District 9: May 2015

Sunday, May 31, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - June 1, 2015

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

June 1, 2015

Essentials
The AA members who sponsored me told me in the beginning that I would not only find a way to live without having a drink,
but that I would find a way to live without wanting to drink, if I would do these simple things.
They said if you want to know how this program works, take the first word of your question --
the "H" is for honesty, the "O" is for open-mindedness, and the "W" is for willingness;
these our Big Book calls the essentials of recovery.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 549-550

Thought to Ponder . . .
It works -- it really does!

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.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 31, 2015

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

May 31, 2015

~ Scroll Down for Share ~

Action
As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. . .
We alcoholics are undisciplined. So we let God discipline us in the simple way we have just outlined.
But this is not all. There is action and more action.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, pp. 87-88

Thought to Ponder . . .
Right actions for the future are the best apologies for wrong ones in the past.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A A = Accountable Actions.

A Member Shares:
Hi, I'm Meg, and I'm an alcoholic. My favorite Chapter in the Big Book is "Into Action," also the Third Step prayer means a great deal to me. I always felt I had to be perfect, and was so afraid of messing up that I wouldn't move forward with a decision. The fact is that action is necessary in life for us to grow and change and evolve. We get stuck sometimes and that's natural. When we do get stuck, it's important to reach out so that we can take that next step so we don’t stay stuck. Awareness, acceptance, and then action are most important. In working the Steps and asking for experience, strength and hope from others I can take action even though I'm scared because I know the rooms will always be there for me as will all of you. Action is crucial to recovery and its progress; not perfection. Thanks for letting me share.
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, May 29, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 30, 2015

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

May 30, 2015

Footprints
Stepping into the first footprint that led from the dismal swamp of alcoholism toward the sunlight of sobriety
would not take me far enough. Would I muddle along on some little trail of my own in the weeds,
vaguely paralleling the clearly marked AA road?
Or would I choose to follow in the exact footsteps of the AA's who had preceded? The choice was up to me.
I could do either, but I had to cover the whole trail if I wanted to get where the others were.
Since I had already taken Step One, I could decide to stop right there. I could just dry up, period.
I could survive like a raisin the rest of my life.
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 2], p. 136

Thought to Ponder . . .
Wisdom is knowing the right path to take. Integrity is taking it.

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

Thursday, May 28, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 29, 2015

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

May 29, 2015

Step Five
Even AA oldtimers, sober for years, often pay dearly for skimping this Step.
They will tell how they tried to carry the load alone; how much they suffered of irritability,
anxiety, remorse, and depression; and how, unconsciously seeking relief,
they would sometimes accuse even their best friends of the very character defects they themselves were trying to conceal.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 56

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

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

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.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 28, 2015

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

May 28, 2015

"Reasons"
Like most alcoholics, I used all the usual "reasons" for not stopping drinking: "I won't be able to sleep at night";
"My life will be too boring if I quit drinking"; "If I stop, people will think I have a problem" (no need to worry; they already knew).
But I had one real reason that kept me from stopping: I knew that if I did quit drinking,
I would almost certainly have to begin looking into myself, and I was very much afraid of what I would find. . .
Yet, like most alcoholic fears, this one proved to be false.
- AA Around the World, p. 83

Thought to Ponder . . .
If we want to quit drinking, we are going to have to quit drinking.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
F E A R = False Events Appearing Real.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 26, 2015

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

May 26, 2015

Pass It On
". . . I'll never forget the first time I met Bill Wilson.
I was a couple of months sober and so excited, so thrilled to actually meet the co-founder
that I gushed all over him with what my sobriety meant to me and my undying gratitude for his starting AA.
When I ran down, he took my hand in his, and said simply, 'Pass it on.'"
- 'Pass It On', Preface

Thought to Ponder . . .
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
H E L P = Hope, Encouragement, Love, Patience.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 25, 2015

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

May 25, 2015

Decision
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.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 58

Thought to Ponder . . .
While it isn't always easy, if I keep it simple, it works.

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

District 8C Meeting - 5/16/15

District 8 Meeting

5/16/15

Group Attendance:

Alice Group, Alice–
Al-K, Kingsville –Don J, Linda K, Bill J
2^nd Chance, Falfurrias –Mario R
Glossbrenner-Freedom From Bondage, San Diego – Jimmy K
SASTO, Riviera – Steve M.
Un Dia a La Vez, Kingsville –

Meeting was opened at 1:30 pm with the Serenity Prayer by DCM, Mario R.

Don J read the 12 Traditions

Minutes of April 18 meeting were read by Linda K. Corrections: It was reported that Steve M gave a Website report, although he was not in attendance that day. Also, PI/CPC Chair, Don J. said the packets mentioned in his report were for doctors, not for the waiting room. Motion made by Don J, seconded by Bill J to approve minutes. Minutes approved as corrected.

Treasurer’s report was given by Linda K. Motion by Bill J, seconded by Don J: report approved.

Committee Reports:

Bilingual/Joe R: Not present
CFC/Jimmy K: Six new members at Glossbrenner Unit meeting last week. Still have regular phone contact with the referral from CBIA. Don J asked about results of meetings at the Unit: inmates regularly contact us after being released, sometimes months later, sometimes a few years later. We are in contact with several that are staying sober and leading productive lives.
Grapevine/Bill J: Continue to refer new members to the Grapevines available on the rack.
PI/PCP/Don J: No recent contact with the Sister at local hospital. A suggestion at the PI workshop was to make sure our libraries have a copy of the Big Book.
Website/Steve M: The website has had an average of 59 hits per month, many coming through link from CBIA.

DCM Report:

Mario attended the Alice Group on April 20. The meeting mostly focused on AA, and not on another 12 Step program. Meetings are held on Monday and Tuesday evenings. The other program holds meetings on Wednesday and Thursday.

Mario also visited a few SASTO meetings in Riviera. He attended a workshop on Seventh Tradition and Sponsorship in McAllen.

The PI/CPC Conference planning meeting on May 2 in Kingsville went well. Three members from 8C, Mario, Don J, and Linda K were in attendance. The Serenity Clubhouse was scrubbed Friday by Mario, Linda and Louis to get ready for the guests from Districts 8D and 8E.

The Area Summer Workshop in July will be held at the Doubletree Hotel. Other members of our District are invited to travel with DCM Mario.

Old Business:

Friday May 1, we had a cleaning detail of Serenity Clubhouse at noon. Pizza and drinks were provided for lunch.
The PI/CPC Conference planning meeting met in Kingsville May 2. The schedule of events was discussed which led to the question of whether or not to let the professionals attend any of the workshops or to have them “closed.” The pros and cons offered were equally strong. Food is needed for the Hospitality Room. District 8C could fill in the “gaps” that are not covered by Corpus Christi groups: perhaps finger food and sandwiches that are easier to transport, as opposed to covered dishes. The next planning meeting will either be in Portland or at the New Phoenix Group in Corpus Christi. An announcement will be made when date/place is set.

New Business:

It was suggested that someone from our home groups contact the Sheriff in their county to see if a meeting or Big Books could be brought to the inmates.
It was suggested that someone from our home groups check their local libraries to see if they have a Big Book.

Items for Discussion, or to be Tabled:

Suggestions requested for possible fund raisers, such as raffles or dinners. Schedule another District 8C event, possibly another workshop by one of our Area Officers.

The basket was passed according to the 7^th Tradition; $39 was collected, $370 group contributions, total contributions $409.

Next meeting will be June 20 at 1:30 pm in Kingsville at Serenity Clubhouse

Motion made by Jimmy K, seconded by Don J to close the meeting.

Meeting was closed at 2:30 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda K, Secretary

Saturday, May 23, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 24, 2015

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

May 24, 2015

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Sanity
"Sanity" is defined as "soundness of mind." Yet no alcoholic, soberly analyzing his destructive behavior,
whether the destruction fell on the dining-room furniture or his own moral fiber, can claim "soundness of mind" for himself. . .
True humility and an open mind can lead us to faith,
and every AA meeting is an assurance that God will restore us to sanity if we rightly relate ourselves to Him.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 33

Thought to Ponder . . .
I sit at a meeting until the bus of sanity comes by; then I climb aboard.

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

A Member Shares:
Hi, I'm Kevin, an alcoholic. When coming into AA I was like a hybrid. I condemned religion, but thought that I knew enough about religion that I knew God. But as I started to learn about faith, and a God of my understanding, I realized that maybe I was not all there yet. God was still a riddle to me, and I found that I needed to clear a path to understand how God actually works. It wasn't about the quantity of faith, or my understanding of religion, the answer to this riddle is the quality of faith. I did not just have to believe that there was a God, but in a God who loves me and was willing to restore me from the insanity of alcohol. The more One Day At A Time's I get under my belt the more insane I see my alcoholism. And I see and have started to learn how the will of God works in my life to restore me from that insanity of the first drink. Today I have a relationship with God, not a demanding one, but one where I ask for God's help, and how I can be of service to God. I now notice how God works in my life, not only by relieving me of the obsession for alcohol, but in all the little “God moments” that I now see which clear the pathway of my life. My life and sanity have taken a turn for the better now that I have decided to believe that a Power greater than myself could restore me to sanity. Yes, having had that moment of clarity that Kevin's way wasn't working was the start of a new beginning. I hope you all join me on this road to a happy destiny. Thanks so much for letting me share.
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, May 22, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 23, 2015

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

May 23, 2015

Pride
As for those bad habits I once listed as defects, I am trying to arrest them one day at a time, as I do my alcoholism.
A little progress has been made on pride.
I can now admit that most of my problems stem from one glaring defect: self-centeredness.
For how can I wallow in self-pity, weep over resentments, be sick with righteous anger, ache with envy,
tense up with fears and anxieties unless all my thoughts are exclusively on poor me?
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 2], p. 158

Thought to Ponder . . .
If I self-forget I find.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
P R I D E = Personal Recovery Involves Deflating Ego.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 22, 2015

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

May 22, 2015

Defects
Did I, an alcoholic, have a defective character? Of course I did. Was I, an alcoholic, also a sick man? Yes, very.
To what extent I was personally responsible for my drinking, I don't know.
Yet I'm not one to take complete refuge in the idea that I was a sick man only.
In earlier years I certainly had some degree of free will.
That free will I used badly, to the great misery of my mother and countless others. I am deeply ashamed.
As one who knows me a little, you may have heard how, ten years ago, a friend, himself a liberated alcoholic,
came to me bearing the light which finally led me out of the toils.
There will come a day like that for you and yours -- I'm so confident!
- The Language of the Heart, p. 102

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

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
H O P E = Heart Open; Please Enter.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 21, 2015

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

May 21, 2015

Prayer
My sponsor said, "Pray if you can." Having no faith whatever,
thinking that prayer must be some kind of autohypnotic play-acting, alone in my apartment
I got down on my knees like a little child and prayed to the unknown God.
I said, "God, take away my compulsion to drink."
And my compulsion to drink was removed, and it has not returned from that day to this.
Without knowing how I had done it, I had surrendered to the Power,
and the Power did for me what I could not do of my own will.
- Came To Believe . . ., p. 98

Thought to Ponder . . .
Trying to pray is praying.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
P U S H = Pray Until Something Happens.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 20, 2015

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

May 20, 2015

~ Scroll Down for Share ~

Honesty
The perverse wish to hide a bad motive underneath a good one permeates human affairs from top to bottom.
This subtle and elusive kind of self-righteousness can underlie he smallest act or thought.
Learning daily to spot, admit, and correct these flaws is the essence of character-building, and good living.
- As Bill Sees It, p. 17

Thought to Ponder . . .
Honesty is the absence of the intent to deceive.

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

A Member Shares:
Hello, I'm Jenny, an alcoholic. I remember lying as a child and I was never good at it. I have a terrible "poker face." I learned early on that lying didn't work for me. As I grew older, lying came more in the form of trying to hide my drinking. But, as I found out when I got sober, most people knew anyway. So really who was I lying to? I was lying to myself. When I came to AA, I learned about why I would attempt to lie -- I lived in fear, and this would bring lying back to life. Today I know I do not have to lie. Honesty is the best policy because that is what my Higher Power wants for me. Rigorous honesty can be difficult or easy -- I have the choice today. If I am doing the next right thing I have no need or even an inkling to lie. I want to be an honest sober woman now. Life is great that way, no regrets, and less stress, for sure! Thank you.
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, May 18, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 19, 2015

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

May 19, 2015

Guilt
My conflicts went right on mounting because I was loaded with excuses and refusals.
When these troubles had finally exhausted me enough, there was yet another escape.
I would commence to wallow in the bog of guilt. Here pride and rebellion would give way to depression. . .
Just as I had exaggerated my modest attainments by pride, so now I would exaggerate my defects through guilt. . .
Believe it or not, I took that to be great humility on my part, and I counted this as my sole remaining asset and consolation!
During those bouts with guilt, there was never a decent regret for the harms I had done.
- The Language of the Heart, p. 257

Thought to Ponder . . .
Serenity is not the absence of conflict but the ability to cope with it.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
G U I L T = God Understands I Lack Trust.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 18, 2015

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

May 18, 2015

Overcoming Fear
When I took the Fifth Step with all the thoroughness I could muster, that part of me I feared the most no longer frightened me.
I suddenly realized that God loves me just as I am.
- The AA Grapevine, July 1980 "Short Takes"

Thought to Ponder . . .
A fear faced is a fear erased.

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

Saturday, May 16, 2015

AA Thought for the Day - May 17, 2015

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

May 17, 2015

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Belonging
There is no more aloneness, with that awful ache, so deep in the heart of every alcoholic, that nothing, before, could ever reach it.
That ache is gone and never need return again.
Now there is a sense of belonging, of being wanted and needed and loved.
In return for a bottle and a hangover, we have been given the Keys of the Kingdom.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 276

Thought to Ponder . . .
The sense of belonging is tremendously exciting.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
Y A N A = You Are Not Alone.

A Member Shares:
Maureen here, an alcoholic. When I was new in AA, it did not take long for me to concede to my innermost self that I am an alcoholic. I do thank God for this, as I know it usually does not happen this way. I knew down to my little toe I was in the right place, and that I had found wonderful people to get sober with. Today, it is the other parts of life that I have to remember to ask for help with, to get out of my own way for, and to be a part of. I have had some wonderful opportunities come my way this year. So far, I have been able to take advantage of them. Going to school, working, and keeping recovery my number one priority is not easy or simple, but it can be done; people do it all the time. I have to be willing to stay out of my own way and remember that God is in charge. I do not have to have all the answers for myself or anyone else. This is a "WE" program, always will be. Thank you.
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: