A Prayer & Some Thoughts - July

[bluidkiti]

July 23


Morning Prayer

Lord,
As the sun rises, may your hope rise up in me.
As the birds sing, let your love flow out of me.
As the light floods into this new day, may your joy shine through me.
I come before you, Lord and drink in this moment of peace,
That I may carry something of your hope, love, and joy today in my heart.
Amen

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Just a Thought

In A.A. we have to learn that alcohol is our greatest enemy.

Although we used to think that alcohol was our friend, the time came when it turned against us and became our enemy. We don't know just when this happened, but we know that it did because we began to get into trouble - jails and hospitals. We realize now that alcohol is our enemy.

So ............

Is it still my main business to keep sober?

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Just a Contemplation

Overcoming Fear

Our fears lock us up if we let them. They can prevent us from tasting adventure, from experiencing new wonders. We are often terrified of the unknown and fret about what might happen if we try something new. We worry if new people will like us - if we'll fit in.

It is natural to be cautious about the unknown, and anything new is just that. But we can keep our caution from becoming fearful by taking action, with the faith that we never encounter anything we can't handle in some way.

Unknowns are merely joys we haven't met. We hold the keys to our own cages and can free ourselves when we use our courage and inner strength to overcome our fears.

What new joy can I discover beneath my fear today?

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After the "Honeymoon"

For most of us, the first years of A.A. are something like a honeymoon. There is a new and potent reason to stay alive, joyful activity aplenty. For a time, we are diverted from the main life problems. That is all to the good.

"But when the honeymoon has worn off, we are obliged to take our lumps, like other people. This is where the testing starts. Maybe the group has pushed us onto the side lines. Maybe difficulties have intensified at home, or in the world outside. Then the old behavior patterns reappear. How well we recognize and deal with them reveals the extent of our progress.

As Bill Sees It Page 216

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Just a Quote

"Life is short, and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us. Oh, be swift to love, make haste to be kind." --Henri Frederic Amiel