in a normal world as a normal person, I need to make adjustments in how I live and experience the world. Have I learned to take life on life’s terms and not let things go to extremes?
Meditations for the Heart
God is our refuge and our strength. Both of these qualities of God are important for addicts and alcoholics. Each of us needs a place of refuge. Many of us used to hide in the bottle or hide in the fog of drug abuse. But in recovery we find we do not so much need a place to hide as much as we need security. Addiction provides no safety, but the arms of our Higher Power wait to hold us in a place of deep security and safety. Here we can find a place to rest, reflect and meditate on His will for us. Here we also find His strength and are provided with His power - the power we all need to carry out His will for us. No bottle, pill, or fix ever provided this for us. But God grants this to us all freely. All we need do is accept the gift. To feel secure and strong was something I could not imagine when I was active in my addiction. In recovery I cannot imagine being without security and strength. Have I found refuge in my Higher Power’s arms?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Remind me to take a deep breath and slow down when I get caught up in the fast pace I am so easily attracted to. Teach me to take life in an easy manner and to seek refuge in your arms whenever I need to. Help me this day to live life fully and abundantly, but not in extreme. Let me feel the security and strength that You so freely provide.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-03-2016, 08:18 AM
June 6

Wisdom for Today
Somewhere in the recovery process, as we truly begin to develop our spiritual lives, we come to realize that we did not achieve sobriety on our own. A genuine sense of recognition that recovery was achieved, “But for the Grace of God.” This program motto reminds us not to take too much credit for our sobriety. Yes, we have to walk the walk, but none of us would have even found the path, let alone stayed on it without His Grace. As we walk through the process of recovery, all of us will see those who choose not to accept His Grace. These individuals end up back in the sauce. We also will run into those who need the program, but are not yet ready. Here we look at these individuals and say, “But for the Grace of God, there go I.”
This statement helps to remind us of who we are. It reminds us that we still have this disease. Yes, we may be strong in our recovery today, but this is only true because we have accepted His gracious gift. This statement also reminds us to be grateful for what we have been given. And we are certainly given much in the recovery process. Each of the promises of the program only happen through our willingness to put into action suggestions given us and because of the Grace that our Higher Power affords us each and every day that we remain clean and sober. Humbly we stand before our Higher Power, and we see the majesty of what he has done and continues to do for us. Have I accepted the gift of recovery through His Grace?
Meditations for the Heart
I am not sure that I can look back and say with any certainty when I knew in my heart that God loved me. In my brokenness and shame, I stood in the door of a clubhouse wanting desperately to find a way out of the insanity. I had no idea what awaited me and could not even begin to imagine where the path of recovery would lead. I do know that once I really knew in my heart that God loved me, my whole life changed. Gratitude was a constant companion, especially when I walked through difficult times. Cares and worries seemed to just disappear as I began to realize that I was being helped and could see that much of the goodness I experienced in life came about, not because of what I was doing, but because of what He was doing. I began to see that not only was I cared for but I also began to see that I had a friend. Am I grateful for this love that is given me so freely?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
It is You that has walked with me each and every step of this path. I am truly grateful for the guidance and direction I receive. The outpouring of love and care I receive from You humbles me. I do not understand this Grace, but I am glad in my heart for this gift. Help those that still suffer and open their hearts to accept this wonderful gift of recovery.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-03-2016, 08:19 AM
June 7

Wisdom for Today
Boredom can be a real enemy of an addict or alcoholic early in recovery. Idle time can bring on a busy mind. I know I struggled with this issue a lot in my early days. I had grown so attached to the excitement and rush of the nightlife that going to another meeting just didn’t seem to take the place of chasing the dream of being high or wasted again. Now that I was clean and sober didn’t mean that I was out of the woods yet. I had time on my hands and didn’t know what to do with it. My mind frequently would be preoccupied with romancing the high again. It wasn’t that I was bored; it was the fact that I was grieving the loss of my previous lifestyle. I didn’t miss the insanity, but I did miss the fun, I missed the camaraderie of my using and drinking buddies.
But I told myself I was bored. In truth I was depressed and lonely and sad. I would even get into playing games with myself and trying to convince myself I didn’t need to go to a meeting. Then one night I heard someone say, “When I think I don’t need a meeting, that is when I need to go the most.” This didn’t make any sense to me at the time, but I am glad I listened to this suggestion. Months later when I really began to settle into recovery and my brain started to clear more, I could really see how I was setting myself up. I could see the addictive preoccupation I had. I do not know how I made it through this time without using or drinking; I just know that going to meetings saved me from returning to the insanity. Do I accept that I will always need meetings?
Meditations for the Heart
In the program, camaraderie with drinking buddies and using friends is replaced with fellowship. This fellowship often happens before meetings and again after meetings. It occurs in time spent with sponsors and in time spent at conventions, workshops, and program social events. It also occurs in relationship with a Higher Power. Today I know how important this fellowship is with others in the program. Much of what I have learned along the way has occurred outside of the meetings themselves. The reality is that many of my toughest battles in recovery have been fought with the help of others who were willing to spend time with me before or after a meeting. Service work also has helped me gain a deeper appreciation of all that goes on behind the scenes. It has also helped me grow in many ways. Do not underestimate the importance of this fellowship with others; for many of us this is where real change occurs. Do I take advantage of opportunities to build fellowship with others?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
This day is not unlike others. I stand here before You as an alcoholic and addict. Help me this day to do the next right thing. Encourage me to be in fellowship with others. Grant me this day ears to listen to every suggestion that is offered. Give me wisdom to use these suggestions in ways to help me grow in my recovery.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-06-2016, 05:27 AM
June 8

Wisdom for Today
As addicts and alcoholics, we often spent time looking for a magic bullet. We wanted something
that would make all the pain go away. We looked to alcohol and drugs to be our magic bullet,
only to find out that this bullet exploded in our face. Addiction did not solve our problems and
only made them worse. As I got clean and sober, my search for the magic bullet did not end. At
first I thought the program would be that magic bullet, but it is not. It took quite a while to finally
understand that there is no magic bullet. Recovery is not like that. It is a process and not a single
event.

What I have discovered is that recovery is more like opening doors and finding pieces to a
puzzle. Sometimes I find pieces of the puzzle through working the steps. Other pieces are found
in the fellowship, and still others are found through prayer and meditation. Regardless of where
we find the pieces to the puzzle, we still need to find a way to put the pieces together. The
problem here is that none of us are very good at putting the pieces of the puzzle together. This is
where grace comes in. I could not figure out the puzzle on my own, but slowly over time piece
after piece was put together. I know today I did not do this, but it was done for me. Through
Grace the pieces fit together and the picture is beautiful. Am I willing to have faith that His
Grace will put the pieces of my life back together again?
Meditations for the Heart
Shame seemed to be a huge roadblock in my recovery process. I was absolutely convinced that
there was something wrong with who I was. Somehow I had become damaged, broken and
worthless. Here especially I found piece after piece of brokenness and certainly felt that there
was little I could do to put these pieces of my life back together. I wasn’t even sure if I had all
the pieces necessary to make the picture complete. Through a lot of work on self-acceptance
and finding out how to forgive myself, the pieces slowly came together. But it did not all come
together. In fact, the harder I tried the more frustrated I got. This is when the program came
through for me again. I learned that I needed to collect all the pieces I could find and then turn it
over to a Power Greater than myself. It was only in turning it over and letting go that I could
hope for an answer. Here God surprised me. Not only did He put the pieces together, but He
filled in the blank spots. The missing pieces and brokenness came together in and through this
Higher Power. Am I willing to let go of the brokenness and have faith that God can and will put
the puzzle together for me?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Today let me turn to you in faith. Let me trust in your wisdom and strength to put the pieces of
my life back together again. Help me to feel whole, complete and beautiful again. Lead me this
day to the doors where I will find the puzzle pieces. Guide me in this search. Let me bring these
pieces to You so that You may create in me the picture of oneness in You.

Amen

bluidkiti
06-06-2016, 05:27 AM
June 9

Wisdom for Today
Sometimes I would find myself feeling like just giving up. Life would just get too hard. It seemed that it was too hard to keep fighting the good fight; to stay on track. Even keeping the sense of hope alive seemed difficult. This is when the words of my sponsor seemed to be the only thing left to hang onto. What he would say to me in times like this was, "Don't give up before the miracle happens." I can remember sputtering under my breath, "What miracle?" But each time I looked into my sponsor's eyes, I knew he believed it would. Somehow that kept me hanging on. I would just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I would make one meeting after another. One day after another I kept on going. Before long my life seemed easier. The load I was carrying seemed lighter. Just doing the next right thing seemed to be working.
Perhaps this is the miracle. Each day I stay clean and sober is a miracle. Each day I accept God's grace in my life is a miracle. And as far as not giving up, sometimes it is real work. But most of all it is about keeping the faith that the miracle will happen gaining real trust that God will make miracles happen for me if I simply do what He wants me to do. Each day I need to work at hanging in there. Some days it is by a long rope and other days it is by a shorter one. Regardless the length of the rope, I know the miracle will happen. Do I have faith that the miracle will happen?
Meditations for the Heart
Hope is a seed that is planted when we first make the decision to stop drinking or using. But this seed will quickly die if it has no water and no sun. Where do we get this water and sun? In step two we learn that we only need come to believe. It is a matter of faith that we trust the sun will rise tomorrow. We also trust that the rain will fall. In recovery we certainly find that we have sunny days and rainy ones. This is what produces growth. Before long the seed breaks through the soil and reaches higher and higher for the sun. Over time new leaves form and branches begin to grow. Life begins to take on new meaning, and we begin to blossom in this new life. This is what recovery brings. Each day we find new life in recovery. We find new meaning. We learn to open our lives to the newness of creation. We learn to open our lives to the goodness that is all around us. We learn to open ourselves to His love, His light, and His truth. Do I feel the seed of hope growing in me?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Today let me trust in your wisdom and your direction. Fill me with encouragement and strengthen my faith in the miracle of life in recovery. Let me weather both the sunny days as well as the rainy days. Give me courage and confidence in what You want for me.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-06-2016, 05:27 AM
June 10

Wisdom for Today
In recovery we also have good days. These days begin to happen more and more often the longer we stay clean and sober. But there is a catch. This only happens as long as we continue to work the steps and use the principles of the program. In my own life when I get lazy and don't use the tools I have been given, things seemed to fall apart. As soon as I got back on track, things started to go good again. This is not just my experience, but also the experience of others. I have heard this story time and time again from others. When I stop working the program, the program stops working for me.
What this means is that if I want to stay on track and string together more good days than bad ones, I have to keep doing my part. To keep the serenity going, I need to keep going. This by itself has convinced me that I still have this disease. I still think like an addict and an alcoholic. For me not to begin to behave like one, working the program on an ongoing basis is important. Today I will choose to use the tools and work the steps. I do this because I want more good days. I want everything that recovery offers me. Am I willing to use the tools each and every day?
Meditations for the Heart
Sometimes, I get so busy and seem to run from one task to another without stopping. These are the times when I am most likely to get myself tired. When I get tired, I know that I do not think real clearly. I also tend to over-react to situations. This is when "HALT" becomes very important for me. Halt tells me to slow down and get my rest. Halt tells me to take care of myself and my recovery. Rest is important in keeping a sense of balance in my life. If I get out of balance my whole world seems out of kilter. When this happens I find it is important to go back to the basics. I take my morning meditations more seriously. I work at eating right. I get to my meetings and I stick to a reasonable schedule. As I do these things, my life seems to come back into focus and I regain balance. Slowing down and getting back to the basics works. Do I use HALT when I need to?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Life is not always fair, but I know that You are. Help me to listen for Your cues that I need to slow down and get back to the basics. Let me use the tools I have been given to keep myself on track. Should I lose my balance, let me seek You out first, for nothing helps me more than being in a good place spiritually.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-10-2016, 07:06 AM
June 11

Wisdom for Today
Back when I was drinking and using, I would fantasize about the future. I had dreams and aspirations of a fine life, with a happy family, a good job, and many other good things. In recovery I have found many of these good things because of what the program has taught me. Sometimes I now fantasize about what my life would have been like if I never found the program. It is not a pretty picture. Yet this ugly picture is something I carry with me as a reminder. A reminder of what will happen should I choose to go back to the insanity of addiction.
Regardless of the ways we find to convince ourselves that addiction is wrong for us, we all need to face the truth of addiction. Addiction to alcohol or drugs only gets worse over time. There is no cure for this disease; it can be arrested but not cured. In the end it will destroy all that is precious to us. I hold this truth close to me so that I cannot forget the finality of the disease process - death, insanity, or institutions. I hold this close also so that I may be grateful for all the good things I have been given in recovery. Have I found a way to hold the truth of addiction close, so that I will not forget its finality?
Meditations for the Heart
Fantasy and imagination can serve us well in recovery. This was not my original thinking, but over time it has changed much like many other things in recovery. In step eleven we are asked to seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God. At first I thought meditation was for people in another culture or for people who were just plain weird. I was wrong about this just like I was wrong about many other things. Using meditation to fantasize or imagine what God wants me to do in my life has turned out to be a good thing. When I think deeply about what God wants and consider the wisdom that He is wanting me to have, only good can come of this. When I imagine myself securely in His arms, my fears slip away. When I imagine myself being given courage for the day, my strength is increased. The Psalm says it best, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." Do I take time to meditate regularly?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Be with me this day and walk with me in all that I do. Let me guard closely the truth of addiction and what it can do to me. Let me hold Your truth in front of me as my shield this day. Let me take time to spend in dialog with You. Let me think deeply about Your will for me this day.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-10-2016, 07:06 AM
June 12

Wisdom for Today
Recovery is a spiritual journey. For each of us this journey is different. We all use the same steps, but the process is different and unique for each of us, even though we travel the same path. Each of us must find our own understanding of personal acceptance and surrender. Each of us must find our own personal relationship with a Power outside of ourselves. Each of must look deeply and honestly at ourselves. Each of us must make the changes necessary to live life in recovery. Each of us has our own repair work to do to restore the brokenness of our lives. And each of us must find a way to maintain our ongoing growth.
Yet, in all that we need do, there is one constant, none of what we must do can be done alone. All of what we must do to walk this walk is done in the spirit of “We.” This ‘We’ may be the relationships we build in and through the fellowship. It may be the relationship we build with a Greater Spirit, or it may be the unity we all share in the journey called recovery. All of what is described here is spiritual. It becomes a part of who we are, and this spiritual experience leads us along this journey. This common spiritual experience is what makes recovery work for each of us. Do I see the common spiritual experience working for me in my recovery?
Meditations for the Heart
Recovery brings us a sense of freedom and happiness we have never known before. We can, perhaps for the first time in our lives experience joy. Our problems seem to disappear as we work the steps and use the principles of this program to guide us. Those problems we still have do not trouble us, for we know that we have been given the tools we need to address whatever may come our way. One day after another passes, and we see the promises happen in our lives. From time to time we look back and see just how far we have come, but we also know that the journey is not over. Each day we will be given new tasks that we need pay attention to. Each day we are given opportunity for growth. Each day we gain new insights and new understanding of who we are and who our Higher Power is. Do I see each day as an opportunity for growth?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Deepen my understanding of who You are and how important You are for my recovery. Deepen my gratitude for the mystery of all that is spiritual. Expand my vision and open my ears to see and hear Your presence in my life. Let me continue on my personal spiritual journey this day wherever You may lead me.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-10-2016, 07:06 AM
June 13

Wisdom for Today
Learning to share what is really going on in our lives is not always easy. Sometimes it difficult for us to even know what is going on with us. We have kept ourselves and our lives hidden from others. Opening our thinking, feelings, and beliefs about how we see the world can be threatening for many of us. Yet it is in the risk of revealing ourselves to others that we find healing. To discuss our resentment, fears, grief and loss, guilt and shame with others helps us to sort through the layers of pain we all carry inside. In opening up we find that we are not alone. We find healthier ways to let go of the burdens that have weighed us down for so long.
Is this an easy process - no! But it is simple, we simply need to open our mouth and begin to discuss with another in the program what is troubling us. Sometimes, even when we do not know what is bugging us, as we begin to talk with another, we soon sort through whatever it is and gain clarity. In recovery we learn that we need to tell on our disease and on our selves. In the honesty of sharing what troubles us, we find that the load we carry is no longer heavy. We find that new answers are gained. Over time it is this act of sharing that brings us out of isolation and into a new light of community with others. This is how we move from living a life of self-centered fear to a life of ‘WE.” Am “I” moving from isolation to a sense of fellowship?
Meditations for the Heart
I can remember thinking that I was such a loser, that I was no good and worthless. As I began to open up and share my experiences with addiction, I began to see just how silly I sounded. Friends in the program would help me open new doors and turn on new lights so that I could see just how unfairly I was judging myself. No one was harder on me that I was on myself. I began to see that others perceived me very differently than I perceived myself. Simple questions like, “Did you stay clean and sober today?” began to challenge my thinking and beliefs and feelings in such a way as to help me see that at least for today I was not a loser. Friends would point out to me the good that they saw in me. I began to regain a sense of self-esteem. I began to separate the things I did from who I was. I soon realized just how much addiction had controlled my actions and behavior, as well as, my beliefs, thinking and emotions. I could see that what I had done was not what I would have done had I not been in the bondage that addiction creates. Am I gaining a better understanding of who I am?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
This program acts like a mirror for me and helps me to see myself more clearly. Thank you for all the people you have placed in my life to listen to me as I sort through all the misperceptions, dishonesty, and insanity that addiction has brought into my life. Give me courage to speak openly as I sort through all the layers of garbage I have accumulated along the way.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-12-2016, 07:29 AM
June 14

Wisdom for Today
When active in my addiction, I found lots of reasons to keep on drinking and using. Many of these reasons were just excuses, but I was also using to help fulfill many of the needs I had. I needed to feel like I fit in. I needed to feel strong and confident. I needed to find relief. I needed to have a sense of security. Simply returning to the bottle or my drugs over and over again filled many different needs. I entered the program and soon realized that it was not just the alcohol and drugs I was giving up, but I was also giving up a way to meet those needs. I began to wonder if I was now simply to go through life depressed, lonely, bored and stupid. Even worse was I to end up like many of those self-righteous people I had met.
I knew I needed to stay clean and sober, but the real question was how. I also had no idea how to meet the many other needs I had. Fortunately, the program offered the answers I was looking for. Not only did the program teach me how to stay clean and sober, but it also helped me to meet my needs in a new and healthier way. I gained a sense of belonging and felt like I fit in. I also began to feel less fearful and gained strength. The steps and the fellowship not only provided a sense of relief, but also a sense of real security. I no longer worry so much about how to meet my needs, I have found a healthier way to meet my needs. Have I found a good substitute for alcohol and drugs?
Meditations for the Heart
I always walked around feeling like a total failure until I found the program. Today I know I do not need to rely on my strength, ability, or wisdom. I can rely on the strength, ability and wisdom of the program and my Higher Power. In God there can be no failure. My sponsor would ask me over and over again, “Do you want to make the best life you can for yourself?” I think this is a question that each of us would say yes to. He would go on to say, “Then live close to God.” This simple suggestion has become a guide for my life. Living close to my Higher Power and following His will does provide me with all the strength, ability, and wisdom I need. I do not need to have fear of failure any more than I need to fear success. If living close to God is sure, I can know that as long as I walk the path with Him I will succeed. This may or may not happen in the way that I expect it to, But I am confident it can and will happen. Do I continue to feel like a failure?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
I walk the path that I am given and hold close to You. Let me not become overconfident and rely on myself. Give me knowledge that my real security comes from You. Let me bring every need that I have to you confident that You will show me the way to fulfill these needs.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-12-2016, 07:29 AM
June 15

Wisdom for Today
What is it that draws us into the fellowship? For each of us the answer is both unique and common. We hear the stories, and we sense the hope that others have gained in living the program. We share common experiences, and we find that we are not alone. We share our struggles and our victories. Our eyes are opened to new possibilities. Growth becomes an option for each of us through the steps. Each of these things and more draw us into the fellowship. Many are drawn by the powerful stories shared. Many are drawn by the simple structure and truth that abounds. Many enter the doors for these reasons.

But for each of us there are also things that are unique to our personal experience that draws us
in and holds us within the fellowship. For some it is the laughter that can be found. For others, it
is the mirror that the program and fellowship provides, that allows us to see ourselves in a new
and healthy way. Each of us will find our own unique reasons for being drawn into the fellowship. Perhaps it will be the indescribable look that a sponsor can provide. Perhaps it is the warmth found burning in your heart. These are but a few of the unique and individual reasons we are drawn in and held in the arms of the program. Regardless of what has attracted us, all of it - both common and unique are a part of the spiritual experience. Can I see the Spirit at work in my life helping me to find a new home?
Meditations for the Heart
Recovery is about being of single purpose. Our vision of this single purpose grows and expands as we move through recovery. At first our single purpose is to stay clean and sober. As we grow our vision of this purpose grows into a desire to do His will. It is when we work to maintain this focus on a single purpose that balance is achieved. Much like the acrobat who walks along a tightrope, if we place one foot in front of the other and maintain our focus, we will not fall. It is this single purpose that leads us in our journey. Unfortunately, all of us struggle at times to keep our focus. In these times we begin to lose balance. It is only possible for us to regain this balance by again focusing on our single purpose. What does my Higher Power want me to do today?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,

You know my needs better than I know my needs. Let me follow You this day with a willing heart, trusting your direction, knowing that You will provide for my needs along the way. Give me the vision of single purpose knowing that Your will for me can only lead me to a good place. Guide my feet with each step I take.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-14-2016, 08:02 AM
June 16

Wisdom for Today
When I first walked through the doors of the program, I realized that I knew nothing about how to stay clean and sober. Over time, God and the people in the program have constantly shown more and more to me about the ways to establish and maintain recovery. Each day I ask for more to be revealed. Each day I ask how and what I can do to help those who still suffer. I ask for willingness to share freely the things that have been given me. Each of these revelations and increased knowledge of recovery is a part of the miracle of recovery.
Sharing this information with others is a part of the small way I participate in the miracle happening for others. In sharing with others I am also helping myself. It is important to share freely what has been learned in the process of recovery. It is equally important to say "I do not have the answer." We can only give away what we know. This is in part why it is so important to keep learning and making a life long study of the program. Do I continue to study the principles of the program?
Meditations for the Heart
In the study of the program, we gain confidence in what works. We learn to have faith in these spiritual principles which underlie all of the program. We find strength in the quiet meditation and quietness. We learn from others, and we share what we know. Study however does require effort. We must discipline ourselves to spend time reading and in discussion with others to gain this understanding and knowledge. We will not gain anything without effort. We ask for willingness to give this effort. We schedule time in our day to learn. We learn to build our understanding of what works. We learn to understand the history of the program. We learn from the wisdom of those who have walked the path before us. We find new answers and we implement them in our lives. Do I spend time in study of the program?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
This day I ask you to teach me. Provide me with opportunity to learn what You want for me to learn today. Give me openness to expand my knowledge and to share what I know with others. Open my mind to see what You want me to see this day. Open my ears so that I might hear what You want me to hear today.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-14-2016, 08:03 AM
June 17

Wisdom for Today
Since coming into the program, my whole concept of what friendship means has changed dramatically. I thought that I was surrounded by a large group of friends when I was drinking and using drugs, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Oh, I had plenty of acquaintances, but none were truly my friends. I had party pals, and I had bar buddies, but I did not understand the concept of friendship until I had people who accepted me for who I was. I did not understand friendship until I had people who were willing to sit with me through the long and painful nights of early recovery, simply to help me get through one more day.
No I didn't understand friendship until I had real friends who would be honest with me and tell me the truth about myself. I didn't understand real friendship until I understood that these individuals would stand by me, and I knew in my heart they could be trusted. In my active addiction I thought that friends were people that I could use to get what I wanted. Now friends are people I can help and who can help me in return. They have taught me everything they know about how to live a better life and to be a better person. I know that with my friends I do not need to hold back. I can simply turn to them and ask for help and know that it will be there. I also know that if they need help, I will be there for them. This is what the program has taught me. Do I now have true friends? Am I willing to be a friend in return?
Meditations for the Heart
Recovery trains us to develop virtues. Patience is but one of these. Patience is often a real struggle for many of us because we became so used to instant gratification in our addiction. One quick fix, and we had everything we wanted, or so we thought. But recovery teaches us patience. We learn that we must do the work if we are to accomplish the goal. Nothing worth having comes easy, and this is true with patience as well. We learn to put off our need for immediate satisfaction and superficial reward in order to gain the real value in recovery. Slowly and methodically we take each step and thoroughly work each requirement to find the value behind the work. We learn to live in God's time and not our own. We discover that as long as we are willing to be patient, God will supply the answers we seek in His time and when we need them. Just because we want something now does not mean that we are yet ready. God knows this and will give us His answers in His time. Am I discovering what it means to be patient?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Life is filled with many twists and turns, but You have provided me with friends I can rely on to help me along the way. Give me the wisdom to give back this friendship to any who need it. Let me this day practice patience and move at Your pace. Let me not rush to accomplish anything without first talking with You, God.
Amen.

bluidkiti
06-16-2016, 09:51 AM
June 18

Wisdom for Today
In looking at the membership requirement of the program, we must admit our powerlessness and that our lives are unmanageable. For most of us this is either the hardest step to take or the easiest. For many, like myself, we enter the program not yet ready to become members. Denial and dishonesty keep us from accepting the reality of our illness. But there is something about sitting in those meetings and hearing other peoples stories that breaks down the wall of denial; and dishonesty crumbles away, letting the reality of addiction come to light. Here is where membership in gained.
For others the consequences of their disease screams so loudly that it can not be denied. Membership is not only accepted, but it is wanted. In desperation the alcoholic or addict embraces the program and it's membership. Regardless of how we enter the program or what road we take to it's doors; membership must be accepted and claimed for the program to work. It has only one requirement, a desire to stop the insanity of addiction. For those of us that have claimed this membership, we know that we have but started our journey. Each day we claim anew to be a member of this fellowship. Each day we claim the need for the program in our lives. Have I accepted membership in this program of recovery?
Meditations for the Heart
"I once was lost, but now I'm found." This line in the song Amazing Grace says it all. We walk through the door lost, but in the program we become found. In this program we are provided with a roadmap to recovery. We are given the principles and the steps that lead us on a journey of recovery. The path we must travel is not always easy, particularly in the early going. Over time the path widens, and it is no longer steep and winding. This is not to say that there are no twists or turns, just that as we become more and more familiar with using the roadmap, our journey becomes more predictable and more secure. In recovery we have many guides who will lead us from one point to another. These are but trusted servants who know the way better than we do. We simply need to follow the suggestions we are given, and these servants will lead us to a new horizon in our journey. Do I use the suggestions I am given?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Thank you for leading me to the doorway of recovery. Here my eyes have been opened, and I can now claim membership in this program. Remind me each day to claim this membership again and again. This principle will keep me in a place to continue my journey. Thank You also for the trusted servants that so freely share what works and how to travel this path. Without them and Your guidance I would surely become lost again.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-16-2016, 09:51 AM
June 19

Wisdom for Today
The spiritual aspects of the program form the second principle of the program. In the
second, third and eleventh steps of the program we find hope, help and relationship from
our Higher Power. In these steps we find the possibility of restoration, the need for
surrender, and the need for conversation with God to gain understanding and willingness. In
conjunction with acceptance of our membership requirements, the spiritual aspects of the
program form a solid foundation on which our house of recovery stands.. Without this
foundation our struggle will continue.

Here we turn our powerlessness into strength and our unmanageability into obedience of His
will for us. We begin to understand the need for relying on a Power outside of ourselves.
Here we learn the necessity of letting go of the need to control, manipulate, and deceive.
We are relieved of the insanity of our compulsion to use. Here we find our faith is tested
and unshaken. Here we find the answers to the questions our heart and soul ask. Here we
find freedom from the bondage we have lived with. Are the spiritual principles a part of my
daily living?
Meditations for the Heart
When we turn our thoughts and words to God, he listens. God turns His ear to those who
speak to Him and He listens to what we say. He listens to the words of our heart and mind.
He listens to our needs and He leads us to a place where these needs can be met. No matter
how we talk with God, He will turn his ear to hear us. Even when we turn to Him in anger,
He will not shut the door on us. He will show how to quiet the rage and resentments we
have. We can bring anything to God, and He will not turn from us. Every hurt and pain we
carry, He will listen to. He will bring healing into our hearts. Every fear that we
imagine, He will stand ready to calm. We can carry our shame and self-hatred to Him only to
have God reflect back a very different image of ourselves. He will take our sadness and
loss and teach us how to live with this until we have a sense of joy and completeness. Do I
trust that my Higher Power listens to me?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,

Living with You in my life has changed my heart and my mind. Each day I am assured again
that You will care for me. Even in the most difficult times of my life You hang in there
with me. You are willing to support and carry me when I need this. You bring encouragement
to me and strengthen in whatever I face. You teach me not to fear. Stay with me this day,
and lead me.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-16-2016, 09:52 AM
June 20

Wisdom for Today
Moving on to the principle of personal inventory: Looking at ourselves honestly is an
absolute must in recovery. Steps four, five, six, seven and ten point us in this direction.
The truth is that for many of us, we have spent years running from the truth. Not just
about our addiction, but also the truth of who we are. Facing the reality of our defects,
our wrongs, our secrets, and ourselves is vital to maintaining recovery. We need to turn
over every rock and find out if there is dirt under it. This is not easy, but if we refuse
to be searching in this process, we are simply setting ourselves up to drink or use again.

It is not enough to simply locate the dirt in our lives; we must also do what we can to
clean up our act. We need to work at correcting our faults; we look for where we have been
dishonest, self-centered, and fearful. We look at how our attitudes, behavior and beliefs
have set us on a path of destruction; and we do what is necessary to change our direction.
We do not do this only once, but we do this every day. Each day we fall short in some way,
and we look at what we must do to live the program. These steps are more that just
identifying our shortcomings, but looking at and making the changes we need to make to live
happily in recovery. Am I dealing with reality in my inventory?
Meditations for the Heart
The changes we all must face in ourselves are not something we need to do alone. Each of us
has help through a Power outside of ourselves. This Power is accessed through faith. All of
us must come to believe that this help is available to us. Not one of us has been
successful in changing our faults on our own. These defects resist change, and unless we
turn our will over and humbly ask for the help that is available to us all, our chance for
successfully making change in our lives and who we are is nil. All we need do is look
around at the countless faces of those who have completed these steps, and we have ample
evidence that this Power lives among us. He is the one who will author our change. It is in
His light that we are shown the path of needed change. The proof is in millions of changed
lives. Do I have faith that God can and will show me how to change what I need to change?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,

Looking at myself in the mirror of honesty is not always easy. I do not always like what I
see. But You reflect not only who I am but also who I can be. Let me not fear change, for I
know that any change You encourage me to make will be for my own good. Let me embrace these changes of personal growth as an opportunity to become the person You want me to be.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-19-2016, 09:09 AM
June 21

Wisdom for Today
Making restitution is the next principle of the program. This is something that is not always easy, and many of us want to avoid. We must swallow our pride and go to the people we have harmed and attempt to undo the damage and repair what we can. Here again we do inventory, not of ourselves, but of how our attitude, behavior and beliefs have affected others. We make a list and then set about to rectify the problems we have caused. We pay back what we have taken, and we let others know how we have wronged them. We make a genuine attempt to rebuild the bridges we have burned.
As difficult as this process may be, the rewards we gain are even greater. Even when the apology is not accepted, it is important that we extend the effort. All of these efforts are made not just to repair the damage done, but also to relieve us from the burdens or guilt and shame we carry. Often times we find that this process if genuine and done in humility can change years of anger, frustration and even hate by others we have harmed into friendship and reconciliation. Here we often find forgiveness. Here we find love reborn. Here mending broken fences makes good neighbors. But most of all we find our conscience is cleared. Have I done my best at making restitution to those I have wronged?
Meditations for the Heart
Living a spiritual life brings joy and peace of mind. If these are not present in your life there is still spiritual growth to be done. Here we must stretch our faith and learn to grow along spiritual lines. This growth may come slowly or happen quite rapidly. We look to remove any roadblocks that stand in the way of expanding our spiritual growth. We remove self-reliance and replace it with reliance on a Higher Power. We remove doubt and replace it with trust. We remove grandiosity and replace it with humility. We remove fear and replace it with the security of knowing that we have a strong foundation in the program. Over time as we work the steps and live the program, we experience a spiritual awakening. The sleep of addiction is replaced by a brilliant awareness of a new light in our life. Have I found joy and peace of mind?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Give me the courage this day that I might need to do the repair work still needed in my life. Help me to find a genuine desire to fix the brokenness of the lives I have harmed along the road of destruction that addiction is. Let me become willing to make any restitution I may need to. Give me strength in this part of my journey in recovery.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-19-2016, 09:09 AM
June 22

Wisdom for Today
There is nothing more powerful than one drunk or user helping another. This is the last principle of the program. When I stop and reflect back on all the things that have helped me along the journey of recovery, certainly what I have heard from those around the tables and from my sponsor leads the way. At my first meeting someone got up and shared their story. It was like they had followed me around and now were relaying what had happened in my life. Sometimes it is a catchy one-liner, and other times it has been through hours of discussion that the light finally gets turned on inside my head, and the pieces of the puzzle come together. Regardless of how I have learned what I needed to learn, most of it came from the mouth of someone else who had been there.
I still look for answers in this way, but I also find that I get answers by sharing my own story. Sometimes telling my story again helps me to see things from a different perspective. Sometimes it is the questions I am asked by others that makes me dig deeper in to the mysteries and miracle or recovery. I also find that it is important for me to share not just my successes, but my failures, struggles and what has not worked. In sharing these things, I find I am reminded of what does work. I know today that I need to carry the message to others in the program. This helps me stay clean and sober. Am I responsible, and do I reach out to carry the message to others?
Meditations for the Heart
Recovery for me is like turning on lights. It is important for me to shine the lights of the program on all that I do. In this way I can see clearly any dirt that I need to clean up in my life. With the lights of recovery shining brightly, I can see the path that I am to take. It is easier to see what God's will for me is with the lights on. This is the exact opposite of what I did in my addiction. Then I wanted nothing but darkness - darkness that would hide the shame and guilt I carried with me - darkness that would hide the fear and darkness that would keep me going in circles with my disease. The light of the program is found in the principles of recovery. It brightens my spirit; and it shines on the mirror of the twelve steps, which in turn reflects back to me what I need to do next. Have I been drawn to the light of recovery?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
This day shine brightly in my life. Continue to guide my steps, and give me willingness to give back to the program. Guide me when I speak, and grant me words to help others on this path. Let me always seek out others with any need that I may have. Help me to listen to the suggestions I receive. Let me take these suggestions as a roadmap to the freedom that recovery brings.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-21-2016, 09:55 AM
June 23

Wisdom for Today
Each of us in the program has problems within our personality. These character defects are the core of our problems. Even though we stop drinking and using, these problems can continue in recovery. We can make concerted efforts to rid ourselves of these personality flaws, and they continue to exist deep within our being. They will continue to thrive within us until we honestly work the steps and have a spiritual experience. In the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous the term "spiritual experience" is defined as something that brings about personality change.
It comes through the process of surrendering our lives to God, as we understand Him. In this surrender we turn our will over. We ask Him humbly to remove our shortcomings. Then it is through obedience of His will for us and faith that this spiritual experience will happen for us that we indeed are changed. This does not necessarily happen in one fell swoop, but is more likely to occur over time as we continue to use the steps and work the program. It does not require a vast faith or extreme God consciousness. It simply requires that we continue to do the next right thing. In most cases the changes are gradual but continuous. It becomes clear to us that we are not the same as we were the week before or the month before. Over time the change in our personality does occur. Do I see the gradual change in who I am, my thinking, my behavior, my beliefs?
Meditations for the Heart
"Lord, to whom shall I go?" These words from the Bible remind us that we can only turn to God. Only He has the answers to the questions we have inside. Only God can relieve us of the compulsion to drink or use. Only God will bring about the changes needed in who we are and how we behave. We can find God in every place we are willing to see Him, for He is always with us. In our moments of despair, He is there. In our moments of fear, He stands ready to comfort us. In our anger, He will quench the fire that burns within. In our sadness, He will dry our tears. And in our joy, He celebrates with us. All we need do is look, and we can find Him in our midst. His Spirit is always by our side. His wisdom is always available to us. His strength is within our hearts, and He will provide us with courage. Where do I go with the burdens I still carry?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
You have the words that I need to hear. You share these words through others that I share my burdens with. You share your words deep within my conscience. Your strength is always available to me. Give me this day the openness to see you at work in my life. Let me hear the words that my heart and mind need for this day. Walk with me always.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-21-2016, 09:55 AM
June 24

Wisdom for Today
For most of us the spiritual experience we talk about is not from a brilliant flash of light that causes a profound change in our personality; rather it comes to us through a process of education. This was certainly the case for me. As I walked the path of recovery, I began learning about my disease and how it affected my thinking, emotions, perceptions of the world, my beliefs, and most of all my behavior. I learned about this through listening to countless people at meetings as they shared their stories. I learned about this through listening to my sponsor. I learned through reading program literature. I learned in ways that I can not even fully describe.
I would recount things that happened to me in my recovery journey, and my sponsor would always ask me, "How do you think that happened?" He continually pointed out examples of how a Higher Power was working in my life and in the lives of others I met at meetings. Others at meetings began to point out how I had changed even before I could see the changes in myself. Over and over again I was inundated with new information and provided with example after example of how God was doing for me what I could not do for myself. Eventually I could begin to see the differences in how I viewed the world. I could feel the differences in my emotional responses to life. I could see that I was indeed thinking differently. Am I beginning to see the difference in my life because of this spiritual experience?
Meditations for the Heart
There is gladness in your heart when you are in God's service. As addicts and alcoholics, none of us can consider any job beneath us. For any job that is in service to God is a good one. Everyday we interact with other people. It is important for us to see all people as an opportunity for service. We never really know who our Higher Power may bring into our life. He may bring them into our lives so that we can be of service to them. Who are we to turn down this opportunity. He may bring these people into our life to teach us more about life or more about recovery. We should be open to learning from each of these experiences. We do not know what God's plan for us may be. All we know is that if we do what our Higher Power wants, then we will be rewarded with gladness in our heart. Am I willing to serve others?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Today let me be open to learning the lessons You want me to learn. Help me to continue to grow along spiritual lines. Let me stand ready to serve in any way that I am asked. Let me find a humble, courageous, and glad heart.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-23-2016, 09:05 AM
June 25

Wisdom for Today
As we grow in our recovery, we begin to realize that there is much to change about ourselves. Most of us will go through the struggle of attempting to change who we are and how we behave through a process of self-discipline. We may even find that in part we are successful at this. But if we are honest with ourselves, we will soon admit that there are parts of who we are that just don't want to change, even with our best efforts. This can often be very frustrating and can make us even begin to question our own resolve. We go back again and again to the steps trying in vain to change these parts of ourselves.
Here again we find some success, but those pieces of our personality are just too stubborn. The only way to create permanent change is through a spiritual experience. Talk with those that have had this experience and they will all say that they have found a Power greater that has brought about change in their lives. This is central to the process of change. We ask His help in making the changes that we so need to make. We work to become willing to follow the path laid before us. We honestly surrender and follow His lead. What often occurs is that we find that change has been waiting for us all along. What takes only a matter of a short time could not have been accomplished through years of self-discipline. Have I asked God to help me in the changes I need to make?
Meditations for the Heart
God's ability to help us is infinite. However, our willingness to accept His help is directly proportional to our understanding and acceptance of His grace. When we go about trying to run the show our way, we accomplish little. When we open our hearts and minds to His love and simply accept that He can indeed accomplish for us what we could not do for ourselves, we begin to understand His grace. God is indeed willing to help us always, but we too often return to our bull-headed ways of attempting to do it our way. It is up to us to get out of the way and let God, as we understand Him, do for us as He wishes to do. In getting out of the way, we accept His power as greater than our own. It is an act of faith. Here is often our biggest stumbling block. Do I have faith in His grace?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
I begin this new day in Your Presence. Give me willingness this day to get out of the way and let You lead me to a new place. Help me to make the changes I still need to make in my life. Let me rely on Your Power this day and not my own. Give me the courage to trust You more today than I did in the past. Let this faith continue too grow in me daily.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-23-2016, 09:05 AM
June 26

Wisdom for Today
Throughout our recovery process it is important to continually make the program a part of us. We do this through attending meetings, talking with our sponsors, and by reading and studying program literature. In each of these ways we improve our knowledge of the program. We can never have to much knowledge of the program. The more we understand the better our chances. However this knowledge is only of value to us if we put it into action. We must take this knowledge and live it. Listening to others and reading does help us prepare to think the program. It helps us to know what to do next. It helps us discern the truth.

Working the program becomes second nature to us only when we make the program a part of us.
It needs to become a natural instinct and a habit if we are to "intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us." This only happens with study and practice. Therefore, we can never learn enough. We read and reread passages in the Big Book. We study our meditation books, and we study the twelve steps. We attend program workshops to increase our knowledge. It may be that we do not truly understand what we read or hear until the fourth, seventh, or even twentieth time we study it. Am I continually working to improve my understanding and living of the program?
Meditations for the Heart
In order to fully share the experience of recovery, we must immerse ourselves in it. We work to accept the discipline of the structure that the program offers. It is in this structure that we find the answers to the questions we ask. We learn to practice what we know to be true. In this practice of the program, we find that the program takes on new meaning. As the meaning of the program changes for us, we also change. We gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of what the program really means for us. As we rely more and more on the principles of the program our faith is increased. As our faith increases we find that our fears are relieved. We find that we begin to hope for more than simple sobriety, but we hope to find a way of living life with an inner sense of security and peace. Am I willing to immerse myself in the program?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,

Today let the sunlight of the program shine on me. Let me carry this sunshine into all that I do. Let me take time today to study further this program and deepen my understanding of it. Open new doors for me and let me not fear walking through them. Let me never close the doors that lead to a greater knowledge of the program.

Amen

bluidkiti
06-25-2016, 08:03 AM
June 27

Wisdom for Today
As we become more established in the program and integrate the program into our lives, we discover the necessity to maintain balance. We find that we need to remain focused on our goal of recovery, but we also need to spend time paying attention to everything else in our lives. There is a temptation for many of us to just invest our time and energy into the program and ignore all the rest. This happens for many reasons. For some of us, we unconsciously use the program to hide from our other responsibilities. For some of us, we do this simply because we are still afraid of dealing with life on life’s terms. For others, we find the camaraderie of the fellowship so inviting that see it as a way to get all of our intimacy needs met. None of these reasons is healthy for our recovery.
Recovery is about more than simple abstinence. It is about learning to live again and we cannot do this if we are avoiding life. Our number one priority is to remain clean and sober, but we should not use this to avoid our other responsibilities. Each of us has other responsibilities in our life. We have family, occupational, financial, health, and personal responsibilities that exist outside of the meetings. We need to carry the program into each of these areas of our life and apply the principles of the program to all that we do. Here is where we practice the principles. We crawled out of the mire of addiction and we now must learn to walk through life. Walking requires that we learn balance. Have I learned to balance program and life’s responsibilities?
Meditations for the Heart
Where do I find the strength I require to find balance and accept the responsibilities I have? It is easy to become overwhelmed if we rely only on our strength. To find the strength necessary for the tasks at hand, we learn to rely on our Higher Power as the resource of our strength. We turn to God daily and ask for his ceaseless supply of strength to be added to our own. We tap into this supply of strength each day and go about doing what God wants us to do in each area of our life. As long as we rely on His strength, we find that we are able to accomplish much. When we run low, we simply return to our Higher Power and ask that our energy is renewed. God will indeed refuel our engines. Here we find the strength we seek and are filled with newness of spirit. Do I seek out His strength each day?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Sometimes I feel like I am juggling too much. Help me this day to set my priorities in the way that You would want me to. Help me to remain balanced in my walk through life. Give me the strength and energy I need for this day. Let me not use the program as a place to hide from my responsibilities, rather let me use the program as a guide to be more responsible with the activities of my life.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-25-2016, 08:06 AM
June 28

Wisdom for Today
The program depends on us as much as we depend on the program. It works on the principle of service. Everything within the program itself happens through the service of others. Whether it is the individual who arrives early to setup and make coffee, the meeting chairperson, volunteering to serve on a committee, speaking at a meeting of workshop, or doing twelve-step work; the program depends on volunteers to keep going and growing. It is through the willingness to volunteer service that the program works.
As we walk through the recovery process, each of us will be given opportunities to serve. The program depends on our willingness to say yes to these opportunities. This willingness on our part is what makes the program effective. This service work is equally important for us as we find that in saying yes to the program we are also helping ourselves. In volunteering we help to carry the program and the program in turn helps to carry us. Do I do my part to carry the load? Am I willing to do something concrete to help the program? Will I volunteer to give service to others? These are all questions we need to ask ourselves. By doing our part we help to keep the program healthy and in turn the program keeps us healthy. Am I doing my part to grow in and with the program?
Meditations for the Heart
It is in our times of weakness and pain that we perhaps need to find God more than any other. It is in these times that He is most available to us. In these troubling times, we reach out in quiet desperation and we find His Quiet Strength – a Strength, which passes our understanding. It is in these tough times that we struggle most with our daily routine, structure, and responsibilities. Yet it is in these times that we rely on this Quiet Strength to lead us and guide us. This Quiet Strength will renew our courage for the day. This quiet strength will feed us in compassion and will provide us with the energy that we need. It will quiet our unrest and bring us inner peace. This Quiet strength ion always available to us, all we need do is accept it into our lives. This supply of Quiet Strength is ceaseless and will never run out. In it we can be filled with whatever we need for the tasks of the day. Do I seek His Quiet Strength in all that I do?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
You do not scream from some mountain top, but instead You come to me in Quiet Strength. Help me to be aware of this Quiet Strength in my day today. Open my eyes this day to the opportunities to give back to the program, for this service will strengthen the program and it will strengthen me. Help me to have a mindset to say yes to these opportunities and to carry my share of the load.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-27-2016, 09:01 AM
June 29

Wisdom for Today
Early in my recovery process, I was overly self-conscious. I feared what other might think if I spoke. I worried about making the right impression. I was fearful about what might happen if I shared my story. I was so worried about what others might think, say, or do that I simply chose to say nothing. I kept my comments inside. What was really going on was a form of self-centered pride. I was putting my image first. What would happen if people really knew me? What would happen if others could see my inner brokenness? This pride kept me closed in and made it impossible for me to make real connections with others in the program.
I would sit in meetings and rehearse in my mind my comments, trying to look good to others. There was little that was genuine or real in what I shared. This certainly was not helping me and was of no benefit to others. I was holding back because I was afraid I would not make the right impression. Night after night I would go to a meeting. I listened to others who shared from their hearts. What they shared was real and filled with truth. Eventually, I began to share what was really going on inside – my thought, my feelings, my beliefs. As I got more honest and let go of my self-centered pride, I began to hear others say they could really relate to what I shared. I began to gain new insights and a healthier perspective on life. Taking the risk of honest self-disclosure, rather than a rehearsed speech began to set me free. Am I still attempting to manage other people’s impressions?
Meditations for the Heart
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God.” This is most important for the addict or alcoholic. When I seek to build my own kingdom, rather than seek to belong to His kingdom, my life gets turned upside down. When I put my will before God’s will, I get all out of sorts. My irritability increases, as things don’t go my way. I become more and more cynical. My frustration increases the more that the kingdom does not turn out as I wish. In seeking His kingdom, I find an inner peace and serenity. I feel comforted to know that His kingdom for me is all good. When I follow His will, I can trust that I will stay securely on the path of recovery. My thinking, and will can lead me off this path, so I seek His wisdom and direction. Even when I am struggling with life’s problems, when I keep His kingdom in my heart, I know that I will end up where I need to be. Do I seek His kingdom for my life.
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Free me from the bondage of self-centered pride. Help me to let go of the fear and need to control others impression. Grant that I may embrace Your kingdom in my heart and walk closely with you as I walk through this day. Let me find freedom in Your truth.
Amen

bluidkiti
06-27-2016, 09:02 AM
June 30

Wisdom for Today
I remember the first time I was asked to share my story at a meeting. I was absolutely terrified. I recalled all those speech classes in High School and how nervous I was. When my sponsor asked me to speak at an open meeting; I really wanted to say no, but the word "sure" came out of my mouth. In the day and a half before I was to speak, I sat and thought about what I would say. I really didn't think I had much to offer and was sure that I would make a fool of myself. Hours before the meeting I was sick to my stomach. I called my sponsor and was going to beg out of the responsibility. My sponsor listened to me for a moment and then cut me off. "Talk to your HP and I will see you at the meeting," he said.
So I did talk to God and I asked for the words I needed to say. I asked for the strength and the courage I needed to make it through the next few hours. The meeting began in its usual way and then I was introduced. My mouth was dry and I could not swallow. I could feel beads of sweat on my forehead. I introduced myself and my mind went blank. All the thoughts I had for my talk left my mind. I don't recall much of the rest that I said that night, but I stood there for nearly forty-five minutes sharing. After the meeting many friends in the program and even some I did not recognize came up to me and made statement about how genuine my talk was and how it had been from my heart. Some shared how much it had helped them. No I don't remember what I shared, but I learned a lot about how God would help me and that sharing honestly from the heart was all I needed to do. When I speak at meetings are my comments from the heart?
Meditations for the Heart
In the Lord's Prayer there is a line that goes, "Thy will be done." This is a most important line in this prayer for an alcoholic or an addict. My understanding of this line in this prayer has changed dramatically over time. At first these were words that I simply said, but really did not pay much attention to. Over time I began to pay more attention to these words. The steps really forced me to look at them closer. There were times that I really appreciated these words and there have been times that I have rebelled against these same words. In those times of rebellion, I simply wanted to be back in charge, I wanted to run the show again. Other times when I really appreciated these words, it became clear to me that I had no idea what I was doing and I needed help. As I have grown in recovery I have repeated these words often. Over time I have worded hard to grow in the acceptance of these words. When I have honestly tried to do His will and humbly accepted the results, I have found myself to be happier, at peace, and secure in my recovery. Do I seek to do God's will in all that I do?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
This day is just beginning and I know that I must start this day with Your Will being first on my list. Give me the courage and the strength I need this day to follow where You lead me. Let me seek this day to be honest, open and willing to move forward in the direction You lead me. Let me seek to follow You in all areas of my life this day.
Amen