District 9: December 2014

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - January 1, 2015

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

January 1, 2015

Promises
We will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.
No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.
That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. . ..
- Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 83-84

Thought to Ponder . . .
Life will take on new meaning.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
H O W = Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness.

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org

For further information about AA-Alive, including:

Meeting Schedule
The Daily Thought Discussion Board
Service Opportunities
AA Birthday Signups
Helpful links and much more
Please go to our Website
http://aa-alive.net …
G.S.O. Registration Number: 712515

** Trademarks and Disclaimer: **
Alcoholics Anonymous, AA, and the Big Book are registered trademarks of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. The AA Daily Thought is neither endorsed by, approved by, associated nor affiliated with, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., or The AA Grapevine, Inc.
Disclaimer: The Daily Thought is meant for domestic distribution only and for countries where it is in public domain.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 31, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 31, 2014

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Faith
When we look back, we realize that the things which came to us when we put ourselves in God's hands
were better than anything we could have planned.
- As Bill Sees It, p. 2

Thought to Ponder . . .
Breathe in faith, breathe out fear.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
F A I T H = Finding Answers In The Heart.

A Member Shares:
Hello everyone Jenny, an alcoholic, here. Whew! The Holidays ... oh boy! I got sober in October and remember being really scared. But as time went on and belief in my Higher Power grew stronger each day, I learned that the only fear I had to deal with was in my own head and if I kept close to AA and my HP, the holidays came and went without picking up. Society puts so much pressure on us during these few months that it can be overwhelming at times. But I try to remember they show up each year and in reality it is just another day. We live one day at a time, and for those whose faith is strong we can see the holidays through. In the years I've been sober I know in my heart there were moments when it was only my HP, God of my understanding, who kept me sober in that moment, that hour, that day. As time went on, I was able to look back and reflect and could see clearly that my HP was right with me, protecting me and leading me in the right direction. As I look at my AA family here, I see and feel a part of HP in each and every one of you. You are all miracles, living sober lives, being honest and caring people again. May you all have safe and sober holidays and remember we do this together. Don't struggle alone, pick up that phone and reach out! Thanks.
To respond to the sharer, please email DTShare@aa-alive.org and it will be forwarded to them.
(All shares are reproduced with the kind permission of the person sharing)

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org

For further information about AA-Alive, including:

Monday, December 29, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 30, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 30, 2014

Acceptance
And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.
When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation -- some fact of my life --
unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation
as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God's world by mistake.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 417

Thought to Ponder . . .
My serenity is directly proportional to my level of acceptance.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A B C = Acceptance, Belief, Change.

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org

For further information about AA-Alive, including:

Meeting Schedule
The Daily Thought Discussion Board
Service Opportunities
AA Birthday Signups
Helpful links and much more
Please go to our Website
http://aa-alive.net …
G.S.O. Registration Number: 712515

** Trademarks and Disclaimer: **
Alcoholics Anonymous, AA, and the Big Book are registered trademarks of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. The AA Daily Thought is neither endorsed by, approved by, associated nor affiliated with, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., or The AA Grapevine, Inc.
Disclaimer: The Daily Thought is meant for domestic distribution only and for countries where it is in public domain.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 29, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 29, 2014

Pickles
We are convinced, after the countless attempts we made to prove otherwise, that alcoholism in incurable --
just like some other illnesses. It cannot be "cured" in this sense: We cannot change our body chemistry
and go back to being the normal, moderate social drinkers lots of us seemed to be in our youth.
As some of us put it, we can no more make that change than a pickle can change itself back into a cucumber.
- Living Sober, p. 8

Thought to Ponder . . .
If you think you are an alcoholic, chances are you are.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
K C B = Keep Coming Back.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 28, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 28, 2014

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The Circle and Triangle
Above us, at the International Convention in St. Louis in 1955, floated a banner
on which was inscribed the then new symbol for AA, a circle enclosing a triangle.
The circle stands for the whole world of AA, and the triangle stands for AA's Three Legacies: Recovery, Unity, and Service.
It is perhaps no accident that priests and seers of antiquity regarded this symbol as a means of warding off spirits of evil.
- As Bill Sees It, p. 307

Thought to Ponder . . .
Within our wonderful new world, we have found freedom from our fatal obsession.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A A's - R - U S = Alcoholics Anonymous Recovery, Unity, Service.

A Member Shares:
Hello all, Mark here, alcoholic. I thought I'd get my hand up. I like this room; it's just the right size. I have never heard this topic in a meeting, which is odd because I've heard many topics repeated, so this is refreshing. We look at our AA symbol often, the triangle in the circle. It's like a magical algebra equation that lifts us into that other dimension. I've been re-reading the Big Book and I'm thrilled to find that it is evergreen. Back to topic: "Unity, Service, Recovery." What would you or I have done without those who came before and established this program? AA is the only thing in my life that has ever ignited me into unity and service, probably because I so desperately need to recover. I cannot be a shivering denizen of King Alcohol any more. I was dying. Dying by my own hand, I poured a bottle of booze into me every day. I was shattered. AA lifted me up – you all lifted me up! But unless I take part, I am not a part. And I desperately want what you all have. So happy holidays to you all. Here's to Unity, Service, and our Recovery! Thanks.
To respond to the sharer, please email DTShare@aa-alive.org and it will be forwarded to them.
(All shares are reproduced with the kind permission of the person sharing)

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org

For further information about AA-Alive, including:

AA Thought for the Day - December 27, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 27, 2014

Red Flags
Many years later, although alcohol is not a part of my life and I no longer have the compulsion to drink,
it can still occur to me what a good drink tastes like and what it can do for me,
from my stand-at-attention alcoholic taste buds right down to my stretched-out tingling toes.
As my sponsor used to point out, such thoughts are like red flags, telling me that something is not right,
that I am stretched beyond my sober limit. It's time to get back to basic AA and see what needs changing.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 396-397

Thought to Ponder . . .
Alcohol -- cunning, baffling, powerful!

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A A = Always Aware.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 26, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 26, 2014

Listening
As I've grown in the Fellowship, I've learned to love everyone just from listening to what they had to say.
That person over there, or the one right here, may be the one God has chosen to give me the message I need for today.
I must always remember to place principles above personalities.
- Daily Reflections, p. 365

Thought to Ponder . . .
Learn to listen; listen to learn.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
G I F T = God Is Forever There.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 25, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 25, 2014

Neighbors
Near you, alcoholics are dying helplessly like people on a sinking ship. If you live in a large place, there are hundreds.
High and low, rich and poor, these are future fellows of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Among them, you will make lifelong friends.
You will be bound to them with new and wonderful ties, for you will escape disaster together
and you will commence shoulder to shoulder your common journey.
Then you will know what it means to give of yourself that others may survive and rediscover life.
You will learn the full meaning of "Love thy neighbor as thyself."
- Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 152-153

Thought to Ponder . . .
Life will take on new meaning.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
F E L L O W S H I P =
Faith, Empathy, Learning, Love, Openness, Wisdom, Self-worth, Hope, Identification, People.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 24, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 24, 2014

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A Leap of Faith
We needed to ask ourselves but one short question.
"Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself?"
As soon as a man can say that he does believe, or is willing to believe, we emphatically assure him that he is on his way.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 47

Thought to Ponder . . .
Faith dares the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
F A I T H = Finding Answers In The Heart.

A Member Shares:
Hello everyone, Scott here, an alcoholic. December 23, countdown to Christmas! Still haven't got all my shopping done, and the stress is mounting. This will be my first Christmas sober (God willing). This time of year is always hard, so much running around, cash flow, and my wife is sick in bed. I'm still a newbie, but I have really concentrated on prayer and meditation over the past 35 days or so. Really digging into the Big Book, reading it closely and reflecting on the message. You are right on, friends! I took all of your advice, and found an AA group close to where I live (reluctantly), and met some really good people. Not at all what I envisioned going in. You all have been my inspiration to take action. For all you other new people out there: I am one of you, and can relate to all the questions and fears you are probably going through. I am not qualified to give advice, but what has helped me is that I just took a leap of faith and went into this with an open mind, and a lot of trust. This is where I think I am starting to connect with my Higher Power. For me, it isn't like turning on a light switch. It is coming with practice and reflection. I absolutely feel the support that this group of caring folks gives me as we go into the back-to-back holidays. Thank you all for caring!
To respond to the sharer, please email DTShare@aa-alive.org and it will be forwarded to them.
(All shares are reproduced with the kind permission of the person sharing)

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org

For further information about AA-Alive, including:

Monday, December 22, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 23, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 23, 2014

The Blunt Truth
The blunt, psychological truth for us, as of today, is that a drink surely means a drunk sooner or later, and that spells trouble.
Drinking for us no longer means music and gay laughter and flirtations. It means sickness and sorrow.
- Living Sober, p. 52

Thought to Ponder . . .
If I don't drink today, I have the hope of a tomorrow.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A A = Always Alive.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Alkathons

Hello Friends,

AA-Alive will be hosting alkathons Christmas eve, Christmas day, New Year's eve and NY day. The meeting schedules are as follows, all times in American eastern standard time.

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24

5:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 11:00 pm

Christmas Day, Dec. 25

8:00 am,11:00 am, 2:00 pm,5:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 11:00 pm

New Year's Eve, Dec.31,2014

5:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 11:00 pm

New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2015

8:00 am,11:00 am,2:00 pm,5:00 pm,8:00 pm,11:00 pm.

The room can be accessed at www.aa-alive.net, anytime, 24/7, with open chat between meetings.

AA Thought for the Day - December 22, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 22, 2014

The First Step
The First Step and I have always been great friends.
I repeated it and thanked God each day for my sobriety -- the only grace, maybe, for that day.
Gradually, I began to see another part of me emerging -- a grateful me, expecting nothing,
but sure that another power was beginning to guide me, counsel me, and direct my ways. And I was not afraid.
- Came To Believe . . ., p. 45

Thought to Ponder . . .
Many of our fears are tissue paper thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
S T E P S = Solutions Through Each Positive Step.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 21, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 21, 2014

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False Pride
We will humbly reflect that each of AA's principles, every one of them, has been borrowed from ancient sources.
We shall remember that we are laymen, holding ourselves in readiness to co-operate with all men of good will,
whatever their creed or nationality.
Then, too, it would be a product of false pride to believe that Alcoholics Anonymous is a cure-all, even for alcoholism.
- - Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, pp. 231-232

Thought to Ponder . . .
Swallowing my pride will not get me drunk.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
P R I D E = Pretty Ridiculous Individual Directing Everything.

A Member Shares:
I'm Bobbie Jo, an alcoholic. There's a one-line quote in this topic's reference: "It would be a product of false pride to claim that AA is a cure-all, even for alcoholism." That's a reminder to share only what I have done to get where I am instead of demanding the new folks in the room do this or do that. False pride says it's my way or the highway -- that was me years ago. Gosh, if you'd only done your job my way, I'd have some peace. Or in my family situations, if only you'd do this or that my way, we'd all be happy. Having taken my own inventory and continue to do so, I know where my pitfalls are. I'm going to have pride when I clean my house and take pride in my home and my accomplishments, but like any other trait, it's when I have too much that it becomes an issue. And then there are Steps for me to take to get back on the beam. Thanks.
To respond to the sharer, please email DTShare@aa-alive.org and it will be forwarded to them.
(All shares are reproduced with the kind permission of the person sharing)

Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org

For further information about AA-Alive, including:

Friday, December 19, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 20, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 20, 2014

Any Length
If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it -- then you are ready to take certain steps.
At some of these we balked. We thought we could find an easier, softer way. But we could not.
With all the earnestness at our command, we beg of you to be fearless and thorough from the very start.
Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 58

Thought to Ponder . . .
When I struggle, I sink. When I let go, I float.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
S W A T = Surrender, Willingness, Acceptance, Trust.

** Trademarks and Disclaimer: **
Alcoholics Anonymous, AA, and the Big Book are registered trademarks of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. The AA Daily Thought is neither endorsed by, approved by, associated nor affiliated with, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., or The AA Grapevine, Inc.
Disclaimer: The Daily Thought is meant for domestic distribution only and for countries where it is in public domain.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 19, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 19, 2014

No Cop-outs
We have to stay sober no matter how life treats us, no matter whether non-alcoholics appreciate our sobriety or not.
We have to keep our sobriety independent of everything else, not entangled with any people,
and not hedged in by any possible cop-outs or conditions.
- Living Sober, p. 64

Thought to Ponder . . .
Keep your sobriety first to make it last.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
O D A A T = One Day At A Time.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 18, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 18, 2014

Grace
Do not let any prejudice you may have against spiritual terms deter you from asking yourself what they may mean to you.
At the start, this was all we needed to commence spiritual growth, to effect our first conscious contact with God as we understood Him.
Afterward, we found ourselves accepting things which then seemed entirely out of reach.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 47

Thought to Ponder . . .
Hold your face up to the Light, even though for the moment you do not see.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A B C = Acceptance, Belief, Change.

Friday, December 12, 2014

AA Thought for the Day - December 13, 2014

AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 13, 2014

The Twelve Steps
I often say and shall always say that the Twelve Steps are one of the very great summaries and organic collections
of spiritual truth known to history.
They have an almost universal relevance (not a relevance for alcoholics alone).
They will offer a way out for many a person who knows nothing personally of alcoholism.
They will point up the way for those who have known it and lost it.
Thank God for the Twelve Steps and for a man wise enough and open enough to God and to the observation of human experience
to receive these truths, and transmit them to the world!
(Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker)
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 2], pp. 133-134

Thought to Ponder . . .
The Twelve Steps -- a manuscript for rational living.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
S T E P S = Solutions To Every Problem in Society.

Alkathons

Hello Friends,

AA-Alive will be hosting alkathons Christmas eve, Christmas day, New Year's eve and NY day. The meeting schedules are as follows, all times in American eastern standard time.

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24

5:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 11:00 pm

Christmas Day, Dec. 25

8:00 am,11:00 am, 2:00 pm,5:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 11:00 pm

New Year's Eve, Dec.31,2014

5:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 11:00 pm

New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2015

8:00 am,11:00 am,2:00 pm,5:00 pm,8:00 pm,11:00 pm.

The room can be accessed at www.aa-alive.net, anytime, 24/7, with open chat between meetings.

With love,

Jackie L. Alt. IGR