The 12 Steps and 12 Traditions
are like 24 wrenches to fit any size nut that
walks in through the doors of our program.
Mark Kostew

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
How do I CELEBRATE and not use?
How do you have fun clean?
Share about your favorite things to do.
I have no experience :(

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

July 1
Today I trust my instincts.
Today I trust I will know
at the right time the right answer.
Today I have the faith to know
that God guides me in my choices.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Greatest Things In Life

Today I have great things in life,
to fill my empty days.
The first thing in the morning,
I begin by giving praise.
I thank God for a night of rest,
And the peace I had, while there,
And for the precious privilege,
To kneel with Him in prayer.
I thanked Him for another day.
Filled with love and peace,
And for the fullness in my life,
That seems to never cease.
The great things He has given me,
Are friends that truly care.
No matter what may come my way,
They are always there.
My day is filled with endless praise,
For the life that He has give,
For the priceless gift, of Grace and friends,
That make me love to live.

written by ~ Rebecca Ann Bowlin
rbowlin14@...
Copyright ©2002 Rebecca Bowlin

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Donkey and The Well
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=873

Live Serenely
www.serenityfound.org/readings/live_serenely.html

Parenting
www.nawol.org/2006_ch20%20PARENTING.htm

Information on Alcoholics Anonymous

For anyone new coming to A.A.,
For anyone referring people to A.A.
www.recovery.org/aa/pamphlet/aainfo.html

Big Book Aides and Tools
www.sponsorsaide.50megs.com/bigbookaides.htm

The Evolution of the Term "Codependence"
www.joy2meu.com/Codependence3.htm

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
July 1                                             A simple program

The program is simply sharing, working the Twelve Steps,
Attending meetings, and practicing the principles of the
program."  Basic Text, p.188

Our complicated lives can be made a lot less complicated if we
concentrate on a few simple things-sharing our experience, strength,
and hope with others, regular meeting attendance, and practicing the
principles of the program in our daily lives.

By sharing our experience, strength, and hope with other addicts,
we provide a powerful example for newcomers to follow. The effort we
put into helping others also helps keep self centeredness, the core of
our disease, at bay.

Many of us pick one group, a "home group;' whose meetings we attend
faithfully. This regularity gives some routine to our lives, and lets
others know where they can find us if they need us.
Practicing the Twelve Steps in our daily lives makes the difference
between a balanced recovery and simply not using. The steps give us
some much-needed guidance in managing our everyday affairs.
Yes, we are complex people. But the NA program simplifies our lives,
enabling us to live a life free from active addiction. Our lives can be
filled with serenity and hope when we live by the guidance of the simple
principles of our program.

Just for today: I will remember that, while I am a complex person,
NA is the simplest way for me to make my life less complicated.
  pg. 191

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/July.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Fellowship of Freedom

. . . if only men were granted absolute liberty, and were compelled to obey
no one, they would then voluntarily associate themselves in the common
interest.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 50

When I no longer live under the dictates of another or of alcohol, I live
in a new freedom.  When I release the past and all the excess baggage I
have carried for so very long, I come to know freedom.  I have been
introduced into a life and a fellowship of freedom.  The Steps are a
"recommended" way of finding a new life, there are no commands or dictates
in A.A.  I am free to serve from desire rather than decree.  There is the
understanding that I will benefit from the growth of other members and I
take what I learn and bring it back to the group.  The "common welfare"
finds room to grow in the society of personal freedom.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ July 1st

A.A. Thought for the Day

In following the A.A. program with its twelve steps, we have
the advantage of a better understanding of our problems. Day
after day our sobriety results in the formation of new habits,
normal habits. As each twenty-four-hour period ends, we find
that the business of staying sober is a much less trying and
fearsome ordeal than it seemed in the beginning. Do I find it
easier as I go along?

Meditation for the Day

Learn daily the lesson of trust and calm in the midst of the
storms of life. Whatever of sorrow or difficulty the day may
bring, God's command to you is the same. Be grateful, humble,
calm, and loving to all people. Leave each soul the better for
having met you or heard you. For all kinds of people, this should
be your attitude: a loving desire to help and an infectious spirit
of calmness and trust in God. You have the answer to loneliness
and fear, which is calm faith in the goodness and purpose in the
universe.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may he calm in the midst of storms. I pray that
I may pass on this calmness to others who are lonely and full of fear.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JULY 1

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Receiving

Here is an exercise.

Today let someone give to you. Let someone do something nice for you. Let
someone give you a compliment or tell you something good about yourself. Let
someone help you.

Then, stand there and take it. Take it in. Feel it. Know that you are worthy
and deserving. Do not apologize. Do not say, "You shouldn't have." Do you
feel guilty, afraid, ashamed, and panicky? Do not immediately try to give
something back.

Just say, "Thank you."

Today, I will let myself receive one thing from someone else, and I will let
myself be comfortable with that.

From The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©1990, Hazelden
Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be
reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Healing Allowed, by Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2000/07/alan.htm

Financial ChaosŠOr Responsibility?
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2000/07/woloson.htm

Standing Beside You Right Now is an Angel
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/September/feature5.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Attitude versus Activity by Valerie Khoo

Editor's Note:
While this article is written for women, it's suggestions can apply to all.

In your hectic life, you might feel as if you're always rushing -- from a
client meeting to a seminar, then to an aerobics class, then to drinks with
friends. Even though you might enjoy, and perhaps even thrive on, this busy
timetable, it's still crucial that you schedule blocks of "Me Time" in your
diary.

This is time when all you need to worry about is you, when you can be alone,
with nothing but your thoughts for company. It's the only way you'll be able
to clear your mind of the pressures of work and life and find out what your
body wants and what your emotional and spiritual needs are.

Block off some time for yourself, and make sure you don't cheat by filling
it in with going to the movies or reading the latest best-selling novel.
This means you're still occupying your mind and keeping yourself
entertained. You're not giving yourself a chance to experience the ultimate
goddess treatment -- time when you really get to nurture your soul and
listen to your inner desires.

Attitude versus activity
You may understand the importance of relaxation and downtime on an
intellectual level, but it's also vital to put it into practice. Don't get
confused -- relaxation doesn't mean a long session on the treadmill in the
gym or a skiing holiday. Relaxation is about having the right attitude, not
doing the right activity.

Let's take the example of the working up a sweat on the treadmill. You may
think that you find a heavy-duty workout like this relaxing, but if you are
the kind of person who thrives on adrenaline and pressure at work, you will
only think it's relaxing because you're throwing your body into yet another
situation that involves pressure and produces adrenaline. Remember,
enjoyment is not the same as relaxation.

There's nothing wrong with going to the gym or playing sports, but they are
goal-oriented activities -- perhaps you want to lift heavier weights or win
at tennis -- rather than relaxation activities.

Whatever you choose as a form of relaxation will only work if it helps you
spend quality time with yourself.

Time for reflection
Nurture your inner goddess by doing something that's enjoyable and fun, but
also gives you time for reflection. Here are some ideas:

   a.. Book yourself in for a massage, facial, or some kind of pampering.
You'll be giving your body a therapeutic, revitalizing treatment and your
mind a chance to bliss out and relax. Even though it's fun to have pampering
days like this with your girlfriends, avoid the mid-manicure gossip session
and treat yourself to an afternoon of solitude.

   b.. Do some gentle exercise where you can enjoy fresh air, get your
circulation going, and simply appreciate the great outdoors. Don't be
tempted to go for a strenuous run or do a cardio class -- you'll be pounding
your body and concentrating on achieving some kind of physical goal.
Instead, pick an easy exercise activity that will clear the cobwebs from
your mind but still give you a chance for reflection.

   c.. Find your favorite spot -- perhaps by the beach, a scenic picnic area,
or your local park -- and simply sit there and watch life go by. Don't bring
a book or a Discman. Think of this as a quiet time where you can de-clutter
your mind of life's distractions and let your real feelings come to the
forefront. If you have a hectic schedule you might think this time could be
better spent catching up on chores or taking your car to the mechanic. In
fact, blocking in your diary "Me Time" is just as important as those other
activities.

   d.. Keep a diary. It's useful to be able to put your thoughts down on
paper and meditate on what you've written. Put your pen to paper and simply
let your feelings flow -- the only person who is going to read it is you. Or
perhaps keep a "thanks" diary, listing the things you're thankful for,
whether it's a job promotion or something as simple as a beautiful sunny
day. It's a great way to stay positive and appreciate the little things in
life.

   a.. Before you go to bed, clear your mind and give yourself the best
possible chance for a restful sleep. Again, even though it's tempting to
read before bed, this means you're keeping your mind active right up until
you turn out the light. Instead, put on some soothing music, concentrate on
your breathing and let your thoughts simply drift for about 20 minutes.

SENSE AND SENSUALITY
Stimulating and awakening your senses - whether it's by listening to your
favorite music, indulging in hokey-pokey ice cream or sleeping on crisp,
cotton sheets - is an essential part of appreciating life. Indulging your
sense of smell, sight, taste, sound, and touch means you can turn simple
experiences into little luxuries.

Celebrating your sensuality is also important - modern-day goddesses are all
sensual beings, and it's healthy to be aware of what gives you pleasure.
We're not necessarily talking about sex here - it's not about buying sexy
lingerie and organizing a romantic rendezvous with your lover. Exploring
your sensuality is something that can be done with or without a partner.

It can be as simple as filling your bathtub, adding essential oils and
sprinkling in some rose petals. Let the flowers brush your skin, inhale the
beautiful scent and feel the warmth and coziness of the water. Or how about
wearing beautiful silk underwear underneath your work clothes -- even if the
only person who is going to see it is you! Some people may think this is a
waste of time, but it'll feel great against your skin, and knowing that you
look great, both on the surface and under your layers, will give you a boost
throughout the day. Don't feel guilty about nurturing your sensuality; think
of it as an essential part of revitalizing your senses and making you feel
alive.

CREATING A HEAVENLY HOME
Living in a home that's fit for a goddess is a simple pleasure that all
women can experience. This doesn't mean you need expensive furnishings; you
just need to find somewhere that suits your needs and personality. Your home
is a place where you should feel safe and welcome, a place where you can
chill out and feel free to be completely yourself.

Many magazines are full of unrealistic pictures of stylish homes that can
make us feel that ours are very ordinary. But, as the saying goes, your home
is your castle - not anyone else's. So it's important to develop
surroundings where you can be comfy, content, and calm.

Perhaps you don't have your own home yet. Maybe you're living with family or
sharing with friends and you're not in a position to transform the whole
house or apartment. You can still apply the same principles to your bedroom,
though, or to whichever area is your domain. As a modern-day goddess, you
need a special place that is yours alone.

INSPIRATION
As goddess of hearth and home, Hestia knew the vital role that a home played
in people's lives. In ancient times, the hearth was a central part of
domestic life - used for cooking and for generating warmth. It was always
looked after and kept alight. You can draw inspiration from Hestia and
create a home that soothes your soul and rekindles your energy. Here are a
few guidelines for creating your own goddess sanctuary:

   a.. Make it personal - hang up your favorite pictures, display precious
mementos, stick photos on the fridge and surround yourself with things that
make your home special to you.

   b.. Let go of the past - is there anything in your home that evokes
unpleasant memories, or a bit of furniture that you simply don't like? Get
rid of it. Sell it, give it away, or throw it in the trash.

   c.. Color your senses - paint the walls in colors that suit the room. For
example, soothing colors like pastels and light blues or greens are suitable
for rooms where you want to chill out and relax.

   d.. Turn simple into special - you don't need fancy decor items in your
home. Little things like candles, aromatherapy burners, beautiful soaps, and
a simple bunch of fresh flowers can add luxury without costing a fortune.

SWEEP AWAY LIFE'S CLUTTER
There's nothing more liberating than de-cluttering your home. This is a
chance to throw out boxes of junk, clear your cupboard space, and free your
wardrobe of last decade's fashion mistakes. Apart from being a very
practical exercise, it can also be an emotionally cleansing experience.

We attach many memories and emotions to things, objects, and mementos. While
you need to keep hold of precious souvenirs and keepsakes, it's also
important to clear away things which may be cluttering your life or keeping
you from moving on. Perform a regular de-cluttering ritual - think of it as
spring cleaning your home and your life at the same time.

THE ULTIMATE DE-CLUTTER CHECKLIST

   a.. Wardrobe wars. Promise yourself you'll be ruthless, then fling open
your closet doors and purge your shelves and hangers of anything you haven't
worn in 18 months. It may be hard getting rid of your old prom dress or the
Madonna-inspired pointy-bra outfit that hasn't seen the light of day for
years, but it has be done. Try to consider it not as a painful separation
from your favorite old clothes, but as a liberating experience -- an
opportunity to clear out your old "selves" to make room for new ones. But
don't just throw the clothes in the trash -- have a garage sale, donate your
clothes to charity or give them away to friends.

   b.. Fix it. Like most people, you probably have many things that need
small repairs. The trouble with minor repairs -- like buttons that have
fallen off or lightbulbs that need replacing -- is that we never get around
to fixing them. We'll fix a hole in the roof or a noisy muffler well before
we pay attention to a wobbly table leg that merely needs a dab of superglue.
Write a list of things that need fixing, set aside an afternoon to tackle
them, and check them off as you go. You'll be amazed at your sense of
achievement when you get it all done.

   c.. Clutter-free living. Go through your whole home -- or your room, if
you haven't got your own pad yet -- and do a "clutter audit." Are there any
areas which need a mini spring cleaning? Approach these areas with the same
ruthlessness with which you attacked your clothes. If you have a drawer full
of nail polishes, but only ever use the same three colors, get rid of the
rest. Or maybe you have piles of magazines you've been meaning to read, or
cupboards full of knickknacks you don't particularly like, but have kept
over the years simply because it hasn't occurred to you to throw them out.
Grab a box and de-clutter. Be brutal.

   a.. Bedroom bliss. Pay special attention to your bedroom. If there's one
area that needs to be free from clutter, it's the place where you sleep. If
your bedroom is full of mess and confusion, that's the last image you'll see
before going to bed, and even if you block out the untidiness, you'll still
subconsciously know that you're lying in the midst of chaos. If your bedroom
is a peaceful, uncluttered environment, you're more likely to have a
tranquil sleep.

This article was excerpted from How to be a Goddess, ©2003, by Valerie Khoo.
Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Red Wheel/Weiser Inc..
www.redwheelweiser.com

About the Author:
Valerie Khoo is a writer and editor whose work has been featured in CLEO,
Girlfriend, and Elie International, among others. She writes celebrity
interviews and feature stories, concentrating on women's issues and women
and money. Her most recent book is Queen Bee: Discover Your Feminine Power!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Love Myself The Way I Am

"I love myself the way I am, there's nothing I need to change.
I'll always be the perfect me ~ there's nothing to rearrange.
I'm beautiful and capable... of being the best me I can.
And I love myself ~ just the way I am.

I love you the way you are ~ there's nothing you need to do.
When I feel the love inside, it's easy to love you.
Behind your fears, your rage and tears, I see your shining star.
And I love you... just the way you are.

I love the world the way it is, cause I can clearly see.
That all the things I judge are done by people just like me.
So 'til the birth of peace on earth... that only love can bring.
I'll help it grow ~ by loving everything.

I love myself the way I am, and I still want to grow.
But change outside can only come when deep inside I know.
I'm beautiful and capable of being the best me I can.
And I love myself ~ just the way I am."

Unity

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I see your true essence.
I feel your true self.
I hear that you are from home.
I know that we have work to do.
What? ... only you, yourself can know.

We belong to the same family
and have similar missions.
Though we each have the same goal,
it is the blend of each essence that
creates the sweetness of all there is.

Today's moments are far different
from the moments of our coming years.
Although without them, we could not get
to where we are meant to go.
The importance of listening within is greater
than the need to know all of the answers.
We are in the infancy of all that is to be.
Shhh ... be quiet. Hear what is being said.

It is time for all to awaken
from this deserted life,
we believe to be.
And absorb the light,
which we are.

It's time to understand that
you are more precious than gold.
More beautiful than diamonds.
The universe's most valuable resource!

Without you,
the creation of tomorrow,
could never be.

Now, what kind of world do YOU want to see?

Serenity
serenity@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Why Does God Get To Choose?

I am sober now going on four years. Some of the times getting sober were
hard, some were easy. Many tears have dried, and old hurts have been mended.
Like the song says, I am back on my feet again. Lately I look around though
and see many others not so graced by God (as they say in AA). Poor
unfortunates still seemingly embracing the darkness. Are they waiting for
Gods grace? Or is God waiting for them? Why does God get to choose anyway?

I wonder if my Higher Power is watching me now as I write these thoughts?
Pretending not to notice maybe. Caring about my soul yet remaining
unaffected by my concerns. The power of choice as He so chooses right? How
very pious and omnipotent of my creator to make the tough decisions. I can
see now how atheism would be attractive to the truth seeker.

When good things happen to bad people I can often ignore it. However when
bad things happen to good people I often curse my Higher Power for the
injustice (as if another God choice has been orchestrated). I take comfort
in believing some things have nothing to do with God, and everything to do
with humanity.

So why am I at this moment, writing these words? It is because my dear
mother lies dying today. Her last days will be spent in the hospital. The
result of hepatitis contracted from a blood transfusion. Her liver is
failing from cirrhosis and all I can think of is why she has to die from an
alcoholics malady. Why was this horrible illness inflicted on an angel who
never drank a drop in her life? It should have been me. I am not just upset
about it. I am in absolute heartbreaking rage about it. God should know that
I am not ready for her to die.

At the meeting this morning I watched a middle aged man in the fellowship
pick up another relapse medallion. I have seen him come in and out for the
past year or so. He shared about his many failed attempts to get sober and
how he was starting to feel he might be one of those the book talks about
who cannot or will not. Then he talked about the liver transplant he
received two years ago from a young man killed in a car accident. I stopped
listening as soon as I heard him say that. What I really wanted to do was
choke the life out of him for violating the gift of a second chance, a
second chance my mother was not afforded. I wondered if this mans and my
mothers circumstance was another one of Gods choices? And if it were, I did
not want any part of a God who could choose so wrongly. In that instant I
had begun to hate again.

As I gathered my stuff to walk out of the meeting I suddenly realized how
familiar my feelings were. You see being angry, resentful and full of fear
and hate are still more comfortable than any positive reaction I might have
had. The disease I thought I had conquered was laughing at me once again.
That is when I decided to make a different choice, a choice for me today.

I stopped for a second to gather myself, then I sat back down and took out a
piece of paper. At the end of the meeting I approached the man who had
angered me and pressed the paper with my phone number into his hand. I asked
him to call me anytime if he needed someone to talk to. I should have hugged
him for what he had done for me that morning.

Tonight when I go to bed I will try to pray again. I will ask that my mother
be taken care of and that my Higher Powers will be done. I will thank Him
for the gift of my sobriety and a mother who finally got her only wish when
her son came home. I will also say a small prayer for that guy in the
meeting. Maybe God does not always do the choosing. Maybe sometimes we have
to choose.

Will G.
wagallo@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spend Your Life

It's almost like you are lost
You spend your life at a low cost
Rushing here and rushing there
Your hardly ever aware
Do you have a destination
Your not alone in creation
In here there is no reason to hide
We are all together for this ride
Into recovery we all travel
One day at a time
We try to unravel
Our life is like unto a maze
This is not a passing phase
One step at a time one day too
Is this life style for you
We all need friends that care
Friends who make us aware
When we stray off course
I don't mean like a boss
Living the good life has a cost
It's for those of us who were once lost
We are never alone
We have found out way home

Daniel M Corkery
4/4/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

  You were born with potential.
  You were born with goodness and trust.
  You were born with ideals and dreams.
  You were born with greatness.
  You were born with wings.
  You are not meant for crawling, so don't.
  You have wings.
  Learn to use them and fly!
  Rumi

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The word "appreciation" means to be thankful
and express admiration, approval, or gratitude.
It also means to grow or appreciate in value.
As you appreciate life, you become more valuable
- both to yourself and others.
The Hidden Power of the Heart, Sara Paddison

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap,
but by the seeds you plant.
Robert Louis Stevenson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Take the first step in faith.
You don't have to see the whole staircase,
just take the first step.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give.
Norman MacEwan

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The only one who can beat me is me.
Michael Johnson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Non-alcoholic beer is for Non-alcoholics.
Drink Near Beer, near a detox.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

N.A is not a sentence,
it is a reprieve.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

N.A. is a self-help program but you can't do it by yourself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

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or go to the website and unsubscribe
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

If you're thinking about committing suicide, wait five years.
Otherwise, you will have killed the wrong person.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your definition of an oldtimer (in the rooms)?
Do you believe that "oldtimers" are viewed/treated differently
than other addicts in the rooms ?
How do you avoid becoming complacent ?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 30
Today I will listen to the messages that go on
in my head and decide for myself if they are healthy.
Today I will choose to follow positive messages that
I tell myself or create new messages
that are positive and healthy.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We Are ALL Connected

We are the same and we are different and we all belong to
each other and to this universe.
We are all connected to and by some great power.
Some call it God,
Or nature
Or Allah
Or spirituality.
Some days we explore and wonder.
Some days we take it for granted.
There are even times we times
we just don't care.
Some of us have been raped and abused and starved and beaten
and neglected and abandoned.
Some of us had fewer opportunities than others.
Some of us have had none.
Some of us have been the victim.
Some the victimizer.
And some of us know that when any of this is true for
any one of us, then we all suffer.
For some of us there are times that it gets so bad that
we don't even want to be here..
And some try to leave...
And some do.
We can be filled with pain and terror
and fear and agony
and sickness and disease.
We can feel as if we are on the top of the world
or in the deepest
darkest
hole in the universe.
Our hearts can expand with love
or be closed with misery or heartache.
But somewhere deep within
each and every one of us
whether we are rich or poor or sick or healthy, white or
black or red or brown...
there is that spark
of life and hope
and love
deep,
Deep inside.
ALIVE!
Waiting buried deep,
deep inside.
And if we just stop
whenever...
however things are...
but especially when they get bad...
if we just stop
and feel our breath
and touch a friend
or read this book
or hold a baby
or find that rainbow...
If we just stop...
For a moment...

we can reach up for that energy,
feel that life force, and
touch that power greater than ourselves.
We can reach up and
hold on and
hang in there.
We can climb up from that dark hole
And be here
Be present
Be awake for
the next miracle.
Which is knowing
that
WE
ARE
THE
NEXT
MIRACLE !

Ruth Fishel
Ruth1973@...
This is a piece from my new book
HANG IN 'TIL THE MIRACLE HAPPENS.
It is only in a Book stores now.
People can see more about it at www.spirithaven.com


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Difference Between Poor and Rich
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=869

We Cannot Stand Still
www.serenityfound.org/readings/stand_still.html

Youth In Recovery
www.nawol.org/2006_ch19%20YOUTH.htm

The Ten Practical Points Of Recovery found in
Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd. Edition
www.recovery.org/aa/misc/10points.html

Recovery Tools
www.sponsorsaide.50megs.com/tools.htm

The Condition of Codependency
www.joy2meu.com/condition_codependency.html

Lets Ask Bill W.
www.silkworth.net/ask_billw/ask_billw.html

Autobiography In Five Short Chapters
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/AutobiographyInFiveChapters.html

The Awakening
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/TheAwakening.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June  30                           Maintaining The Foundation

"Our newly found faith serves as a firm foundation for courage in
the future."  Basic Text p. 93

  The foundation of our lives is what the rest of our lives is built upon.
When we were using, that foundation affected everything we did. When
we decided that recovery was important, that's where we began to put
our energy. As a result, our whole lives changed. In order to maintain
those new lives, we must maintain the foundation of those lives: our
recovery program.

  As we stay clean and our lifestyles change, our priorities will also
change. Work and school may become important because they improve the
quality of our lives. And new relationships may bring excitement and
mutual support. But we need to remember that our recovery program is
the foundation upon which our new lives are built. Each day, we must renew
our commitment to recovery, maintaining that as our top priority.

Just for today: I want to continue enjoying the life I've found in
recovery. Today, I will take steps to maintain my foundation.  pg. 188

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Deep Down Within Us

We found the Great Reality deep down within us.  In the last analysis it is
only there that He may be found . . . search diligently within yourself . .
. With this attitude you cannot fail.  The consciousness of your belief is
sure to come to you.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 55

It was out of the depths of loneliness, depression and despair that I
sought the help of A.A.  As I recovered and began to face the emptiness and
ruin of my life, I began to open myself to the possibility of the healing
that recovery offers through the A.A. program.  By coming to meetings,
staying sober, and taking the Steps, I had the opportunity to listen with
increasing attentiveness to the depths of my soul.  Daily I waited, in hope
and gratitude, for that sure belief and steadfast love I had longed for in
my life.  In this process, I met my God, as I understand Him.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 30th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Alcoholics are unable or unwilling, during their addiction to
alcohol, to live in the present. The result is that they live in
a constant state of remorse and fear because of their unholy
past and its morbid attraction, or the uncertain future and
its vague foreboding. So the only real hope for the alcoholic
is to face the present. Now is the time. Now is ours. The past
is beyond recall. The future is as uncertain as life itself. Only
the now belongs to us. Am I living in the now?

Meditation for the Day

I must forget the past as much as possible. The past is over
and gone forever. Nothing can be done about the past, except
to make what restitution I can. I must not carry the burden
of my past failures. I must go on in faith. The clouds will clear
and the way will lighten. The path will become less stony with
every forward step I take. God has no reproach for anything
that He has healed. I can be made whole and free, even though
I have wrecked my life in the past. Remember the saying:
"Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more."

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may not carry the burden of the past. I pray that
I may cast it off and press on in faith.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 30

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Accepting Change

One day, my mother and I were working together in the garden. We were
transplanting some plant for the third time. Grown from seed in a small
container, the plants had been transferred to a larger container; then
transplanted into the garden. Now, because I was moving, we were
transplanting them again.

Inexperienced as a gardener, I turned to my green-thumbed mother. "Isn't
this bad for them?" I asked, as we dug them up and shook the dirt from their
roots. "Won't it hurt these plants, being uprooted and transplanted so many
times?"

"Oh, no," my mother replied. "Transplanting doesn't hurt them. In fact, it's
good for the ones that survive. That's how their roots grow strong. Their
roots will grow deep, and they'll make strong plants."

Often, I've felt like those small plants - uprooted and turned upside down.
Sometimes, I've endured the change willingly, sometimes reluctantly, but
usually my reaction has been a combination.

Won't this be hard on me? I ask. Wouldn't it be better if things remained
the same? That's when I remember my mother's words: That's how the roots
grow deep and strong.

Today, God, help me remember that during times of transition, my faith and
my self are being strengthened.

From The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©1990, Hazelden
Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be
reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What Can One Person Do?
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/06/one-person.htm

Life¹s Bank Account
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/06/life-bank-account.htm

The Sixth Sense Is Common Sense
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/September/feature2.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Finding Inner Bliss by Jane Katra, Ph.D. & Russell Targ

When they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up, they really meant,
"What do you want to do?" Whatever we might have chosen, it was not the same
as choosing what or how to be. "Let the beauty of what you love be what you
do," the Sufi mystic Rumi said in the thirteenth century. Be beauty, as
artists painting the canvas of their lives. Be love.

But how? In today's world, most people understandably look to their jobs to
define themselves. Having found no meaningful spirituality, they assume
their work will adequately fill the traditional role of religion, as an aid
in answering the questions, "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?"

We all want to lead happy, fulfilled, and meaningful lives. These goals are
universal, even though very different things bring different people
happiness. For some, fulfillment is attained through raising a family,
earning money, or playing sports; for others, it may appear in writing,
cooking, or artistic expression. And we all want to be loved.

Eastern wisdom traditions teach that because our thoughts, feelings, and
desires are constantly changing, we will never achieve enduring happiness or
peace of mind through objects, relationships, or anything outside ourselves.
Things wear out, get lost, fall out of fashion, or break. The person in our
perfect relationship turned out not to be who we thought they were. And then
we turn out not to be who we thought we were. Each of us is an ever-changing
series of events, interpreted through our, and other people's, hopelessly
subjective perspectives. We simply won't find the ultimate meaning of life
in another ever-changing person.

Our minds are always wandering, reacting to other people's behaviors and
words, and taken over by the thoughts and memories streaming through our
awareness. So it is also fruitless to seek lasting happiness through
thought, or even through sensual pleasures. What attracts us today fails to
satisfy tomorrow. Yet we continue to think that serenity comes from
something we do or have, rather than the way we are.

Really, we are all seeking a relatively satisfied and stable state of mind,
free of cravings or fears. Eastern philosophies call the inner feeling of
enduring calm and causeless joy resulting from union with God "bliss". They
distinguish inner bliss from Western societies' concepts of pleasure or
happiness -- fleeting feelings that focus on temporary bodily sensations,
acquiring things, or changing circumstances to satisfy our desires.

According to Eastern thought, the reason we feel good after buying a new
car, or eating a delicious chocolate, or having great sex, is that our
cravings and graspings are temporarily silenced. We mistake this momentary
pleasure for freedom and peace of mind, and so we hunt for more objects,
experiences, or accomplishments to fix our inner craving for wholeness. We
search for security, position, pleasure, and comfort when we should be
searching for truth.

This inner, instinctual search -- a search for God -- is inborn in all
people. Eastern philosophy teaches we will never be satisfied until we
become still -- until we stop moving, doing, thinking, remodeling, and
attending to outer sensations, and start listening within. A divine plan is
unfolding, and when our soul is ready, we'll participate.

For centuries, the Bible has presented its message that religion is an
experience in consciousness. Unfortunately, people memorize its prayers and
promises instead of seeking that experience. In this lifetime, we have the
opportunity to consciously create a receptive state within our mind to
commune with infinite consciousness. Belonging or not belonging to a church
or religion, and performing or not performing spiritual rituals has little
to do with a person's relationship with God, or spiritual consciousness.
Although the human mind creates desire and then fulfills it, wisdom
traditions tell us our deep longing for truth and freedom is our soul's
yearning to experience its boundless depths. The stream of consciousness we
each call "my life" is the universal journey of infinite consciousness or
God awakening to itself. It is this consciousness that informs and animates
each of us.

Consciousness discovering itself, by way of you and me -- what could that
possibly mean? Spiritual master Yogananda said that because the ultimate
motive for people's actions is the attainment of spiritual happiness or
bliss, our very existence is bound up with this innate goal. This
fundamental and universal motive may be seen as our true religion, or "that
which binds us", which is the original meaning of the word religion, from
the Latin religare. It follows that whatever actions we take to satisfy our
yearning for inner happiness and peace may be called "religious" whether or
not they have anything to do with organized religions' creeds or systems of
belief. Whatever you do to experience inner peace, connectedness, and
meaning is your religion.

You may or may not presently feel bound by religious beliefs. You may have
already ascertained that truth based on one individual's direct experience
will have difficulty surviving in any religious organization. Organizations
are headed by people, and people with inherently different experience and
beliefs will have conflicting ideas about the truth of other people's
revelations.

Each of us must discover our religion for ourselves. The transcendent
experience that is available to all of us -- the experience spiritual
masters throughout history have tried to describe -- transforms a person's
perceptions of life so profoundly that organized religions devise sets of
rules they think will bring others to the same experience. If you have read
this far, you are probably a seeker who suspects that spiritual
transformation is possible, but who may be repelled by the dogma and rituals
you encounter in religious services.

You can have a spiritual life, without having to go anywhere, or believe
anything. You do, however, have to "show up for God," and pay attention,
just as you do when you want to build a relationship with another person.
It's simple, but it takes practice, and patience.

This article was excerpted from the book "The Heart of The Mind", ©1999, by
Jane Katra, Ph.D., and Russell Targ. Reprinted with permission of New World
Library, Novato, CA, USA 94949. www.newworldlibrary.com

About The Authors:
JANE KATRA, Ph.D. has been a practicing spiritual healer for twenty-five
years. She holds a doctorate in health education and has taught nutrition
and health classes at the University of Oregon. Dr. Katra currently works
part-time as an "immune-system coach", while writing and participating in
consciousness research. She is the author, with Russell Targ, of Miracles of
Mind: Exploring Nonlocal Consciousness and Spiritual Healing.  RUSSELL TARG
was a pioneer in the development of the laser and cofounder of the Stanford
Research Institute's investigation into psychic ability in the 1970s and
1980s. His books include Mind Reach: Scientists Look at Psychic Abilities
and The Mind Race: Understanding and Using Psychic Abilities. A retired
senior staff scientist for Lockheed Missile and Space, he now pursues ESP
research at Interval Research Corporation, in Palo Alto, California. Visit
the authors' website at www.espresearch.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Lesson

Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother
took the small boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated,
the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle
to greet her.  Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the
concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way
through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE."

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the
mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing.
Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive
Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at
the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly
moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit. Keep
playing."  Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left
hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached
around to the other side of the child and he added a running obligato.

Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a
frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.
The audience was mesmerized.

That's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is
hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't exactly
graceful flowing music. But with the hand of the Master, our life's
work truly can be beautiful.

Next time you're out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully.  You
can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit.
Keep playing."  Feel His loving arms around you.  Know that His strong
hands are playing the concerto of your life.

Remember, God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called.
And He'll always be there to love and guide you through on to great
things.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sitting On Your Talent

If you are like me, there are some things you may feel you do
pretty well, and others that you would not admit to having done
even at gunpoint! Please don't expect anything I build with my
hands to remain standing past sundown, or anything I attempt to
repair to ever stay fixed after I leave the room. And if my cars
relied solely on me to keep them going, I would walk most
everywhere I go.

On the other hand, I do play guitar adequately and I can make a
memorable enchilada dish. I also enjoy working with people and I
seem to have made it a lifelong project to learn how to become a
better listener.

I never thought of myself as one who has any great talent, but
like each of us, I have certain skills and abilities. Let me tell
you a story, however, passed down through jazz circles. It's a
story about a man who had real talent.

This particular man played piano in a bar. He was a good piano
player. People came out just to hear him and his trio play. But
one night, a patron wanted them to sing a particular song. The
trio declined.

But the customer was persistent. He told the bartender, "I'm
tired of listening to the piano. I want that guy to sing!"

The bartender shouted across the room, "Hey buddy! If you want to
get paid, sing the song. The patrons are asking you to sing!"

So he did. He sang a song. A  jazz piano player who had not sung
much in public, sang a song that changed his career. For nobody
had ever heard Sweet Lorraine sung the way it was sung that night
by Nat King Cole!

He had talent he was sitting on! He may have lived the rest of
his life playing in a jazz trio in clubs and bars, but because he
had to sing, he went on to become one of the best-known
entertainers in America.

You, too, have skills and abilities. You may not feel as if your
"talent" is particularly great, but it may be better than you
think! And with persistence, most skills can be improved.
Besides, you may as well have no ability at all if you sit on
whatever talent you possess!

Some people ask, "What ability do I have that is useful?" Others
ask, "How will I use the ability that I have?"

Steve Goodier

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Cycle
 
 You came out of a house of abuse
Feeling as though you had no use
For you heard the same old song
It was you that was always wrong
Your soul, it got ripped and torn
When they screamed,
"I wish you weren't even born!"
When the alcohol controlled their head
You never knew what was supposed to be said
And in the height of their fight
It was you who felt their might
You lived in a world of agony and pain
On the brink of going totally insane
You could not find, for you, their love
So you too, turned to alcohol and drugs
You had to find your great escape
For you could no longer bare this place
You ran away time and again
Only to be brought right back in
Thus your own cycle here begins
As your life it withered away
In the cycle is where you stayed
Life was but a struggle to survive
And you wished you would just to die
You started lying, stealing, and cheating
For your soul, the addictions were eating
You always tried to stay out of sight
For what you did you knew was not right
Then one day as you were coming down
You found in front of you a gavel and a gown
The judge saw you were not too well
And that the jails just seemed to fail
So this man you did not trust
Looked to God for Divine Justice
And by the grace of God's loving hand
In the 12 step rooms, is where you land
They picked you up and helped you stand
Here you found there were no demands
You had no idea what this place was
But here you had no need of a buzz
And the miracle was, as time went by
You no longer longed to die
They taught you how to really live
And now you can go on and forgive
Although your life was a big mess
In the rooms you found happiness
Now you need not have a fear
For your cycle of life started here
  
©2000 by: Angie F. Moore whfl
Amoore530@...
All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, in any manner,
without prior written consent is prohibited.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Living In Today

Oh God let your mercy and grace
Today shine down on me
I am a servant today
Please help me
To be open
Honest
True
You have made me real aware
Today I'm a man who cares
When my spirit is in pain
God you help me again
As I pray for others
You've blessed me
With knowledge
Also insight
Use me
God
To carry
This message
Of love and hope
I will share with others
Showing them how I now cope
By your mercy and grace
I live a good life today
You have blessed
Me with AA
You have
Shown me
A much better way
The joy of living in today
All I have
I owe to you
I give my service
I will today be true
Living in today
Is a much
Better way

Daniel M Corkery
4/22/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Trees bear different fruits and so do people.
I am  both the gardener and a fruit inspector.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The seed of God is in us.
Given an intelligent and hard-working farmer,
it will thrive and grow up to God, whose seed it is;
and accordingly, its fruits will be God-nature.
Pear seeds grow into pear trees, nut seeds into nut trees,
and God seed into God.
Meister Eckhart

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

...there is only a slight tendency for people who make lots of money
to be more satisfied with what they make.
Satisfaction isn't so much getting what you want
as wanting what you have.
David Myers, The Pursuit of Happiness

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The key to a successful career is realizing
that it's not separate from the rest of your life,
but is rather an extension of our most basic self.
And your most basic self is love.
Marianne Williamson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When I say unconditional loving,I am talking about the essence of kindness,
care, and consideration -- for yourself and others.

If you act out of word-level justification, which I urge you to avoid,
rather than heart-level caring,
then negative energy can become part of your life's baggage.

If you are going to do something that may be less than loving,
I suggest you take responsibility for it instead of invoking
righteous reasons for your actions because, no matter what you say,
what you do is always your creation.

John-Roger
(From: Relationships: Love, Marriage and Spirit)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We're here for a reason,
not for the season

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A 12 Step group will be judged
by the worst behavior of its members.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When you clean up after your group,
you leave the signature of our fellowship behind you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our meetings are a check-up from the neck up.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

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or go to the website and unsubscribe
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

The most important part of enlightenment is lighten up.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your definition of an oldtimer (in the rooms)?
Do you believe that "oldtimers" are viewed/treated differently
than other addicts in the rooms ?
How do you avoid becoming complacent ?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 29
Today I am becoming more and more aware
that I can choose how I feel in the moment.
Today I choose to let go of thoughts
that are negative and destructive.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our God

When I first came into recovery,
You told me this was a spiritual program.
You told me we talk alot about God in our meetings.

As you saw the beads of sweat appear upon my brow
And my feet start to point their way back out the door,
You quickly recognized the fear you yourself once felt
And were able to gently pull me back and assure me
The program is not what I may think it is.

You taught me that God is what I understand God to be.
You taught me that God is whatever I need God to be.
You taught me that God is what will work for me.
Most importantly,
You taught me that I need a God that will keep me clean.

I didn't need a God that will keep Larry clean.
I didn't need a God that will keep Olivia clean.
I didn't need a God that will keep Victor clean.
I didn't need a God that will keep Ellie clean.

I needed a God that will keep ME clean!
And so my search began.
A search that has led me to where I am today.

After all these years, I know in my heart what you started teaching me in my
beginning:
You have your God and I have my God and your God may be different from my
God.

What's lasted this long remains true.
However,
After all these years, my heart and my spirit have awakened to a most noble
truth:

When you and I come together in the spirit of love, understanding, peace,
kindness, forgiveness, humility, acceptance and service,
Your God and my God become our God.

Jim O'Neill 02/15/2007
lovechild1027@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Joy Is My Compass
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=865

Accepting Pain
www.serenityfound.org/readings/pain.html

Gender and the Message
www.nawol.org/2006_ch18%20GENDER.htm

48 'Musts' in N.A., as found in the N.A. Basic Text
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=187

The Explicit "Musts" Found In Alcoholics Anonymous 3rd. Edition
www.recovery.org/aa/misc/musts.html

Who To Pick For a Sponsor
www.sponsorsaide.50megs.com/Who%20to%20pick.htm

What is codependency / codependence ?
www.joy2meu.com/codependency1.html

The Quest
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/TheQuest.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 29                                     Keeping Recovery Fresh

"Complacency is the enemy of members with substantial clean time.
If we remain complacent for long, the recovery process ceases."
Basic Text, p.80

   After the first couple of years in recovery, most of us start to feel
like there are no more big deals. If we've been diligent in working the
steps, the past is largely resolved and we have a solid foundation on
which to build our future. We've learned to take life pretty much as it
comes. Familiarity with the steps allows us to resolve problems almost
as quickly as they arise.

   Once we discover this level of comfort, we may tend to treat it as a
"rest stop" on the recovery path. Doing so, however, discounts the
nature of our disease. Addiction is patient, subtle, progressive, and
incurable. It's also fatal-we can die from this disease, unless we continue
to treat it. And the treatment for addiction is a vital, ongoing program
of recovery.

   The Twelve Steps are a process, a path we take to stay a step ahead
of our disease. Meetings, sponsorship, service, and the steps always
remain essential to ongoing recovery. Though we may practice our program
somewhat differently with five years clean than with five months, this
doesn't mean the program has changed or become less important, only that
our practical understanding has changed and grown. To keep our recovery
fresh and vital, we need to stay alert for opportunities to practice our
program.

Just For Today: As I keep growing in my program, I will search for
new ways to practice my program.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Making A.A. Your Higher Power

". . . You can . . . make A.A. itself your 'higher power.'  Here's a very
large group of people who have solved their alcohol problem. . . . many
members . . . have crossed the threshold just this way. . . . their faith
broadened and deepened. . . . transformed, they came to believe in a Higher
Power. . . "
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 27-28

No one was greater than I, at least in my eyes, when I was
drinking.  Nevertheless, I couldn't smile at myself in the mirror, so I
came to A.A. where, with others, I heard talk of a Higher Power.  I
couldn't accept the concept of a Higher Power because I believed God was
cruel and unloving.  In desperation I chose a table, a tree, then my A.A.
group, as my Higher Power.  Time passed, my life unproved, and I began to
wonder about this Higher Power.  Gradually, with patience, humility and a
lot of questions, I came to believe in God.  Now my relationship with my
Higher Power gives me the strength to live a happy, sober life.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 29th

A.A. Thought for the Day

The program of Alcoholics Anonymous involves a continuous
striving for improvement. There can be no long resting period.
We must try to work at it all the time. We must continually keep
in mind that it is a program not to be measured in years,
because we never fully reach our goals nor are we ever cured.
Our alcoholism is only kept in abeyance by daily living of the
program. It is a timeless program in every sense. We live it day
by day, or more precisely, moment by moment - now. Am I always
striving for improvement?

Meditation for the Day

Life is all a preparation for something better to come. God
has a plan for your life and it will work out, if you try to do
His will. God has things planned for you, far beyond what you
can imagine now. But you must prepare yourself so that you will
be ready for the better things to come. Now is the time for
discipline and prayer. The time of expression will come later.
Life can be flooded through and through with joy and gladness.
So prepare yourself for those better things to come.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may prepare myself for better things that
God has in store for me. I pray that I may trust God for
the future.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 29

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

God's Will

God's will most often happens in spite of us, not because of us.

We may try to second guess what God has in mind for us, looking, searching,
hypervigilant to seek God's will as though it were a buried treasure, hidden
beyond our reach. If we find it, we win the prize. But if we're not careful,
we miss out.

That's not how it works.

We may believe that we have to walk on eggshells, saying, thinking, and
feeling the right thing, while forcing ourselves somehow to be in the right
place at the right time to find God's will. But that's not true.

God's will for us is not hidden like a buried treasure. We do not have to
control or force it. We do not have to walk on eggshells in order to have it
happen.

It is right there inside and around us. It is happening, right now.
Sometimes, it is quiet and uneventful and includes the daily disciplines of
responsibility and learning to take care of ourselves. Sometimes, it is
healing us when we're in circumstances that trigger old grieving and
unfinished business.

Sometimes, it is grand.

We do have a part. We have responsibilities, including caring for ourselves.
But we do not have to control God's will for us. We are being taken care of.
We are protected. And the Power caring for and protecting us loves us very
much.

If it is a quiet day, trust the stillness. If it is a day of action, trust
the activity. If it is time to wait, trust the pause. If it is time to
receive that which we have been waiting for, trust that it will happen
clearly and with power, and receive the gift in joy.

Today, I will trust that God's will is happening, as it needs to in my life.
I will not make myself anxious and upset by searching vigorously for God's
will, taking unnecessary actions to control the course of my destiny or
wondering if God's will has passed me by and I have missed it.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What Is Kabbalah?
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/06/kabbalah.htm

Men, Spirituality & Power Animals
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2005/06/men-spirituality.htm

The Nobility of Women
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/September/feature1.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Have a Love Affair with Life
by Lee Lozowick

You've got to take life by the cojones and let it sweep you up in its
extravagance. There's generally too much "me" -- too much ego -- trying to
take life and chew it up. Relax and let life smother you. Life will consume
you if you let it. You're the ring on the carousel and life is coming around
to grab you. Don't shy away. When life comes around to grab you, throw
yourself out there. Just the colors in a room and people's faces, which are
all treasure houses of impressions, can elevate you to states of mystic
clarity. Watch even the nastiest person carefully enough, once or twice a
week, and you'll have to be moved to compassion and tenderness.

You cannot let life consume you by a muscular effort of will. I have a fair
degree of experience and I can't do it by an effort of will. I'm used to
falling into it by default. You know how it is in car accidents -- usually
the people who are drunk don't get hurt because they are limp, mellow. The
car goes over the cliff and they think, "Far out." They bounce when they hit
because they're so relaxed. When you tense up that's when you break an arm
or a leg. So cool out. Be gentle, easeful, melt into life. Let it wash over
and through you like a sweet soft breeze.

Life is bigger than all the limitations we tend to put on it, and you need
to be in an ongoing romance with life, otherwise it is easy to get buried by
your own peculiar circumstances.

It's easy to become an automaton who gets up, works hard, even does
spiritual practices, but all merely as a mechanical habit. You can easily
get the idea that your spiritual work, or whatever you are doing, is
all-important and that you must give your life to it, while at the same time
you forget what "giving your life to it" actually means. Then you can become
even more mechanical than you already are (if such a thing is conceivable),
but in a different form.

The Work [used in many spiritual traditions to refer to the Work of God]
wants your life -- but only when you are in a love affair with life itself,
only when you are bright, strong, confident, capable, in short: ALIVE. The
Work does not want some kind of dull, dispassionate, struggling, agonizing
humanoid. To give your life to the Work is to give breath and activity to
the Work everyday; to give passion to the Work everyday. You have to have a
childlike, eternal beginner's mind [approaching each moment as new], a
belief in miracles, like, "Any day anything can happen!"

To consider entering into an intimate relationship that could be for the
rest of your life, and will most likely involve children (whether you want
them or not), you've got to have this passionate kind of relationship to
life. In a deep, and hopefully meaningful, commitment with another human
being, when giving your lives to one another, you need to realize that life
is bigger than your own intense little chamber. There will be times in which
you are going to want to really tear into one another for some minor or even
some imagined slight. There will be moments in which you think, "My God, I'm
only forty. I've got another thirty years of this misery." You may think
that it is absolutely impossible to make your relationship work. That's when
you will most need to have this attitude of innocence -- the belief that
anything can happen. You've got to remember what LIFE is and always will be,
no matter what your personal circumstances.

You can always access the largeness, the unlimitlessness of life, no matter
how hopeless things appear. You don't get that by romancing your partner.
You get that if you have a love affair with life itself -- a passionate
life. Then your relationships will be passionate and juicy too.

I recently listened to a radio interview with Henry Miller, one of my
foremost heroes. He was eighty-five years old, with crippling arthritis, and
he couldn't walk without a walker or even get out of bed without help.
Still, the man's voice was just like his motto: "Always merry and bright."
He said, "When you're my age you've got to consider sickness," and then he
laughed. Practically every other sound out of his mouth was a laugh.

Now, here was Miller, unable to use the typewriter, barely able to see
anymore (he was blind in one eye and half-blind in the other), so full of
pain that he was up all night unable to sleep, yet still he was constantly
full of passion, full of "spit and vinegar," as they say.

Miller said, "Americans don't like me, but the Europeans love me. I'm not
popular in America." It's no wonder. Americans don't have any taste, one
reason being that we let seeming problems dictate our moods and our
opinions. We let circumstances define our relationships. If we don't get
exactly what we want, when we want it, if we don't get exactly the food we
want, if people aren't exactly the way we expect them to be, we get
depressed or angry or abusive. You have to have a passionate fling with life
to be bigger than such pettiness.

I've often discussed other alternatives, but it is entirely conceivable to
me that we might only get one shot at life. So make it a wild, passionate
fling! Make it real, total, rich, and full of possibility. Life should be a
grand, majestic affair -- the good, the bad, and the indifferent. If one day
is a misery, be miserable. If you're "in the pits" one day, don't take it
out on everybody else. Feel it, taste it, exude it. Don't bitch at your
friends. If life is lousy one day, it will be great another day. That's
beginner's mind. Anything could happen tomorrow. If for twenty years that is
your attitude, and if for twenty years nothing does happen tomorrow, it
doesn't matter. That attitude is enough!

If you don't have a love affair with life everyday, if you don't expect a
miracle everyday, you're always going to be looking for God exclusively in
what appears good -- in the attractive, in the easeful, in the predictable.
Most of you reading this are old enough and mature enough and have had
enough experience to know that you should not expect appearances to convey
everything. Appearances are totally subjective. Instead, you should look to
the heart of things; feel through appearances to the Essence. Not only are
you capable of that, you all do that naturally anyway. You just need to be
aware that you do it, trust it, and make this awareness more real than the
illusions of your trained beliefs and opinions. But you tend not to do that
when the circumstances are making life look a little grey. "What's going to
happen when the bill collectors start knocking on the door ...?"you ask. And
on and on.

You'll always have passion if you have a beginner's mind. If your passion
starts to die, it won't be because of your spiritual work, your friends,
your lover, or because of life's down times. Your passion will die because
you have bought -- hook, line, and sinker -- an attitude that was sold to
you by your parents, your school teachers, and this society. You've bought
the attitude that you've got to look like that Playgirl man (if you're a
man) or that Playboy woman (if you're a woman). You think you've got to be
cool and cultured, that you've got to dress right and smell like the
corporate world wants you to smell. If your passion dies it will be because
you've bought that appearances are everything, including the appearance of
your worldview, politics, opinions, and beliefs.

To ultimately "make it" in this Work of Awakening, of Transformation, you
have to embrace the miraculous -- always. And that miracle is you being so
much at peace with yourself that you can turn your energy towards welcoming
and using the opportunities that are always falling into your lap. To
embrace and devour these opportunities will make you free, happy, full of
life, full of passion. Then your circumstances won't affect you so
dramatically.

It is the nature of this Work that a revelation, a breakthrough, could
happen at any time, and has many times! But, how easily we forget.

This article is excerpted from The Alchemy of Love and Sex, ©1996, by Lee
Lozowick. Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Hohm Press.
www.hohmpress.com

About the Author:
Lee Lozowick is an American spiritual teacher who has taught thousands of
people since 1975, both in the U.S. and Europe. He is also a poet,
songwriter, and author of fifteen books of non-fiction, including: Conscious
Parenting; The Alchemy of Transformation; and The Alchemy of Love and Sex.
Many of his books have been translated. His poetry ranges from rock lyrics
to bhakti (devotional) mysticism. Lee is based in northern Arizona and
travels yearly to India, France and Germany, where he gives seminars on the
subject of spiritual life.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Awakening

Awaken to new possibilities.
The time for waiting to understand and to wonder is finished.
It is not so much that world time is changing.
This is the time for you to make solid commitment to change
the direction of your personal thought and to contribute
by having clear and committed thinking.
There is no other way to come through these current events
with a light heart.
Know that the invitation to war is of the old paradigm.
It is not to continue.
There are unseen factors bringing this invitation to your consciousness
and while it seems as though nothing is deterring from old conditioning,
be careful what conclusions you are creating in the mind.

This is a time of great uncertainty.
Do not revert to panic and fear.
It is a living invitation to trust and remember goodness of hearts.
It is time to put aside petty activities and be willing to accompany others
to a peaceful and a loving resolution in every conflict your encounter.
Leave the external activities to the ones who are in place.

Be concerned with your own life and put order to all separations.
It is a time for trust and for cleansing.
It is not without caution, but the single danger comes from doubtless fear.

There are fears that hold you from loving relationship.
Be subtle and wise as you clear all residues from old conflicts.
It is a time for healing.
This is not such a difficult thing to do but will surprise many as they
discover the petty and reoccurring occasions displaying old traits.

Leave external conflict and come into a place of peace.
Conflict is the separation of you from your self and your neighbors.
Love other. Love self.
This is not for the lighthearted, for obstacles are well entrenched.
The work however is easy.
It is as easy as the willingness to let go of old thinking.
Do this and observe the resolutions possible.
As you clear inner conflict you add to the effort of clearing external
conflict.

There is a direct ratio to outside warfare and to inner attack thinking.

This work and focus is enough to occupy your every waking moment.
Attend to personal thought and leave the world thought
to heal as you heal yourself.
Be reminded that this shift need not be fearful.
The peace that comes with ease of heavy thinking will make it possible for
you to contribute wisdom and love to the outside conflicts.
Begin within.
Let this work be your focus.
Be available to others in loving relationship.
Do not judge self or others.
Recent events are clear invitation to abandon inner conflict and extend a
loving hand to all those you encounter.
Guard against the chatter of useless conflicts.
See all opportunity to mend separations.
In truth there is nothing outside a loving heart.
Still all objections and take quiet direction to peaceful resolution.

You are not alone.
Return to the care and consultation of a loving God.
Now you are free.
Choose freedom from thinking attack and you will have peace.
It is not for you to change the outer events.
Attend to inner conflict and come to peace with old conditioning.
Be sure in this commitment and be active only in loving resolutions.
This comes from the source of Love that has no name or religion.
It comes past all language and finds in you a willing heart.

Clare Petersen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Beauty Way

I guess I'm likely to put anything in my body!

I love spicy foods and Mexican foods in particular. I've "treated"
friends to my favorite homemade spicy dishes. A typical reaction to a
dish bathed in my hot sauce goes like this: they smile and
enthusiastically try a bite; their eyes open far too wide and they
begin to sweat profusely and reach for the water to put out the flames
in their stomachs; then, when voice and reason return, they nod and
politely say, "Tasty." They often don't come back.

One person commented, "I've heard of people who preach hellfire, but
you're the only one I know who hands out samples."

Well, maybe it's not quite that bad, but I'm likely to eat most any
kind of food. And though I exercise regularly, my body is starting to
tell me to be more selective in my diet. I like the woman who stepped
off the scale and was asked by her husband what the verdict was.
"According to the height table," she replied, "I should be about six
inches taller."

But more important than the food we put into our bodies are thoughts
we put into our minds. Thoughts of bitterness like, "I hate her!"
Thoughts of despair like, "I'll never be happy again." Thoughts of
fear like, "I could never do that!" And thoughts of worry, thoughts of
greed and thoughts of self-loathing. A constant diet of these killer
thoughts will destroy us long before cholesterol.

The Navajo people have an expression for this. They traditionally
believe that how they fill their minds will shape their lives. So they
want to fill their minds only with that which is good, harmonious and
edifying. They speak of "thinking in the Beauty Way" -- ridding their
minds of all that is destructive and filling them with that which is
good and peaceful. The Beauty Way is the way of love and contentment,
peace and kindness, patience and courage.

What are you putting into your mind? James Lane Allen has said, "You
are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow
where your thoughts take you." Fill your mind with life-affirming
thoughts and tomorrow will find you further along the Beauty Way.

Steve Goodier
from A LIFE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Look for the Good

Life is an interpretive experience. What happens is
less important than how we respond to our
circumstances. An intense stimulus that some
people report as pain, others report as pleasure. It is
we who decide what the interpretation will be.

Are you a "goodfinder"? A recent study of the
country's millionaires showed that the most
common trait they all shared was the ability to
discover good in any situation. This trait is also
common in "triumphant survivors"--those
individuals who overcome adversity and emerge
strengthened and renewed.

A sincere spiritual seeker suffering from a chronic
illness wondered, "Why haven't my prayers been
answered?" One day, in deep meditation the reply
came: "Look for the good in your situation and you
will see that the answer has already been provided."
Suddenly this woman realized that her crisis
provided a wonderful opportunity. She embarked on
a program of nutrition, exercise, and yoga which led
to a dramatic improvement in the quality of her life.

Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most people are about
as happy as they make up their minds to be." Your
state of mind is up to you. Choose now to look for
the good.

From the book, Listening to Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Glimpses of God

It's said we cannot see our GOD,
though He is always there.

But I think that if we really look,
we find Him everywhere.

It may be in a drop of water
or in an ocean wide,

Or in a glance between two lovers,
strolling side by side...

And, when I look into the eyes
of children as they play,

I know our loving GOD is there
and with us everyday.

The wonder of a blade of grass
  or mountains drenched in green,

Or pink and golden sunsets
let me know He can be seen...

I think He's in the movement
of the willow as it sways,

To yield to summer's breezes
during summer's hottest days.

And, if we look within ourselves,
we'll find Him there as well,

For it is deep inside of us,
our GOD will always dwell...

It's rather plain to see
if one will take the time to look,

The days of every life are like
the pages of a book...

And, as we live those days,
we find some moments that are rare,

It's then that we are given glimpses of our GOD...
and know that He is there.

Walter Manor, Jr.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lost and Found

Look at what I have become
And where did it all come from
Living in a world of hate and illusions
Suffering from my own delusions
Trapped in the memories of my past
Where lies were many and pain came fast
I had become a professional escapist
And my own spirit's rapist
I found that I was lost
Willing to find happiness at any cost
Just looking for a real quick fix
Not knowing that I was just sick
Never looked at my own behavior
And alcohol and drugs had become my savior
The more I struggled to survive
The more I just wanted to die
But without a doubt
I had to find a way out
Here is how I had to begin
I take a long deep look within
Slowly I found a spiritual love
It lifted me and rose me above
All the my mess
And unseen injustice
Here I found a God of my own understanding
That isn't even close to be called commanding
I now do my best to practice forgiveness
And let go of my own hardened prejudice
So if you want you too can be
Happy, Joyous, and Free
Just follow me
Come to where love abounds
Get out of the lost and come be found

 ©2000 by: Angie F. Moore whfl
Amoore530@...
All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, in any manner,
without prior written consent is prohibited.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Your task is not to seek for love,
but merely to seek and find all the barriers
within yourself that you have built against it.
A Course In Miracles

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't let what you cannot do
interfere with what you can do.
John Wooden

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone
believes that he has got the biggest piece.
Ludwig Erhard

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you desire to align yourself with God's love,
take an honest assessment of where love is lacking in your life.
Do you embrace the difficult people in your family, work or neighborhood?
Do you hold grudges or do you forgive those who betray you?
The only way to keep in alignment is to practice choosing love,
again and again, even when it's difficult.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If God brings you to it,
He will surely guide you through it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't leave before the miracle happens.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There is only one promise,
but there are many gifts.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Any day that I don't use,
is a successful day,
no matter what happens.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
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Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
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Even if your country is listed
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Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

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You attract what you are, not what you want.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your definition of an oldtimer (in the rooms)?
Do you believe that "oldtimers" are viewed/treated differently
than other addicts in the rooms ?
How do you avoid becoming complacent ?

to share please visit
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A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
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This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
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we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 28
My quiet sitting meditation time helps me
to develop new quiet times during the rest of the day.
Today I can look at any problem I have and release its
energy so that I can be free to allow harmony to unfold.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

NO Matter What

No matter what they tell you.
No matter what they do.
No matter what they teach you.
To you, YOU must be true.

No matter what they call you.
However they attack.
No matter where they take you.
Please find your own way back.

Don't deny what you believe.
Don't try do be what you are not.
Make that commitment, surrender!
No Matter What!

When your tears turn to laughter,
And Night turns to Day.
Pray, and you'll hear Your Higher Power say.

No matter what they tell you.
No matter what they do.
No matter what they teach you.
To you, You must be true.

Keep the Faith and I'll Keep you safe.
I will shelter you from the storm.
Remember where it's barren.
A dream is being born.

No matter who you follow.
No matter where you lead.
No matter how they judge you.
Your Higher Power is all you need.

No matter if the sun don't shine.
Or if the skies aren't blue.
No matter what the day is.
The program needs you!

Don't deny yourself.
What you know is true.
Become what you are, just ask and well help you.
The work is not always easy, but worth we tell you.
Work this program threw and threw, come to meetings, and don't be
blue.
We will love you for just being you.

Today I must work a program
I know...NO matter what.

So keep coming back
  And
Thanks that's all I got

Lisa G. NO Matter What Group of NA
garcialhd@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Beauty Way
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=856

Hope
www.serenityfound.org/readings/hope.html

Sex
www.nawol.org/2006_ch17%20SEX.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

The Promises
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_6.html#promises

Finding A Sponsor
www.sponsorsaide.50megs.com/FindingASponsor.htm

Abundant Spirituality + codependence recovery + inner child healing + Love
= Joy2MeU
www.joy2meu.com

Cancer Survivors Compendium
www.hopeandhealing.com

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 28                                                    Group Conscience

"Working with others is only the beginning of service work."
Basic Text, p.56

  Service work calls for a selfless devotion to carrying the message
to the still-suffering addict. But our attitude of service cannot stop
there. Service also requires that we look at ourselves and our motives.
Our efforts at service make us highly visible to the fellowship. In NA,
it is easy to become a "big fish in a little pond." Our controlling attitude
can easily drive away the newcomer.

  Group conscience is one of the most important principles in service.
It is vital to remember that the group conscience is what counts, not
just our individual beliefs and desires. We lend our thoughts and beliefs
to the development of a group conscience. Then when that conscience
arises, we accept its guidance. The key is working with others, not against
them. If we remember that we strive together to develop a collective
conscience, we will see that all sides have equal merit. When all the
discussions are over, all sides will come back together to carry a unified
message.

  It is often tempting to think that we know what is best for the group.
If we remember that it doesn't matter if we get our way, then it is
easier to allow service to be the vehicle it is intended to be-a way to
carry the message to the addict who still suffers.

Just for today: I will take part in the development of group
conscience. I will remember that the world won't end just because
I don't get my way. I will think about our primary purpose in all my
service efforts. I will reach out to a newcomer. pg 186

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When The Going Gets Rough

It is a design for living that works in rough going.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 15

When I came to A.A., I realized that A.A. worked wonderfully to help keep
me sober.  But could it work on real life problems, not concerned with
drinking?  I had my doubts.  After being sober for more than two years I
got my answer.  I lost my job, developed physical problems, my diabetic
father lost a leg, and someone I loved left me for another -- and all of
this happened during a two-week period.  Reality crashed in, yet A.A. was
there to support, comfort, and strengthen me.  The principles I had learned
during my early days of sobriety became a mainstay of my life for not only
did I come through, but I never stopped being able to help newcomers.  A.A.
taught me not to be overwhelmed, but rather to accept and understand my
life as it unfolded.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 28th

A.A. Thought for the Day

You can prove to yourself that life is basically and
fundamentally an inner attitude. just try to remember
what troubled you most a week ago. You probably will
find it difficult to remember. Why then should you
unduly worry or fret over the problems that arise today?
Your attitude toward them can be changed by putting
yourself and your problems in God's hands and trusting
Him to see that everything will turn out all right, provided
you are trying to do the right thing. Your changed mental
attitude toward your problems relieves you of their
burden and you can face them without fear. Has my mental
attitude changed?

Meditation for the Day

You cannot see the future. It's a blessing that you cannot.
You could not bear to know all the future. That is why God
only reveals it to you day by day. The first step each day is
to lay your will before God as an offering, ready for God to
do what is best for you. Be sure that, if you trust God, what
He does for you will be for the best. The second step is to
be confident that God is powerful enough to do anything He
wills, and that no miracle in human lives is impossible with
Him. Then leave the future to God.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may gladly leave my future in God's hands.
I pray that I may be confident that good things will happen,
as long as I am on the right path.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 28

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

When Things Don't Work

Frequently, when faced with a problem, we may attempt to solve it in a
particular way. When that way doesn't work, we may continue trying to solve
the problem in that same way.

We may get frustrated, try harder, get more frustrated, and then exert more
energy and influence into forcing the same solution that we have already
tried and that didn't work.

That approach makes us crazy. It tends to get us stuck and trapped. It is
the stuff that unmanageability is made of.

We can get caught in this same difficult pattern in relationships, in tasks,
in any area of our life. We initiate something, it doesn't work, doesn't
flow, we feel badly, then try the same approach harder, even though it's not
working and flowing.

Sometimes, it's appropriate not to give up and to try harder. Sometimes,
it's more appropriate to let go, detach, and stop trying so hard.

If it doesn't work, if it doesn't flow, maybe life is trying to tell us
something. Life is a gentle teacher. She doesn't always send neon road signs
to guide us. Sometimes, the signs are more subtle. Something not working may
be a sign!

Let go. If we have become frustrated by repeated efforts that aren't
producing desired results, we may be trying to force ourselves down the
wrong path. Sometimes, a different solution is appropriate. Sometimes, a
different path opens up. Often, the answer will emerge more clearly in the
quietness of letting go than it will in the urgency, frustration, and
desperation of pushing harder.

Learn to recognize when something isn't working or isn't flowing. Step back
and wait for clear guidance.

Today, I will not make myself crazy by repeatedly trying solutions that have
proven themselves unsuccessful. If something isn't working, I will step back
and wait for guidance.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Do You Know Your Score?
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/06/score.htm

Patches & Prisons Of The Heart
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2005/06/patches.htm

Healing Our Relationship With Our Parents
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/June/vissell.htm

Marijuana or Relationship
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/October/vissell.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Don't Play Hurt
by Alan Cohen

People often ask me who my gurus are. Years ago I would rattle off the names
of various well-known sages whose names ended with "-ananda" (many of them
Jewish fellows who traded "Goldstein" for a swami name.) And indeed there
are many wonderful such teachers.

More recently I have been impressed by ordinary people who don't talk much
about spiritual matters; they just live it. After hearing and talking about
unconditional love for many years, I find it quite refreshing to see it in
action with no hype or flourishes. These hidden gurus masquerade as hotel
cleaning ladies, shoe shiners, or rental car shuttle bus drivers. They look
like regular people, and they are -- except they are extraordinarily shiny
and they embody a simple earthy wisdom that stops me in my tracks.

My most recent encounter with a saint-in-drag was with a limo driver who
picked me up at the Los Angeles Airport. Terry was a tall, husky
African-American man who could have just as easily worked as a bouncer. His
hair was buzzed almost to his scalp, his neck the width of a mortal man's
thigh, and he did not smile much. He arrived at baggage claim about 20
minutes late, but I was not about to get in his face.

Terry apologized for being late, explaining that he had had a minor fender
bender in the airport parking lot; a young lady who had just gotten her
driver's license that day, tapped his car in the rear end. Although there
was no damage, they had exchanged paperwork.

Along the route I overheard Terry reporting his mishap to his dispatcher
over the 2-way radio. "Was there any damage to the car?" asked the
dispatcher.

"None," Terry answered curtly.

"Did you get hurt?" was the next question.

"Not really."

"How's your neck feel?"

"Feels alright."

Short silence. Dispatcher returns: "You know, there could be some cash in
this for you."

Although I felt a bit disgusted to hear this, I was not surprised; lots of
people think like this. But Terry's response did surprise me. In a very
authoritative manner, he answered, "I don't play hurt."

I don't play hurt. Now there's an affirmation to file in a conspicuous
place. I don't play hurt. My God, that's exactly what I've been learning for
30 years! (And how many lifetimes?) Don't play small. Don't assume a victim
position. Don't seek rewards for pain. Be magnificent. Be self-empowered. Be
whole. Play grand, for that's who you -- all of us -- truly are.

Why, if we are all so grand, would people want to play small? Because they
believe that the rewards for pain outweigh what they would be receiving if
they were well and whole. Let's consider some of the rewards we might
garnish for being hurt: money; gifts; attention; sympathy; control over
others; getting out of work; escaping relationships with unresolved issues;
avoiding undesired sex; postponing decision making; being right; an
identity; acceptance in a group which glorifies similar pain; and on and on.

Now let's consider the benefits of not playing hurt: integrity; honesty;
health; prosperity; success; rewarding relationships; self-empowerment; and
peace of mind. The entire list of worldly rewards for playing small doesn't
add up in value to even one of the benefits of practicing wholeness. The
rewards for victimhood are not satisfying at all; they only drive pain,
separateness, and illusion deeper. The benefits of living large are
empowering and go on gathering good.

Consider the scenario of a man walking down a street when a flowerpot falls
off a windowsill above him and crashes at his feet, narrowly missing hitting
him. There are several paths of response the fellow could take: (1) Victim:
he slips into feeling vulnerable, goes home, feels sorry for himself, and
sends away for self-protection equipment; (2) Retaliator: he dashes up to
the apartment from which the flower pot fell and punches out the owner; (3)
Stoic: he reasons that it was simply his karma for the flower pot to miss
him and he keeps walking; and (4) Healer: he goes to the florist on the
corner, purchases another flower, finds the apartment from which the pot
fell, and gives it to the owner to replace the one he accidentally lost.

Obviously, the path of the healer is the most empowering and regenerative.
The healer "don't play hurt." We have all felt hurt. We don't have to stay
hurt. It takes a big person to grow beyond the seeming rewards for
smallness. Terry knows. He was bumped unexpectedly, but he would rather get
on with the fun portion of the ride.

About The Author:
  Alan Cohen is the author of the best-selling Why Your Life Sucks and What
You Can Do About It, a Book of the Month Club selection, and the
award-winning A Deep Breath of Life. If you enjoyed this article, you will
love Alan's newly published collection of his best articles, Looking in for
Number One.(The above books can be ordered by clicking on the book titles.)
For more information about Alan's books, tapes, seminars, and Mastery
Training in Maui, call 1-800-568-3079, visit www.alancohen.com, email
admin@... or write P.O. Box 835, Haiku, HI 96708.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Choices Present Themselves

Choices are like gifts
That open up to reveal a new
Perspective from which to view the world

Sometimes they are pleasures
That take us away
And pamper our body and soul
Sometimes they are leisures
That make our days
So much easier to unfold

Choices can be like landscapes
That no matter where you look
You can see all the connections
Your path has led you to make
From your past to now
From all that has been
To all that will be

And dreams may escape you
The Universe¹s messages may miss you
But your choices will always
And forever
Stay with you

Love
Stella

©2005 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Footsteps

My way to faith sometimes is rough,
Why do I make it extra tough?

I know I want to be closer to You,
I pray for Your help to see me through.

I know faith without works is dead,
but why can't I make it stick in my head?

My disease of addiction and self-will,
I too easily place before You still.

Faith without action is not the right way,
Help me Higher Power do the footwork to You today.

I choose not to "believe" my way to You any longer,
Taking footsteps towards You makes my program stronger.

Dodie F.
dos....1 / 4 / 87
clean_n_na@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wisdom

We have the power to influence others' lives
Only when we share what we have learned.
If we fail to or refuse to recognize the value of our knowledge,
We force ourselves into a sort of isolation.
And - worse still - deprive others of our insights.

We know how to handle intricate personal relationships
And delicate problems.
We gained the emotional stability to allow ourselves to depend on others
And on our Higher Power.
We can share this knowledge with others,
Not to serve our own needs,
But to help our fellow human beings.

Anonymous

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Awakening

When I awoke this morning, I looked up at my clock.
Three fifteen was all it read, much to early for my walk.
I questioned God; Why I awoke, so early on this day?
Then I began to listen, to hear what He would say.
He said; This day I've given you, That you might learn to live,
A life that's full of peace, for to others, you must give.
This life of yours, is really Mine, My vessel you will be,
To shine this light I've given you, for lonely hearts to see.
That there is joy in living, to all who seek my face.
That I am all forgiving, through My gift of endless Grace.
This is why I've saved your life, from darkness and despair.
Now be my willing vessel, show others that I care.
This gift of grace I've given you, to others freely give.
In doing so, it's yours to keep, forever more to live.

written by ~ Rebecca Ann Bowlin
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Forget your old ideas.  Forget the lies they told you.
Forget them all, and you will begin to remember.
Marianne Williamson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When you are inspired by some great purpose,
   some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds;
Your mind transcends limitations,
  your consciousness expands in every direction,
and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world.
Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive,
and you discover yourself to be a greater person
by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.
Patanjali

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Speak when you are angry and
you will make the best speech you will ever regret.
Ambrose Bierce

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our outward behavior is just a reflection of our
inner balance or our out of balance.
John-Roger

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There's a BIG difference between
being willing to do certain things
and being willing to go to any lengths.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The suggestions are free,
The ones that you don't take you will pay for.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

N.A. and A.A. WON'T
Keep you from going to hell
Nor is it a ticket to heaven
BUT IT WILL
Keep you clean long enough
For you to make up your mind
Which way you want to go!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Surrender and willingness are the keys to our recovery.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The sooner you push your wagon,
the quicker you'll be on your way

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
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Even if your country is listed
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Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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12 Step Programs are a club with the highest dues in the world.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your definition of an oldtimer (in the rooms)?
Do you believe that "oldtimers" are viewed/treated differently
than other addicts in the rooms ?
How do you avoid becoming complacent ?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

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participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
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A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
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the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 27
Today I am learning to be gentle with myself.
Today I can look in the mirror and smile
and know that I am okay just as I am.
I am treating myself softly today.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The First Year

It's been a year that I've stayed sober and clean
Believe it or not, it's been the best I've seen

Looking back I see how I use to be
Confused, full of fear, self loathing I see

The whole time I know I was being guided
By my higher power everything was provided

In my life a sponsor was placed
She held my hand for what needed to be faced

So many years of drinking and using
I had to go back and sort through the confusion

They call it doing a step four
And a couple times before I headed for the door

But this time I just knew I had to do the work
I no longer could afford to lurk

Before I knew step five did arrive
And I am here to say that I did survive

What came of that was a freedom I've never known
It's truly amazing how I've grown

Steps six and seven were hard to comprehend
My defects of character I'd defend

Some kept me safe, some in guilt and shame
It's interesting to know they all have a name

With help, for some, I've been able to let go
The others require daily work and the process is slow

Acceptance and patience is required
And yes I truly have been inspired

Step eight came and I made that list
Followed by nine I had to persist

When possible amends were made
Now the evil shadows of the past can fade

Now at ten I still struggle thinking I'm right
Talking to my sponsor dissolves the inner fight

There after it's not too long
When I am sincerely able to admit I'm wrong

By taking suggestions and following direction I practice step eleven
And now and then I've experienced heaven

Finally at twelve I had a psychic change; a spiritual awakening it is called
By working the steps it was possible and I'm so thankful I never stalled

These steps will never be finished I am told
It's a life time process and more will unfold

There is so much more to say
I guess I can save it for another day

Today I have so much gratitude for AA
And I know now that in order for me to keep it I must give it away

Kelly 06-05-05
viequessoon@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Prayer For The Dawn
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=853

Thinking it Through
www.serenityfound.org/readings/thinking.html

Relationships
www.nawol.org/2006_ch16%20RELATIONSHIPS.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

Seventh Step Prayer
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_6.html#prayer

Beginners Sponsorship Topics
www.sponsorsaide.50megs.com/SponsorshipTopics.htm

Creed To Live By
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/CreedToLiveBy.html

Steps To Happiness
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/StepsToHappiness.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 27                                               Change and Growth

"When someone points out a shortcoming, our first reaction may be
defensive. There will always be room for growth."   Basic Text p. 35

   Recovery is a process that brings about change in our lives. We need
that change if we are to continue our growth toward freedom. It's
important that we remain open-minded when others point out our
shortcomings, for they are bringing to light opportunities for us to
change and grow. Reacting defensively limits our ability to receive the
help they are offering us; letting go of our defenses opens the door to
change, growth, and new freedom.

   Each day in the recovery process will bring an opportunity for further
change and growth. The more we learn to greet change with an open mind
and heart, the more we will grow and the more comfortable we will
become with our recovery.

Just for today: I will greet each opportunity for growth with an open
mind. page 185

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Living Our Amends

"Years of living with an alcoholic is almost sure to make any wife or child
neurotic.  The entire family is, to some extent, ill"
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 122

It is important for me to realize that, as an alcoholic, I not only hurt
myself, but also those around me.  Making amends to my family, and to the
families of alcoholics still suffering, will always be
important.  Understanding the havoc I created and trying to repair the
destruction, will be a lifelong endeavor.  The example of my sobriety may
give others hope, and faith to help themselves.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 27th

A.A. Thought for the Day

If you can take your troubles as they come, if you can maintain
your calm and composure amid pressing du- ties and unending
engagements, if you can rise above the distressing and
disturbing circumstances in which you are set down, you have
discovered a priceless secret of daily living. Even if you are
forced to go through life weighed down by some unescapable
misfortune or handicap and yet live each day as it comes with
poise and peace of mind, you have succeeded where most people
have failed. You have wrought a greater achievement than a
person who rules a nation. Have I achieved poise and peace of
mind?

Meditation for the Day

Take a blessing with you wherever you go. You have been
blessed, so bless others. Such stores of blessings are awaiting
you in the months and years that lie ahead. Pass on your
blessings. Blessing can and does go around the world, passed
on from one person to another. Shed a little blessing in the
heart of one person. That person is cheered to pass it on, and
so, God's vitalizing, joy-giving message travels on. Be a
transmitter of God's blessings.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may pass on my blessings. I pray that they may flow
into the lives of others.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 27

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Achieving Harmony

When a pianist learns a new piece of music, he or she does not sit down and
instantly play it perfectly. A pianist often needs to practice each hand's
work separately to learn the feel, to learn the sound. One hand picks out a
part until there is a rhythm and ease in playing what is difficult. Then,
the musician practices with the other hand, picking through the notes, one
by one, until that hand learns its tasks. When each hand has learned its
part - the sound, the feel, the rhythm, and the tones - then both hands can
play together.

During the time of practice, the music may not sound like much. It may sound
disconnected, not particularly beautiful. But when both hands are ready to
play together, music is created - a whole piece comes together in harmony
and beauty.

When we begin recovery, it may feel like we spend months, even years,
practicing individual, seemingly disconnected behaviors in the separate
parts of our life.

We take our new skills into our work, our career, and begin to apply them
slowly, making our work relationships healthier for us. We take our skills
into our relationships, sometimes one relationship at a time. We struggle
through our new behaviors in our love relationships.

One part at a time, we practice our new music note by note.

We work on our relationship with our Higher Power - our spirituality. We
work at loving ourselves. We work at believing we deserve the best. We work
on our finances. On our recreation. Sometimes on our appearance. Sometimes
on our home.

We work on feelings. On beliefs. On behaviors. Letting go of the old,
acquiring the new. We work and work and work. We practice. We struggle
through. We go from one extreme to the other, and sometimes back through the
course again. We make a little progress, go backward, and then go forward
again.

It may all seem disconnected. It may not sound like a harmonious, beautiful
piece of music - just isolated notes. Then one day, something happens. We
become ready to play with both hands, to put the music together.

What we have been working toward, note by note, becomes a song. That song is
a whole life, a complete life, and a life in harmony.

The music will come together in our life if we keep practicing the parts.

Today, I will practice my recovery behaviors through the individual parts of
my life. I trust that, one day, things will come together in a full,
complete song.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Crystal Therapy
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/06/crystal-therapy.htm

Reinventing The Box, By Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2005/06/alan-cohen.htm

Ask Louise, Letters of Wisdom and Affirmations
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/June/hay.htm

Ask Louise, Letters of Wisdom and Affirmations
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/October/hay.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Developing Our Higher Awareness
by Chelle ("Shay") Thompson

My dear friend and associate, Roger King at www.SoulTalkStories.com shares
the following wisdom with us today: "It's so important that we develop our
'higher awareness' by feeding our unconscious mind positive messages - with
passion - from our conscious mind. This, I believe, helps each of us
experience our lives with intimacy and compassion, as unique and responsible
human beings, with our lives working and manifesting our destiny - to bring
healing and peace to this planet.

"'In Creative Visualization,' Shakti Gawain writes, 'Every moment of your
life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just
put forth a clear enough request and everything your heart desires must come
to you.' You and I are not our mother's or father's fears, criticisms and
beliefs; each of us can dilute old beliefs by acting "AS IF"; then
believing, by consistently repeating the following thought passionately: I
now think all new thoughts ... fresh, creative and loving thoughts which
create my reality. Wherever you are now, write your own affirmations ... as
many as you can. There is a universal magic that comes when you write and
say out loud your positive thoughts.

"In "A Course In Miracles" it says, 'Forgiveness recognizes what you thought
your brother did to you has not occurred.' I awoke one morning with
excitement and this affirmation formed in my mind: I radiate love as I learn
to let go of the past by forgiving all who hurt me, including myself. I
release the past with positive insight and go within where I find new
strength to grow and change my consciousness. Leading my life with my wounds
was a hard journey; often my pain was the only deep feeling I thought I
could express to the world with any degree of authenticity. Having a
positive loving life seemed miles away from my reality. This did not help to
attract other loving souls; I seemed to attract to me more hurting, angry
and guilty souls. Yet this was part of my journey. Now I see how I can
change the quality of my life by consistently choosing to go beyond my old
thought and feeling patterns. I am not denying my scars from old wounds, yet
I now give conscious forgiveness to those who made those wounds, from a
deeper Soul Consciousness that is expanding and setting us all free. And I
begin to give real thanks.

"In her book "LIFE," Louise Hay tells us, 'What you give out comes back to
you, what you believe about yourself and about life becomes true for you.'
Limitations are old beliefs and habits of thinking that have gone into and
around the subconscious mind for years. When I get up in the morning, I can
so easily think and do the same functional thoughts. Yet when I get on my
spiritual and mental bike, and get momentum by peddling conscious thoughts
that give thanks for being alive, it's like the Universal Mind is
immediately there with me. I at once notice a shift in energy. When you wake
up, repeat this affirmation with a passion: I go beyond all self-imposed
limitations and when I make mistakes, I say to myself, 'I love you just as
you are and I have the ability to turn each mistake into a lesson of growth
and change and I give thanks.'

"Ernest Holmes said in "The Science of Mind," 'Suffering is man-made,
through ignorance ... Someday we shall decide that we have had enough
suffering.' Affirm instead: I choose loving thoughts to support my life now
and in the future. As I thought this, I remember that I wanted to say, "You
are kidding yourself there's too much pain from your past to think like
that." This critical thought came from old-patterned thinking of feeling
less intelligent than others when I was a child and teenager. This old,
lower-self thinking does not allow love and healing energy to flow in or
around me. So let's meditate on: I choose positive, imaginative thoughts and
they determine my experiences. I prosper in all areas of my life, in time,
work, health, money, relationships and joy. And I give thanks. I attract
people in my life who respect me and I let go with love those who hurt me.
Remember, as you love your higher self - the part of you that has love at
the core of you - the more you will grow in confidence. Your greater
confidence diminishes the need for conditional approval."

Thank you, Roger ... you are indeed consciously manifesting your destiny and
assisting the world's evolutionary process....

Chelle ("Shay") Thompson, Editor

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Damaged Goods

     The dust mites danced in the ray of sunshine that provided
the only light in the rabbi's office.    He rocked back in his
office chair and sighed as he stroked his beard.  Then he took
his wire-rimmed glasses and polished them absent-mindedly on his
flannel shirt.

     "So," he said, "you were divorced.  Now you want to marry
this good Jewish boy.    What's the problem?"

     He nestled his grizzled chin in his hand and smiled softly
at me.

     I wanted to shriek.  What's the problem?    First of all, I'm
Christian.  Second, I'm older than he is.  Third - and not
least, by any means - I'm divorced!  Instead, I looked back into
his soft brown eyes and tried to form the words.

     "Don't you think," I stuttered, "that being divorced is
like being used?  Like being damaged goods?"

     He settled back in the office chair and stretched so that
he was looking at the ceiling.  He stroked the scraggly beard
that covered his chin and his neck.  Then, he returned to his
spot behind the desk and leaned toward me.

     "Say you have to have surgery.  Say you have a choice
between two doctors.  Who are you going to choose?  The one
right out of medical school or the one with experience?"

     "The one with experience," I said.

     His face crinkled into a grin.  "I would, too," he locked
his eyes with mine.  "So in this marriage, you will be the one
with experience.  That's not such a bad thing, you know.

     "Often, marriages tend to drift.    They get caught in
dangerous currents.  They get off course and head toward hidden
sandbars.  No one notices until it is too late.  On your face, I
see the pain of a marriage gone bad.  You will notice the drift
in this marriage.  You'll call out when you see the rocks.
You'll yell to watch out and pay attention.  You'll be the
person with experience," he sighed.  "And believe me, that's not
such a bad thing.  Not bad at all."

     He walked to the window and peeked through the slats of the
blinds.  "You see, no one here knows about my first wife.  I
don't hide it, but I don't make a big deal about it.  She died
early in our marriage before I moved here.  Now, late at night I
think of all the words I never said.  I think of all the chances
I let pass by in that first marriage, and I believe I'm a better
husband to my wife today because of the woman I lost."

     For the first time, the sadness in his eyes had meaning.
Now I understood why I chose to come talk to this man about
marriage instead of taking an easier route and getting married
outside both our religions.  The word "rabbi" means teacher.
Somehow I sensed he could teach me, or even lend me, the courage
I needed in order to try again, to marry again and to love
again.

     "I will marry you and your David," said the rabbi.  "If you
promise me that you will be the person who yells out when you
see the marriage is in danger."

     I promised him I would, and I rose to leave.

     "By the way," he called to me as I hesitated in his
doorway, "did anyone ever tell you that Joanna is a good Hebrew
name?"

     Sixteen years have passed since the rabbi married David and
me on a rainy October morning.  And, yes, I have called out
several times when I sensed we were in danger.  I would tell the
rabbi how well his analogy has served me, but I cannot.  He died
two years after our wedding.  But I will always be grateful for
the priceless gift he gave me:  the wisdom to know that all of
our experiences in life make us not less valuable, but more
valuable, not less able to love, but more able to love.

By Joanna Slan from Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul
Copyright 1999 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Barbara De
Angelis, Mark Donnelly and Chrissy Donnelly

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Gratitude

Gratitude is our most direct line to God and the angels.
If we take the time, no matter how crazy and troubled we
feel, we can find something to be thankful for.  The more
we seek gratitude, the more reason the angels will give
us for gratitude and joy to exist in our lives.
Terry Lynn Taylor

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Morning in my Soul

It is still morning in my soul
even after passing years
of smiles and tears

Aurora brightly lights my path
melting all the shadows
that once were built
in the despairing darkness
tangled with
my youthful stirrings
and tentative strivings

Helios sparkles delight
on tree, fern, fairy, sprite
Anoints my naked hair
with liquid sunshine

It is Morning anew!
a permanent state in which to
rebuild my life
A re-naissance of ambition
surging from my heart

Bathing in Nature's healing powers
Breathing courage from solitude hours
An eternal morn to carry me
Way past midnight

I harvest kindness, compassion
love and joy ~
I pick all numinous flowers
that sing
with my Soul's laughter
and leave the dry dead ones behind

Love
Stella

©2002 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lighting Your Way

If I was one thing, I'd be a candle
Lighting the way so you can handle
Your life easier without woes
Not having to fight with your foes.

I'd help keep you from stumbling over
Things blocking your path to an open door.
If I light your path, life is easier,
Even strong winds, my light will not deter.

No matter what, I'm here for you
To cheer you up when you are blue.
Do not fret when times get tough,
If things look down or kind of rough.

Just remember, I'm always here,
In your heart, close and near.
I will help you out in every way,
Happiness and love in your heart will stay.

Don't blow me out, that's one request
Unless it's me you do detest.
I do not try to hurt anyone
That isn't good or any fun.

But one day you may leave me behind
You may no longer need my light to shine.
If that day comes, go on your way
And I will hope to see you again one day.

If one day, I don't appear,
Do not worry, do not fear
I may be gone, but in your heart
The light I gave you did not depart.

It will be there forever and a day
To always bring happiness and light your way.
Farewell for now, I'm needed elsewhere
If your path grows dark, in your heart, I'm there.

So I'm really not gone, just not seen,
I would not leave, I'm not that mean.
Only one simple request that I must say,
Please, never forget those who lit your way.

© 1999 James Davidson
justageorgiaguy@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Try Smiling

Have you ever noticed,
that when someone gives a smile,
It brightens up the darkest day,
and makes life seem worth while.
In such a world of sorrow,
it may seem hard to do,
try smiling through your dark time,
and God will see you through.
Then others all about you,
will see that there is hope,
and give them strength through sorrow,
helping them to cope.
For helping one another,
is what life's all about.
Filling it with joy,
removing fear and doubt.
Perfect love casts out all fear,
this I've found is true.
So try to smile at someone,
who's standing next to you.

written by ~ Rebecca Ann Bowlin
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Before The Flower

Before the flower is the seed
We need our friends to keep us free of weeds
To provide us sunshine with their smiles
To nurture us with their loving care
To warm us with their gentle hugs
To love us with acceptance for who we are
Then our friends stand back and watch us grow
And bloom into a beautiful flower
Taking pride in our beauty cause they know
What we have become is because of them and God our Higher Power!!!!

Written by:  Tammy Boyle 2/25/98
bluidkiti@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Everyone has talent.
What is rare is the courage to follow
the talent to the dark place where it leads.
Erica Jong

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wisdom is using those things that work for you,
for as long as they work for you,
and letting go of the things that are not working for you.
John-Roger
From: Loving Each Day, Volume 1

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Allow God to speak through you and
smile upon the earth through you,
because you are an unconditional giver, a purposeful being.
Dr. Wayne Dyer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Those who make meetings regularly stay clean.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meeting makers make it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Those who make many meetings have many chances.
Those who make few meetings have few chances.
Those who make no meetings have no chances.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There are 2 reasons that I make meetings....
Because I want to go.
Because I don't want to go.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
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Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
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Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
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Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

An alcoholic is an egomaniac with an inferiority complex

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your definition of an oldtimer (in the rooms)?
Do you believe that "oldtimers" are viewed/treated differently
than other addicts in the rooms ?
How do you avoid becoming complacent ?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 26
Today I am willing to let go of
all the resentments that I am holding.
My now is so much more important than
the burden that I have been carrying from the past.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wings

So I break away from all I've known
and step out on the ledge
Funny I'm not scared now
I'm used to walking on the edge. . .
can't help looking down
though my eyes should be on Him,
can't help looking back to all that was
and might have been
Gazing back . . .
just one more time
on the bittersweet darkness
I once knew as mine
Shadows once elusive
walk past me well defined
silhouettes of madness
slip and fall in the decline
Like a flash of light and thunder
a moment of perception
uncovers truth once hidden
in the bowels of dark deception

So I raise my hands in loving praise
my heart begins to sing
and the music of the His Spirit
turns my weary arms to wings . . .

written by ~ Joy
mystick_bard@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Positively Negative
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=850

I Can't or I Fear?
www.serenityfound.org/readings/cant_or_fear.html

Life Threatening Illness
www.nawol.org/2006_ch15%20ILLNESS.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

3rd Step Prayer
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_5.html#3d

Sponsors Aides
www.sponsorsaide.50megs.com/sponsorsAides.htm

Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Articles
www.soberrecovery.com/articles-library

The Man on the Bed A New Stained Glass Window @ Intergroup AA
www.akronaa.org/Archives/man_on_the_bed.html

Women for Recovery Webring
www.webring.com/hub?ring=soberwomyn

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 26                                          Surrendering Self-Will

"Our fears are lessened and faith begins to grow as we learn
the true meaning of surrender We are no longer fighting fear;
anger; guilt, self-pity, or depression."  Basic Text p. 26

  Surrender is the beginning of a new way of life. When driven
primarily by self-will, we constantly wondered whether we'd
covered all the bases, whether we'd manipulated that person in
just the right way to achieve our ends, whether we'd missed a
critical detail in our efforts to control and manage the world.

  We either felt afraid, fearing our schemes would fail; angry
or self-pitying when they fell through; or guilty when we pulled
them off. It was hard, living on self-will, but we didn't know any
other way.

  Not that surrender is always easy. On the contrary, surrender
can be difficult, especially in the beginning. Still, it's easier to
trust God, a Power capable of managing our lives, than to trust
only ourselves, whose lives are unmanageable. And the more we
surrender, the easier it gets.

  When we turn our will and our lives over to the care of our
Higher Power, all we have to do is our part, as responsibly and
conscientiously as we can. Then we can leave the results up to
our Higher Power. By surrendering, acting on faith, and living
our lives according to the simple spiritual principles of this program,
we can stop worrying and start living.

Just for today: I will surrender self-will. I will seek knowledge
of God's will for me and the power to carry it out. I will leave
the results in my Higher Power's hands.  pg. 184

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Living In The Now

First, we try living in the now just in order to stay sober -- and it
works.  Once the idea has become a part of our thinking, we find that
living life in 24 hour segments is an effective and satisfying way to
handle many other matters as well.
LIVING SOBER, p. 7

"One Day At A Time." To a newcomer this and other one-liners of A.A. may
seem ridiculous.  The passwords of the A.A. Fellowship can become lifelines
in moments of stress.  Each day can be like a rose unfurling according to
the plan of a Power greater than myself.  My program should be planted in
the right location, just as it will need to be groomed, nourished, and
protected from disease.  My planting will require patience, and my
realizing that some flowers will be more perfect than others.  Each stage
of the petals' unfolding can bring wonder and delight if I do not interfere
or let my expectations override my acceptance -- and this brings serenity.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 26th

A.A. Thought for the Day

We must know the nature of our weakness before we can
determine how to deal with it.  When we are honest about
its presence, we may discover that it is imaginary and can
be overcome by a change of thinking.  We admit that we
are alcoholics and we would be foolish if we refused to
accept our handicap and do something about it.  So by
honestly facing our weakness and keeping ever present
the knowledge that for us alcoholism is a disease with
which we are afflicted, we can take the necessary steps
to arrest it.  Have I fully accepted my handicap?

Meditation for the Day

There is a proper time for everything.  I must learn not to
do things at the wrong time, that is, before I am ready or
before conditions are right.  It is always a temptation to do
something at once, instead of waiting until the proper time.
Timing is important.  I must learn, in the little daily
situations of life, to delay action until I am sure that I am
doing the right thing at the right time.  So many lives lack
balance and timing.  In the momentous decisions and crises
of life, they may ask God's guidance, but into the small
situations of life, they rush alone.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may delay action until I feel that I am doing
the right thing.  I pray that I may not rush in alone.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 26

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Surviving Slumps

A slump can go on for days. We feel sluggish, unfocused, and sometimes
overwhelmed with feelings we can't sort out. We may not understand what is
going on with us. Even our attempts to practice recovery behaviors may not
appear to work. We still don't feel emotionally, mentally, and spiritually
as good as we would like.

In a slump, we may find ourselves reverting instinctively to old patterns of
thinking, feeling, and behaving, even when we know better. We may find
ourselves obsessing, even when we know that what we're doing is obsessing
and that it doesn't work.

We may find ourselves looking frantically for other people to make us feel
better, the whole time knowing our happiness and well-being does not lay
with others.

We may begin taking things personally that are not our issues, and reacting
in ways we've learned all to well do not work.

We're in a slump. It won't last forever. These periods are normal, even
necessary. These are the days to get through. These are the days to focus on
recovery behaviors, whether or not the rewards occur immediately. These are
sometimes the days to let ourselves be and love ourselves as much as we can.

We don't have to be ashamed, no matter how long we've been recovering. We
don't have to unreasonably expect "more" from ourselves. We don't ever have
to expect ourselves to live life perfectly.

Get through the slump. It will end. Sometimes, a slump can go on for days
and then, in the course of an hour, we see ourselves pull out of it and feel
better. Sometimes it can last a little longer.

Practice one recovery behavior in one small area, and begin to climb uphill.
Soon, the slump will disappear. We can never judge where we will be tomorrow
by where we are today.

Today, I will focus on practicing one recovery behavior on one of my issues,
trusting that this practice will move me forward. I will remember that
acceptance, gratitude, and detachment are a good place to begin.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Another One Bites The Light
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/06/alan-cohen.htm

Advance Lessons In Letting Go
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2005/06/f1.htm
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2005/06/f2.htm
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2005/06/f3.htm
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2005/06/f4.htm
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2005/06/f5.htm

The Passion Solution, Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/June/Cohen.html

How Long Healing Takes, Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/October/cohen.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation, Mind and Medicine
By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.

  Early one morning, I was standing at the edge of 13th lake in the
middle of the Adirondack Mountains.  Everything was absolutely still.
Without distortion, the surface of the lake reflected the rocks and
trees around its edge.  The few clouds and an occasional bird seemed
to be floating in the lake itself.  The lake mirrored perfectly the
surrounding reality.

  I picked up a pebble and tossed it as far as I could into the center
of the water.  It splashed into the placid surface.  For the next ten
minutes I watched the ripples spread out from the point of impact to
the edges of the water.  That pebble had a powerful, disturbing effect
on the water's surface, and the image of the real world around became
distorted as the little waves moved outward from the splash.

  Later that day, I returned to the lake.  The wind was blowing rather
sharply.  People were diving off a raft anchored a hundred yards off
shore.  Small sail boats and canoes were skimming about the lake's
surface.  I could see no trees, clouds, rocks, nor birds reflected in
the surface.  It was too busy.

  As earlier that day, I picked up a small stone and tossed it into
the lake.  I saw neither the splash nor the resulting ripples.  The
stone merely disappeared.  No impact.  No influence.  No apparent
distortion of the surface and its reflection of the real world around
the shoreline.

  Meditation, mind and medicine.  Meditation begins with quieting the
mind and body.  All thought, cares, concerns, responsibilities, and
tension are stilled.  The mind becomes the smooth, calm surface that
can more accurately reflect the reality of the universe of which it is
a part.

In the meditative state, the smallest amount of mental or physical
change creates a powerful splash that sends out ripples of change
throughout the system.  Yale surgeon, Dr. Bernie Siegel cites many
examples where the patient requires less medication (for any reason)
when the patient is calm, serene, and receptive to the benefits of the
medicine.  Like the pebble, medication can impact the entire body/mind
much more powerfully, when the mind is still.

  But our mental activity is usually much more like the lake in
mid-afternoon.  Thoughts race back and forth across its surface.  All
the activities of daily living disturb the mind and  body.  We have no
time or, more accurately, we rarely take the time to calm ourselves
and reflect upon the life around us of which we are a part.

  When we are anxious or in conflict, with minds filled with worry and
anger, when we are given medicine, it requires more to overcome the
disruptive activity already present within.  Sometimes the effect
simply disappears amidst all the other energy already active.

  Perhaps you have heard of one or more of the meditative forms which
have been introduced in the last few years.  Any form of meditation,
like a food or medicine, varies in its effectiveness from person to
person, and even with the same person when times and circumstances
change.  But all forms are designed to quiet your mind and body, to
de-stress you, and direct your attention from what is going on outside
to that which is within you.  Such an inner focus balances, stills,
and refreshes.  It is also capable of leading you to more accurately
reflect the reality of your world.  Sometimes, it even empowers you to
become aware of the subtlest changes in you.  This is called expanding
your awareness.  Like the pebble dropped in a mirror-like surface of a
lake, any affirmation, any thought, any image, any medicine can have a
ripple effect and powerfully alter your entire being.

  Every once in a while, practice entering that meditative state.  You
do it briefly everyday anyway when you drop off to sleep and again
while you first awaken.  The trick is to lengthen the time your mind
and body are perfectly still.  Then allow yourself to see more
clearly, reflect more accurately, be inspired more profoundly, and
healed more quickly.

Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D. has 30+ years experience as a Life Coach and
Licensed Psychologist.  He is available for coaching in any area
presented in "Practical Psychology."  As your Coach, his only agenda
is to assist you in creating the lifestyle you genuinely desire. The
initial coaching session is free.  Contact him: (970) 568-0173 or
E-mail: DrLloyd@... or LJTDAT@....

Dr. Thomas also serves on the faculty of the Institute For Life Coach
Training.  In that capacity, he teaches advanced coaching teleclasses:
*Coaching Successful Life*s Lessons,* and *Intentional Creation:
Re-Shaping Your Life.*  To contact the Institute, call 970-224-9830 or
E-mail: doccoach@....  Check out the website:
www.lifecoachtraining.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Living In 'Want'

"I WANT to be happy," is an often repeated phrase.

People who say it, get exactly what they're asking for.
They live in the 'want' of happiness.

Wanting a million dollars won't put money in your bank account.
Wanting a Porsche won't turn your Neon into a lean mean driving machine.
Wanting to be a bird won't give you wings or get you off the ground.

Instead of curling yourself into a tight little ball and remaining
clutched in the 'want' of happiness,
open yourself up to the opportunity of receiving it.

Fill the holes in your life with the joy of being alive.
Work at happiness from the inside out.
Remove the weight of 'want' off your heavily burdened
shoulders and make yourself available to bliss.

When you achieve inner happiness, it shows.
It seeps from your eyes and rolls off your words.
Your peace of heart, supported by a solid
foundation, is unflappable.
You see external happiness for what it really
is, a precarious source of self fulfillment.
Your 'want' is gone, and
without it, you stand in the wake of grand possibilities.

Your eyes see the positive in what you have,
instead of the negative in what you lack.
Happiness starts coming at you from a multitude of
different directions.

Live in the 'want' of being happy, or 'be' happy.

The choice is completely up to you.

© 2000 Terri McPherson
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
to subscribe tmcphers@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Inconsistent

Who we are is not always who
we appear to be
there's in growth a reaching
a forward wanting-to-be
that creates the
who-we-are-being
at any given point in time
Therefore we are in constant state
of inconsistency

Funny how society
forces us to mutate
into some form
of permanency
makes us easy to manipulate
for its own benefit
and keep the wheel of
commerce in a most
predictable shape

The only predictability
applied to human beings
is that we are constantly
in change mode
The sooner we see
this normality
The faster we'll be
steeped in compassion
love
able to live Passion
and letting-it-be

Love
Stella

©2002 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Much Better Way

For too many years I was
Inside looking out
Wrapped up in selfish pride
Running wild I had so much doubt
My life went spinning all around
No longer up I was heading down
Spinning and spinning down the drain
I was addicted to the fast moving train
Tracts ran up and down my arm
I felt I had caused no one any harm
Inside I was falling and breaking apart
There was no love left inside of my heart
More was all I really need
I had a jones I had to feed
Down on my knees
At the porcelain alter
I cried out help me
Oh God please
Then I found recovery
Finally at last I could see
Twelve steps for me to find
The boy and the man inside my mind
I only had to give up all of my ways
I only had to do it inside of today
I had to change
People places and things
After some hard work
My spirit now sings
I can do anything
Just for today
God I love
My life
This
Way

Daniel M Corkery
5/6/2002
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Venture

Tumbling-
Faster and further into a path of nonexistence
I fall to my death-
But, somehow I survive
Bruised and beaten I rise up
Denying the popular-
Yet warranted disregard.
Burnt bridges are the only reminder,
Of the fire trail I took to hell-
But now I'm back.

I yearn for something to dull this pain
That I so candidly inflicted upon myself.
But, there's no relief in sight
As I fight to regain myself
From my fall from righteousness.

I will rise up from this this venture
Stronger then I was before
And they will ask-
Where did that girl go?
Only to hell and back

Written By:
Suzanne M

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We're not invited into relationship with God at a deeper level
in the absence of our challenges,
but in the midst of all of life, including our challenges.
Difficulties provide us a chance for greater closeness.
Every situation in life carries with it
an incredible opportunity for sweetness, depth and wonder.
Receive every experience today as an opportunity and a gift.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It is easy enough to be pleasant, When life flows by like a song,
But the man worth while is the one who can smile,
When everything goes dead wrong.
For the test of the heart is troubled,
And it always comes with the years.
And the smiles that is worth the praises of earth,
Is the smile that shines through tears.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Every action of our lives touches
on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.,
Edwin Hubbel Chapin

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.
Josh Billings

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.
Victor Borge

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't look down on anyone in unless
if you are willing to help pick them up.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the time God brought me to the rooms,
my ass was on fire and
I didn't care who put it out.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't turn your back on anyone because you never
know who might help save your ass one day.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Reaching out is the beginning of the struggle
that will set you free.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
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Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
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Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Recovery is like $5 Million worth of therapy,
shoved up your rear a Nickel at a time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your definition of an oldtimer (in the rooms)?
Do you believe that "oldtimers" are viewed/treated differently
than other addicts in the rooms ?
How do you avoid becoming complacent ?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 25
Today I sit quietly in prayer and meditation
so that I can hear God's Will for me.
I know that I am being guided in this very moment.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Forgetting Everything is All Right

Fear is such a little word.
It causes us to hide.
In foolish things, like gossiping.
Admonishing false pride.
It tells us, we are failures.
That there's nothing good we do.
It lies to us, it cries to us.
It makes us all Boo Hoo.
If only we could realize.
How simple it could be.
To open up our little minds,
and start to truly see.
For there is hope for all of us,
who seek the truth today.
For God has made a promise,
and He has shown the way.
So, seek the truth within my friend,
and you will finally see,
that fear is really nothing,
but the lie it's meant to be.

written by ~ Rebecca Ann Bowlin
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Am Not A Duck
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=846

Giving Thanks
www.serenityfound.org/readings/giving_thanks.html

When It Gets Tough
www.nawol.org/2006_ch14%20TOUGH.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 11, A Vision For You
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_11.html

How It Works
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_5.html#how

How It Works
www.na.org/ips/eng/how.htm

THE SPONSOR'S AIDE
www.sponsorsaide.50megs.com/index.html

Twelve Gifts
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/TwelveGifts.html

Tapestry
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/Tapestry.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 25                                  Not Just Lucky

"The process of coming to believe restores us to sanity.
The strength to move into action comes from this belief"
Basic Text p. 24

Coming to believe is a process that stems from personal
experience. Each of us has this experience; all addicts who
find recovery in NA have solid evidence of a benevolent Power
acting for good in their lives. Those of us who are recovering
today, after all, are the fortunate ones. Many, many addicts
die from our disease, never to experience what we have found
in Narcotics Anonymous.

The process of coming to believe involves a willingness to
recognize miracles for what they are. We share the miracle
of being here clean, and each of us has other miracles that
await only our acknowledgment. How many car accidents or
overdoses or other near-catastrophes have we survived? Can
we look back at our lives and see that we were not just "lucky"?
Our experience in recovery, too, gives us examples of a Higher
Power working for our good.

When we can look back at the evidence of a loving Higher
Power acting on our behalf, it becomes possible to trust that
this Higher Power will continue to help us in the future. And
trust offers us the strength to move forward.

Just for today: My recovery is more than coincidence.
My strength comes from the knowledge that my Higher
Power has never let me down and will continue to guide me. pg. 183

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Opening Up To Change

Self-searching is the means by which we bring new vision, action, and grace
to bear upon the dark and negative side of our natures.  With it comes the
development of that kind of humility that makes it possible for us to
receive God's help. . . . we find that bit by bit we can discard the old
life -- the one that did not work -- for a new life that can and does work
under any conditions whatever.
AS BILL SEES IT, pp. 10, 8

I have been given a daily reprieve contingent upon my spiritual condition,
provided I seek progress, not perfection.  To become ready for change, I
practice willingness, opening myself to possibilities of change.  If I
realize there are defects that hinder my usefulness in A.A. and toward
others, I become ready by meditating and receiving direction.  "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).  To let go and let God, I
need only surrender my old ways to Him; I no longer fight nor do I try to
control, but simply believe that, with God's help, I am changed and
affirming this belief makes me ready.  I empty myself to be full of
awareness, light, and love, and I am ready to face each day with hope.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 25th

A.A. Thought for the Day

One of the most encouraging facts of life is that your weakness
can become your greatest asset. Kites and airplanes rise against
the wind. In climbing up a high mountain, we need the stony crags
and rough places to aid us in our climb. So your weakness can
become an asset if you will face it, examine it, and trace it to
its origin. Set it in the very center of your mind. No weakness,
such as drinking, ever turned into an asset until it was first
fairly faced. Am I making my weakness my greatest asset?

Meditation for the Day

Whenever we seek to worship God, we think of the great
universe that God rules over, of creation, of mighty law and
order throughout the universe. Then we feel the awe that
precedes worship. I too must feel awe, feet the desire to
worship God in wondering amazement. My mind is in a box of
space and time and it is so made that I cannot conceive of what
is beyond space or time, the limitless and the eternal. But I
know that there must be something beyond space and time,
and that something must be the limitless and eternal Power
behind the universe. I also know that I can experience that
Power in my life.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may accept the limitless and eternal Spirit. I
pray that It may express Itself in my life.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 25

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Withholding

Sometimes, to protect ourselves, we close ourselves off from a person we're
in a relationship with. Our body may be present, but we're not. We're not
available to participate in the relationship.

We shut down.

Sometimes, it is appropriate and healthy to shut down in a relationship. We
may legitimately need some time out. Sometimes it is self-defeating to close
ourselves off in a relationship.

To stop being vulnerable, honest, and present for another person can put an
end to the relationship. The other person can do nothing in the relationship
when we are gone. Closing ourselves makes us unavailable to that
relationship.

It is common to go through temporary periods of closing down in a
relationship. But it is unhealthy to make this an ongoing practice. It may
be one of our relationship-sabotaging devices.

Before we close down, we need to ask ourselves what we are hoping to
accomplish by shutting down. Do we need some time to deal? To heal? To grow?
To sort through things? Do we need time out from this relationship? Or are
we reverting to our old ways - hiding, running, and terminating
relationships because we are afraid we cannot take care of ourselves in any
other way?

Do we need to shut down because the other person truly isn't safe, is
manipulating, lying, or acting out addictively or abusively? Are we shutting
down because the other person has shut down and we no longer want to be
available?

Shutting down, shutting off, closing ourselves and removing our emotional
presence from a relationship is a powerful tool. We need to use it carefully
and responsibly. To achieve intimacy and closeness in a relationship, we
need to be present emotionally. We need to be available.

God, help me be emotionally present in the relationships I choose to be in.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Power of Inner Storms
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/06/guy-finley.htm

Breathing Facts
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/06/breathingfacts.htm

Goddammit
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/June/Opinion%20_Guy_Spiro.html

Making Sweet Dreams Reality: Making a Difference One Bed at a Time
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/October/feature1.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Animals Teach Us Spirituality
by Mary Lou Randour

Animals have been the spiritual companions of humans since the beginning of
recorded time. The earliest indication of the spiritual significance of the
human-animal relationship can be found in the 20,000-year-old cave wall
paintings of Cro-Magnon people. In many if not most cultures, animals have
served a variety of spiritual functions: They have been linked with
supernatural forces, acted as guardians and shamans, and appeared in images
of an afterlife. They have even been worshipped as agents of gods and
goddesses. Many ancient creation myths, for example, depict God with a dog.
These stories do not explain the existence of the dog; like God, the dog is
assumed to have existed from the beginning. In this assumption, these
primordial people revealed their intense attachment to their animal
companions.

That animals touch us in a deep, central place is not a modern-day
phenomenon, but one that pervades the history of the human-animal
relationship. We sense that we can benefit spiritually in our relationship
with animals, and we are right. They offer us something fundamental: a
direct and immediate sense of both the joy and wonder of creation. We
recognize that animals seem to feel more intensely and purely than we do.
Perhaps we yearn to express ourselves with such abandon and integrity.
Animals fully reveal to us what we already glimpse: it is feeling -- and the
organization of feeling -- that forms the core of self. We also sense that
through our relationship to animals we can recover that which is true within
us and, through the discovery of that truth, find our spiritual direction.
Quite simply, animals teach us about love: how to love, how to enjoy being
loved, how loving itself is an activity that generates more love, radiating
out and encompassing an ever larger circle of others. Animals propel us into
an "economy of abundance."

They teach us the language of the spirit. Through our contact with animals
we can learn to overcome the limits imposed by difference; we can reach
beyond the walls we have erected between the mundane and the sacred. They
can even help us stretch ourselves to discover new frontiers of
consciousness. Animals cannot "talk" to us, but they can communicate with us
and commune with us in a language that does not require words. They help us
understand that words might even stand in the way.

Lois Crisler did not use human words to achieve a spiritual connection with
animals. Instead, she used their language. Sitting in a tent with her
husband one twilight morning in Alaska, she heard a sound she had never
heard before -- the howl of a wolf. Thrilled, she stepped outside the tent
and impulsively howled in return, "pouring out my wilderness loneliness."
She was answered by a chorus of wolves' voices, yodeling in a range of low,
medium, and high notes. Other wolves joined in, each at a different pitch.
"The wild deep medley of chords," she recalls, "...the absence of treble,
made a strange, savage, heart-stirring uproar." It was the "roar of nature,"
a roar that brings us back to an essential place we have known but lost. It
returns us to nature and to creation, not intellectually but viscerally. We
recollect in the cells of our bodies, not in our heads. If we open to it, we
can make out the image of our animal kin by our side.

Fulfilling our longing for the wild, our primordial desire to hear "the roar
of nature" within ourselves, does not require that we camp out in Alaska, or
even encounter an animal in its natural habitat. Spiritual contact with an
animal can happen under quite ordinary circumstances.

I once took a yoga class while visiting my sister in Sarasota, Florida, in a
beautiful studio with floor-to-ceiling windows. As the class was engaged in
exercise, we noticed a dog standing outside the window, innocently looking
in. The dog seemed curious, and wagged his tail in a relaxed motion. Soon,
he was joined by another dog, who also watched us through the window.
Occasionally one or the other would bark -- not a loud bark, but a "here I
am" kind of bark. For the entire hour-and-a-half session they stood there,
noses to the glass, looking in with interest. They seemed calm, but
intensely attentive, and clearly interested in joining us. One could assign
any number of explanations to their absorbed interest. I think, as did
others in the class, that they picked up on some kind of "positive energy"
generated by our collective yoga practice. I put quotes around "positive
energy" because I don't have precise language to describe what I think the
dogs sensed. And that is the point. They were able to perceive, and
experience, something some of us are dimly aware of and would like to
understand, but cannot find words to describe. Animals can teach us to live
outside of words, to listen to other forms of consciousness, to tune into
other rhythms.

It was the rhythm of music that one musician, Jim Nollman, used to
communicate with whales. Along with several other musicians, he recorded
hours of human-orca music in an underwater studio every summer for twelve
years. Positioning their boat so that the whales would approach them, the
group transmitted their music through the water. Most of the time the orcas
made the same sounds, regardless of whether the music was played or not. But
not all the time. For a few minutes every year, a "sparkling communication
occurred. In one instance, the sound of an electric guitar note elicited
responses from several whales. In another, an orca joined with the
musicians, 'initiat[ing] a melody and rhythm over a blues progression,
emphasizing the chord changes."'

An uncanny meeting with a whale proved a decisive spiritual moment for
another person, a retired female teacher who I have enjoyed hiking with in
northern California. While hiking along the ocean, she decided to rest on a
large, flat rock jutting out over the depths. She lay there, relaxed,
listening to the sound of the water and the sensation of the breeze on her
body when, she reports, she felt a presence: "The hairs on the back of my
neck went up; I was compelled to sit up." Sitting up, she saw a whale,
resting perpendicular on her fluke. As her eyes met the whale's, time
stopped. As they gazed at each other, the woman entered an eternal
stillness, feeling an unmatched intensity. Difference dissolved; words were
irrelevant. She felt a deep sense of connection with all of life. No longer
restricted by the categories of "them" and "us," she felt herself flow into
a seamless web of existence in which all of life is one. In complete harmony
with the whale, this retired teacher felt that she inhabited a web of
relations some call "God." She had encountered God in, and through, the eyes
of a whale.

Cross-species communication may be so extraordinary because we cannot rely
on identifying with the creature the way we identify with human beings for
connection. Our human relationships are often based on relating to a being
like ourselves: We can identify and empathize with each other because we
share similar experiences. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this. The
ability to identify with others forms the basis for personal relationships,
social bonds, and social justice.

Animals, however, offer us a unique opportunity to transcend the boundaries
of our human perspectives, they allow us to stretch our consciousness toward
understanding what it is like to be different. This stretching enables us to
grow beyond our narrow viewpoint. It allows us, I believe, to gain a
spiritual advantage. How can we possibly appreciate and move toward
spiritual wholeness if we cannot see beyond our own species? How can we come
to know God, or grasp the interconnectedness of all life, if we limit
ourselves to knowing only our own kind? The goal of compassion is not to
care because someone is like us but to care because they are themselves.

Any spiritual discipline, in any tradition, invites us to open our hearts
and minds. This invitation represents an ongoing exercise; the desire and
attempt to open to others in our midst are the essence of the spiritual
process.

Animals can lead us spiritually in a variety of ways. They can teach us
about death, participate in our social and moral development, enhance our
physical and psychological well-being, and heighten our capacity to love and
to experience joy.

This article is excerpted from the book Animal Grace by Mary Lou Randour.
©1999. Reprinted with permission of the publisher New World Library, Novato,
CA 94949. www.nwlib.com 800-972-6657, Ext. 52

About The Author :
Mary Lou Randour, Ph.D., a professional psychologist, is director of
programs for Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and a
consultant to the Doris Day Animal Foundation. After sixteen years in
private practice, she now devotes herself to the animal advocacy movement.
She serves on several boards and committees and lobbies to pass legislation
benefiting animals. She is the author of Women's Psyche, Women's Spirit: The
Reality of Relationships and editor of Exploring Sacred Landscapes:
Religious and Spiritual Experiences in Psychotherapy, both published by
Columbia University Press. She is the author of Animal Grace as well as
Women's Psyche, Women's Spirit: The Reality of Relationships and Exploring
Sacred Landscapes.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thermometers and Thermostats

  Do you know the difference between a thermometer and a
thermostat? A thermometer simply measures the temperature. It
doesn't do anything about it.

A thermostat measures the temperature and then responds. If the
temperature is too high, a thermostat may shut off the heat. If
the temperature is too low, a thermostat may trigger heat to turn
on. It measures temperature and it does something about it.

While a thermometer is a passive tool, a thermostat is an active
tool. They both experience the temperature, but a thermostat
responds.

Some people are like thermometers -- they passively allow what
may harm them to just happen. They have problems and difficulties
and they believe there isn't anything that can be done about it.
They feel helpless as they watch life happen. They feel as if
they have no power.

Others are more like thermostats. When they are faced with
difficulty, they kick into action. They believe that something
can be done; a solution can be found; a hurt can be healed. They
respond; they make decisions; they go into motion.

Advice columnist Ann Landers said, "If I were asked to give what
I consider the single most useful bit of advice for all humanity,
it would be this: expect trouble as an inevitable part of life.
When it comes, hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye,
and say, 'I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.'" In
other words, respond courageously and creatively.

Do you know that you can be bigger than any trouble that comes
your way? If you have become stuck because you feel frightened or
helpless, it is time to respond. It is time to go into motion. It
is time to activate your faith. When you become bigger than your
problem, it cannot defeat you.

Today -- will you be a thermometer or a thermostat?

Steve Goodier

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just Pedal

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge,
keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know
whether I merited heaven or hell when I die.

He was out there sort of like a president.
I recognized his picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.
But later on, when I met God, it seemed as though life
were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike,
and I noticed that God was at the back, helping me pedal.

I don't know when it was that he suggested that we change places,
but life has not been the same since.
When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable.
It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when he took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains,
and through rocky places at breakneck speeds.
It was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"
I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?"
He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust.
I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure.
And when I'd say "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed;
gifts of healing, acceptance and joy.
They gave me gifts to take on my journey.
And we were off again.
He said, 'Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight.'

So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received,
and still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life.
I thought He'd wreck it; but he knows bike secrets,
knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,
knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.
And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places,
and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face
with God as my delightful constant companion.
And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,
He just smiles and says, "Pedal!"

Author Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Surrender

When there are a hundred and one things
to do
and only a few precious hours to
contain them
Where do you go
for reconciliation?

Create a space
and adorn it only with Light
Willingness and Grace,
Give it a name
Call it Surrender
There will arrive a special gift
to help sort things out:
priorities will fall at your feet
and make themselves known;
Give them a number
assign them importance
and see if those are not just
what really needs to be embraced

One day
One hour
One choice at a time
They will all fall into place
Call it Surrender

Love
Stella

©2000 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Love Myself Enough To:

I love myself enough to put my needs first.

I love myself enough to ask for help when I need it.

I love myself enough to eat foods that energize my body, yet love myself
enough to not criticize myself for eating foods that are not so good for my
body.

I love myself enough to take proper care of my body by taking vitamins,
minerals, and seeking expert medical advice if needed.

I love myself enough to get enough rest and exercise.

I love myself enough to pay attention to my thoughts, words, and actions and
make positive choices in all.

I love myself enough to honor my feelings and give them expression.

I love myself enough to nurture my Soul in whatever way feels nurturing to
me.

I love myself enough to look at all my beliefs and question if they are
still valid for me and if they are serving my Highest Good.

I love myself enough to make time each day to do something fun.

I love myself enough to utilize the money I have in the most effective and
creative ways to benefit me.

I love myself enough to wait until I can afford or get that which I truly
want and deserve, and not settle for less than that which I truly want or
deserve.

I love myself enough to live in a clean and organized manner.

I love myself enough to surround myself with others who love themselves.

I love myself enough to listen and act upon my inner guidance.

I love myself enough to say NO to anyone about anything.

I love myself enough to know when to say Yes to people and projects that
serve to enrich my life.

I love myself enough to Forgive myself for my perceived mistakes.

From the Seeker's Notebook
By:  Kathleen Rork Fletcher

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What Drugs Can Do

Now I see what drugs can do, to not just me but also you.
They change your brain where you don't care,
Right or wrong it's all fair.
From your friends they'll make you steal,
And make your life seem so unreal.
They'll make you rob and make you cheat,
And make you think you got them beat.
They'll leave you standing in the rain,
With nothing but a lot of pain.
Without a nickel or a dime,
And nothing but a lot of time.
So then you think it's time for you,
To change your life to something new.
But you think it's to late,
The drugs have filled you with so much hate.
So if you think you need some drugs,
You're very wrong you just need hugs!

Written By:
Tamara T

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Any life, no matter how long and complex it may be,
is made up of a single moment--
the moment in which a man finds out,
once and for all, who he is.
Jorge Luis Borges

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you love somebody,
let them go,
for if they return,
they were always yours.
And if they don't,
they never were.
Kahlil Gibran

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The farther behind I leave the past,
the closer I am to forging my own character.
Isabelle Eberhardt

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The true test of character is not how much we know how to do,
but how we behave when we don't know what to do.
John Holt

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you don't pick it up,
you can't get high.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you don't pick it up,
you don't have to put it down.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you stay away from the first one,
you don't have to worry about all of the rest.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you think staying away from the first one is difficult,
try staying away from the second one.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
are included:

To unsubscribe to to this list send an Email message to the group
that you belong to
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or
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Having a relationship in recovery
is like putting Miracle Grow on your character defects.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your definition of an oldtimer (in the rooms)?
Do you believe that "oldtimers" are viewed/treated differently
than other addicts in the rooms ?
How do you avoid becoming complacent ?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 24
I love me because of all that I am,
not just a part of me.
I fully accept myself just as I am today
and that feels so good.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Magic Microwave

Why is this a process and not an event?
Where¹s that microwave recovery I crave?
Break out that wand, sing a magic chant,
say the prayer so that my soul is saved.
If I read the book will it teach me the tricks
so I can fool all my loved ones once more?
Can I get one of you guys to say that I'm cured
so they'll let back into their door?
What if I throw a few bucks in the basket
will that buy me the peace that I need?
What do you mean, "I've got to surrender"
if, from my misery I want to be freed?
What's this about having to be honest,
and change my people, places and things?
Can't I just come to a meeting, pick up a chip
and feel the joy this recovery brings?
I don't know about all you people,
you must not have been as bad as I was.
You're smiling and happy, you've got peace in your eyes,
and you talk about knowing real love.
Still, the place that I've been is so painful,
I don't think I can stand any longer.
Maybe I'll give this recovery a try,
at least til I get a bit stronger.

Much love,
john h
johnh94@...
© 06-18-04

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Prayer For Love
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=844

A New Life
www.serenityfound.org/readings/new_life.html

Bitter Ends - New Beginnings
www.nawol.org/2006_ch13%20BITTER%20ENDS.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 11, A Vision For You
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_11.html

The Twelve Steps
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_5.html#steps

For Love Addicts with Love Addiction
www.brightertomorrow.net/

Today Is The Day
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/TodayIsTheDay.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 24                                                 Tolerance

"...ever reminding us to place principles before personalities."
Tradition Twelve

  Sometimes it's hard to accept others' character defects.
As we recover together, we not only listen to others talk in
meetings, we also watch how they walk through their recovery.
The more we get to know other members, the more we become
aware of how they live their lives. We may form opinions about
how they "work their program:' We may find that certain
members upset us, or we may even hear ourselves say, "If I
worked their program, I would surely use .

  We have found tolerance to be a principle that not only
strengthens our own recovery but also our relationships with
individuals who are a source of irritation to us. It becomes
easier to accept other members' frailties when we remember
that we ourselves rarely turn over our own character defects
until we become painfully aware of them.

Just for today: I will strive to accept others as they are.
I will try not to judge others. I will focus on the principles
of love and acceptance. pg. 182

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Long-Term Hope

Since most of us are born with an abundance of natural desires, it isn't
strange that we often let these far exceed their intended purpose.  When
they drive us blindly, or we willfully demand that they supply us with more
satisfactions or pleasures than are possible or due us, that is the point
at which we depart from the degree of perfection that God wishes for us
here on earth.  That is the measure of our character defects, or, if you
wish, of our sins.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 65

  This is where long-term hope is born and perspective is gained, both of
the nature of my illness and the path of my recovery.  The beauty of A.A.
lies in knowing that my life, with God's help, will improve.  The A.A.
journey becomes richer, the understanding becomes truth, the dreams
become realities-and today becomes forever.

  As I step into the A.A. light, my heart fills with the presence of God.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 24th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Alcohol is our weakness. We suffer from mental conflicts from
which we look for escape by drowning our problems in drink.
We try through drink to push away from the realities of life.
But alcohol does not feed, alcohol does not build, it only borrows
from the future and it ultimately destroys. We try to drown our
feelings in order to escape life's realities, little realizing or
caring that in continued drinking we are only multiplying our
problems. Have I got control over my unstable emotions?

Meditation for the Day

When I let personal piques and resentments interfere with what
I know to be my proper conduct, I am on the wrong track and I
am undoing all I have built up by doing the right thing. I must
never let personal piques interfere with living the way I know
God wants me to live. When I have no clear guidance from God,
I must go forward quietly along the path of duty. The attitude
of quiet faith will receive its reward as surely as acting upon
God's direct guidance. I must not weaken my spiritual power
by letting personal piques upset me.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may not let myself become too upset. I pray that
I may go quietly along the path I have chosen.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 24

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Detachment

Detachment doesn't come naturally for many of us. But once we realize the
value of this recovery principle, we understand how vital detachment is. The
following story illustrates how a woman came to understand detachment.

"The first time I practiced detachment was when I let go of my alcoholic
husband. He had been drinking for seven years --since I had married him. For
that long, I had been denying his alcoholism and trying to make him stop
drinking.

"I did outrageous things to make him stop drinking, to make him see the
light, to make him realize how much he was hurting me. I really thought I
was doing things right by trying to control him.

"One night, I saw things clearly. I realized that my attempts to control him
would never solve the problem. I also saw that my life was unmanageable. I
couldn't make him do anything he didn't want to do. His alcoholism was
controlling me, even though I wasn't drinking.

"I set him free, to do as he chose. The truth is, he did as he pleased
anyway. Things changed the night I detached. He could feel it, and so could
I. When I set him free, I set myself free to live my own life.

"I've had to practice the principle of detachment many times since then.
I've had to detach from unhealthy people and healthy people. It's never
failed. Detachment works."

Detachment is a gift. It will be given to us when we're ready for it. When
we set the other person free, we are set free.

Today, wherever possible, I will detach in love.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/06/f1.htm
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/06/f2.htm
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/06/f3.htm
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/06/f4.htm

The Key To Lasting Happiness
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/06/lastinghappiness.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Open Your Gates to the Cosmic Mind: Meditation Personal and Universal
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/June/feature3.html

Can You Change a Loved One?
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/November/vissell.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

God Bag Meditation
"Letting go, my hands are free to grab on to life."
Rokelle Lerner

Begin by taking a few minutes to be with your breath, breathing in
peace and breathing out tension.  When you feel calm and relaxed,
imagine that you are in your inner sanctuary.

  In your mind create a beautiful bag.  It can be made out of any
material you wish.  Design it with any color, size or shape.  Write
the word "God" or "Higher Power" or any word that feels comfortable
to you to describe a power greater than yourself.  Add two handles
to the bag.

  Now think about a problem you haven't been able to solve or a situation
about which you are unhappy or uncomfortable.  Imagine that you have a
pencil and piece of paper in your special place. Imagine yourself writing
this down.  Then, fold the paper and put it into your God Bag.

  Step outside your special place, taking your God Bag with you, and look
up, where you will see a magnificent hot air balloon hovering above you.
Imagine it in any color and design that appeals to you.  There is a string
hanging from the balloon.  Tie the string to the handles of your God bag
and let go!  Watch the balloon begin to rise, going higher and higher, up
in the sky.  See it becoming smaller and smaller until you can barely see
it at all.

  Let yourself feel lighter!  Know that the balloon has taken your special
problem or situation and all the energies of the universe are now working
on it for you.  You will know what to do when the time is right.  There's
nothing else you have to do.  Every time this situation comes up for you,
just let it go, know that you have done all you can do at the moment.

  Take some time to let yourself feel the peace and  comfort of letting go.
And whenever you are ready, come back to your room.  Be sure you count to
five before you open your eyes.

Whenever I have a situation I don't know how to handle, I can find peace
by turning it over to God.  Simply writing it down and putting it in my God
Bag brings me closer to my Higher Power.  Today I can let God be in charge
of my life.

From PRECIOUS SOLITUDE © by Ruth Fishel
Spirithaven Home Page <http://www.spirithaven.com/>
Ruth Fishel is an author of recovery books and meditation books like
" Learning to live in the now" and "Time for Joy" that I have read in
recovery and I have the blessing to meet her on line. I HIGHLY
recommend getting her books they are spiritually nourishing,
refreshing and healing.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Heart Guard
Virginia Santoro

   "Raisin is the sweetest little dog I've ever met.  I'm probably
prejudiced because he's mine (sounds kind of possessive, doesn't it ~
especially since, just like every other creation we are blessed to
have in our lives, Raisin is on loan to me from God, who owns all).
Since he's on loan to me, I'm responsible for his care.  Part of his
care is giving him a monthly med called 'Heart Guard,' which prevents
him from getting a certain fatal disease that effects dogs' hearts.
Because I love him, I give it to him religiously.

It's this way with the people in our lives, too.  God has loaned them
to us for a time - and we don't know how long that is, do we?  Since He
loaned these precious ones of His to us, there is an understood trust
on His part that we will be responsible and care for them.  Raisin can't
take his Heart Guard without me, so I am sure to help him protect himself.
Some of our loved ones can't or won't take care of themselves.  We love
them, so we do our best, within reason and without controlling, to be sure
they have their Heart Guard, too.  And what does Heart Guard look like
for our families, our loved ones, our coworkers, and so on?  It's an easy to
swallow pill ~ it's loving words, kindnesses, caring gestures, presence and
patience, hugs and kisses, smiles and laughter, understanding and
compassion.
~ all wrapped up in one little pill called Love.

   Remember, everyone has a storehouse of Heart Guard to give.
Don't hoard it.  Be sure to give out ALL you have.  You'll never run out,
because you're also on loan to others, who are going to be sure you're
taking your Heart Guard, too."

© 2001
Virginia Santoro
MorningMusings@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My Heroine

As a mistress she was tempting, ever willing ever there,
She helped me to feel special,
Wanted,
She cared.
All my "friends" had courted danced and held her hand,
But she had time for all of us, every woman, every man.

But then as I got closer I began to see her change,
She no longer was my mistress
I¹d become her slave.
I fought with her, tormented,
She wouldn¹t let me sleep,
Trouble was I loved her so
I was hers to keep.

Seven years she stole from me,
While I got nothing back.
As a mistress she was tempting,
My heroine???
No!..
SMACK!

Written By:
Martin P

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Heart Strings

There are so many precious Gifts
God gives us many things,
Things not seen, but only felt,
through what we call, heart strings.
This is that, we always feel,
When our loved one's hearts are breaking.
There are so few, that have this gift,
For their motives are in the taking.
If ones desire, is but to give,
Expecting nothing in return.
They feel the pains in others hearts,
They feel such deep concern,
They truly want to take their pains,
replacing them with peace,
to fill their hearts with endless joy,
That never more shall cease.
So let us love, and live our lives,
that those breaking hearts might feel,
the heart strings that connect us,
Are something very real.

written by ~ Rebecca Ann
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Often we are too busy or self-absorbed to notice
what is beautiful in people and in the world around
us. We hurry along focused on ourselves,
inattentive to what really makes life worth living.

   The world is filled with beauty--twilight over a
lake, a child's laughter, a scene in a movie, the sun
on a stone wall, a weeping willow, a lively song,
our beloved's face. If we are attentive and learn to
slow down, we will see all around us signs of
beauty that speak directly to us.

   We do not have to go to exotic places to find
beauty. It is here, in our lives, all around us. Finding
it, we carry it with us, and our lives are enriched.
The language of beauty is the language of joy.

   As I become more attentive to the beauty that is all
around me, I find my life becoming happier and
more deeply spiritual.

from the book, Answers in the Heart
by Anonymous copyright 1989

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To exist is to change;
to change is to mature;
to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.
Henri Bergson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It is understanding that gives us the ability to have peace.
When we understand the other fellow's viewpoint,
and he understands ours,
then we can sit down and work out our differences.
Harry S. Truman

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

No lions are ever caught in mousetraps.
To catch lions you must think in terms of lions, not in terms of mice.
Your mind is always creating traps of one kind or another,
and what you catch depends on the thinking you do.
It is your thinking that attracts to you what you receive.
Thomas Dreier

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

New Thought believes that the Kingdom of Heaven lies within.
Our purpose is to realize this Kingdom on earth.
One way we do so is by bestowing our gifts on others,
giving of ourselves in a way that leaves our world better than we found it.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

However many holy words you read,
However many you speak,
What good will they do you
If you do not act upon them?
Buddha

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Why are we here?
Because we are not all there.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you don't believe what you hear,
believe what you see.
We who don't use for one day are Miracles.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What's right with me today
is that I am an addict seeking recovery,
willing to go to any lengths to get it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chase your recovery like you chase the drink and drugs.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
are included:

To unsubscribe to to this list send an Email message to the group
that you belong to
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
or
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Recovery is like sex,
if it doesn't feel good,
you're not doing it right.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your definition of an oldtimer (in the rooms)?
Do you believe that "oldtimers" are viewed/treated differently
than other addicts in the rooms ?
How do you avoid becoming complacent ?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 23
Today I'm learning to release my stress
and anxiety in positive and healthy ways.
My body is becoming free
from all negative experiences.
My past no longer lives in my body.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In Memory of Josh
June 23rd, 1981 - October 6th, 2003

As I sit and think about my life,
It makes me want to grab that knife
These drugs have brought me to my low
Places I thought I would never go
It was those feelings I tried to hide
That made me feel I had no inside
I thought one bag was all I would need
But all I did was plant a seed
Then it went to 9 or 10
Brought me right to hells den
I knew a meeting was all I needed
But now my plan was much defeated
Now that I am on my death bed,
I wish I would have listened to what my sponsor said.
As I start my life over again
Eating healthy go back to the gym
No more trips to east New York
No more trips to county court
I put on 10 pounds in the last two months
Stopped smoking all those blunts
I haven¹t called in sick to work
If only, those voices still didn¹t lurk
But I¹m stronger than them I know I am
I¹m going to stay clean I know I can
I got my complexion back again
And every night I pick up a pen
To write about the day that past
With these meetings I know that this will last
Oh my God what did I do
Now its back to rehab, #22
I missed that meeting just one day
Now look at the price I have to pay
I lost my family, friends, and soul,
And now my life has no control
Now I¹m starting from day one
Thank God I had put down that gun
When I said this is gonna be the end
And I wasn¹t even my own friend
I know there are good things in life
Happiness, friendship, and even a wife
But drugs always cut me short
And now I¹m back at County court.
The judge gave me 25 to life
I think I will go grab that knife.
Because I don¹t want to rot in jail
Now instead I will rot in hell.
As I look down from up above
And see all these people full of love
All the decisions that I regret
Too much loss of self respect

This shit is real whether white or,
Black, purple or blue,
So don¹t ever think it cant happen to you
I thought I was smarter I thought I was cool.
But now look who is really the fool.
I had so much potential and there it went
I had not a dollar not even a cent
Now its too late to tell this to you
Who knew I would die, nobody knew
I send to y¹all from up above
With all my heart, soul and love.

Written By: Joshua Joseph
April 2002
www.joshjoseph.com
softhds1@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Perfect Love
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=836

The Dilemma of No Faith
www.serenityfound.org/readings/no_faith.html

Getting Over Abuse and Neglect
www.nawol.org/2006_ch12%20ABUSE.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 11, A Vision For You
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_11.html

Alcoholism and Codependence - Two Fatal Diseases
www.joy2meu.com/Alcoholism.html

HowItWorks
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/HowItWorks.html

Falling Upward
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/FallingUpward.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
June 23                                                Surrender

"We didn't stumble into this fellowship brimming with love,
honesty, open-mindedness, or willingness....When we were
beaten, we became willing." Basic Text, p. 20

Surrender may be the necessary foundation for recovery, but
sometimes we fight it. Most of us look back after some clean time
and wonder why on earth we fought so hard to deny our
powerlessness when surrender is what finally saved our lives.
As we recover, new opportunities to surrender present
themselves. We can either struggle with everyone and everything
we encounter or we can recall the benefits of our first surrender
and stop fighting.

Most of the pain we experience comes from fighting, not
surrendering. In fact, when we surrender, the pain ends and hope
takes its place. We begin to believe that all will be well and, after
some time, realize that our lives are much better as a result. We
feel the same way we did when we gave up the illusion that we could
control our using-relieved, free, and filled with fresh hope.

Just for today: Is there a surrender I need to make today?
I will remember my first surrender and remind myself that
I don't need to fight anymore. pg. 181

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our Primary Purpose

The more A.A. sticks to its primary purpose, the greater will be its
helpful influence everywhere.
A.A. COMES OF AGE, p. 109

It is with gratitude that I reflect on the early days of our Fellowship and
those wise and loving "foresteppers" who proclaimed that we should not be
diverted from our primary purpose, that of carrying the message to the
alcoholic who still suffers.

I desire to impart respect to those who labor in the field of alcoholism,
being ever mindful that A.A. endorses no causes other than its own. I must
remember that A.A. has no monopoly on miracle making and I remain humbly
grateful to a loving God who made A.A. possible.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 23rd

A.A. Thought for the Day

No chain is stronger than its weakest link. Likewise, if you
fail in the day-by-day program, in all probability it will be
at your weakest point. Great-faith and constant contact with
God's power can help you discover, guard, and undergird
your weakest point with a strength not your own. Intelligent
faith in God's power can be counted on to help you master
your emotions, help you to think kindly of others, and help
you with any task that you undertake, no matter how difficult.
Am I master of my emotions?

Meditation for the Day

You need to be constantly recharged by the power of the
spirit of God. Commune with God in quiet times until the life
from God, the Divine life, by that very contact, flows into your
being and revives your fainting spirit. When weary, take time
out and rest. Rest and gain power and strength from God, and
then you will be ready to meet whatever opportunities come
your way. Rest until every care and worry and fear have gone
and then the tide of peace and serenity, love and joy, will flow
into your consciousness.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may rest and become recharged. I pray that I
may pause and wait for the renewing of my strength.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation. No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 23

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Letting Go of Old Beliefs

Try harder. Do better. Be perfect.

These messages are tricks that people have played on us. No matter how hard
we try, we think we have to do better. Perfection always eludes us and keeps
us unhappy with the good we've done.

Messages of perfectionism are tricks because we can never achieve their
goal. We cannot feel good about ourselves or what we have done while these
messages are driving us. We will never be good enough until we change the
messages and tell ourselves we are good enough now.

We can start approving of and accepting ourselves. Who we are is good
enough. Our best yesterday was good enough; our best today is plenty good
too.

We can be who we are, and do it the way we do it - today. That is the
essence of avoiding perfection.

God, help me let go of the messages that drive me into the crazies. I will
give myself permission to be who I am and let that be good enough.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Language of Now
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/06/languageofnow.htm

Puzzle Pieces: Self and Society
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/June/feature2.html

Words of Wisdom and Affirmation
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/November/hay.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Permission Granted... To Have A Wonderful Life
by Marie T. Russell

How many times have you made a decision to change something in your life
and then found yourself slipping off the path you had chosen? Have you
found yourself repeating past behavior even though the higher side of
your consciousness knew better than to be caught in that same old trap?
Is it that you were insincere in your choice or rather that you stumbled
on old programming?

The mind and the subconscious have alternately been considered as
master or enemy. They are neither - they are wonderful tools available
to us to create the life we choose. Unfortunately, some people have yet
to realize that they themselves 'run the show'. They have let the mind
and subconscious run on automatic without verifying that the operating
program is truly what they now desire.

In dealing with 'undesirable' patterns, be aware that the motivation for
habitual actions resides in our subconscious. Those patterns are a
response to our previous programming. Maybe we felt, in the past, that
the safest way to react to anger was to hold our breath and suppress our
feelings deep inside. Or possibly our habitual reaction to new situations
was to figuratively crawl into the deepest part of ourselves and hide.
These response patterns may have become entrenched in our subconscious
as part of our self-defense mechanism - they form a set of rules that
dictate our automatic behavior.

You may have made a mental decision to change some thought pattern or
behavior, but neglected to inform your "manager" (subconscious) that you
had changed the ground rules. Thus, it still was operating according to the
old rules thinking that it was serving you. Once it becomes aware that a
new behavior (i.e. expressing yourself) is what you now desire, it will
happily assist you in manifesting that new reality.

You may need to remind your mental computer (subconscious) more than
once of the new direction you desire to take. It was told many times, in
the past, of the "proper" or "other" way to behave and you now need to
reassure it that you truly do want it to behave in a new fashion. You need
to inform it that you are now playing the game of life differently. Tell it
that you now choose to "play" life joyfully, lightly, and with harmlessness
and harmony as your methods of operation.

A powerful tool which helps re-program the 'management' of the
subconscious is to inform it that you now give it permission to operate
differently. Remember you are the one, either through direct
communication or through agreement with others, that set the rules
for your subconscious' behavior. You now need to pull out the old policy
and replace it with a new one.

This can be done by simply telling your subconscious, while you are in a
reflective or meditative state of mind, that you now give yourself
permission to live life the way you desire (i.e. to take risks and express
your emotions to the people in your life). You could phrase it as "I now
give myself complete permission to.....(be happy, healthy, etc.)". You then
proceed to affirm, "I now release the fear of.....(expressing my emotions,
etc.)" It helps to let out a huge sigh at this point to physically release
the stored emotions.

If you find yourself thinking something like "I'm always late", release all
the guilt by affirming: "I now release all guilt for being late in the past,
present and future. I now give myself permission to be on time."
Remember, your sub-conscious has taken your thought of "I'm always late"
as a command and has dutifully assisted you in creating that reality. You
might want to thank it for its assistance and make it clear that you now
want its help in being on time (or healthy, happy, wealthy, etc.).

Life is what you make it! You can clean out the cobwebs in the old
programming and revamp the guidelines to reflect your new vision of
yourself and of the life you choose to have surrounding you. Be aware of
your present thoughts. In a sense, you need to be "watching" your
thoughts at all times to spot the ones that sabotage your goals. Once you
detect the thoughts that are 'against' your highest good, you can proceed
to change them.

Take a good look at the scripts you have accumulated for the future and
see if there are any editorial changes and major rewriting that you need
to do. Change the script! Give yourself permission to have a great and
fantastic life.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One Light

Imagine an artist painting a winter scene. She depicts a white,
frozen ground and evergreens draped in snow. Her hand brings the
day to a close as she paints night falling on the canvas. In the
deep shadows of dusk, she has painted a grim, log cabin, barely
visible to the casual observer.

Then she dips her brush in yellow paint and, with a few quick
strokes, places a brightly burning lamp in one of the cabin's
windows. Warm rays dance on white snow, now made brighter by the
light. The lonely lamp wholly changes the tone of the picture,
replacing feelings of dark and gloom with warmth and security.

Edith Wharton has said that there are two ways of spreading the
light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Sometimes
we are candles. We shed light of love and hope. We shine
encouragement into dark souls. Or we illuminate with insight.

But sometimes we reflect the light. We are mirrors to enable
others to see the light of their own goodness and beauty. And
when we have no other light of our own, we are mirrors which
reflect a greater Light.

For some, the world can be bleak and cold. They feel frightened,
lonely and even hopeless. But it's true that no amount of
darkness can extinguish the light of one, small candle. You?

Steve Goodier

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Little Child

I am your Little One
I am always with you ~
I am your learning, your being
Your wonderment at the world

I am your unashamed openness to the Universe
Your feelings, your imagination, your intuition
I love play, warmth, rainbows, dragons and simplicity
I encompass your vulnerability
Your tenderness, fragility, love and honesty

I am in tune with your environment
wherever you are and with whomever you may be
I know what you need to be happy
When you tune into me
I gladly inform you of all of the above

In order to fill your world with colours
I need to be given permission
I need your nurturance and total acceptance
Otherwise I stay hidden in your heart
crying and alone
but patient, waiting

For I will not compromise my innocence
I need firm boundaries to feel safe
Will you open to love?
Will you help me to trust?
My survival depends on it
My happiness comes only from you

All I want is your heart to open
Will you invite me
into your world?

Love
Stella

© 2000 Stella Raymonde Savoie
From Œdaydreams ©
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Friends Beneath My Wings

You know sometimes I am like the bird
who has trouble flying
No matter how many times I keep on trying
I just cannot seem to fly
It is then that I fall on my knees and look
towards the sky
I pray to God for help, strength, and courage
And these to me He brings
I look around me and see gathered
Many Friends beneath my wings
Through them and God I am able again
To take flight
To spread joy, cheer and happiness
All through the day and night
I give thanks to God and these many friends beneath
my wings, for I know I am truly blessed!

Dedicated to (((Simon))) My China!
Written by: Tammy Boyle 9/23/98
bluidkiti@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My Recovery

My Recovery started almost 4 years ago
From detox to detox
From hospital to hospital
Lost my husband and my children
But still i did not want to stop using
Went from hospital to my parents
Then off to relapse prevention
From relationship to relationship
But still i did not learn
I came back again and again
Picking up those white key tags
Month after Month
Me surrender
I was too stubborn
Thought I knew it all
How wrong was I
Back to relapse prevention
And worked my ass off
This time was different
I was doing it for me no one else
Meeting after Meeting
Sponsor after Sponsor
Looking for the answers
There are no answers
There is just Surrender
Steps and Higher Power
Meetings and sharing
And using the phone as well
I am clean again and doing ok
Life on life's terms
Is what I gotta learn
There's a lot of work to do
But most of all
I gotta be true to me
And if I feel like using
I gotta make that call
Or I will be nothing at all
My Recovery is Today
Just For Today

Written by Steph S
flake1232002@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Out On The Street

Out on the street
Is where I would roam
Spent more time there
Than at my home
I was always
Restless
Irritable
Discontent
The same old story
This is the way it went
Some of this and lots of that
I was never content where I was at
If a little felt good I wanted more
Never really mattered where
Or what I had to score
Just another day
To get high
I would lie
So off I went
Out on the streets
Looking for more
Never really mattered
I had to score
Out in the morning
Out in the night
I was always ready
For a fight
Today
I live
Today I Give
By Gods grace
I now am in a higher place
In recovery is where I live
Always happy to give
Try my best
To pass
It on
To those
Out on the street
Before they're gone

Daniel M Corkery
5/20/2002
DMCDREAMER1@@aol.com
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Get the vision.
Suspend disbelief and skepticism.
Allow yourself to take the journey toward real magic.
Wayne Dyer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Never does the human soul appear so strong
as when it foregoes revenge, and dares forgive an injury.
E. H. Chapin

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Man has never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.
Bern Williams

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The vision must be followed by the venture.
It is not enough to stare up the steps -
We must step up the stairs.
Vance Havner

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What I cant do alone,
we can do together

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We may not have it all together,
but together we can have it all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Friends are those who know you,
and love you just the same.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Fear less, hope more;
whine less, breathe more;
talk less, say more;
hate less, love more;
and all good things are yours.
Swedish proverb

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
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Even if your country is listed
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Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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Laughter
www.denialqueen.com/laughter.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What is your definition of an oldtimer (in the rooms)?
Do you believe that "oldtimers" are viewed/treated differently
than other addicts in the rooms ?
How do you avoid becoming complacent ?

to share please visit
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Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
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A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 22
Today I know I am not the best or the worst.
I am just me.
God is guiding me to become the best me
I can be and that is very exciting.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Surrender

Once I armed myself with fear
pieces of my pride
my armor built of sad regret
tears I never cried

Once I fought the battle
for safety - for control
armed with sharpened tongue
to spare the body - kill the soul

Once I lost the war
and found myself in the remains
bruised, but not broken
Bleeding but not slain

Once my heart surrendered
and found all for which I fought
The joy, the peace, the harmony
that sweet surrender brought

written by ~ Joy
mystick_bard@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lord Keep Me Humble
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=830

Dual Diagnosis
www.mdjunction.com/dual-diagnosis

5 Minutes Before The Miracle
www.serenityfound.org/readings/miracle.html

Loneliness and Reaching Out
www.nawol.org/2006_ch11%20LONLINESS.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 10, To Employers
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_10.html

Mother and Co-Founder of A.A.
www.aabibliography.com/annsm.html

Just For Today
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/JustForToday.html

Hope Faith Courage
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/HopeFaithCourage.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Readiness to Serve Others

. . . our Society has concluded that it has but one high mission -- to
carry the A.A. message to those who don't know there's a way out.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.  151

  The "Light" to freedom shines bright on my fellow alcoholics as each one of
us challenges the other to grow.  The "Steps" to self-improvement have
small beginnings, but each Step builds the "ladder" out of the pit of
despair to new hope.  Honesty becomes my "tool" to unfurl the "chains"
which bound me.  A sponsor, who is a caring listener, can help me to truly
hear the message guiding me to freedom.

  I ask God for the courage to live in such a way that the Fellowship may be
a testimony to His favor.  This mission frees me to share my gifts of
wellness through a spirit of readiness to serve others.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
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Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 22nd

A.A. Thought for the Day

Intelligent faith in that Power greater than ourselves can be
counted on to stabilize our emotions.  It has an incomparable
capacity to help us look at life in balanced perspective.  We
look up, around, and away from ourselves, and we see that nine
out of ten things that at the moment upset us will shortly
disappear.  Problems solve themselves, criticism and unkindness
vanish as though they had never been.  Have I got the proper perspective
toward life?

Meditation for the Day

A truly spiritual man or woman would like to have a serene mind.
The only way to keep calm in this troubled world is to have a
serene mind.  The calm and sane mind sees spiritual things as
the true realities and material things as only temporary and
fleeting.  That sort of mind you can never obtain by reasoning,
because your reasoning powers are limited by space and time.
That kind of a mind you can never obtain by reading, because
other minds are also limited in the same way.  You can only have
that mind by an act of faith, by making the venture of belief.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may have a calm and sane mind.  I pray that I may
look up, around, and away from myself.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 22

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Work Histories

Just as we have relationship histories, most of us have work histories.

Just as we have a present circumstance to accept and deal with in our
relationship life, we have a present circumstance to accept and deal with in
our work life.

Just as we develop a healthy attitude toward our relationship history - one
that will help us learn and move forward - we can develop a healthy attitude
toward our work history.

I have worked many jobs in my life, since I was eleven years old. Just as I
have learned many things about myself through my relationships, I have
learned many lessons through my work. Often, these lessons run parallel to
the lessons I'm learning in other areas of my life.

I have worked at jobs I hated but was temporarily dependent on. I have
gotten stuck in jobs because I was afraid to strike out on my own and find
my next set of circumstances.

I have been in some jobs to develop skills. Sometimes, I didn't realize I
was developing those skills until later on when they become an important
part of the career of my choice.

I have worked at jobs where I felt victimized, where I gave and gave and
received nothing in return. I have been in relationships where I
manufactured similar feelings.

I have worked at some jobs that have taught me what I absolutely didn't
want; others sparked in me an idea of what I really did want and deserve in
my career.

Some of my jobs have helped me develop character; others have helped me fine
tune skills. They have all been a place to practice recovery behaviors.

Just as I have had to deal with my feelings and messages about myself in
relationships, I have had to deal with my feelings and messages about
myself, and what I believed I deserved at work.

I have been through two major career changes in my life. I learned that
neither career was a mistake and no job was wasted time. I have learned
something from each job, and my work history has helped create who I am.

I learned something else: there was a Plan, and I was being led. The more I
trusted my instincts, what I wanted, and what felt right, the more I felt
that I was being led.

The more I refused to lose my soul to a job and worked at it because I
wanted to and not for the paycheck, the less victimized I felt by any
career, even those jobs that paid a meager salary. The more I set goals and
took responsibility for achieving the career I wanted, the more I could
decide whether a particular job fit into that scheme of things. I could
understand why I was working at a particular job and how that was going to
benefit me.

There are times I have even panicked at work and about where I was in my
employment history. Panic never helped. Trust and working my program did.

There were times I looked around and wondered why I was where I was. There
were times people thought I should be someplace different. But when I looked
into myself and at God, I knew I was in the right place, for the moment.

There were times I have had to quit a job and walk away in order to be true
to myself. Sometimes, that was frightening. Sometimes, I felt like a
failure. But I learned this: If I was working my program and true to myself,
I never had to fear where I was being led.

There have been times I couldn't survive on the small amount of money I was
receiving. Instead of bringing that issue to a particular employer and
making it his or her fault, I have had to learn to bring the issue to my
Higher Power and myself. I've learned I'm responsible for setting my
boundaries and establishing what I believe I deserve. I've also learned God,
not a particular employer, is my source of guidance.

I've learned that I'm not stuck or trapped in a job no more than I am in a
relationship. I have choices. I may not be able to see them clearly right
now, but I do have choices. I've learned that if I really want to take care
of myself in a particular way on a job, I will do that. And if I really want
to be victimized by a job, I will allow that to happen too.

I am responsible for my choices, and I have choices.

Above all else, I've learned to accept and trust my present circumstances at
work. That does not mean to submit; it does not mean to forego boundaries.
It means to trust, accept, then take care of myself the best I'm able to on
any given day.

God, help me bring my recovery behaviors to my career affairs.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty Quotes Creating Abundance & Prosperity
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/06/20quotes.htm

Every Day Matters
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/May/Everyday%20Matters.html

Here, Then and Now
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/November/opinion.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Angel Who Was Too Fat to Fly

by Sandra J. Lund
© Copyright 2001

"It's nearly time to go to school, Millie!" called the soft voice of the
angel, Ariel. "Are you ready?"

"Almost!" answered Millie, squeezing another morsel of angel food cake
into her mouth. "Hmmm!" she thought. "How I love the sweetness of
angel food cake!" Brushing the lost crumbs off her white gown, she rose
from the table and prepared to join her friend. Millie stopped by a
full-length mirror and studied her reflection. She was as roly-poly as she
had been in her cherub days in Angeldom. Cherubhood had been an utter
delight to Millie. She had been a beautiful little cherub. Chubby, sweet
faced, round rosy cheeks and an eternal smile on her tiny pink bow-shaped
mouth. Days overflowed with pleasure and joy. She was able to play
boundlessly and most of all, she could have all the angel food cake her
little heart desired. The elder angels always remarked that Millie's
countenance and disposition were as pure and sweet as angel food cake.

On occasion they would take her with them to visit Eden's Garden and
they would gather bright red strawberries, golden nectar and honey or
delicate ambrosia to smother atop her cake. Millie missed those times
that had seemed so perfect and without care.

Straightening her silver halo, Millie lamented, "Those times are forever
gone, I guess." All her cherub companions had grown tall and svelte (as
some believed angels ought to be)and they were actively readying
themselves to do the work that angels are supposed to be able to do. In
the event you think that because one is created an angel there is no
study and preparation involved, you are mistaken. Angels do attend school
and the instruction is intensive.

The Archangel Michael established the angelic training program and
designed the curriculum. There is much to master to become an effective
angel. Archangel Michael's educational program encompassed more than
just flying lessons, which, of course, are notably significant for angels.
Angels had to learn singing (so they are able to audition for the heavenly
choir); proficiency in harp playing and trumpet blowing; communicating
effectively with human beings; delivering divine messages; healing; prayer
and praising; rescue procedures for assisting human beings in trouble;
guidance and guardianship lessons. Archangel Michael's Divinity School
most certainly was to be taken seriously by all the student angels.

As Millie joined her angel friend, Ariel, she was greatly concerned this
day. Ariel smiled gently at Millie and said, "Aren't you excited, Millie?
Today we're going to take our tests and then we'll graduate and receive
our permanent golden halos! Isn't it wonderful?" Millie replied, "I guess
I'm excited, Ariel." However, deep within her angel heart, Millie was
worried. She hadn't taken her classes seriously at all. She knew she
should have been studying instead of eating angel food cake, spending so
much time in Eden's Garden, or just sitting on a fluffy cloud daydreaming.
It wasn't that she wasn't sweet and loving or bright; it was just she
could always find more enjoyable pastimes than studying. She now found
herself wishing that she had been more disciplined in her studies and
that she had attended flying practices instead of wandering around
Eden's Garden.

Millie and Ariel arrived at school and were affectionately greeted by
their angel classmates who were joyously elated over the prospect of
receiving their permanent golden halos upon completion of their
examinations. All of them, of course, were prepared and confident of
their success and chattered eagerly about what their divine assignments
would be after graduation. Archangel Michael summoned them together
and delivered the test instructions: "After you have completed your exam,
children, please present your parchments to me and then proceed to the
flight area where Angel Raphael will conduct your flight proficiency exam."

Millie studied the questions on the exam and for the very first time in
her entire angelic experience, she felt gripped by what she supposed was
fear. As she stared at the questions on the exam, she came to the
paralyzing realization that she didn't know the answer to a single question.
Her mind blurred as she contemplated what Archangel Michael would do
with her if she failed. Would she be cast out of Angeldom? To her
knowledge, there had only been one other angel cast out of Angeldom.
This, it was said, was Lucifer and it was certainly not because he was not
bright or smart enough or that he had not taken his studies seriously.
She had heard that he had been a top student and very disciplined and
that his potential was unlimited. Legend stated that he had been one of
the best and the brightest of all the angels and, coveting a portion of
God's power, had started a rebellion in Angeldom. With great anxiety,
Millie thought, "I'm in no way like Lucifer, but what will they do with me?"
Her thoughts were interrupted when she looked up and realized that all
the other angels had turned their parchments over to Archangel Michael
and were filing out. Because she could not answer any of the test
questions, she scribbled only her name on her parchment, handed it to
Archangel Michael, and sadly walked to the flight area where the others
were carefully listening to Angel Raphael's instructions.

Inasmuch as Raphael was the preeminent angelic aviator, one of his divine
duties was that of instructing younger angels in the art of flying
(ascension and descension procedures; landing, stalling and soaring
techniques; and care and maintenance of angelic wings). Millie always
fancied him to be the most exquisite angel she had ever seen. He was tall,
slim, and was blessed with an unimaginable wingspread. His wings were as
white as new-fallen snow and shimmered with a diamond-like luster.
Raphael called each student angel to him and instructed him to ascend
from and descend to a standing position. The student angel was then asked
to fly at a great speed and land softly. He scrutinized each student's
gracefulness in soaring and stalling in mid-air. The student angels flew
without error and Raphael would clap his hands at each angel's success
and exclaim, "Oh, you have learned your lessons so well!"

At last, it was Millie's turn. Raphael said, "Millie, please ascend from a
standing position!" Millie stood there, stretched her wings outward,
flapped them, and attempted to lift up from the ground. Nothing
happened. She flapped and flapped, but she could not even budge. Try as
she might, she could not rise from the ground. Angel Raphael placed his
hand on her shoulder and said thoughtfully, "Millie, my dear child, the
problem is that you have too much weight for your wings to support."
Millie had never cried before, but now she felt hot tears streaming down
her face. "Oh, no!" she sobbed, "I'm too fat to fly! Whatever shall I do?
Angels are supposed to be able to fly!" All the other student angels
lovingly gathered around her, offering great compassion. Angels, as you
know, never ridicule or make fun of one who is in pain.

In the midst of this commotion, Archangel Michael entered and gently
called Millie to him. "Millie," he said, "I have examined your parchment.
Why didn't you answer the questions on the exam?"

Millie hung her head and, since angels do not lie, sobbed: "I did not know
the answers. I did not study. I spent my time daydreaming and eating
angel food cake. I did not take my lessons seriously. And, I am now too
fat to fly. And, now, like Lucifer, I will be cast out of Angeldom! Now I
have no purpose and no reason for being!"

Her tears flowed like tiny rivers. Archangel Michael, with loving kindness,
put his arm around her and said, "Do not weep, Millie. You are sweet and
good and loving and are not in any way like Lucifer. Although you cannot
graduate at this time and receive your permanent golden halo, I can offer
another chance to you if you are willing to work very hard."

Millie stopped crying and said, "Oh, Archangel Michael, I'll do anything!
Anything you ask of me! Please! I do so want another chance!"

Archangel Michael smiled with pleasure and answered, "If you are willing
to enroll in the G.E.D. program and are willing to work very hard, you will
be able to graduate one day and receive your permanent golden halo."

Millie looked puzzled and asked, "What is the G.E.D. program?"
Archangel Michael replied, "The Angel Gabriel created a program for
angel students who did not succeed in their classes in the Angeldom
training program. The Angel Gabriel felt it was important to be prepared
for any situation. G.E.D. stands for Gabriel's Earth Degree. This program
requires that you leave Angeldom for a time and study among human beings
on Earth. Indeed, Millie, schooling on Earth is much more difficult and
oftentimes deeply disheartening. But, it is an opportunity for you to learn
your lessons, eventually obtain your golden halo, and return Home to us.
I hope that you are willing, Millie, because you are a divine being, created
out of love and goodness, and I have the utmost confidence in you!"

Millie didn't even waver in her reply: "I will do it! Tell me what I am to
do!" Archangel Michael directed her to go to the Angel Gabriel and
request to enter the G.E.D. Program. With joyful anticipation and a
feeling of relief, Millie said good-bye to Archangel Michael, Angel Raphael,
her angel friends, and hastened away to search out the Angel Gabriel.

She spied him peacefully meditating on a huge puffy cloud. Millie, with
great excitement, declared: "Angel Gabriel, I have been sent by
Archangel Michael. Because I have failed in my lessons and therefore
cannot graduate, he has requested that I be placed in your G.E.D. program
so that I may one day graduate and receive my permanent golden halo!
Please accept me! Please tell me what I am to do!"

The Angel Gabriel looked thoughtfully at Millie and replied: "You are
accepted, Millie, if you are genuinely willing to work hard. It will not be
an easy journey for you and you will see things that will cause your heart
to ache. And -- you will have to leave your silver halo and wings here with
me for you will have no need of them on Earth."

Looking somewhat bewildered, Millie questioned: "But, angels are supposed
to have wings and a halo. How will anyone even know I am an angel?"

"They will have to come to know you are an angel through the essence of
your being and your works, Millie," answered the Angel Gabriel. "You will
be placed in varied Earth experiences for your learning. If you work hard
and learn well, you will receive Gabriel's Earth Degree which is equivalent
to the one you would have received in Angeldom. Then, child, your
permanent golden halo and new wings will be presented to you."

With a bit of reluctance, Millie surrendered her silver halo and her wings,
saying only, "Well, I guess I am somewhat tired of polishing this silver
halo and since it seems I'm too fat to fly, these wings don't do me much
good anyway."

The Angel Gabriel laughed, "One day, Millie, you may discover that some
of the fairest angels have no wings or halos and that it's possible to fly
higher without wings!" Millie just looked at him, not understanding.

In a literal flash Millie found herself in a large city standing in front
of a department store window. She looked at her mirrored reflection in
the glass and she scarcely recognized herself. Who was that heavy
woman in the flowered print dress with a frayed black leather pocketbook
looking back at her? Her white gown, silver halo, and angelic wings seemed
like a dim memory to her.

"Go away! No loitering allowed!" shouted a deep, angry voice behind her.
She turned to face a tall, neatly dressed man in a crisp, black business
suit.

Quivering, Millie stammered, "I'm not doing anything. Don't be angry."

"Just go away! I don't want you dirty street people hanging around my
business! Get going, old woman, or I'll call the police and have you hauled
away!"

Millie shuffled quickly away, wondering what he meant by "street people,"
and why the man was so abrupt and angry. Never having been in the
presence of anger before, she was greatly confused. He obviously didn't
know who or what she was. She suddenly understood what it felt like to
be cast out and what it was like to experience another's anger and to be
misunderstood. Millie felt a deep sadness inside her that was not born
from being treated unkindly, but for the man who held others in such
contempt and found no worth in them. She sat down on a parkbench and
prayed for him.

"What are you doing, lady?" said a tiny voice. Millie looked up and was
greeted by the smiling eyes of a little boy, holding a bright red balloon.

Millie softly answered, "Why, I'm praying, child."

"Oh!" replied the child innocently. Then he said, "Who are you?"

Again, with great softness, Millie answered, "I'm an angel."

"Oh," said the child. "Where is your mother, child?" asked Millie.

The child, unconcerned as children sometimes are, answered: "I don't
know. I think maybe my mommy's lost."

Millie got up and said: "Well, give me your hand and let's go see if we can
find her."

The little boy, trustingly, put his free hand into Millie's and they began
walking. All of a sudden and from out of nowhere there was a scream:
"There he is Officer! That old woman is trying to take my little boy away!"

A policeman roughly grabbed Millie just as a woman snatched up the little
boy. "Just what do you think you are doing, old woman?" yelled the
policeman.

Millie felt shaken as she attempted to explain: "I was sitting on the
parkbench when this dear little child came up to me and told me his
mother was lost. We were just walking and trying to find her."

The little boy looked up at his mother and said, "It's true, Mommy. She
was just helping me find you. Besides, she's an angel."

Calming down, the mother told the policeman to let Millie go. "My boy
wouldn't lie to me," she said.

Millie stood there motionless as the mother hurried away with her child,
harshly scolding him for talking to a stranger. Millie could hear him trying
to explain, "But, mommy, she was an angel. She wouldn't hurt me."
Although Millie felt some sadness in this experience, she was also aware
of a lightness and a just the tiniest tinge of joy. The child, from his own
innocence and trust, was able to see the essence of who she truly was.
Without the presence of angelic wings, she felt slightly uplifted.

It was twilight as Millie walked down strange and unfamiliar streets. She
began to feel hungry and found herself wishing that she could have a big
piece of angel food cake abundantly smothered with ripe red strawberries.
An old man was coming towards her and as he passed her, he slipped a
dollar bill into her hand and hastily gruffed, "Go get something to eat!"

Surprised, she called after him, "Thank you." She thought she must
appear a pathetic creature to others. Many seemed to be afraid of her
and yet, here was someone who appeared to feel sorry for her. However,
in that single moment, she truly understood the lesson of giving and
receiving and joy entered her. Millie went into a little grocery store and
purchased a loaf of bread and a small carton of milk.

Sitting down on the cement step of a vacant building, she began to open
the bread wrapper while thinking, "It's certainly not angel food cake, but
I am so hungry, it will be a feast!" She was just about to take her first
bite when she heard the frenzied barking of a dog and the screams of
a woman coming from an alley between two buildings. Millie bolted and
ran in the direction of the sounds. She arrived just in time to observe
a muscular young man grab the purse from a woman's hand, savagely
hurling her to the pavement. With ferocity the dog sprang angrily
towards the man, who viciously kicked the dog backwards. The dog yelped
loudly from extreme pain. The muscular man shoved past Millie, nearly
knocking her down. Millie rushed to the woman and bent down to help lift
her up. "Are you hurt, dear?" asked Millie anxiously with a worried look.

"No! I'm not hurt from the fall!" the woman answered. About that time
the dog limped over and stood next to the woman. "Are you okay, old guy?
You poor old thing," she said softly, rubbing his head with her hand.
Besides being face to face for the first time with what she perceived as
evilness, Millie was most shocked by the young woman's eyes. They
appeared hollow and dead. Millie could hardly believe how starved both
the gaunt young woman and her sickly dog companion appeared.

Returning to the step where she had left her bread and milk, Millie
lovingly invited the young woman to sit down beside her. "Here," said
Millie, "you and your dog need this nourishment more than I." The young
woman gratefully accepted the bread and milk and began eating and
drinking as if she had not done so in days. She offered slices of bread
to the dog and shared the small carton of milk with him. Millie had never
experienced such an intense compassion as she did for these two
God-creatures.

Millie asked the young woman about her life. "I am very ill. In fact, I have
an illness that is killing me. I have no money and no family or friends. The
only one who cares about me is this old dog who has followed me through
the streets for days. He's dying, too, I think. He has a bad infection in
one
of his legs. That's why he cried out in such pain during the struggle with
that terrible man who stole the few cents I did have. It's hard for him
to walk, but still he suffers along with me. I've tried to find work, but no
one will hire me. I guess we'll just wander the streets until death comes.
In a way, I suppose, it will be a blessing. There is really no place for the
likes of us. You know, you are the only one who has showed any kindness to
either of us. You are truly an angel, ma'am, and I do thank you."

Millie's heart felt as if it was going to break. She desperately longed for
these two hurt creatures to become whole and have life. She was an angel,
an angel too fat to fly, who couldn't even graduate in Angeldom. She had
been an angel who had come to earth to learn lessons so that she could
receive a golden halo and new wings and return to Angeldom. Now here she
was in the presence of such great need and pain and somehow halos,
graduation, and wings no longer seemed important. She would give it all up
if this young woman and her loving companion could be healed. She wished
that she had taken the time to master her lessons in healing because she
was now in a situation where she so desperately needed the knowledge.
Within her mind she heard Archangel Michael's voice saying to her:
"Would you really give up everything to heal the young woman and her dog
companion?"

Millie, with heart-whole sincerity, answered: "Oh, yes! Yes, I would!
Please provide me the angelic wisdom I have need of so that I can assist
in the healing of these two God creatures! I'll remain and toil on Earth
forever and never ask to return to Angeldom if you will but grant me this
one request!"

Millie's eyes were closed during her communication with Archangel
Michael. Finally she opened them and saw the young woman and the lame
dog staring at her in bewilderment. The young woman, looking concerned,
asked: "Are you alright, ma'am? For a moment it seemed as if you were
somewhere else." Millie smiled at these two sickly God creatures and
reaching one hand to pat the dog and the other to hold the sick woman's
hand, said: "I'm fine, dear. I was just thinking." As Millie's hands touched
the two, the dog yelped loudly and the young woman jumped backwards as
if jolted by an electric current. Suddenly the young woman exclaimed:
"I'm well! I'm well! You've healed me! Oh, thank you! Thank you! Oh! Oh,
look! My faithful dog's leg has also been healed!" The young woman hugged
Millie tightly and the dog lovingly licked Millie's hand. Millie was so
stunned that she could not speak. The young woman, so completely
overtaken by joy and still embracing Millie, said, "Oh, I have never felt
so whole and good! You are, indeed, an angel! Now I will be able to work
and I promise you that I will take care of you always for what you have
done for us! I will always love you!"

Millie beamed with deep joy at the two of them and smiled quietly,
"There is no need for that, my dear. I want you to go out into your world
and live a full and abundant life and make all of your dreams come true.
There is great need and suffering in this world and I have much work to
do. Go on your way, child. In this wondrous moment, we have established
an eternal connection." The young woman kissed Millie and saying good-bye,
walked away, followed by her loyal dog companion.

Millie sat on the step, watching the two of them disappear into the
darkness of the night. She looked up at the stars and found herself
praising the moment and remembering the Angel Gabriel's words: "One
day, Millie, you may discover that some of the fairest angels have no
wings or halos and it is possible to fly higher without wings!" Millie now
understood what he meant. She felt as if she was soaring into realms
no other angel had ever been. She was no longer too fat to fly and her
flowered print dress and frayed black pocketbook seemed as
magnificent as an angel's white robe and golden halo. She now
understood that it didn't matter if she was fat or thin, black or white,
tall or short, mortal or immortal. What counted was her capacity to love,
to care, to serve, to understand, and to try to heal the pain and suffering
around her. Millie blessed the moment and prayed and praised and
listened and heard.

She could hear Archangel Michael speaking to her, "You have done well,
Millie. You have learned some deep and profound lessons through your
experiences. And you have always responded in lovingness and from a place
of wisdom. Would you like to return to Angeldom now?"

Millie listened quietly to Archangel Michael's invitation and then, without
hesitation, replied: "No! I would like to stay here. There is so much work
that must be done and such great need and suffering."

The Archangel Michael, in all his wisdom, said: "Well, Millie, you know that
there will be times when you will be rejected and despised, misunderstood
and ridiculed, hated and forlorn, hungry and thirsty, imprisoned and hurt,
alone and frightened, confused and lost. The Earth school is painfully
difficult."

Millie gently replied: "I know this for I have sampled the cup of
bitterness already. But I want to try to help eliminate some of the
suffering and pain and offer love and healing to those who will accept."
All became still in the star filled night and as she slipped into a peaceful
slumber, Millie knew that even in her solitude, she was never alone.

Millie, the angel who was too fat to fly, who lovingly surrendered her halo
and wings for a frayed pocketbook and flowered print dress, now works in
hospitals, in the streets of the homeless, in prisons, in places of famine
and war, in animal shelters, everywhere there is suffering and a need for
an light in the darkness. Perhaps you've seen her!

Copyright© by Sandra J. Lund

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Behind all the unhealed hurts and coping patterns is the perfect
Being that I Am awaiting my awareness and reclamation of It.
Understanding that the old hurts are not present day reality
but only memories of the past I have the strength and wisdom
to allow them to rise to the surface and be healed.
No longer will I expend vast amounts of energy keeping
them hidden from conscious awareness as they destroy my body.
My body is the temple of my Inherent Nature
and I now cleanse it of all distress.

edwardg

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Solvent is the Mind

Our minds like solvent water
Forever void the unnecessary
accumulated impedimenta
of days, weeks, years;
a cleansing process
to make space/room for
new experiences to face, encounter, listen for

Fresh flow the crystal waters of the mind
Ready to fill and engulf itself into a creative inlet
Ready to embrace new textures and substances
To build itself upon
Cycling with time, it is forever new, freshŠ
Unless we dam it behind a wall
of worry and stagnation -
Unless we cling to the old
and dead debris of our lives

Let your mind flow gently but steadfastly onward
Outward, where new encounters will suffuse
Build it, with the breath of raw life

Your creativity deserves to have
Its doors swing wide open
A collection of vistas to power a world
So nurture your soul Š
Forever the river

Love
Stella
© Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The High Cost of Low Living

The high cost of low living
Means a lot of taking and no giving
And myself was what I thought about the most!!
There was plenty of twisted thinking,
Followed by repeated drinking
And enumerous reasons for a "Social Toast"!!!

My number of friends began to dwindle,
Only strangers could I swindle
And no one called me on the telephone.
My wealth had soon depleted
Yet, my pride left me conceited,
Thus, finding myself existing all alone.

Accustomed to the high standard of living,
Realizing I was so unforgiving;
My conscience told me I was doing fine.
Then I met this welcoming committee,
Discussing all the nitty gritty;
I'm no longer dependent on my wine.

Written By:
Douglas H.
ABC Group
Memphis, Tennessee

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Caught Up

Caught up in a race
That I will never win
Running with the devil
No idea where to begin
Just one more
Was my inner cry
I was not honest
Yet I could never lie
If a little made me feel good
I always wanted more
I wasted lots of time
Out on the streets trying to score
I had to get high
I had to escape reality
I was blind
Yet I could clearly see
Self-centered and selfish
I made up my bed
Crazy thoughts always
Running around in my head
One was never enough for me
I was chained
Yet I could not break free
Then came the day
I wanted to change
Life to me seemed
So damn strange
God led me to recovery
Through the steps
I had finally learned to see

Daniel M Corkery
5/5/2002
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Every day we must work to make our lives purer and more intense, for it is
this life which will work the highest form of magic on people's hearts,
souls and minds, on the entities and the forces of nature, and even on
physical objects. What good does it serve to come to earth and lead a
mediocre life? To eat, drink, sleep, work a little to earn a living, and
have a few amorous adventures from which people emerge exhausted -
what is all this compared to an eternity of splendour which awaits those who
endeavour to learn just one thing: how to live? If initiates are balanced,
happy and at peace, it is because they have worked to purify their lives,
and to render them beautiful and powerful. They have understood that true
magic is found in life itself and nowhere else. Yes, to be able to live and
breathe the divine life is the highest form of magic. To encourage others,
to stimulate them, to reawaken and ennoble them, this is true magic, the
true life.

Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Your pain is the breaking of the shell
that encloses your understanding.
Kahlil Gibran

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I have come to this world not to know myself as the One,
for that I have always known, but to know myself in you,
to perceive a world through your eyes, that together
we might continue the work of creation and together
enjoy all that has been created.
Ken Carey, "The Third Millennium"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There is nothing stronger than gentleness.
Hans Suyin, The Goddess Within

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The measure of our life is not whether others know our name,
but whether we have touched the lives of others.
author unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I need to be in a meeting for 1 1/2 hours
so I can learn to live the other 22 1/2 hours.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you don't keep coming,
than your going to keep going.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Clean time does not equal recovery.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Please be patient,
You are not a finished product,
God is not through with you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Ego
www.denialqueen.com/ego.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I am new, do I surrender to the program?
Or do I surrender to the disease?
How does this work?
I thought surrendering meant I was weak.
How has your life changed since you got clean?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 21
"Faith is the thread we hang on to when our life is falling apart"
Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse
Sometimes faith is right there, holding us up,
keeping us light so that hard times feel manageable.
And other times we have to Œact as if'
we have faith to get through the tough times.
We have to pray for faith.
It feels so good to know that
no matter what is going on today,
I have the faith to know that
my Higher Power is guiding and supporting me.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Goodbye

Goodbye my friend,
My lover and mate.
Goodbye to a dear one
I've grown to hate
Goodbye to the memories;
The good and bad.
Goodbye to the times
You've made me sad.
Goodbye to my troubles,
My worries and fears.
Goodbye to my heartaches,
My sadness and tears.
Goodbye to the blackouts;
There were a few.
And "Hello" to a life
I'm starting anew.
I thank God every night
For the gifts he's given me;
But mostly for everyday
Of my sobriety.

written by ~ Marianne J
Tazslady@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Gentle Art of Blessing
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=794

A Selfish Program?
www.serenityfound.org/readings/selfish_program.html

Emotional Pain
www.nawol.org/2006_ch10%20PAIN.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 9, The Family Afterward
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_9.html

Oxford Group Pamphlets Reprinted
www.aabibliography.com/pamphlets.htm

Prescription for a Miracle
www.silkworth.net/mitchellk/ny2/drbobscript.html

A.A. downloadable speaker tapes including Bill W.
www.xa-speakers.org/pafiledb.php?action=category&id=2

Slow Down Therapy
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/SlowDownTherapy.html

Recovery Graphics
www.lakeweb1.com/mrp/Graphics.htm

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
June 21                          New Levels of Honesty

"We have been experts at self-deception and rationalization."
Basic Text, p. 27

  When we come to our first meeting and hear that we must be
honest, we may think, "Well now, that shouldn't be too difficult.
All I have to do is stop lying:' To some of us, this comes easily.
We no longer have to lie to our employers about our absence from
work. We no longer have to lie to our families about where we were
the night before. By not using drugs anymore, we find we have less
to lie about. Some of us may have difficulty even with this kind of
honesty, but at least learning not to lie is simple-you just don't do
it, no matter what. With courage, determined practice, the support
of our fellow NA members, and the help of our Higher Power, most
of us eventually succeed at this kind of honesty.

  Honesty, though, means more than just not lying. The kind of
honesty that is truly indispensable in recovery is self-honesty, which
is neither easy nor simple to achieve. In our addiction, we created
a storm of self-deception and rationalization, a whirlwind of lies in
which the small, quiet voice of self-honesty could not be heard. To
become honest with ourselves, we first must stop lying to ourselves.
In our Eleventh Step meditations, we must become quiet. Then, in the
resulting stillness, we must listen for truth. When we become silent,
self-honesty will be there for us to find.

Just for today: I will be quiet and still, listening for the voice of
truth within myself. 1 will honor the truth I find. pg. 179

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

True Tolerance

The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.  139

I first heard the short form of the Third Tradition in the Preamble.  When
I came to A.A.  I could not accept myself, my alcoholism, or a Higher
Power.  If there had been any physical, mental, moral, or religious
requirements for membership, I would be dead today.  Bill W. said in his
tape on the Traditions that the Third Tradition is a charter for individual
freedom.  The most impressive thing to me was the feeling of acceptance
from members who were practicing the Third Tradition by tolerating and
accepting me.  I feel acceptance is love and love is God's will for us.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 21st

A.A. Thought for the Day

Intelligent faith in that Power greater than ourselves can be
counted on to stabilize our emotions. It has an incomparable
capacity to help us look at life in balanced perspective. We
look up, around, and away from ourselves, and we see that nine
out of ten things that at the moment upset us will shortly
disappear. Problems solve themselves, criticism and
unkindness vanish as though they had never been. Have I got
the proper perspective toward life?

Meditation for the Day

A truly spiritual man or woman would like to have a serene mind.
The only way to keep calm in this troubled world is to have a
serene mind. The calm and sane mind sees spiritual things as
the true realities and material things as only temporary and
fleeting. That sort of mind you can never obtain by reasoning,
because your reasoning powers are limited by space and time.
That kind of a mind you can never obtain by reading, because
other minds are also limited in the same way. You can only have
that mind by an act of faith, by making the venture of belief.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may have a calm and sane mind. I pray that I may
look up, around, and away from myself.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 21

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

The Good Feelings

Let yourself feel the good feelings too.

Yes, sometimes good feelings can be as distracting as the painful, more
difficult ones. Yes, good feelings can be anxiety producing to those of us
unaccustomed to them. But go ahead and feel the good feelings anyway.

Feel and accept the joy. The love. The warmth. The excitement. The pleasure.
The satisfaction. The elation. The tenderness. The comfort.

Let yourself feel the victory, the delight.

Let yourself feel cared for.

Let yourself feel respected, important, and special.

These are only feelings, but they feel good. They are full of positive,
upbeat energy - and we deserve to feel that when it comes our way.

We don't have to repress. We don't have to talk ourselves out of feeling
good--not for a moment.

If we feel it, it's ours for the moment. Own it. If it's good, enjoy it.

Today, God, help me be open to the joy and good feelings available to me.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Passion Solution
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/06/alan-cohen.htm

The Ten Minute Spiritual Challenge
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/May/vissell.htm

Assume The Visionary Position
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/November/cohen.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Slowing Down To Enjoy Life

What comes to your mind when you think of "taking care of yourself?"
Pause a moment and really think about it...  Is it a long vacation by
the beach?  Endless massages?  A full month at a restorative spa?
Perhaps you imagine you can do that when you retire.  Most of us think
of taking time out of our lives in order to really nurture ourselves.
But what would your life look and feel like if you had balance, peace
and calm as an everyday experience?  What if you didn't need to get
away from your daily life in order to take care of your soul?

We have so few occasions built into our contemporary lives where
slowing down and reflecting occurs.  Yet this is where restorative,
spiritual change and inner guidance frequently takes place.  This sort
of time used to be very common.  It just naturally happened in the
spaces between the events of our lives.  We would stroll or ride a
bike to work or school.  Our lunch hours included both nourishment for
our body and a leisurely walk for our souls; a bit of quiet in the
middle of the day.  There were tranquil moments waiting for the pot to
boil, the rain to stop, the casserole to bake in the oven and it no
longer happens as frequently or as easily as we all long for.  "It" is
the natural rhythm of life.

Have you found yourself getting so caught up in the frustrations of
your job, driving your kids to their various after-school programs,
making meals, struggling with life, that you forget to ask yourself,
"What's my true purpose here?"  Perhaps you're afraid to ask yourself
that question. Dr. Richard D. Dobbins stated it this way, "Until the
pain of remaining the same hurts more than the pain of change, most
people prefer to remain the same."

When will you begin tuning into your own soul and listening to its
wisdom?  Do you get so caught up in the busy-ness of your life that
you neglect to give yourself permission for emotional, physical and
spiritual renewal?  It's during those times that you remember what is
meaningful. John Wanamaker wrote, "People who cannot find time for
recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness."
It's much more pleasant to take the time to nurture yourself when
you're physically and emotional healthy.

Begin to create a pace that feels good to you, that feels like life
is flowing for you, not hectic and out of control.  If you are
peaceful and choose to live your life with balance, your life will be
peaceful.  When you constantly feel tired, cranky and out of sorts
your inner guidance is working over-time to catch your attention.
It's saying, "Warning! Your life is seriously out of balance!"  God is
providing the course correction for you by cautioning that the path
you're on is leading to energy depletion.

You can't do it all.  Let that be okay.  You're only human, along
with the rest of us!  Your task is to recognize when your life is out
of balance and as quickly as possible to do what you can to nurture
yourself and restore flow and ease.  How long do you want to wait to
start living "the good life?"  Your Wise Inner Being will constantly
point to the path that will lead you there.

When you take care of yourself and take time to do what you love, you
are in balance. There is time and space for you to once again feel and
appreciate the fullness and richness of your life.  Allow yourself
time for prayer and meditation.  It is the one thing you can do that
allows you to experience the All-That-Is that is God.  It is the way
to gain access to all the possible resources of healing guidance for
your mind, body and spirit.

Lynn Robinson
www.LynnRobinson.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Blast Off To Freedom
by Ellie Janow

I was aware for a long time of the miracles that resulted from
practicing forgiveness and love before I tested this practice
in my daily life.

It was easier to talk about the philosophy of changing my
perception than to actually live it, especially when living it meant
interrupting myself in the middle of emotional turmoil. I was able
to forgive the people in my Personal Inventory, but choosing peace
while filled with anger was a more difficult task.

With patience and an open mind, I listened to joyful, serene people
who were previously angry and chaotic, share their miracles, so I
knew that it was also possible for me.

Each knot in my stomach that accompanied the anger and guilt in
which I still indulged reminded me that the discomfort was my
choice. As my pain increased, my awareness increased, and I slowly
became ready to surrender my self-righteous resistance.

Then one day I did it. I put my new beliefs into action. As I trusted
and listened to the loving voice within me, fear, anger and guilt
miraculously disappeared.

During a long-distance telephone conversation, my teenage daughter
came bursting into the house and demanded my immediate attention.
I whispered to her that I was on the phone (in case she hadn't
noticed) and asked her to please be patient. Totally ignoring my plea
she continued to enthusiastically describe the events of her day.

I tried to concentrate on my telephone friend, in spite of the
distraction of my daughter's chatter, to no avail.

Suddenly, my temples began to pound, and I could feel a rage seething
deep within me. I thought:

How dare she be so inconsiderate and so rude. She cares only about
herself and her immediate gratification. I've told her a million times
that when people are on the telephone she should give them common
courtesy and not interrupt them. When is she going to learn?

I was so filled with anger that for a moment I wanted to strangle her.

At that instant, it occurred to me that I had another choice - if I
didn't want to be in such pain. So for the first time while I was in the
middle of a rage, I asked the spirit of love within me for a change of
perception.

My daughter continued her monologue and my telephone friend
continued talking while I closed my eyes and acknowledged that I was
uncomfortable (to say the least). Then I thought:

Help me! I don't have to feel these feelings. That willful child part of
me tells me to get angry, but I want to believe that I can be peaceful.
Show me how! I open my mind so your loving voice can help me to see
this situation peacefully.

After about one minute, a miracle happened. I opened my eyes and
saw my grown child as a little girl crying for love. My anger dissipated
as I motioned for her to place her head on my lap and I lovingly
stroked her hair, which was unusual behavior for me.

My telephone friend continued chatting, with an occasional
acknowledgment from me, while I enjoyed a magic moment of closeness
and peace with my precious child.

I was amazed! It was so simple! No lectures or judgments were
necessary. There was only peace because I was willing to see things
differently.

After about three minutes, my daughter quietly went upstairs to
watch TV, her face beaming. I completed my conversation and danced
up the steps to ask her, "Now what did you want to tell me?" She
replied, with a big smile and a hug, "Never mind, Mom, it's not
important." We both felt wonderful.

The miracle was that I was at peace. I was free. I didn't have to
teach her a lesson. She had taught me to choose love. It works, if you
work it.

The above was excerpted with permission from:
"A Time To Fly: How To Feel Good About Ourselves and Our Relationships"
by Ellie Janow, © 1993
www.tenspeed.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Am not bound by the choices I made in the past
however appropriate they were at the time.
I Am not limited by any choices I have made in the past.
I Am a free spirit with the God-given power
to make new choices all the time.
At every single moment I Am free to decide anew and to
choose that which supports my spiritual transformation.
I learn my lessons wisely leaving behind all choices that
no longer support me knowing all lessons properly learned
will lead to my spiritual growth.

edwardg

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Such Deep Despair

It wasn't very long ago,
I felt such deep despair and woe.
I prayed to a God I thought I knew,
Who hated me for the things I'd do.
In tears I prayed, just let me die,
For life had seemed to pass me by.
All I ever did was fail.
God let me die, send me to hell.
I didn't want another drink,
To smoke a joint or even think,
And then, some Power unknown to me
Picked me up and helped me see.
That I'm not bad, I'm only sick.
There was a way, that I could pick.
To take one day, and try to live,
A life of truth, that He would give.
He put me in a room of friends,
Who shared how life, on truth depends.
They told me that if I'd admit,
I'm powerless, my pain would quit.
My eyes were opened, as they spoke,
Of how they too, had spirits broke.
They shared how they had landed there.
With broken hearts, and deep despair.
They asked me to keep coming back,
and let them show the love I lacked.
Then suddenly I realized,
that these were angels in disguise.
Keep coming back, they said to me.
We'll show you love, then you will see.
There's One with power, who will manage your life.
He'll ease the pain of inward strife.
They said a way of life we'll show,
Take it easy and just let go.
They took me by the hand and said,
This is the Way, That we were lead.
Now I thank God with every breath,
He didn't fulfill my request for death.
I thank Him for His blessed Grace,
For I have finally found my place.

Love and Service, Becky
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You are the person who has to decide.
Whether you'll do it or toss it aside;
You are the person who makes up your mind.
Whether you'll lead or will linger behind.
Whether you'll try for the goal that's afar.
Or just be contented to stay where you are.

Edgar A. Guest

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Alcohol Took From Me

Alcohol took most of my years
Then filled me with a hundred fears
Laid me out on the cold frozen street
Those days I will never forget
They were so far
From being
Sweet
Then one day
I cried out
To God
Above
Give me one
Just one more chance
In mercy and grace in your love
It was then I turned
To the doors
Of AA
They taught me
How to live inside today
I am grateful you will hear me say
My actions will surely light my way
I have worked the steps one by one
In recovery I pray I am never done
This now is the way I choose to live
Out of gratitude I now give
This is the way
I like to live
In recovery
The more we give
Yes the more we get
Today our lifes
Have no regret

Daniel M Corkery
12/29/2002
DMCDREAMER1@@aol.com
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When your life is possession-centered,
the important thing is what you have;
when it is principle-centered,
the important thing is who and what you are.
Nido Qubein

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well,
you don't blame the lettuce.
You look for reasons it is not doing well.
It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun.
You never blame the lettuce.
Yet if we have problems with our friends
or family, we blame the other person.
But if we know how to take care of them,
they will grow well, like the lettuce.
Blaming has no positive effect at all,
nor does trying to persuade using reason and arguments.
That is my experience.
No blame, no reasoning, no argument, just understanding.
Thich Nhat Hahn

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The heart already knows what the mind can only dream of.
Trust your heart.
Author Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You are now at a crossroads.
This is your opportunity to make the most important decision
you will ever make.
Forget your past.
Who are you now?
Who have you decided you really are now?
Don't think about who you have been.
Who are you now?
Who have you decided to become?
Make this decision consciously.
Make it carefully.
Make it powerfully.
Anthony Robbins

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You recover at your own rate,
not in your time,
In God's time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't count time,
make time count.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

TIME = Things I Must Earn

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When I was using I walked 25 miles into the forest,
One day at a time....the 12 steps will lead me out.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
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Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
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Even if your country is listed
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Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Our good friend Ernie H (a.k.a. Khalis) from Harlem NY passed on
earlier this week. With the help of God He has touched many people
over the world in Narcotics Anonymous.

Recovery
www.denialqueen.com/recovery.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I am new, do I surrender to the program?
Or do I surrender to the disease?
How does this work?
I thought surrendering meant I was weak.
How has your life changed since you got clean?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 20
My past experience no longer take up room
and live in my mind and body.
I am free to live in today.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today

Just for Today,
I¹m no longer a mess
Just for today,
I know that I¹m blessed!

Just for Today
I believe that I can
Just for Today
I know who I am!

Just for Today
I¹m part of something that¹s greater than me!
Just for Today
You can count on me!

Just for Today
The fellowship is the gift
Just for Today
God is the ski lift

Just for Today
The future looks bright
Just for Today
I know God loves me with all his might!

Just for Today
I tell you no lie
Just for Today
I don¹t have to cry!

Because you believed in me
Just for Today
I can be everything that God meant for me to be!
Just for Today

Just for Today
I¹m a member of A Place To Start
Just for Today
I will not use, No Matter What!!!

by Efren R. Bonilla
ebonilla@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Beginning Today
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=792

The Danger of Reservations
www.serenityfound.org/readings/reservations.html

Personal Responsibility
www.nawol.org/2006_ch9%20RESPONSIBILITY.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 8, To Wives
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_8.html

Oxford Group History Books
www.aabibliography.com/bookhist2.html

Face The Issue, You are not alone
www.facetheissue.com

Gay and Lesbian Alcoholics
www.gayalcoholics.com

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
June 20                        Meditation for Beginners

"For some, prayer is asking for God's help; meditation is
listening for God's answer. Quieting the mind through meditation
brings an inner peace that brings us into contact with the God
within us."  Basic Text, pp.44-45

  "Be patient when you're learning to meditate," many of us were told.
"It takes practice to know what to 'listen' for."

  We're glad someone told us that, or many of us would have quit after
a week or two of meditating. For the first few weeks, we may have sat
each morning, stilled our thoughts, and "listened", just as the Basic Text
said-but "heard" nothing. It may have taken a few more weeks before
anything really happened. Even then, what happened was often barely
noticeable. We were rising from our morning meditations feeling just a
little better about our lives, a little more empathy for those we
encountered during the day, and a little more in touch with our Higher
Power.

  For most of us, there was nothing dramatic in that awareness-no bolts
of lightning or claps of thunder. Instead, it was something quietly
powerful. We were taking time to get our egos and our ideas out of the
way. In that clear space, we were improving our conscious contact with
the source of our daily recovery, the God of our understanding. Meditation
was new, and it took time and practice. But, like all the steps, it worked -
when we worked it.

Just for today: I will practice "listening" for knowledge of God's will
for me, even if I don't know what to "listen" for yet.   pg. 178

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Equal Rights

At one time or another most A.A. groups go on rule making
benders.  .  .  .  After a time fear and intolerance subside.  [and we
realize] We do not wish to deny anyone his chance to recover from
alcoholism.  We wish to be just as inclusive as we can, never exclusive.
A.A. TRADITION: HOW IT DEVELOPED," pp.  10, 11, 12

  A.A. offered me complete freedom and accepted me into the Fellowship
for myself.  Membership did not depend upon conformity, financial success
or education and I am so grateful for that.  I often ask myself if I extend
the same equality to others or if I deny them the freedom to be
different.  Today I try to replace my fear and intolerance with faith,
patience, love and acceptance.  I can bring these strengths to my A.A.
group, my home and my office.  I make an effort to bring my positive
attitude everywhere that I go.

  I have neither the right, nor the responsibility, to judge
others.  Depending on my attitude I can view newcomers to A.A., family
members and friends as menaces or as teachers.  When I think of some of
my past judgments, it is clear how my self-righteousness caused me
spiritual harm.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 20th

A.A. Thought for the Day

You should be ready and willing to carry the A.A. message
when called upon to do so. live for some purpose greater
than yourself. Each day you will have something to work for.
You have received so much from this program that you should
have a vision that gives your life a direction and a purpose
that gives meaning to each new day. Let us not slide along
through life. Let us have a purpose for each day and let us
make that purpose for something greater than just
ourselves. What is my purpose for today?

Meditation for the Day

To see God with eyes of faith is to cause God's power to
manifest itself in the material world. God cannot do His work
because of unbelief. In response to your belief, God can work
a miracle in your personality. All miracles happen in the realm
of personality and all are caused by and based on belief in
God's never - failing power. But God's power cannot manifest
itself in personalities unless those personalities make His
power available by their faith. We can only see God with the
eyes of faith, but this kind of seeing produces a great change
in our way of living.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may see God with the eyes of faith. I pray that
this seeing will produce a change in my personality.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 20

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Relationship Martyrs

Many of us have gone so numb and discounted our feelings so completely that
we have gotten out of touch with our needs in relationships.

We can learn to distinguish whose company we enjoy, whether we're talking
about friends, business acquaintances, dates, or spouses. We all need to
interact with people we might prefer to avoid, but we don't have to force
ourselves through long-term or intimate relationships with these people.

We are free to choose friends, dates, and spouses. We are free to choose how
much time we spend with those people we can't always choose to be around,
such as relatives. This is our life. This is it. We can decide how we want
to spend our days and hours. We're not enslaved. We're not trapped. And not
one of us is without options. We may not see our options clearly. Although
we may have to struggle through shame and learn to own our power, we can
learn to spend our valuable hours and days with the people we enjoy and
choose to be with.

God, help me value my time and life. Help me place value on how I feel being
around certain people. Guide me as I learn to develop healthy, intimate,
sharing relationships with people. Help me give myself the freedom to
experiment, explore, and learn who I am and who I can be in my
relationships.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To Manifest Or Not To Manifest
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/June/Opinion%20_Guy_Spiro.html

Ask Louise, Letters of Wisdom and Affirmations
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/May/hay.htm

Stop Pouting and Start Transforming
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/December/feature2.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Creating Togetherness
by Jann Mitchell

Family is the most powerful matrix of our life,
the source of character and virtue.
Family is incredibly important, mysterious, powerful.
                                       --  John Bradshaw

The '80s were a time of fractured families - if not from busy schedules and
distant moves, then from adult children identifying and disparaging their
parents and their mistakes. Some even "divorced" their parents, refusing
contact, and moving cross-country to escape them.

As this century draws to a close, the value and lasting impact of family is
being rediscovered.

Even the "dysfunctional family" guru of publishing and television, John
Bradshaw, has softened his position - although he contends his work was
misinterpreted if people actually cast family members from their lives.

In Family Secrets, he underscores the importance of family connection. He
emphasizes acceptance and "loving your own crooked family with your own
crooked heart. The reverence we've had for family is justified."

Bradshaw says: "I was more enamored with family dysfunction, so I focused
more on the dysfunctional family. What I feel now is Thomas Moore's sense
that life is much more soulful and we can't get it in these categories that
I thought as a younger man. The family has a soul, deeper than we can fully
understand how it impacts our lives.'

Retaining the soul of the family is essential in an era where kids turn to
gangs to feel they belong.

In a Life magazine article, George Howe Colt pointed out that family bonds
"are formed less by moments of celebration and of crisis than by the quiet,
undramatic accretion of minutiae - the remark on the way out the door, the
chore undone, the unexpected smile."

And, let us add, the time spent together. Just as Mormons celebrate Mondays
as Family at Home Night, we can rethink some of our commitments and create
time for what's truly important.

And family is important.

Workaholism Kills Relationships
Riddle: What's the best way to please your boss and frustrate your mate?

Answer: Work overtime. Bring work home. Break promises to the family when
work interrupts plans.

As we push to succeed, relationships suffer, sometimes even die. Yet the
pressure is greater than ever to spend more time on the job.

A survey of 3,000 male readers by a business magazine shows:

More than half work more than sixty hours weekly;

29 percent more than seventy hours.

More than half fight about it with their wives at least monthly, almost 25
percent at least once weekly.

One-third bring work home and work till 11 p.m. or midnight;

some work eighty hours a week and don't get to bed until 2 a.m.

Who has time - or energy - for love?

Now, we're not talking here about a healthy work ethic, company loyalty, or
job integrity. We're talking about buying the myth that working long hours
to the exclusion of having a life is good for you.

It isn't.

Facing up to the Myths
               Look at the myths:

Hard work brings company gratitude.
Not necessarily. Ask those whose company has been laying people off. Ask
workers in a firm taken over by another corporation or by new managers. What
you've accomplished can count for nothing overnight. No one is
indispensable.

Working long hours proves you love your family.
Have you asked your mate or kids lately how they feel about your perpetual
physical or emotional absence? Do you find yourself offering your family
things instead of time? Two-thirds of the men working eighty or more hours
weekly said in the magazine survey that they appeased their families by
buying expensive gifts or sending them off on fancy vacations.

Working overtime shows you're successful.
Not necessarily. It may just indicate you're a workaholic, confusing
productivity with busyness, and leisure with wasting time. Worst of all,
workaholics confuse work with personal worth. These are the people who
ignore family and friends, who feel worthless upon retiring, who die soon
after retirement - or make their mates so miserable they wish they would
die.

Hard work gets you into heaven.
That's what theologian John Calvin would have us believe. These days, it
gets you burnout.

Preventing Job Burnout and Alienation
So how we can prevent job burnout and family alienation?

Bookstores and libraries are full of books on job stress. Some counselors
specialize in the subject. We can avail ourselves of all these.

We can get our priorities straight - like the man who told me, "I promised
myself I wouldn't turn fifty and realize I didn't know my kids." We can turn
down promotions. Learn to work more efficiently. Leave when the workday is
over instead of waiting for the boss's light to go out. Stop carrying work
home.

We can stop buying into the myths that are easily exploded by those who've
been rifled, "downsized", or encouraged to retire ahead of us. Remember the
lie carved over the gates of the Nazi concentration camps: "Work shall make
you free."

Working long and hard may make you the workplace pet. It may make you rich
or even famous. It may make you a CEO. But it won't make you popular with
those you love most. And those are the folks who matter.

Creating Time Together
Time together won't happen automatically; we have to make it happen. And if
it's truly important to us, we do just that. We set time aside for those we
love - first.

Schedule time with your partner or kids or parents regularly. Write it on
the calendar in red.

Decide what works best for you: A date every Friday night? A walk together
after dinner? A leisurely breakfast Saturday mornings? Discuss it with those
involved.

Plan as many meals together as possible; establish some as mandatory.
Preparing the meal, serving it attractively, enjoying it, and even cleaning
up can become an unhurried ritual providing cherished time together.

Make a date with a child. Each child gets special time alone with Mom or Dad
on a regular basis. It may just be a burger out, but it's undivided
attention. One dad I know takes each child out for a special dinner alone
with him near their birthdays.

Get away alone as a couple, without the kids. Do this partnership right, and
it will endure long after the children are gone. Money tight? Arrange to
bunk the kids with Gramma or a friend; sleep naked, enjoy breakfast in bed,
be romantic. Take your turn keeping the friend's children to return the
favor.

Make family get-togethers special by keeping the TV off and using your
imagination. Get out the board games. Show the kids what you used to do as
kids. Tell family stories. Get up a ball game in the backyard or nearby
park. After a family dinner at my house recently, three generations played
charades of sorts - complete with impromptu costumes. We divided into teams
of two adults and one child, then suggested or let the kids decide what
story they wanted to act out. Grampa, Daddy, and Zach draped towels around
their shoulders to become dueling Three Musketeers. Brittany, Aunt, and
Uncle did Little Red Riding Hood. Confined to the couch with a bad back, Mom
was the slumbering Snow White, three-year-old Ashley a weeping dwarf, and
Gramma the Prince Charming who awoke her. We not only played and laughed
together, but the kids didn't want to quit.

Consider family camping trips. Several families I know get together every
Labor Day weekend at a campground, expanding the number of tents to cover
the growing numbers of grandchildren.

This article was excerpted from;
"Home Sweeter Home" by Jann Mitchell.

About The Author :
Jann Mitchell is an award-winning feature writer and author. Her popular
column, "Relating," in The Sunday Oregonian has run for eight years and is
carried by the Newhouse News Service to newspapers around the country. Her
work has been featured in national magazines and appears in A Second Helping
of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Author Barbara De Angelis calls Jann Mitchell
"the most conscious journalist in America." Mitchell is also a sought-after
lecturer. This article was excerpted with permission from Jann Mitchell's
book Home Sweeter Home, published by Beyond Words Publishing, (800) 284-9673
www.beyondword.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Downwind from Flowers

    Several years ago in Seattle, Washington, there lived a 52-
year-old Tibetan refugee. "Tenzin," as I will call him, was
diagnosed with one of the more curable forms of lymphoma. He was
admitted to the hospital and received his first dose of
chemotherapy.

    But during the treatment, this usually gentle man became
extremely angry and upset. He pulled the IV out of his arm and
refused to cooperate. He shouted at the nurses and became
argumentative with everyone who came near him. The doctors and
nurses were baffled.

  Then Tenzin's wife spoke to the hospital staff. She told
them Tenzin had been held as a political prisoner by the Chinese
for 17 years. They killed his first wife and repeatedly tortured
and brutalized him throughout his imprisonment. She told them
that the hospital rules and regulations, coupled with the
chemotherapy treatments, gave Tenzin horrible flashbacks of what
he had suffered at the hands of the Chinese.

    "I know you mean to help him," she said, "but he feels
tortured by your treatments. They are causing him to feel hatred
inside - just like he felt toward the Chinese. He would rather
die than have to live with the hatred he is now feeling. And,
according to our belief, it is very bad to have hatred in your
heart at the time of death. He needs to be able to pray and
cleanse his heart."

So the doctors discharged Tenzin and asked the hospice team
to visit him in his home. I was the hospice nurse assigned to
his care. I called a local representative from Amnesty
International for advice. He told me that the only way to heal
the damage from torture is to "talk it through."

    "This person has lost his trust in humanity and feels hope
is impossible," the man said. "If you are to help him, you must
find a way to give him hope."

    But when I encouraged Tenzin to talk about his experiences,
he held up his hand and stopped me. He said, "I must learn to
love again if I am to heal my soul. Your job is not to ask me
questions. Your job is to teach me to love again."

    I took a deep breath. I asked him, "So, how can I help you
love again?"

   Tenzin immediately replied, "Sit down, drink my tea and eat
my cookies."

    Tibetan tea is strong black tea laced with yak butter and
salt. It isn't easy to drink! But that is what I did.

    For several weeks, Tenzin, his wife, and I sat together,
drinking tea. We also worked with his doctors to find ways to
treat his physical pain. But it was his spiritual pain that
seemed to be lessening. Each time I arrived, Tenzin was sitting
cross-legged on his bed, reciting prayers from his books. As
time went on, he and his wife hung more and more colorful
"thankas," Tibetan Buddhist banners, on the walls. The room was
fast becoming a beautiful, religious shrine.

    When the spring came, I asked Tenzin what Tibetans do when
they are ill in the spring. He smiled brightly and said, "We sit
downwind from flowers."

    I thought he must be speaking poetically. But Tenzin's
words were quite literal. He told me Tibetans sit downwind so
they can be dusted with the new blossoms' pollen that floats on
the spring breeze. They feel this new pollen is strong medicine.

    At first, finding enough blossoms seemed a bit daunting.
Then, one of my friends suggested that Tenzin visit some of the
local flower nurseries. I called the manager of one of the
nurseries and explained the situation. The manager's initial
response was: "You want to do what?" But when I explained the
request, the manager agreed.

    So, the next weekend, I picked up Tenzin and his wife with
their provisions for the afternoon: black tea, butter, salt,
cups, cookies, prayer beads and prayer books. I dropped them off
at the nursery and assured them I would return at 5:00.

    The following weekend, Tenzin and his wife visited another
nursery.

    The third weekend, they went to yet another nursery.
The fourth week, I began to get calls from the nurseries
inviting Tenzin and his wife to come again. One of the managers
said, "We've got a new shipment of nicotiana coming in and some
wonderful fuchsias and oh, yes! Some great daphne. I know they
would love the scent of that daphne! And I almost forgot! We
have some new lawn furniture that Tenzin and his wife might
enjoy."

    Later that day, I got a call from the second nursery saying
that they had colorful wind socks that would help Tenzin predict
where the wind was blowing. Pretty soon, the nurseries were
competing for Tenzin's visits.

    People began to know and care about the Tibetan couple. The
nursery employees started setting out the lawn furniture in the
direction of the wind. Others would bring out fresh hot water
for their tea. Some of the regular customers would leave their
wagons of flowers near the two of them. It seemed that a
community was growing around Tenzin and his wife.

    At the end of the summer, Tenzin returned to his doctor for
another CT scan to determine the extent of the spread of the
cancer. But the doctor could find no evidence of cancer at all.
He was dumbfounded. He told Tenzin that he just couldn't explain it.

    Tenzin lifted his finger and said, "I know why the cancer
has gone away. It could no longer live in a body that is filled
with love. When I began to feel all the compassion from the
hospice people, from the nursery employees, and all those people
who wanted to know about me, I started to change inside. Now, I
feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to heal in this way.
Doctor, please don't think that your medicine is the only cure.
Sometimes compassion can cure cancer, as well."

By Lee Paton
Reprinted by permission of Lee Paton (c) 2000, from Chicken Soup
for the Gardener's Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen,
Marion Owen, Cindy Buck, Cynthia Brian, Pat Stone and Carol Strugulewski.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The truth about our childhood
is stored up in our body,
and although we can repress it,
we can never alter it.

Our intellect can be deceived,
our feelings manipulated,
our perceptions confused,
and our bodies tricked
with medication.

But someday
the body will present its bill,
for it is as incorruptible as a child who,
still whole in spirit,
will accept no compromises or excuses,
and it will not stop tormenting us
until we stop evading the truth.

Alice Miller

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Perfect Stranger

I met a perfect stranger
along the shore last night
At once, somehow familiar
yet elusive as to when and where
We walked together without talking
as we both contemplated matters
I remember being vaguely irritated
over the peaceful smiles of the stranger
While I wrestled with all of my failures
and all the might have beens and maybes
Why hadn't I been more aware and wiser
with the choices I had made during this lifetime
And I admit that my irritation with the stranger grew
into anger as I realized he was reviewing his lifetime too
But rather than second guessing his choices with recriminations
he seemed rather pleased with what he had learned from his mistakes
Why could he approach his lessons with such graceful understanding
and self forgiveness while I righteously punished myself for my failures
Finally, I could not stand his presence anymore and I asked him
who are you to interrupt my solitude with gloating satisfaction
He stopped and looked at me with absolute love and faith
as he gently reached out to me with his hands
Dearest brother who are greatly troubled,
don't you yet recognize your own soul

dennis j hopkins
mrseven@...
www.dennisjhopkins.com/Poetry.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Contentment and Serenity

Why doesn't anything seem to go right?
I try to win, but it's a losing fight.
Just as I think the battle is won,
I turn, and there's something else to be done.
It has no end and it has no start.
Too many people, who don't have a heart
This day and age, you have to have heart,
Then and then only, you might have a start.
For without Love and kindness,
You have nothing at all.
A wasted life, a quick sudden fall.
I know I'm not perfect, at times I'm unkind.
Yet, when I am, please pay me no mind.
I have no intentions of hurting, you see,
And I pray that no one purposely hurts me,
But, they have and they will,
for the rest of my life,
Contentment and serenity,
are for all that I strive.

written by ~ Rebecca Ann Bowlin
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Understand

So many things I did not understand
Like addictions running wild in a man
Spending all your money on a high
Going and going to just get by
Feeling guilt and remorse
Now that is the way
It always goes
Low living
With a high cost
God knows many things
I now understand and now see
The paths that help keep us free
Today the more I give the more I get
I do my best and have no regret
Recovery is the way to go
Just hang on
So you will soon know
This will take time you see
Welcome to the recovery
Now at last
I understand

Daniel M Corkery
6/14/2003
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Little progress can be made by merely attempting to repress
what is evil; our great hope lies in developing what is good.
Calvin Coolidge

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Occasionally in life there are those moments
of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained
by those symbols called words.
Their meanings can only be articulated
by the inaudible language of the heart.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Suffering is good,
in that it constitutes a recognition of inner conflict.
Without such recognition,
there can be no resolution of problems.
Sri Kriyananda

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Real communication happens when people feel safe.
Ken Blanchard

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't quit, surrender.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Surrender to win.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Surrender doesn't mean you have to quit.
It means that you don't have to fight anymore.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you don't keep coming,
you are going to keep going...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
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"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
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Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

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Healing
www.denialqueen.com/healing.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I am new, do I surrender to the program?
Or do I surrender to the disease?
How does this work?
I thought surrendering meant I was weak.
How has your life changed since you got clean?

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participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 19
I trust that I have all that I need
in every moment of this day
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Opening Our Hearts

I am grateful that not only can I express joy unbounded
but also that I am able to express my grief and sadness as well.
My tears of release and pain soon become tears of joy.
My tears of grief and sadness soon become tears of gratitude and
wholeness.
Thank You, God, for the ability to express all of my Divine Self!

*From ""Science of Mind"" magazine March 1989

     We begin first by stopping, then becoming aware and then
accepting.  We accept whatever we are feeling in the present
moment.  And in that acceptance, the miracle happens.  The
tension, the pain, the unhappiness begin to disappear and are
replaced by peace.  And in that peaceful space,  compassion, faith,
forgiveness, joy and love are uncovered.   They were there all
along.  We were just looking in the wrong places.
COMPASSION
Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living
things, man will not himself find peace.
~~ Albert Schweitzer

     One day while at the beach I watched a little boy as he tried
to play with two other boys in the water.  They ignored him.  Perhaps
they had experienced his bullying before.  He became very upset
and then angry, splashing them with water before he headed for
the beach.  I remember thinking what a mean boy he was and turned
back to my book, ignoring him.

     The next time I saw him, I watched as he tagged along with
some other kids, trying to get into their game.  Maybe they
were told not to play with strangers.  Maybe they were hurt
by him another time.  I saw the longing on his face and his
friendly smile turn to expressions of frustration and anger as
they ignored him, whatever their reasons.  He was  hurt and
rejected and called them names.  When they continued to ignore
him, in an effort to hurt them back, he grabbed a handful of
sand and flung it at them.

     As this was all happening I saw such clear evidence of his
eagerness to become friends.  I saw his yearning for connection.
I saw his true essence and my heart warmed to him and I felt a
pouring of love and compassion.  I wanted to hug him and hold him
and tell him everything was going to be all right.  I understood
everything that followed. I understood him.  Not that I liked him
for his actions, but my feelings had changed towards him and I
never wanted to go back to the way I felt before.

     Not only did I like myself so much better as a compassionate
person, it made me feel warm and open and light, whereas my
feelings of judgement and disapproval left me cold and hard and
closed.

     It's important to accept that our hearts will not always be
filled with compassion, no matter how hard we wish it to be that
way.  Accepting ourselves just as we are, without judgment, is our
intention and in doing so lightens our heart to allow compassion to
enter.  Christina Feldman wrote, "A compassionate heart is not an
idealized heart that never experiences anger, greed, or self-
centeredness, but is the receptive presence that listens to those
voices and receives them—without permitting them to be the
guiding force of our actions, speech and choices."

     The Dalai Lama defines compassion as "a state of mind that is
non-violent, non-harming, and non-aggressive.  It is a mental
attitude that is based on the wish for others to be free of their
suffering and it is associated with a sense of commitment,
responsibility and respect towards others."  He believes that
genuine compassion is based on the rationale that "all human
beings have an innate desire to be happy, and overcome suffering,
just like myself...on the basis of the recognition of this equality
and commonality, you develop a sense of affinity and closeness
with others."

*This is an excerpt from LIVING LIGHT AS A FEATHER
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
LIVING LIGHT AS A FEATHER is arriving at bookstores now!
She even interviewed me for the book :)
If you would like a signed copy you can
order it at <http://www.spirithaven.com/> or email her at
spirithaven@... or call at 508-420-5301.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Trouble Tree
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=790

Religion in Everything?
www.serenityfound.org/readings/religion.html

Learning To Live
www.nawol.org/2006_ch8%20LEARNING.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 7, Working With Others
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_7.html

12 Step Acronyms and Slogans
www.aabibliography.com/12_step_acronyms_and_12_step_slogans.htm

An Insider
www.aabibliography.com/index.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
June 19                                                A Sense of Humor

"We find that when we lose self-obsession, we are able to
understand what it means to be happy, joyous, and free."
Basic Text, p.103

The laughter in our meetings often surprises the newcomer.
As a group, we appreciate the healing that healthy laughter
brings. Even if we are deeply troubled, the joy that often fills
the meeting rooms allows us, for a time, to have some fun with
our recovery. Through humor, we can be temporarily relieved
of our obsession with self.

Life on life's terms is often anything but funny. But if we can
keep a sense of humor about us, things that might overwhelm us
can be made bearable. How often have we allowed ourselves to
be upset by incidents that, taken with a bit of humor, are not all
that intolerable? When we become annoyed with people and events,
a search for the humor in the situation can put things in a brighter
perspective. An ability to find humor in a difficult situation is a
gift to develop.

Just for today: I will look to find the humor in adversity.
When I make mistakes, I will find a way to laugh at the
humor of my imperfections.. pg. 177

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Progressive Gratitude

Gratitude should go forward, rather than backward.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  29

I am very grateful that my Higher Power has given me a second chance
to live a worthwhile life.  Through Alcoholics Anonymous, I have been
restored to sanity.  The promises are being fulfilled in my life.  I am
grateful to be free from the slavery of alcohol.  I am grateful for peace
of mind and the opportunity to grow, but my gratitude should go forward
rather than backward.  I cannot stay sober on yesterday's meetings or
past Twelfth-Step calls; I need to put my gratitude into action today.
Our co-founder said our gratitude can best be shown by carrying the
message to others.  Without action, my gratitude is just a pleasant
emotion.  I need to put it into action by working Step Twelve, by carrying
the message and practicing the principles in all my affairs.  I am grateful
for the chance to carry the message today!
Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 19th

A.A. Thought for the Day

We have this choice every day of our lives. We can take the
path that leads to insanity and death. And remember, our
next drunk could be our last one. Or we can take the path that
leads to a reasonably happy and useful life. The choice is ours
each day of our lives. God grant that we take the right path.
Have I made my choice today?

Meditation for the Day

Your real work in life is to grow spiritually. To do this you must
follow the path of diligently seeking good. The hidden spiritual
wonders are revealed to those who diligently seek this
treasure. From one point to the next, you have to follow the
way of obedience to God's will until finally you reach greater
and greater spiritual heights. Work on the material plane should
be secondary to your real life's work. The material things that
you need most are those that help you to attain the spiritual.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may keep growing spiritually. I pray that I may
make this my real life's work.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 19

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Making Life Easier

Life doesn't have to be hard.

Yes, there are times we need to endure, struggle through, and rely on our
survival skills. But we don't have to make life, growth, recovery, change,
or our day-to-day affairs that hard all the time.

Having life be that hard is a remnant of our martyrdom, a leftover from old
ways of thinking, feeling, and believing. We are worthy, even when life
isn't that hard. Our value and worth are not determined by how hard we
struggle.

If we're making it that hard, we may be making it harder than it needs to
be, said one woman. Learn to let things happen easily and naturally. Learn
to let events, and our participation in them, fall into place. It can be
easy now. Easier than it has been. We can go with the flow, take the world
off our shoulders, and let our Higher Power ease us into where we need to
be.

Today, I will stop struggling so hard. I will let go of my belief that life
and recovery have to be hard. I will replace it with a belief that I can
walk this journey in ease and peace. And sometimes, it can actually be fun.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

How You are Kept Prisoner by a Drunken Monkey
with Sharp Teeth and a Big Bite
http://www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/June/feature5.html

It Wants You, Too,  Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/May/Cohen.html

Ask Louise, Letters Of Wisdom and Affirmations
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/December/hay.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Beyond Forgiveness
by Dr. Susan Gregg

As so many of us do, I carried wounds from my childhood into my adult life.
As a young girl I was molested by some boys. At the time I was devastated. I
was sure it was my fault, and when the boys told me not to tell anyone or
they would kill me I believed them. Before that I never felt like I fit in,
afterwards I felt like a total misfit. I was sure life was a complex game
and everybody except me knew how to play. When I began my journey of
self-discovery in my twenties I ran across the concept of forgiveness and
with a great deal of anger and judgment promptly rejected the idea. Over the
years my thoughts on forgiveness have changed drastically. Now I believe
forgiveness is one of the most important steps we can take toward achieving
self-acceptance, peace of mind, and happiness.

We are taught to think in terms of duality: right and wrong, positive and
negative, good and bad, black and white, you and me. Our society is based on
the concept of domination -- the society and the individual are seen as
separate -- the problem and the solution are two different things. As long
as we view the world that way judgment and comparison are very much a part
of our thought process. Forgiveness seems like we are letting them off the
hook -- punishment makes much more sense than forgiveness. We aren't taught
to believe that everything in life is one. But in truth we are all one,
everything and everyone is part of the great mystery of life.

There is another way of viewing life, which I call dominion. Symbolically I
think of dominion as a huge sphere, a womb that holds everything lovingly
within it. How we view events in our life depends upon where we are standing
on that sphere. I am not separate from anyone hence no one can do anything
to me, they just do it. Viewing life this way makes forgiveness a desirable
and understandable component of life. Let me explain. As I embraced the
concept of dominion I realized that those boys didn't do anything to me, I
just happened to be in the same place they were when they decided to do
something. The boys that molested me dealt with their emotional pain by
passing it on to me. It was really all about them. What a gift that
realization was for me! Not only was I able to forgive them but I was able
to forgive myself and really see the experience for what it was, an
opportunity to learn how to open my heart and love at a much deeper level.

I strongly believe that if we learn to live in dominion instead of
domination the world would be a much more loving and gentle place to live.
In dominion, instead of judging things we embrace them. Life, relationships,
and everyday events become an opportunity for us to see our filter system,
which is composed of all of our assumptions, agreements, and beliefs. In
each moment we have a choice -- will I see this through the eyes of my
filter system, the eyes of fear and separation, or will I see through the
eyes of my spirit, the eyes of love and oneness? In each moment we can
choose to either be in domination or dominion.

When I first introduce these concepts to people they usually say I am asking
them to be a doormat. They ask me how I can embrace the rapist or the
murderer? When they ask that, I share the story of my family. The Nazis
killed my great grandmother during the holocaust while a cousin went back to
Germany to fight with the Nazis. Dominion allowed me to accept and
understand both a brutal murder and murderer. Many holocaust survivors share
that they couldn't make peace with their experiences in the camps until they
forgave the Nazis. I believe that as a species we missed a wonderful
opportunity after World War II. If you want to get rid of a dandelion,
cutting the head off won't work. If you deal only with what's on the surface
the weed will come right back; if you dig out the root, the weed will be
gone forever.

The legacy of Hitler and the holocaust isn't just about unthinkable cruelty
and genocide. Those were just the head of the dandelion. If we have the
courage to really examine the root we will find judgment and our need for
domination. I believe the questions we ask as a society often define us.
What if we had asked ourselves what caused Hitler to have a filter system
that allowed him to make choices that resulted in the death of millions of
people? What if we had seen judgment as the cause of all that death and
suffering and Hitler as the symbol of our collective hatred, criticism, and
judgment? What could we have changed as a society? Where would we be today
if we had sought to free ourselves from judgment instead of focusing our
judgment on what they did?

Everything in life is a process and by definition a process takes time.
Getting to the point that we are even willing to think about forgiveness
often takes a long time. I believe exploring the concept of dominion
expedites arriving there. When we view the world from a place of dominion
our perspective changes and we are able to fully embrace the experience. As
we learn to embrace the events in our life the problem and the solution
become one.

The first step in our emotional healing is allowing ourselves to freely vent
our anger and judgment. It is important not to rush through this step. Do
whatever is necessary to release the emotional trash surrounding the issue;
write a series of letters fully expressing all your thoughts, judgments, and
feelings and then burn them; draw pictures; scream and yell; beat on
pillows. After all, if we have a lot of emotional trash hanging around it
makes it much harder to move toward forgiveness. Once we release the
emotions we have attached to the memory we can begin the process of
forgiveness and acceptance and then we can begin to see the gift every event
in our life contains.

All of our emotions are generated by what we tell ourselves about the events
in our lives rather than by the events themselves. As we change what we tell
ourselves about an event our emotions will change as well. Our emotions are
really signposts that point toward our filter system. Our filter system is
composed of our beliefs, the assumptions we've made about life, and the
agreements we have made with ourselves and our world. We think we are seeing
reality when we are really seeing the distortion version of reality created
by our beliefs, the assumptions we've made about life, and the agreements
we've made with ourselves and our world; we see our filter system and not
the world.

We often say things like, "You hurt my feelings," or "You really make me
angry." What actually happens is someone does something, then we tell
ourselves something about what happened, and those words generate our
emotional response. All the events in our lives are emotionally neutral
until we attach an emotion to the event by what we tell ourselves. When we
realize our emotions are our own creation we can use them to set ourselves
free of our limiting beliefs. We can use the events in our life to
illuminate our filter system. Instead of focusing our attention on our
emotions and trying to change the events in our life we can change the way
we think. We don't want to suppress our emotions, it is important for us to
feel them and do what is necessary to release them. That allows us to have
an opportunity to see our filter system in a neutral and non-judgmental
manner.

After we achieve a degree of emotional neutrality it is much easier for us
to see to see our filter system for what it is -- a collection of ungrounded
and limiting beliefs. Our mind would much rather be right than be happy. Our
spirit is limitless while our mind feels safer within the familiar limits of
our filter system. Once we fully embrace that which our mind wants to judge
we can then set ourselves free. At that point not only do we forgive
ourselves and anyone else involved with the event but we move beyond the
need for forgiveness.

As we move beyond forgiveness and toward acceptance we see the beauty of all
of our creations. When we view life from the perspective of dominion we
begin to see it as a work of art we create moment by moment. Every event in
our life is an opportunity to deepen our connection with ourselves, the
people in our lives, and with God, the Great Spirit or whatever you choose
to call the Creator of this magnificent universe. After we clearly see the
role our filter system plays in our experience of life we often want to
release it.

Until then we frequently attempt to control things beyond our control so we
can be happy or at least comfortable. We try to change the events in our
lives instead of how we see them. When we learn to focus on our filter
system instead of what "they did" or "what happened to us" we can learn to
be happy no matter what is going on in our lives. We can move beyond
forgiveness to a deep sense of acceptance of life just as it is. When we
finally realize it has been our filter system that has prevented us from
being happy we can change how we think about life.

Changing your mind is a process and it can be an easy and enjoyable one or
one that is full of pain and struggle, the choice is ours. To make it a more
enjoyable experience create an inner sanctuary for yourself, become your own
best friend, talk lovingly to yourself, and gently accept yourself just the
way you are. Remember, learning to see life through the eyes of dominion and
love is a process that takes time. Give yourself the gift of taking a much
time as you need.

This article is written by Dr. Susan Gregg,  the author of The Toltec Way: A
Guide to Personal Transformation, © 2000. Published by Renaissance Books
Inc. www.renaissancebks.com

About The Author:
Dr. Susan Gregg is the author of numerous books including her most recent:
The Toltec Way: A Guide to Personal Transformation. She has her doctorate in
clinical hypnotherapy and completed an apprenticeship with Sister Sarita and
Don Miguel Ruiz author of The Four Agreements. Susan lives in Hawaii and
specializes in leading sacred journeys of transformation. Visit her website
at www.susangregg.com or reach her at sgregg@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Have Love for Your Soul

The soul is at the heart of your Realness
simply wanting to be
the loved one already dwelling deeply

It lives truth, beauty and inspiration
Hesitantly shining its knowing light
Upon your thoughts, actions, intentions
All it needs is a little opening, a little give
in your protective walls called
protection, persona, façade

And it will assemble for you multiple forces
to illuminate the universe
with your uniqueness
as a golden mirror¹s blinding light
reflecting, projecting
shining far into day or night

Your inner genuine person
all made up of soul-essence
is a miracle waiting for your permission
from Love¹s accepting embrace
to become manifest
to become your carrier wave of being

Listen to the real language of your soul
And be that
The lessons of imagination, transformation
Await
Bring love to the learning
The class of Soul is about to begin

Love
Stella
©2002 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Evil Is An Illusion

   People aren't born with error, take any baby love it and nurture it
and give it wings, and it will be a beacon of love.  But, take the same
baby and withhold love from it and refuse to encourage it, and you
will be sowing the seeds of discontent.

   Not one of God's children can be evil.  At worst, he or she is hurt.
At worst, he or she attack others, and blame them for their pain.
But, they are not evil.

   Yes, your compassion must go this deep.  There is no human being,
who does not deserve your forgiveness.  There is no human being, who
does not deserve your love.

Paul Ferrini "I am The Door"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hand In Cuff

Friday pay it's after work
With the thought my bowels quirk
Just thinking of that first hit
I know that I must submit

With the fear of getting caught
I go to where the rocks are bought
Spend my rent to get the stones
From a zombie skin and bones

Prize in mouth I close the door
And my mind I have no more
Smoke the stones til I'm poor
Like a vacuum search the floor

With a plan I go right back
Deep within a crack attack
Anything for another hit
Wishing I could somehow quit

Against a foe with awesome power
No limit to what it can devour
Human suffering not enough
Thanking God for hand in cuff

With terror shake and feeling raw
Can't unclench my frozen jaw
Anxiety strikes and feelings come
A moral choice thought by some

Praying for my hastened death
Dreaming of a cocaine breath
Cannot hide from fear inside
Thinking of my suicide

Words they talk I cannot hear
Consumed inside a tortured fear
Think of family and cry for help
Memories of the bruise and whelt

Like a child drowned in tears
Adult consumed by child-like fears
Crazy thoughts they must stop
Giving up, to my knees I drop

If you are there, please God help
I cannot do it, I am so very alone
My own life I cannot condone
This dementia I can no longer own

In silent cell thoughts did cease
Many years without this peace
Willing to go to any length
Praying often for the strength

From the depths of living cell
Blackest nights of human hell
Tiny voice with awesome feeling
Layers of wrong I start peeling

Share the hope to those like me
From that life what can be
Accepting fully where I've been
In His light you can begin

Written By:
Eric W

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I am but a small grain of sand in the oceans beach,
To my brothers and sisters my hand does reach
Together we gather strength
To reach across the waters, to the other lands
To spread the word of recovery to each woman and man
We go to any lengths
We share our experiences, strength, and hope
With our Higher Power we are able to cope
Together we withstand life's tidal waves
Together we make it to calmer waters and are brave
Though I am but a small grain of sand in the oceans beach
With my brothers and sisters in recovery
A new freedom we are able to reach
With God and AA we make it to victory

Written by:  Tammy Boyle  12/21/00
bluidkiti@...
Inspired by:  Vegyman
Tammy's AA Links
www.ipass.net/~a1idpirat/tAA.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The process of personal growth isn't always easy.
We must face our own ugliness.
We often must become painfully aware of the unworkability
of a pattern before we're willing to give it up.
It often seems, in fact, that our lives get worse rather than
better when we begin to work deeply on ourselves.
Marianne Williamson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Too often we under estimate
the power of a touch,
a smile,
a kind word,
a listening ear,
an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Leo Buscaglia

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The principles you live by create the world you live in;
if you change the principles you live by,
you will change your world.
Blaine Lee

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You are in an ongoing process of becoming, growing, and
developing in the direction of your dominant thoughts.
What are they?
Brian Tracy

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Recovery is about surrender,
This is not let's make a deal.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Surrender,
welcome home,
the war is over.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The thoughts that we have our ours,
we don't have to act out on everything that we consider.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Think it through.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Surrender to the high cost of low living.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or
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and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
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To unsubscribe to to this list send an Email message to the group
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or
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Resentments
www.denialqueen.com/resentment.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I am new, do I surrender to the program?
Or do I surrender to the disease?
How does this work?
I thought surrendering meant I was weak.
How has your life changed since you got clean?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 18
Today I look honestly at what is real
without denial or judgment.
I accept my reality without struggle
and this gives me all the courage I need
to deal with what needs to be done.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Joy In Living

There are so many blessings,
God has given unto me.
They are such special people,
who help my heart to see,
that there is joy with every breath,
each new day we awake,
and there's no need for sorrow.
No need for hearts to ache.
They trust in God with all their hearts,
and all their mind and soul.
They show me that in doing this,
I'll reach my every goal.
Today my goal, is just to be,
exactly what God wills.
To love and live a life of joy,
forgetting all life ills.
To pass it on to every soul,
God brings into my life.
That I might be His vessel.
Dispelling all their strife.

written by ~ Rebecca
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Be
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=786

Getting Rid of Anger
www.serenityfound.org/readings/anger.html

Recovery Process
www.nawol.org/2006_ch6%20RECOVERY.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 5, How It Works
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_5.html

Letter to Anyone New to A.A.
www.aa.org/en_is_aa_for_you.cfm?PageID=45

A Network for Grateful Living
www.gratefulness.org

Spiritual
www.shesinrecovery.com

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
June 18                              Indirect Amends

"Indirect amends may be necessary where direct ones would be
unsafe or endanger other people." Basic Text, p.40

When we used, we allowed nothing to stand in the way of that
next high. As a result, many of us didn't always know precisely whom
we had injured, either financially or emotionally. When it came time
to make amends through our Ninth Step, we found that there were
so many people we had victimized that we might never remember
them all.

With the help of our sponsor and other recovering members of NA,
we found a solution to this obstacle. We vowed to complete these
nameless amends by making restitution to our communities. We focused
our service efforts on helping the still-suffering addict. In this manner,
we found a way to give back to society.

Today, with the love and guidance of members in NA, we are giving
back to the world around us rather than taking. We are making our
communities better places to live by carrying the message of recovery
to those we encounter in our daily lives.

Just for today: I will make indirect amends by reaching out to an
addict who may need help. I will strive in some small way to make my
community a better place in which to live. pg. 176

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Turning Negative To Positive

Our spiritual and emotional growth in A.A. does not depend so deeply upon
success as it does upon our failures and setbacks.  If you will bear this
in mind, I think that your slip will have the effect of kicking you
upstairs, instead of down.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  184

In keeping with the pain and adversity which our founders encountered and
overcame in establishing A.A., Bill W. sent us a clear message: a relapse
can provide a positive experience toward abstinence and a lifetime of
recovery.  A relapse brings truth to what we hear repeatedly in meetings --
"Don't take that first drink!"  It reinforces the belief in the progressive
nature of the disease, and it drives home the need for, and beauty of,
humility in our spiritual program.  Simple truths come in complicated ways
to me when I become ego driven.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 18th

A.A. Thought for the Day

The A.A. way of living is not an easy one. But its an adventure in
living that is really worthwhile. And it's so much better than our
old drunken way of living that there's no comparison. Our lives
without A.A. would be worth nothing. With A.A., we have a chance
to live reasonably good lives. It's worth the battle, no matter
how tough the going is from day to day. Isn't it worth the battle?

Meditation for the Day

The spiritual life has two parts. One is the life apart, the life
of prayer and quiet communion with God. You spend this part of
your life apart with God. Every day your mind can be set in the
right direction so that your thoughts will be of the right kind.
The other is the life impart - imparting to others what you have
learned from your own meditative experience. The victories you
have won over yourself through the help of God can be shared
with others. You can help them by imparting to them some of
the victory and security that you have gained in your life apart.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may grow strong from my times apart with God.
I pray that I may pass on some of this strength to others.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 18

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Being Vulnerable

Part of recovery means learning to share ourselves with other people. We
learn to admit our mistakes and expose our imperfections -- not so that
others can fix us, rescue us, or feel sorry for us, but so we can love and
accept ourselves. This sharing is a catalyst in healing and changing.

Many of us are fearful of sharing our imperfections because that makes us
vulnerable. Some of us have tried being vulnerable in the past, and people
tried to control, manipulate, or exploit us, or they made us feel ashamed.

Some of us in recovery have hurt ourselves by being vulnerable. We may have
shared things with people who didn't respect our confidence. Or we may have
told the wrong people at an inappropriate time, and scared them away.

We learn from our mistakes -- and despite our mistakes, it is still a good
thing to allow ourselves to be vulnerable and honest. We can learn to choose
safe people with whom to share ourselves. We can learn to share
appropriately, so we don't scare or push people away. We can also learn to
let others be vulnerable with us.

Today, God, help me learn to be appropriately vulnerable. I will not let
others exploit or shame me for being vulnerable, and I will not exploit
myself.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ten Steps to Finding Happiness, Freedom and Joy
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/June/feature4.html

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Feeling Great!
By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.

  Most people don't feel great.  In fact, most people don't feel much
at all, let alone feel really good.  As a Psychologist and Life Coach,
I meet many, many people who have difficulty feeling anything except
intense "negative" emotions...like fear, anger, guilt, shame, etc.

  It seems we have become numb to our own emotional lives.  We seem to
believe that Rip Van Winkle, the folktale hero who slept against a
tree for over 20 years, really knew how to live!  He just got old as
unconsciously as possible.  Yet, most of our choices and decisions are
based upon emotion and not on conscious, rational thought.

  We usually learn to shut down our feelings when we are very young.
Probably too young to realize that our feelings were not dangerous,
but were part of the experience of being alive as a human being.  Back
then, experiencing the intensity of our internal physiological changes
we came to label "emotions," seemed so overwhelming.  We probably
thought we'd die, if we didn't take some action to at least diminish
their intensity.

  In order to protect ourselves from experiencing the feelings we
fear, we develop very ingenious ways of functioning at the very edge
of non-feeling.  We engage in numerous ways to silence, deaden, numb,
anesthetize, or otherwise withdraw from our feelings.  And the problem
created by these protective strategies is that we become, like good
ol' Rip, unconscious of our being alive.  We sleep through our
existence until we die.

  Practical ways we avoid feeling may include: watching TV every
moment we are alone...every moment we are home; wearing headphones to
fill our awareness with canned music and words; avoiding silence at
all cost; continually talking to anyone who will listen and if no one
is around, we'll talk to ourselves; bringing out the food, the
alcohol, the drugs to fill our bodies with chemicals which will
distract us from knowing our own internal experiences.  Rather than
allow ourselves to become aware of what we feel within, we only
pretend to live through overwork, oversleeping, overdoing, and
continually searching for new and better ways to block out those
feelings we fear.  Is it any wonder we usually don't feel great?

  To begin feeling great, you need to be reassured that no emotions
you might experience, no matter how intense, are dangerous in and of
themselves.  Every feeling you have, even feeling nothing at all is
worthy of your attention.  Begin by paying attention to your senses.
Spend a minute or five every hour to really answer the questions: what
am I seeing now?  What am I hearing?  What am I feeling from
my skin?  What am I tasting and smelling?  Begin attending to the
signals your senses are always sending.

  With gentle acceptance of whatever bubbles up from within, spend
some time every day attending to your body.  What part of your body
feels tense, empty, painful, relaxed, nothing at all.  Take your time
and breathe deeply.  Sometimes physical shaking or tingling in some
part of your body occurs.  Allow to happen whatever happens within.

  Learn to regularly focus your attention to your thinking and begin
to shut that down.  Thinking usually effectively blocks the awareness
of feelings.  Resist the temptation to think about what is happening
or to analyze all the time.  Allow your attention to focus on internal
sensations apart from thinking.

  Eventually, as you continue to focus your conscious attention on
your feelings, your fear of being overwhelmed by their intensity, or
losing control of them, will diminish and perhaps be replaced by a
genuine confidence in your emotional life.

  Feeling great requires feeling greatly.  It requires waking up and
paying attention to our emotions, no matter how intense.  It is, after
all, our emotions that enrich our experience of being alive, signal
our consciousness of our wants and needs, and add zest and joy to
every single change inside.  Feelings also provide us with energy.
Energy to use in fulfilling our needs.  Energy to express what our
being alive really means.  Energy to feel great about being awake,
alert, vital, and aware.  Energy to feel alive at all!  I agree with
what Carlos Casteneda once wrote: "You must feel everything, otherwise
the world loses its meaning."  May you feel great about everything in
life!

Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D. has 30+ years experience as a Life Coach and
Licensed Psychologist.  He is available for coaching in any area
presented in "Practical Psychology."  As your Coach, his only agenda
is to assist you in creating the lifestyle you genuinely desire. The
initial coaching session is free.  Contact him: (970) 568-0173 or
E-mail: DrLloyd@... or LJTDAT@....

Dr. Thomas also serves on the faculty of the Institute For Life Coach
Training.  In that capacity, he teaches advanced coaching teleclasses:
*Coaching Successful Life*s Lessons,* and *Intentional Creation:
Re-Shaping Your Life.*  To contact the Institute, call 970-224-9830 or
E-mail: doccoach@....  Check out the website:
www.lifecoachtraining.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Joy Is My Compass
Alan Cohen

"Pick out a treat," I offered 4-year-old Kate at the candy display.
Quickly she grabbed a packet of M&M's with one hand and a Milky Way
with the other.  "You can have only one," I told her.

"Eenie, meenie, miney, moe," she counted, finally landing on the M&M's.
"Okay, we get the M&M's," I confirmed.
Immediately, Kate threw the M&M's back in the bin and clutched the
Milky Way bar.  "I want this one."

Within our hearts, each of us knows what we really want.  While our
mind and emotions may go through all manner of drama and machinations,
when we are confronted with the reality of choice, our heart will speak.
Sometimes it is only when we receive what we do not want that we
recognize what we do want.

When confronted with a difficult decision, flip a coin and imagine that
you will be committed to the alternative the spin lands on.  Then notice
your gut reaction to the result.  If you feel delighted, that is your path.
If you are disappointed, go with the other alternative.  Joy is the best
compass.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When The Whole World Stinks

Do you remember the story of the sailor who over-imbibed and fell
asleep at his table? His buddies smeared a bit of strong smelling
cheese dip on his mustache, which caused him to wake up and look
around. He sniffed and then walked outside, sniffed again and
came back in, walked out and back in one more time and finally
sat back down in his seat. "It's no use," he said to his friend,
"the whole world stinks!"

Ever felt that way? We have all experienced bad days and horrible
situations. We've felt trapped, helpless and, at times, hopeless.
We may have even believed that the whole world stinks.
But I like the tremendous way one woman has learned to approach
living. She grew up in extreme poverty, but was privileged to be
in a Sunday School class taught by a young woman named Alice
Freeman Palmer, who was later to become president
of Wellesley College. One Sunday, the teacher asked the children
to find something beautiful in their homes, and then tell the
other children about it the next week.

The following Sunday, when the little girl was asked what she
found that was beautiful at home, she thought of her impoverished
condition and replied, "Nothing. There's nothing beautiful where
I live, except...except the sunshine on our baby's curls."
Years later, long after Mrs. Palmer's untimely death, her husband
was lecturing at a university in the western United States. He
was approached by a distinguished looking woman who fondly
recalled that she had been a member of his wife's Sunday School
class. "I can remember that your wife once asked us to find
something beautiful in our homes, and that I came back saying the
only beautiful thing I could find was the sunshine on my sister's
curls. But that assignment your wife made was the turning point
in my life. I began to look for something beautiful wherever I
was, and I've been doing it ever since." That one suggestion
turned her life around.

If you have been thinking your "whole world stinks," the daily
habit of looking for something beautiful can help you see the
good that is in the world, and transform your hope into enough
positive energy to build a life that counts.

Steve Goodier

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This place inside of you is a place of silence, a
place of utmost simplicity, as you breathe in and
out with God.  Know that you are always doing this
breathing with God, and God is breathing with you.
Open your conscious awareness for greater knowing
of God than ever before.

Experience the ease of God's breath in you, the
ease that is actually around you in the world,
even with all the complications and difficulties.

With whatever pain and struggle that are present
in the world now or are yet to come, God's breath
is always easy.

John Morton
From: The Blessings Already Are

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Layers

Onion peeled
Rotten side
Finally healed

Bad out pour
Drains itself
On the floor

Vision seen
Time to clean

Ouch
Not the past

In my face
Not again
There¹s a trace

Of goodness

Layers fall
First Big
Then small

Ouch

Sandpaper grit
It hurts
I wanna quit

Refined surface
Near perfect

New place
New face
New life
Less strife

Another layer gone
Carry on

© 2001 Michele Preen
emmalulie@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our entire life--consists
ultimately in accepting ourselves as we are.
Jean Anouilh

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You are infinitely lovable, infinitely desirable,
because the One who most desires and loves you is also infinite.
Deepak Chopra

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The addict is looking in the wrong places,
but is going after something very important,
and we cannot afford to ignore
the meaning of the search.
Deepak Chopra
in Overcoming Addictions: The Spiritual Solution

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For me, God is personal in the sense
that He affects every individual differently.
The rabbis of the Midrash said, 'God is like a mirror.
The mirror never changes but
everyone who looks at it sees a different face.
Harold Kushner

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Care inspires and gently reassures us.
Lending us a feeling of security and support,
it reinforces our connection with others.
Not only is it one of the best things we can do for our health,
but it feels good -- whether we're giving or receiving it.
Doc Childre and Howard Martin,The HeartMath Solution, 1999

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The suggestions helped me get clean,
the steps help me stay clean and live clean.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Suggestions are subtle commands.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you stick to the basics,
you don't have to come back to the basics.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It's A LOT  easier to stay clean,
than it is to get clean.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
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Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
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Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Happy Fathers Day

Letting Go
www.denialqueen.com/lettinggo.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I am new, do I surrender to the program?
Or do I surrender to the disease?
How does this work?
I thought surrendering meant I was weak.
How has your life changed since you got clean?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 17
I am learning new ways to deal with
all that comes up in my life today.
I am letting go of all negative ways of dealing
with stress and anxiety that are harmful
to my mind and my body.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dance With My Father
Luther Vandross & Richard Marx
http://profile.imeem.com/zZ0BZS/music/g5tc32Za/dance_with_my_father/

"Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high and dance
With my mother and me and then
Spin me around 'til I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved

If I could get another chance, another walk,
Another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again

When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way, I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me
Then finally make me do just what my mama said
Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me

If I could steal one final glance, one final step,
One final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
'Cause I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again

Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
And I'd hear how my mother cried for him
I pray for her even more than me
I pray for her even more than me
I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send back the only  man she loved

I  know you don't do it usually
But dear Lord she's dying
To dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream."

Visit Luther's website to experience this beautiful song...
http://www.luthervandross.com
Luther you are on our minds,
in our hearts
and in our prayers,
We love you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Your Ephemeroptera
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=768

Seeing the Past Clearly
www.serenityfound.org/readings/past.html

Trust
www.nawol.org/2006_ch7%20TRUST.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 6, Into Action
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_6.html

Victim Or Victor
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/VictimOrVictor.html

Hiding In The Shadows
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/HidingInTheShadows.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
June 17                                                       Walls

"Reaching out is the beginning of the struggle that will set us
tree. It will break down the walls that imprison us."
Basic Text, p.80

Many of us came to NA emotionally shattered. Years of using
people and allowing them to use us had taken their toll on our ability
to trust anyone, ourselves included. But the love and acceptance we
found in Narcotics Anonymous encouraged us to reach out and get
close to others.

The longer we stayed clean, the more we began to long for greater
intimacy with our loved ones. We began reaching out in deeper, more
meaningful ways, even though we might get hurt. Despite our fears of
rejection, we decided to risk revealing ourselves, our beliefs, and our
needs. We decided to let down our defensive walls.

The freedom we've found has been worth the risk involved. We know
there is still work to do before we will be completely free of the
barriers built by years of active addiction. But by reaching out to other
addicts and allowing them to reach out to us, despite our human failings,
we have come to know that we have a great capacity for love and
intimacy. When set free of their restraining walls, our hearts hold
great power.

Just for today: I will let down my personal walls and reach out to
others.I will allow my heart the freedom to love and be loved. pg 175

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Progressive Gratitude

Gratitude should go forward, rather than backward.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  29

I am very grateful that my Higher Power has given me a second chance to
live a worthwhile life.  Through Alcoholics Anonymous, I have been restored
to sanity.  The promises are being fulfilled in my life.  I am grateful to
be free from the slavery of alcohol.  I am grateful for peace of mind and
the opportunity to grow, but my gratitude should go forward rather than
backward.  I cannot stay sober on yesterday's meetings or past Twelfth-Step
calls; I need to put my gratitude into action today.  Our co-founder said
our gratitude can best be shown by carrying the message to others.  Without
action, my gratitude is just a pleasant emotion.  I need to put it into
action by working Step Twelve, by carrying the message and practicing the
principles in all my affairs.  I am grateful for the chance to carry the
message today!

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 17th

A.A. Thought for the Day

We in A.A. have the privilege of living two lives in one lifetime.
One life of drunkenness, failure, and defeat. Then, through A.A.,
another life of sobriety, peace of mind, and usefulness. We who
have recovered our sobriety are modem miracles. And were
living on borrowed time. Some of us might have been dead long
ago. But we have been given another chance to live. Do I owe a
debt of gratitude to A.A. that I can never repay as long as I
live?

Meditation for the Day

Thinking about God in love and worship drives away evil. It is
the thought before that the hosts of evil flee. The thought of
a Power greater than yourself is the call for a life-line to
rescue you from temptation. The thought of God banishes
loneliness and dispels gloom. it summons help to conquer your
faults. Think of God as often as possible. Use the thought
prayerfully and purposefully. It win carry your thoughts away
from material things and toward the spiritual things that
make life worthwhile.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may think of God often. I pray that I may rest in
peace at the thought of His love and care.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 17

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Surrender

Master the lessons of your present circumstances.

We do not move forward by resisting what is undesirable in our life today.
We move forward, we grow, we change by acceptance.

Avoidance is not the key; surrender opens the door.

Listen to this truth: We are each in our present circumstances for a reason.
There is a lesson, a valuable lesson that must be learned before we can move
forward.

Something important is being worked out in us, and in those around us. We
may not be able to identify it today; but we can know that it is important.
We can know it is good.

Overcome not by force, overcome by surrender. The battle is fought, and won,
inside ourselves. We must go through it until we learn, until we accept,
until we become grateful, until we are set free.

Today, I will be open to the lessons of my present circumstances. I do not
have to label, know, or understand what I'm learning; I will see clearly in
time. For today, trust and gratitude are sufficient.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Peace School
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/June/feature3.html

Religion and Spirituality
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/May/opinion.htm

Don¹t wait until it is too late
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/December/vissell.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Daddy's Day

Her hair up in a pony tail, her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school, and she couldn't wait to go.
But her Mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates, on this Daddy's Day.
But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school, eager to tell them all,
About a dad she never sees, a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats.

One by one the teacher called, a student from the class,
To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed,
At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare...
Each of them were searching, for a man who wasn't there.

Where's her daddy at? she heard a boy call out,
She probably doesn't have one, another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say,
Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day.

The words did not offend her, as she smiled at her friends,
And looked back at her teacher, who told her to begin...
And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak,
And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique.

My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away,
But I know he wishes he could be with me on this day.
And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know,
All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories, he taught me to ride my bike,
He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite,
We used to share fudge sundaes and ice cream in a cone,
And though you cannot see him, I'm not standing all alone.

Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart.
I know because he told me, he'll forever be here in my heart.
With that her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest,
Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress.

From somewhere in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears,
Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years.
She stood up for the love of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her, doing what was right.

When she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd,
She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud.
I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star,
If he could he'd be here, but heaven's just too far.

Sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away.
Then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day.
To her mother's amazement, she witnessed with surprise,
A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for a second, they saw him at her side.
I know you're with me Daddy, to the silence she called out.
What happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt,

No one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed,
but there placed on her desktop,
was a beautiful pink rose.

A child was blessed, if only a moment,
by the love of her shining bright star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.
Cheryl Costello-Forshey
mailto:costello-forshey@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Greatest Gift a Father Can Give His Children
By John DeFrain, Extension Specialist, Family and Community Development

What makes a good father?

That's the question that motivated my long-time colleague and friend Kathy
Simon to survey more than 700 fathers who felt really good about fatherhood.
Kathy wanted to hear about their successes in their own words, so much of
her research involved collecting stories and thoughts from dads. She asked
them literally scores of questions in a 20-page questionnaire, and then she
spent several months studying what the fathers had to say.

She came into my office one morning, glowing. "I asked the fathers what they
thought was the greatest gift a father can give his children," Kathy said.
What do you think was the No. 1 thing they told me, John?"

Being a father of three daughters myself and a fellow who had written a
doctoral dissertation on fatherhood many years before and still enormously
interested in the question, I hazarded a guess, even though I saw the impish
smile on Kathy's face. ("I'm being set up," I thought to myself.)

"Well, Kath. Let me think here. I would say that the greatest gift a father
can give his children is the gift of time. He can spend a great deal of
positive time with them. Listening to them. Sharing his life with them.
Enhancing their self-esteem by enjoying their company and doing things with
them." "Wrong!" Kathy chortled, following this up with a grating buzzer
sound ("ZZZZZ!") straight from a TV game show. "They told me that the
greatest gift a father can give his children is to love their mother."

As a mother, Kathy could immediately see the wisdom in the fathers' thinking
  As a father, I wanted to think about what the dads were saying very, very
carefully because there seemed to be an important lesson to learn.

For the past 25 to 30 years , there has been a great deal of interest in
fatherhood and a push toward increasing fathers' involvement in the lives of
their children. In many ways we have made progress in this regard, and yet,
marital breakdown and a high divorce rate contribute to the disconnection
between fathers and children.

Much is made of the difficulty mothers have in balancing work and family
today. Fathers, too, find it challenging to earn a decent living while
attending to the togetherness needs of the family. Though as a culture we
may have gotten better at encouraging fathers to be good fathers, the fact
remains that mothers, in general, still spend more time with children and
have more responsibility for their day-to-day care.

Mothers know this. Fathers know this.

Many families, including my own, do not particularly like how our society is
designed in this regard. The game is still rigged toward mothers being more
responsible for kids, and fathers having more responsibility for earning
money, though the game is changing ever so slowly . This is sad to me,
because the joy of being with children can be intense.

Since mothers bear more of the childrearing responsibilities, it becomes
extremely important for fathers to love and respect mothers for what they do
. Of course, one of the important ways Dad can demonstrate his love for Mom
is by investing time with the children: time caring for their basic needs,
and fun time simply happily being with them.

But Dad can't afford to be so involved in his work and in caring for the
children's needs that he forgets Mom's emotional needs and his own need for
genuine connection with her. The marital relationship is the glue that holds
the family together. Its importance cannot be stressed too much, and the
relationship needs to be nurtured ever so carefully.

Before I buy into any particular theory of marriage and family relationships
or believe that a research study is sound, it has to pass the validity test
in my own family. This may sound a bit odd, but frankly, I don't see how an
idea can be of much general utility if it doesn't even make sense in the
DeFrain family, the family I know best of all in the world.

Kathy's research was a winner in this regard. While writing this article at
home, our youngest daughter Erica, age 22, called. Bear, as I call her
fondly, wanted to know what I was doing that morning, and I said I was
writing about the gifts that fathers can give their children. When I told
her the No. 1 answer to the question was, "Love their mother," Erica said
quietly but with emotion, "That's right."

So, take the word of more than 700 successful dads and our baby daughter
Erica. Fathers in strong families deeply care for their wives, and they let
them know this on a regular basis in a wide variety of ways.

These Dads are not afraid to express their love.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Embracing Spirit is a very specific action with proven techniques.

One of the keys to opening the door to greater freedom, joy, and
abundance on all levels is doing what it takes in the areas of need.
The result will be greater love, joy, and freedom inside you.
Another by-product will be greater joy, love, and freedom
outside you, in relationships and deeds.

You will find that the spiritual energy will permit you to
perform tasks far beyond your conditioned capacity
in terms of time and accomplishment.

John-Roger
From: Passage Into Spirit

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There was a couple who used to go England to shop in a beautiful antique
store. This trip was to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both
liked antiques and pottery, and especially tea-cups. Spotting an
exceptional cup, they asked "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite
so beautiful."

As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea-cup spoke, "You don't
understand." It said, "I have not always been a tea-cup. There was a time
when I was just a shapeless lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled
me, pounded me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, Don't do that.
I don't like it! "Let me alone," but He only smiled, and gently said, "Not
yet!! "

"Then... WHAMMO! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun
around and around and around. 'Stop it ! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to
be sick!', I screamed. But the Master only nodded and said, quietly, 'Not
yet.' He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit
Himself and then......

He put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and
pounded at the door. " Help! Get me out of here!" I could see Him through
the opening and I could read His lips as He shook His head from side to
side, 'Not yet'.

"When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He
carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh,
that felt so good! "Ah, this is much better," I thought.

But, after I cooled off, He picked me up and He brushed and painted me all
over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please, Stop it,
Stop it!!' I cried. He only shook His head and said.... 'Not yet!'.

Then suddenly He put me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first
one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I was going to suffocate. I
begged.... I pleaded....I screamed.... I cried. I was convinced I would
never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and He
took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited
------- and waited, wondering What's He going to do to me next?

An hour later He handed me a mirror and said 'Look at yourself.' And I did.
I said, "That's not me".....that couldn't be me.....I'm beautiful!"'

Quietly He spoke: "I want you to remember," He said. "I know it hurt to be
rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have
dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I
had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and
disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have
cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over,
but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not
have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second
oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not
have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind
when I first began with you."

The moral of this story is this:

God knows what He's doing for each of us . He is the potter, and we are His
clay. He will mold us and make us, and expose us to just enough pressures
of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work
to fulfill His good, pleasing and Perfect Will.

So when life seems hard, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed
almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of
control...when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when
life seems to "stink", try this.... Brew a cup of your favorite tea in
your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think about this story and
then....have a little talk with the Potter.

Author Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Daddy Dearest
  ~ Virjinja  ~

Daddy, Daddy  Dearest
How I love You  so
What I needed was a  Leader
Little did I  know
You would not only lead  me
But also love me,  too
You'd comfort and  encourage me
And show me what to  do
How to live a  life
According to Your  Plan
You'd save me from  myself
Have mercy on me,  and
Gift me with a  man
Who'd father me while  here
Walking through a  world
Of obstacles and  fear
I'd be loving on him  also
And come to  understand
His walk here with  me
Is part of Your Great  Plan
Through our human  frailties
We'd realize great  things
Compassion, faith and  tolerance
Forgiveness and  release
Sacrifice and  selflessness
Understanding and  belief
The gifts You've given  me through him
I hardly can  believe
Daddy, Daddy  Dearest
My heart is full of  praise
Thank You for Your great  big heart...
For loving me this  way.

©2006 ~ Virginia Santoro ~ All Rights  Reserved
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
Clarence Budington Kelland

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We never know the love of our parents for us till we have become parents.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard.  Mother would
come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass."  "We're not raising grass,"
Dad would reply.  "We're raising boys."
Harmon Killebrew

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!
Lydia M. Child, Philothea: A Romance, 1836

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dad, you're someone to look up to no matter how tall I've grown.
Author Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Making the decision to have a child is momentous.
It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around
outside your body.
Elizabeth Stone

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There's one sad truth in life I've found
While journeying east and west -
The only folks we really wound
Are those we love the best.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those who love us best.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat.
Then fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher's mound.
Put first base and third together, bring up home plate
and pin the three together. Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the
game and start all over again.
Jimmy Piersal, on how to diaper a baby, 1968

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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or go to the website and unsubscribe
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Insanity
www.denialqueen.com/insanity.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I am new, do I surrender to the program?
Or do I surrender to the disease?
How does this work?
I thought surrendering meant I was weak.
How has your life changed since you got clean?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 16
Today I choose to see myself well and whole.
Today I put all my energy into positive thoughts,
knowing that my body is healthy and strong.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Gift Of Love For My Son

I've rediscovered my life though recovery is slow
I'm learning to live, to accept and to grow.
I no longer wake up with the thought that to die
Would be better than existing and living the lie.
I try to face life with gratitude and pride
I can look in the mirror and no longer hide.
One day at a time I can now become whole
Having picked up the pieces of my broken soul.
I'm now making amends and I want you to know
How remorseful I felt when I let you go.
No matter at the time if I did the right thing
I was not aware of the guilt it would bring.
Everyday I am learning how to live with the past
To be true to myself and let go of the mask.
What's important today is I'm not the same
And there is a relationship that I can reclaim.
There's no need for forgiveness to be openly confessed
You've given it most freely and I truly am blessed.
And now that you've grown with your own son, you see
How it feels to be loved, unconditionally.
I have never stopped loving you or could ever forget
When they placed you in my arms on that first day we met.

Deborah Dacenzo
debdacenzo@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sponsor
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=761

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
June 16                                               Accepting Life

"Some things we must accept, others we can change.
The wisdom to know the difference comes with growth
in our spiritual program." Basic Text, p.92

  It's relatively easy to accept the things we like-it's the
things we don't like that are hard to accept. But remaking
the world and everyone in it to suit our tastes would solve
nothing. After all, the idea that the world was to blame for
all our problems was the attitude that kept us using-and that
attitude nearly killed us.

    In the course of working the steps, we begin to ask ourselves
hard questions about the roles we ourselves have played in
creating the unacceptable lives we've lived. In most cases,
we've found that what needed changing was our own attitude
and our own actions, not the people, places, and things around us.

  In recovery, we pray for wisdom to know the difference between
what can and can't be changed. Then, once we see the truth of our
situation, we pray for the willingness to change ourselves.

Just for today: Higher Power, grant me the wisdom to know the
difference between what can be changed and what I must accept.
Please help me gratefully accept the life I've been given. pg. 174

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Happy, Joyous and Free

We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free.  We cannot
subscribe to the belief that this life is a vale of tears, though it once
was just that for many of us.  But it is clear that we made our own
misery.  God didn't do it.  Avoid then, the deliberate manufacture of
misery, but if trouble comes, cheerfully capitalize it as an opportunity to
demonstrate His omnipotence.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.  133

For years I believed in a punishing God and blamed Him for my misery.  I
have learned that I must lay down the "weapons" of self in order to pick
up the "tools" of the A.A. program.  I do not struggle with the program
because it is a gift and I have never struggled when receiving a gift.
If I sometimes keep on struggling, it is because I'm still hanging onto my
old ideas and  ". . . the results are nil."

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 16th

A.A. Thought for the Day

But even faith is not the whole story. There must be service.
We must give this thing away if we want to keep it. The Dead
Sea has no outlet and it is stagnant and full of salt. The Sea of
Galilee is clear and clean and blue, as the Jordan River carries
it out to irrigate the desert. To be of service to other people
makes our lives worth living. Does service to others give me a
real purpose in life?

Meditation for the Day

Seek God early in the day, before He gets crowded out by
life's problems, difficulties, or pleasures. In that early quiet
time gain a calm, strong confidence in the goodness and
purpose in the universe. Do not seek God only when the world's
struggles prove too much and too many for you to bear or face
alone. Seek God early, when you can have a consciousness of
God's spirit in the world. People often only seek God when their
difficulties are too great to be surmounted in any other way,
forgetting that if they sought God's companionship before they
need it, many of their difficulties would never arise.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may not let God be crowded out by the hurly-burly
of life. I pray that I may seek God early and often.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 16

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Feeling Good

     Having boundaries doesn't complicate life; boundaries simplify life.
     --Beyond Codependency

There is a positive aspect to boundary-setting. We learn to listen to
ourselves and identify what hurt us and what we don't like. But we also
learn to identify what feels good.

When we are willing to take some risks and begin actively doing so, we will
enhance the quality of our life.

What do we like? What feels good? What brings us pleasure? Whose company do
we enjoy? What helps us to feel good in the morning? What's a real treat in
our life? What are the small, daily activities that make us feel nurtured
and cared for?

What appeals to our emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical self? What
actually feels good to us?

We have deprived ourselves too long. There is no need to do that anymore, no
need. If it feels good, and the consequences are self-loving and not
self-defeating, do it!

Today, I will do for myself those little things that make life more
pleasurable. I will not deny myself healthy treats.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Creating Sacred Space: An Invitation to the Divine
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/May/feature6.html

Go Fish
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/December/opinion.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Surrender To Love
by Sanaya Roman

To surrender to love, you will need to pay attention to any of your
own emotions, moods, or thoughts that might lead you to act in less
than loving ways. You may need to surrender pride, a sense of
self-importance, or the need to have your way, to feel superior to,
or to have power over others. You will want to let go of those emotions
that make you feel less than, inferior, or doubtful of your worth. You
will want to train yourself to think about others in positive ways, even
if you feel they have hurt you. You will want to bring about harmonious
conditions through your speech, actions, and thoughts.

Discover any reactions to others that may contain even the slightest
desire to hurt them. Watch your moods and feelings so you can still be
loving to others even when you are experiencing negative emotions
yourself. Surrender to love, and respond to those around you with
kindness. Recall several times when you have done this, and how good
you felt about yourself afterward.

When you feel others have hurt you, you may be tempted to hurt them
in return. At first you may want others to feel the pain you feel when
they have attacked, criticized, not valued, rejected, misunderstood, or
disappointed you. When you feel hurt by others you may want to react
with anger, withdraw your love, or retaliate in some way.

If it seems that someone is trying to hurt you, start by acknowledging
and feeling your pain. Do not force yourself to feel and act in loving ways
until you have transformed your pain. Lift the emotions you are feeling
from your solar plexus center into your heart center so you can feel the
serenity of love. Think of times you have responded with love even when
hurting others felt justified based on their treatment of you.
Acknowledge  yourself every time you choose to respond with love even
when others act in unloving ways. In addition, forgive yourself for those
times when you could not or did not want to act lovingly.

Once you connect with your soul you can feel your soul's compassion. You
will understand that some people do not know how to be kind or
considerate. They are not really reacting to you; they are reacting to
their own fears and to their past. People sometimes say or do hurtful
things because they do not feel good about themselves. Your soul never
takes offense; it understands that whatever others do that seems
unloving is a reflection of who they are, not who you are.

Think of the person you have picked to soul link with. In the last few
weeks, have you, in even the slightest way, had the desire to hurt the
other person? Why did you feel this way? Were you in a bad mood or in
the grip of strong emotions? Or were you picking up the other person's
intense emotions? Did you think the other person was trying to insult or
hurt you? Pay attention to the things that trigger unloving reactions in
you.

Stop before you react in a hurtful way. Take time to love and honor
your feelings. Do not try to talk yourself out of unloving feelings. Love
your feelings, listen to them, feel them, and then lift them into your
heart to be transformed into love. Take time away from the relationship,
or create physical distance, until you can respond with love. It is better
to be apart for a while, while you transform your feelings, than to be
together and act in unloving ways. Wait to respond until you can do so in
a way that honors both of you.

Say to yourself, "I now choose peace and love".
If you are trying to stay calm and loving, yet find yourself matching
people's bad moods and acting in hurtful ways, do not feel weak, think
you are a victim, or blame the other person for "giving" you bad energy.
Forgive yourself for not yet being enlightened! Lift solar plexus energy
into your heart center and feel the serenity of your soul's love. Think
of times when you have stayed centered and balanced around other
people's negative energy. Affirm that you have the power to choose how
you want to feel.

If people around you are in the grip of strong emotions, soul link, and
sense your soul and their soul. Before you speak or act, you might say
something to yourself such as, "I now choose peace and love". Keep lifting
solar plexus energy into your heart center to surrender any urge to react
in an unloving way. It takes great self-awareness and continual attention
to be consistently loving and erase all desire to hurt. Not hurting others
is one of the greatest challenges and a most important step to take to
awaken  your heart centers.

Transform anger with soul love.
To surrender to love you will need to release anger. Anger can be one of
the most challenging of all emotions to transform. It is the "fight" part
of the fight/flight response. Fear is the "flight" part, and I have talked
about transforming fear in many of my other books. Anger is the root of
many separative emotions such as irritation, feeling superior or righteous,
self-pity, and even depression, which is anger turned inward toward the
self. Almost everyone feels some degree of anger many times a day. This
may be self-anger, anger at society, anger at people who oppose what you
believe in, or anger at friends and loved ones. Think of your feelings
today. When did you choose to feel anger, if at all?

Anger is a force, an energy that can move you away from those things you
are angry at. Sometimes anger can be beneficial, such as when it
motivates you to leave a situation that is harmful to you. As you evolve,
you will no longer need strong emotions to propel you into action. You will
act from the calm, peaceful wisdom of your soul. Reacting out of anger
takes away your true power. It is only when you speak or act from the
serene, expansive, and loving perspective of your soul that you feel good
about your actions and words. When you act with soul love, you experience
true power -- the power of love, the most powerful energy in the
universe.

Stop and acknowledge your anger.
Start recognizing when you feel angry. Sometimes you choose to feel
angry when you are around the anger of others. When you feel anger that
is out of proportion to the situation, you may be reacting to past pain that
you have not yet resolved. You may feel anger because you are out of
harmony with the universe or feel bad about yourself or your life. Or, you
may feel angry because you think others have not been treating you the
way you should be treated.

Stop and acknowledge your anger the moment it arises. Do not blame
others for causing it. If you are feeling angry, join with your soul to
increase your desire to love. Lift solar plexus energy into your heart
center. Relax into the serenity of soul love. Let energy flow up into your
head center and expand into the oneness of love. Experience your soul's
wisdom, compassion, and understanding. You can feel the serenity of
love even when you are around people who are angry, attacking,
defensive, and functioning from their unevolved solar plexus center.
Choose how you want to feel no matter what kind of emotions,
thoughts, or energy you are around.

Do you have any hidden or not-so-hidden anger toward the person you
have been soul linking with? Lift solar plexus energy into your heart
center. Soul link and radiate your soul's accepting, transparent, and
unconditional love. You might say, "I surrender any anger I have toward
you. I take responsibility for making my own life work." Choose not to be
a victim. Instead, affirm that you have the power to create any life you
want. Recall a time when you transformed your anger and acted from a
calm, dear, and loving state. Reflect on how good you felt about yourself.
Transforming anger is a powerful step to take that will create positive
changes in your relationships with yourself and others.

Release irritation. Offer love instead.
Irritation is a strong emotion that can be experienced by people whose
solar plexus center is awakening and whose sensitivity to the energies
about them is increasing. Many people experience irritation as their
sensitivity to the disharmonious energies around them increases, before
they have learned to join with their soul and lift solar plexus reactions
into their heart center. As you may have experienced when you were
around people who were irritable, irritation can be contagious. You offer
others a great gift when you transform any irritation you are feeling into
love. A joyful, cheerful attitude is a loving contribution to the well-being
of others.

If you are feeling irritation, or are around people who are expressing
irritation, blend with your soul and lift solar plexus energy into your
heart center until you can feel the serenity of soul love. Forgive yourself
for responding to the energies around you in a less-than-centered way.
Radiate a transparent love as you soul link. Forgive other people for being
irritable. Remain calm and play with radiating various soul love qualities,
such as a magnetic, accepting, and amplifying love, around them.

Honor yourself by setting boundaries.
Respect your time, your needs, and your spiritual path. If you find
yourself unable to set boundaries, to tell where you end and others
begin, if you feel other people's feelings as if they are your own, lift
solar plexus energy into your heart center. Remember the times when
you did set boundaries and people still loved you.

You can stay in calm, serene states of love, no matter what emotional
states other people are in, by radiating soul love. From this state of love
you will do what is good for yourself and your soul, rather than what
other people want you to do. Whether other people change or respond to
your love is not important. Every time you offer love, you awaken your
heart centers. Decide whether or not you want to continue to be around
people who do not honor you. Believe that all your relationships can be
loving, supporting, and enriching.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

THE BEAUTY WAY

I guess I'm likely to put anything in my body!

  I love spicy foods and Mexican foods in particular. I've
"treated" friends to my favorite homemade spicy dishes. A typical
reaction to a dish bathed in my hot sauce goes like this: they
smile and enthusiastically try a bite; their eyes open far too
wide, they begin to sweat profusely and reach for the water to
put out the flames in their stomachs; then, when voice and reason
return, they nod and politely say, "Tasty." They usually don't
come back.

   One person commented, "I've heard of people who preach hellfire,
but you're the only one I know who hands out samples."

   Well, maybe it's not quite that bad, but I'm likely to eat most
any kind of food. And, though I exercise regularly, my body is
starting to tell me to be more selective in my diet. I like the
woman who stepped off the scale and was asked by her husband what
the verdict was. "According to the height table," she replied, "I
should be about six inches taller."

   But more important than the food we put into our bodies are
thoughts we put into our minds. Thoughts of bitterness like, "I
HATE her!" Thoughts of despair like, "I'll never be happy again."
Thoughts of fear like, "I could NEVER do that!" And thoughts of
worry, thoughts of greed and thoughts of self-loathing. A
constant diet of these killer-thoughts will destroy us long
before cholesterol.

   The Navajo people have an expression for this. They traditionally
believe that how they fill their minds will shape their lives. So
they want to fill their minds only with that which is good,
harmonious and edifying. They speak of "thinking in the Beauty
Way" -- ridding their minds of all that is destructive and
filling them with that which is good and peaceful. The Beauty Way
is the way of love and contentment, peace and kindness, patience
and courage.

   What are you putting into your mind? James Lane Allen has said,
"You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be
tomorrow where your thoughts take you." Fill your mind with
life-affirming thoughts and tomorrow will find you further along
the Beauty Way.

© 2001 Steve Goodier

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LIFE OF A FLOWER

I'M STARTING TO SEE SOME OF THE BEAUTY WITHIN ME -
POURING OUT OF MY SOUL IN GLORIOUS SONG
LIKE A FLOWER STRETCHING RESTED LIMBS -
TO THE THE SOFTEST LIGHT OF EARLY DAWN
ALL IN SLOW MOTION AND A DAY BECOMES A LIFETIME -
AND A LIFETIME A DAY
NOT AN EVENT BUT A JOURNEY, THEY SAY.

I WATCH AS THE DAY SLOWLY UNFOLDS IN SEEMINGLY UNEVENTFUL PEACE AND
TRANQUILITY
THE SUN TRAVELS HIGH AND FROM EAST TO WEST -
THE FLOWER SLEEPS EVER SO PEACEFULLY
I WATCH INTENTLY WITH BLOODSHOT EYES,
LEST I SHOULD CLOSE THEM AND MISS THE SUNRISE  -
MY SPIRIT IS RESTLESS, I'M SLEEP DEPRIVED,
I PUNISH MYSELF FOR FEELINGS INSIDE.
THE FLOWER KNOWS WHEN IT IS TIME TO SLEEP
AND DOES NOT HESITATE TO CLOSE HER EYES.
HER SLEEP IS PEACEFUL AND UNDISTURBED AS SHE KNOWS
HER ROLE IN THE UNIVERSE AND NEVER QUESTIONS WHY.
SHE WAS MADE FOR THE SAKE OF HER CREATOR'S PLEASURE - MADE TO BE A PRICELESS
TREASURE.  SO IN THAT LIKENESS,
FOR THAT PURPOSE, ALL THINGS OF SPIRITUAL CONTENT
BELONG, WHERE ALL THINGS ARE EQUAL,
NO RIGHT OR WRONG.
I NOW UNDERSTAND THERE IS NO ENDING
BUT ONLY BEGINNINGS, ...
AND EVERYTHING JUST KEEPS ADAPTING AND CHANGING - BUILDING AND GROWING AND
REARRANGING -
AS LIFE KEEPS MARCHING ON.

J.SCHEPER 7/03
jes1239@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Never Go Back

Once you are keen to hear
your own inner voice
And listen intently to what it tells you
to do, to see, to become
Once you have chosen to dance
to the beat of your own inner drum

Once you have invoked
the Spirit of Realness
and deep unfolding that is uniquely yours
and asked it gently for its opinions
honoured its presence
and acted on its behalf

Once you have tasted and drunk it
and are learning to metabolize it

Once it is taking its shape in your outer reality
Growing from you
Then you must know

You can never go back to
being blind, deaf, and dumb
to your Self

Love,
Stella
  © 2005 Stella Raymonde Savoie Johnson
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Reached The End

Whose is your master
Who holds the key
You a prisoner
Your not free
Chained
To your
Passions
To a whipping post
You are defeated
By what you
Love the
Most
You said just a little
You took a lot
How you got there
You had forgot
If a little felt good
You wanted more
You sat down to cry
But forgot what for
No matter what you did
You could not fit
You reached the end
Yet could not quit
Inside deep
You thought you knew
But to many years
Have passed you
Then one day
You heard a message of hope
People just like you
Have learned to cope
Now it's up to you
To just let go
You must set a side
The things you know
You will not hide
We need to be honest
Open and willing
After all you are the one
You have been killing
In the name of fun
You need to turn
Your life inside out
Do away with self-righteous
Do away with doubt
Many changes have to start
First you must change your heart
Do the steps is where
We begin
Do it
Just  for today
Step by step
Make your way
In recovery
Just being free
So many miracles you
Will one day see

Daniel M Corkery
5/20/2002
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Deep down we must have real affection for each other,
a clear realization or recognition of our shared human status.
At the same time, we must openly accept all ideologies and
systems as a means of solving humanity's problems.
One country, one nation, one ideology,
one system is not sufficient.
The Dalai Lama

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I don't always get to know why things happen.
I may spend hours, even days, trying to figure out
why bad things have happened to me.
I may get caught up in trying to understand other people,
situations, and even my own thoughts.
Today I will accept that I don't have to know
why things are the way they are.
Instead I can pay attention to healing, growing, and learning.

from the book, Time to Break Free
by Judith R. Smith copyright 1999

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Suppose you were deeply hurt in a relationship.
The lingering pain you feel won't allow you to express your love,
keeping you guarded and insecure.
Take these feelings into your heart.
Remember, it's not the specific issue that's causing you pain anymore.
It's the emotional significance you assigned
to it back then and have reinforced all these years.
By now the pain is just energy that needs to be
transformed so that you can be free to express your love again.

Doc Childre and Howard Martin, The HeartMath ® Solution, © 1999

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Be careful not to inflict what you identify as your
spirituality on other people.
Live in simplicity.
Live in the truth of your own beingness,
and let your actions speak for you.

John-Roger
From: Divine Essence Baraka

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Substitution is like switching seats on the Titanic
you might be changing views
but you are going down.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Carry program peoples telephone numbers with you,
The numbers don't help you if your on the street
and they are at home.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Read the literature......
DON'T stash it, throw it away
or save it for a rainy day.
Read it today,
It just might save your life.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The suggestions are free,
the ones you don't take
are the ones that you pay for.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don¹t let anyone
rent space in your head for free

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
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Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
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Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
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Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Denial
www.denialqueen.com/denial.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I am new, do I surrender to the program?
Or do I surrender to the disease?
How does this work?
I thought surrendering meant I was weak.
How has your life changed since you got clean?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 15
It is exciting to know I am in charge of my life today.
God gives me all the faith and courage I need
to be present and aware in each moment
and the wisdom to see what needs to be done.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What Is God¹s Grace To Me ?

Dear God, please continue to show me the way.
Help me always to stay in today.
I may be clean and sober and happy at times,
but I've never felt so lost and in need of direction in my life.
When I look at my progress and growth,
when I compare myself to myself,
I see the evidence of your power in my life and once again I'm addicted.
I love where you've taken me so far
and want so much to continue on this path
but I must remember always  that I didn't get here on my own.
You carried me every step of the way,
and I know now it's not the destination I seek but the journey I make.
When I look at my character defects I clearly see
what needs to be changed, only because I'm looking through your eyes,
and though at times I fail, it is those failures that teach me.
You've shown me, that I have a choice when confronted with life's
challenges,
to avoid them as a threat to my serenity or another opportunity for growth.
Please continue to guide me in my struggle,
you help me see that some of the worst things that happened in my life
were the beginning of some of the best things that happened in my life.
Everyday I see a new defect and then suddenly
I'm in a situation that gives me an opportunity to change it.
That is your GRACE in my life.
Today I saw my pride threaten a friendship that I treasure,
and once again you were there to  show me the truth in myself.
You have been the truest of friends to me and because of that,
I have learned the true meaning of friendship.
In the giving, I have received.
In the loving, I am loved.
In the forgiveness, I am forgiven.
In being lost, I am found.
The old me is dying, and in the dying I am alive.
Thank you for helping me to see that I need not be perfect,
that mistakes make me human and part of the circle of life.
Thank you for helping me find my place in that circle.
Just as the flower needs the bee and the tides need the sea,
I need the GRACE of God in my life.

Deborah Dacenzo
debdacenzo@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Amazing
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=755

Step 10 Is For Us
www.serenityfound.org/readings/10forus.html

Spiritually Clean
www.nawol.org/2006_ch4%20CLEAN.html

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 3, More About Alcoholism
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_3.html

Readings For A.A. Archivists
www.aa.org/en_gso_archives.cfm?PageID=23

The History of Alcoholics Anonymous Grapevine Articles
www.silkworth.net/grapevine/grapevine_articles.html

World Wide Recovery Links
www.alchemyproject.net/Links/links.htm

HEARTPRINTS   Whatever our hands touch we leaveŠ
www.geocities.com/loriflower/3/prints.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
June 15                                          Resistance to Change

"Many of us cling to our fears, doubts, self-loathing, or
hatred because there is a certain distorted security in
familiar pain. It seems safer to embrace what we know
than to let go of it for the unknown."
Basic Text, p.33

  We have often heard it said that "when the pain of remaining
the same becomes greater than the pain of changing, we will
change" Our fear can keep us from growing, afraid to end
relationships, change careers, attend new meetings, begin new
friendships, or attempt anything out of the ordinary. We stay in
situations that are no longer working far longer than we have to
simply because what is familiar feels safer than the unknown. Any
change involves overcoming fear. "What if I'm alone forever?" we
might think if we consider leaving our lover. "What if I find out
I'm incompetent?" we may wonder when we contemplate changing
careers. We may balk at attending new meetings because we will
have to reach out. Our minds manufacture a hundred excuses for
remaining right where we are, afraid to try something new.

   We find that most of our pain comes not from change but from
resistance to change. In NA, we learn that change is how we move
forward in our lives. New friends, new relationships, new interests
and challenges will replace the old. With these new things in our
lives, we find new joys and loves.

Just for today: I will release the old, embrace the new, and grow.
pg. 173

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spiritual Health

When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally and
physically.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.  64

  It is very difficult for me to come to terms with my spiritual illness
because of my great pride, disguised by my material successes and my
intellectual power.  Intelligence is not incompatible with humility,
provided I place humility first.  To seek prestige and wealth is the
ultimate goal for many in the modern world.  To be fashionable and to seem
better than I really am is a spiritual illness.

  To recognize and to admit my weaknesses is the beginning of good spiritual
health.  It is a sign of spiritual health to be able to ask God every day
to enlighten me, to recognize His will, and to have the strength to execute
it.  My spiritual health is excellent when I realize that the better I get,
the more I discover how much help I need from others.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 15th

A.A. Thought for the Day

In A.A. we have three things: fellowship, faith, and service.
Fellowship is wonderful, but its wonder lasts just so long.
Then some gossip, disillusionment, and boredom may come
in. Worry and fear come back at times and we find that
fellowship is not the whole story. Then we need faith.
When we're alone, with no- body to pat us on the back, we
must turn to God for help. Can I say "Thy will be done" -
and mean it?

Meditation for the Day

There is beauty in a God-guided life. There is wonder in the
feeling of being led by God. Try to realize God's bounty and
goodness more and more. God is planning for you. Wonderful
are His ways - they are beyond your knowledge. But God's
leading will enter your consciousness more and more and
bring you ever more peace and joy. Your life is being planned
and blessed by God. You may count all material things as losses
if they prevent your winning your way to the consciousness of
God's guidance.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may earn the rewards of God's power and peace.
I pray that I may develop the feeling of being led by God.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 15

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Competition Between Martyrs

"Yes, I know your spouse is an alcoholic, but my son is an alcoholic, and
that's different. That's worse!"

My pain is greater than yours!

What an easy trap that can be for us. We are out to show others how
victimized we have been, how much we hurt, how unfair life is, and what
tremendous martyrs we are. And we won't be happy until we do!

We don't need to prove our pain and suffering to anyone. We know we have
been in pain. We know we have suffered. Most of us have been legitimately
victimized. Many of us have had difficult, painful lessons to learn.

The goal in recovery is not to show others how much we hurt or have hurt.
The goal is to stop our pain, and to share that solution with others.

If someone begins trying to prove to us how much he or she hurts, we can say
simply, "It sounds like you've been hurt." Maybe all that person is looking
for is validation of his or her pain.

If we find ourselves trying to prove to someone how much we've been hurt or
if we try to top someone else's pain, we may want to stop and figure out
what's going on. Do we need to recognize how much we've hurt or are hurting?

There is no particular award or reward for suffering, as many of us tricked
ourselves into believing in the height of our codependency. The reward is
learning to stop the pain and move into joy, peace, and fulfillment.

That is the gift of recovery, and it is equally available to each of us,
even if our pain was greater, or less, than someone else's.

God, help me be grateful for all my lessons, even the ones that caused me
the most pain and suffering. Help me learn what I need to learn, so I can
stop the pain in my life. Help me focus on the goal of recovery, rather than
the pain that motivated me into it.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sudden Enlightenment
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/May/feature3.html

The Bedroom‹Claiming Your Oasis of Serenity and Sensuality
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/December/feature3.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Actualizing our Life Purpose
by Dhyani Ywahoo

How to establish the priorities in your life, to make the right order? The
first priority in life is to be true to the creative principle within
yourself -- to recognize that you have the gift of life and to be a
caretaker of that gift. Second is the responsibility to your parents, your
family, and your friends -- to see the best within them. To call forth the
best within others, to understand your special purpose and reason for life,
and not to give away what you know until you are certain it will grow --
that is important.

How to be sure of your purpose? Look at what comes easily. What are the
gifts that most easily manifest in your life in this present moment? What
are the areas that you feel called to work in? Are the skills there or not?
When do you feel the most clear flow of energy? What part of the Earth are
you comfortable upon? As we analyze that energy, as we analyze the sense of
fullness and relaxation in the heart and the sense of feeling strong or
weak, we are more able to make a clear determination of what our particular
skills are and what areas we are to develop further in this lifetime.

Sometimes we have four or five purposes in one life. Some people flower
swiftly and realize many accomplishments. Others are like some very rare
orchid, slowly developing and blossoming, almost in secret, and then years
and years later, when people have forgotten that the seed was planted there,
it flowers. So we needn't be concerned about when or how we recognize
ourselves to please others. We understand our true entity in accordance with
our life purpose and the unfoldment of our own vision and the accumulations
of thought force around us from this and other lifetimes. The wise person
goes to the heart of the matter, examining the heart of his or her own
nature.

First responsibility: to know yourself, understand your own mind. Knowledge
of self is knowledge of will, the clear intention to be, seeing its threads
as it weaves through all aspects of life. And it is each one's
responsibility to understand one's family, one's relatives.

Understanding of your family is recognition of the lunar and solar energy
within yourself, the positive, the negative, the mother, the father -- and
how within the center of your spine there is emptiness and the potential of
the childlike wisdom body coming forth. Your relationship with your
co-workers and your clan is also very important, and the land you live in,
and the nation.

As you more finely tune your concentration of mind upon manifesting your
potential in a creative and harmonious way, there is the reciprocity of the
universe saying, "That is good". For the young college student, it is the
unexpected grant; for the business person, it may be people saying, "I want
that product". Always the universe is responding to our question, "This is
good, this is correct", or perhaps, "Wait upon that". So we don't make a
decision alone. We make our decision in relationship to the world around us.
How is my duty as an individual, how are my gifts as an individual
benefiting the world? How is it coming back? Can I write something that will
help the people?

Sometimes we are aware of our gifts and wonder what we will need to bring
them clear. How to turn aside what obscures our great potential? This is
very important. Here you may call upon the creative power of ritual. Make a
special place, a shrine area, a praying place, a studying place, observing
your own nature and all of the world from that place. Make offerings of sage
and sweetgrass or frankincense and myrrh, whatever is good for you, to
clarify the space. In the mind's eye, in the heart's eye, surround the area
with light, that you may have clear direction, clear connection with the
seed of your perfect mind. Then look and see if there are certain attitudes
of mind that stand in the way. Sometimes people are afraid of success; that
is a common fear. How to overcome this fear of success, of accomplishing
your goal? That is laziness, actually, because you know you can accomplish,
but all these little ifs and what-nots come up.

How to overcome those ifs and what-nots? How is it that we have lost our
self-empowerment? How is it that we have lost the essential peace that is
within each of us? What are the attitudes and thoughts that stand in the way
of our seeing clearly that which we are? In the Native American way of
understanding, the first illusion we are faced with is the illusion of
pride, of superior and inferior. In the circle all things are related,
neither up nor down. Nothing is alone; everything is together. We are in the
family of life. Each of us is carrying that spark of will, that spark of
clear mind. We each have a special purpose and reason for being here in this
time. To uncover that sacred purpose we take a vision quest, a journey
within. In a journey to the Temple of Understanding we can clarify our
understanding and come to true knowing of our gift and purpose in this time.

The Temple of Understanding is within us and all around. Within this temple
there is a great library where the records of all things are kept. The
library is a study room for each and every one of us, in which we have
stored away all the programs of our expression in this life and the other
lives that are coexisting. As you look, you want first to affirm the purpose
of being here, to do good, and then to look at the patterns of living that
have been moving you through this life, to see if they are in harmony with
your primary purpose in this lifetime. If they are not, there is a fire that
always burns and never smokes, there within the temple. This fire is where
the old patterns are to be thrown as we write out a new model of
consciousness, a very clear affirmation of our purpose.

If we sense fear in ourselves about meeting our divine qualities and the
power of our being, the creative force, we want to take that script and burn
it and write a new one, a script that says, "I will be all that I am to be
and will manifest all of my gifts." It is also good to look at
relationships, to see how we share with other people. Where are the points
of least resistance and clearest communication? Affirm those bridges, those
fibers of life. And the obstructions, the attitudes and patterns of
relationship that stand in the way of your fully manifesting your potential,
they are to be taken down, released, offered to the fire.

Basically, there are seven kinds of human beings, that is how the Tsalagi
people have said. There is the person who is moving along the line of will;
that may be the timekeeper, the drummer. There is the Peacekeeper, the White
Chief who never sheds blood; that is the person along the compassionate way,
the one who always seeks to bring peace and turn aside anger through prayer
and generous actions. There is the one who builds through envisioning, the
one who sees along the golden light of clear mind and brings forth with hand
and word and action what is beneficial to all. Then there are the builders
of lovely places, who bring the dream into solid formation for the benefit
of all and who have a way of understanding and communicating along the
entire stream of the clan mind, the group mind. And there are the
scientists, the ones who have looked at the particulars, who have watched
very carefully to see, "Oh, this and this together has a certain effect upon
the environment, this and this together brings forth the wisdom of
bioresonance; the mountain man has lofty thoughts, and the man by the shore
has the wisdom of the waves." This is the science of bioresonance, seeing
the particular wisdom within each one and recognizing that it is all one.
And there is the person who understands the wisdom of the heart, one who is
devoted to the ideal, to bringing forth for the benefit of all beings what
is good. This one is concerned, not with science, not with the how, but just
with being and doing, complete devotion for the benefit of all the people.
Then there is the shaker, the transformer, the lifeforce maker. That is one
who shakes aside old thought forms, turning aside what needs to be turned
aside. That is the person who wears the amethyst; that is the person who
glows with the violet flame.

Each of us at some point in our life is radiating and resonating according
to those different rays. As we come to complete integration we make a
decision: Will we continue our work for just our own enlightenment alone, or
will we continue to work for the benefit of all beings? Will we continue on
Earth, or shall we become the seed of a future life, a future planet? These
islands in times of confusion, these beings who decide to make a way station
for the expanding mind, they are very wondrous teachers. My teacher, my
grandmother Nellie, she has become a planet. Her heart was so big, her
prayers were so pure. Always she brought people home to eat with her, and
sometimes her children and others would say, "Why is this?" And she would
look and smile and say, "Have you enough, my dear?" She was reminding us of
the abundant universe and the power of compassion. The gift of giving is the
gift of receiving. So it was her path to carry her way beyond this time to
create a resting place for those minds that have expanded beyond the
learning of the Earth. And others decide to stay on Earth until the last
person, the last being, recognizes and understands the Mystery of life.

Be aware of the power of mind, remember that we are all in process,
unfolding, and let yourself know freedom from the suffering of doubt. We can
choose, we can weave; we hold the form, we dance it, and the moment comes
when it is recalled in each of us. We are human beings. We can live in
harmony and dignity. We can make peace, we empower ourselves to be peaceful.
That is an affirmation, that is a hope, that is a vision. By the power of
its sound it is a reality.

May our hearts ever recognize the clear light of mind. Let us affirm our
wholeness as human beings. Let us affirm the mode of complementary
resolution in ourselves and in all our relationships. Let us honor the light
of clear mind in each one we meet. The Beauty Path, the Great Peace, is the
meeting of ourselves, the perception of our minds, and the cessation of
those waves and thought forms that create discord. Let us sow the seed of
peace in all our actions, thoughts, and words. Let us renew the sacred hoop.

This article was excerpted from Voices of Our Ancestors, © by Dhyahi Ywahoo.
Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc., Boston.
www.shambhala.com.

About The Author:
Dhyani Ywahoo is a member of the traditional Etowah Band of the Eastern
Tsalagi (Cherokee) Nation and the twenty-seventh generation to caretake the
Ywahoo lineage. She is also founder and director of Sunray Meditation
Society, an international spiritual society dedicated to planetary peace.
Sunray meditation groups meet regularly in many cities in the United States
and Canada. The practice is open to all; instruction is provided. Sunray
Tapes and Literature offers audio and video cassettes and written materials
on the Sunray teachings and practice. A brochure is available upon request.
A portion of the proceeds of all Sunray activities supports selected Native
American projects. For more information, please write: Sunray Meditation
Society, P.O. Box 308, Bristol, VT 05443 or visit www.sunray.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spiritual Medication

Demographic experts are telling us that there is a general
spiritual awakening among people of various faiths. Some are
returning to "organized" religions. Others are seeking spiritual
answers along other paths. However it is done, people are
realizing the importance of a healthy spiritual dimension to
their lives.

One man tells about a time when his wife suffered from a
headache. She took medication and lay down, but nothing
seemed to help.

Her six-year-old daughter was concerned about her Mommy's
health, so the ailing woman asked her if she would like to pray
for her. Little Leia said that she would. Leia put her hand on
her mother's head and prayed the only prayer she knew: "Lord,
thank you for this food..."

I imagine that the words she uses are not important. In fact, I
don't know if any words are really adequate to express our
deepest spiritual desires. Moreover, what seems most crucial is
not so much how "good" we are at praying, but that we simply
pause regularly to nurture the soul. Prayer is a dose of
spiritual medication that, taken daily, enhances all of life.

Leonardo da Vinci spent countless hours ruminating upon things of
the spirit as he worked on his famous canvas of the Last Supper.
He spent so much time meditating in the cloister that some of the
monks in that little church became concerned. They remonstrated
with the artist about his wasting precious time and money. "Why
do you spend so much time with us in prayer when you have come
here to work?" they wondered.

Leonardo answered, "When I pause the longest, I make the most
telling strokes with my brush."

You may not feel that you are much good at prayer, but how good
are you without it?

© 2001 Steve Goodier

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dear God,
As I write these words it is almost dawn
and I am thinking about the day before me.
There are meetings to attend, plans to make and errands to run.
I am glad that You are always with me.
Help me to be about Your business today God.
It seems that it is near dawn on a spiritual level as well.
I am thinking of the five thousand
plus people who will read these words today.
Please bless them God, each and every one.
You are the common bond between us, the great connection.
We can feel that connection when we are quiet and still.
God, we all want more love in our lives and peace in our hearts.
We want all children to be fed, safe and happy.
We want our homes to be cozy.
We want our cities and countries to be peaceful and safe.
We want our air and water to be clean and pure.
We need miracles God.
We need You to be the center of our lives.
We have technology and knowledge;
we have learned to do many things.
Help us to use these gifts with a heaping helping of heart.
We are ready for the dawn; we are willing to be holy.
We are willing to love each other.
Help us move from our heads to our hearts.
May Your Spirit lead the way.
Thank You so very much.
And so it is.
Amen

Marianne Williamson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Compassionate Grace

A whole new adventure,
Each day that I wake.
In learning to give,
Stead of constantly take.
I except for myself,
The love from on high.
Then shine it towards others,
As I pass them by.
A smile or a handshake,
a hug or kind word.
That showing of love,
that is seen and not heard.
Just to touch one lost soul,
With Gods compassionate Grace.
May they see God is caring,
Through the smile on my face?
I've found this the reason,
That God let me live,
His compassionate grace,
Is what I must give.

written by ~ Rebecca Ann
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What Lies Hidden

And what might there be deep
inside you that you have not been
made aware of till now?
Until you listen, give it a means
of expression, what may be
just under the surface
about ready to burst into being
to open up and disperse itself
to the universe?

A song
A dance
A book
A discussion of love
A child's poem of feelings
A wish
A dream...

Pick up a pen, a brush, a canoe paddle,
a walking stick, a partner, a guitar,
a keyboard, a pair of
rose-coloured glasses
and see
for the first time
what lies hidden
waiting in wonderment
for the whisper
yes...

Love
Stella

© 2002 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Positively Negative

We drank for happiness and became unhappy
We drank for joy and  became miserable
We drank for sociability and became argumentative
We drank for sophistication and became obnoxious
We drank for friendship and made enemies
We drank for sleep and awakened without rest
We drank for strength and felt weak
We drank "medicinally" and acquired health problems
We drank for relaxation and got the shakes
We drank for bravery and became afraid
We drank for confidence and became doubtful
We drank to make conversation easier and slurred our speech
We drank to feel heavenly and ended up feeling like hell
We drank to forget and were forever haunted
We drank for freedom and became slaves
We drank to erase problems and saw them multiply
We drank to cope with life and invited death

author unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When you come to the end of all the light you know,
and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown,
faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen:
Either you will be given something solid to stand on
or you will be taught to fly.
Edward Teller

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

People travel to wonder
at the height of the mountains,
at the huge waves of the sea,
at the long courses of rivers,
at the vast compass of the ocean,
at the circular motion of the stars,
and they pass themselves by
without wondering.
St. Augustine, 354-430 A.D.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We cannot teach people anything;
we can only help them discover it within themselves.
Galileo Galilei

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Religion is for people afraid of going to hell,
spirituality is for people who've been there!
Author Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A closed door does not mean you have been cut off.
The keys to all doors are within you.
If you have faith in yourself, practice and patience
will make you a master locksmith.
Iyanla Vanzant

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I drank....I drugged....and I lost.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I was chasing a shadow that I couldn't catch.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When I first started using it cost me a few dollars.
By the time I got here it nearly cost me my life.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I was chasing death and paying for it.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
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Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
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Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
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Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
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Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Barbituate
www.recoverylane.com/barbiturate.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I have some Questions  on the 6th Step
Please share your experience strength and hope
so that it might clear some things up for me and others.

How am I trying to remove or control my own defects of character?

What is the difference between being entirely ready to have God remove
my defects of character and suppressing them by myself?

How am I increasing my trust in the God of my understanding by
working this step?

What action can I take that shows that I am entirely ready?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 14
I am open to experience my connection to God
and all the people I meet on my path today.
There is new joy each time I realize our sameness
rather than our separateness.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today is an OK Day

I’m learning to accept what comes, though through my toughest times.
I’ve accepted but with a heart filled regret.
I’m tired of living the life that will some day kill me.
I continue to struggle for a change of indifference.
Come as it is, take what you can
Uncontrolled anger, stops any thoughts of sanity.
Chaos seems to control my every emotional thoughts
Because I’ve lived on it for so long.
My face is wet from sweat and tears,
I’ve cried so long, to wipe them makes no sense.
Scars cover my body, marks once black and blue.
From long periods of injection, which constantly vowed a love so true.
A passion for a disease, that’s exactly what it’s called,
My dedication to an addiction is what I live for.
I’m confused between mind over matter,
Love and hate, right and wrong.
Cause deep down inside it’s like a game of tug a war.
One side is pulling me to a life of hate and greed,
The other side wants me to succeed.
Why is it hard to choose between these two, I feel nothing but shame.
At times I lay in the dark dreaming of what can become of me.
Then I go to sleep, and the nightmares begin.
Running hard with no destination.
Thoughts of suicide with every injection.
It’s crazy how I feel, like it’s the one thing that makes sense.
With one prick, my troubles are gone,
No more tears, no fear cross my mind.
But in reality, I’m consumed with death.
I’m playing with my life, Damn, no regrets.
It’s sad how a bag can make you or break you.
A needle that scars you, makes you crave more.
I’m tired of loosing, this is why I write,
Because I need to see it on paper, words of my life.
See, no one can do this; just me, myself, and I.
First Things First
I need to find the courage to survive.

Yolanda Bianca Diaz, YCI, inmate # 324780

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Tale of Two Students
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=753

Meetings
www.serenityfound.org/readings/meetings.html

Power Greater than Ourselves
www.nawol.org/2006_ch3%20POWER.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 2 ~ There Is A Solution
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_2.html

25 Millionth Alcoholics Anonymous 'Big Book'
www.aa.org/en_press.cfm?PressID=1

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 14                             Maintaining Our Faith

"If we maintain our spiritual condition daily, we find it easier
to deal with the pain and confusion." Basic Text, p. 92

When we first began searching for a Power greater than ourselves,
many of us got stuck in old beliefs or ideas. These ranged from the
fear of a punishing or vengeful God to no belief at all. Some of us felt
we had done such terrible things that a loving Power would never have
anything to do with us. Others were convinced that the "bad" things
that happened to us would not have occurred if a loving Power had
actually existed. It took time, effort, open-mindedness, and faith to
acquire a working belief in a loving Higher Power that would guide us
through life's challenges.

Even after we come to believe in a Power greater than ourselves,
our old ideas can come back to haunt us. Major setbacks in our lives
and the insecurity such events can trigger may give rise to the return
of our old, inadequate ideas about God. When this happens, we need to
assure ourselves that our Higher Power has not abandoned us but is
waiting to help us make it through the hard times in our recovery. No
matter how painful our loss may be, we will survive our setback and
continue to grow if we maintain the faith our program has given us.

Just for today: I have worked hard to build my faith in a loving,
caring Higher Power that will guide me through life's challenges.
Today, I will trust that Power. pg. 172

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Step One

WE .  .  .  (The first word of the First Step)
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.  21

When I was drinking all I could ever think about was "I, I, I," or "Me,
Me,  Me."  Such painful obsession of self, such soul sickness, such
spiritual selfishness bound me to the bottle for more than half my life.

The journey to find God and to do His will one day at a time began with
the first word of the First Step . . .  "We."  There was power in
numbers, there was strength in numbers, there was safety in numbers,
and for an alcoholic like me, there was life in numbers.  If I had tried to
recover alone I probably would have died.  With God and another alcoholic
I have a divine purpose in my life . . . I have become a channel for God's
healing love.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 14th

A.A. Thought for the Day

In A.A. we have to learn that drink is our greatest enemy.
Although we used to think that liquor 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 liquor is our enemy. Is it still
my main business to keep sober?

Meditation for the Day

It is not your circumstances that need altering so much
as yourself. After you have changed, conditions will naturally
change. Spare no effort to become all that God would have
you become. Follow every good leading of your conscience.
Take each day with no backward look. Face the day's
problems with God, and seek God's help and guidance as
to what you should do in every situation that may arise. Never
look back. Never leave until tomorrow the thing that you are
guided to do today.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that God will help me to become all that He would have
me be. I pray that I may face today's problem as with good
grace.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 14

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Letting Go of Timing

"When the time is right, child." When the time is right. How often have we
heard those words - from a friend, a sponsor, our Higher Power?

We want things so badly - that job, that check, a relationship, a
possession. We want our life to change.

So we wait, sometimes patiently, sometimes anxiously, wondering all the
while: When will the future bring me what I long for? Will I be happy then?

We try to predict, circling dates on the calendar, asking questions. We
forget that we don't hold the answers. The answers come from God. If we
listen closely, we'll hear them. When the time is right, child. When the
time is right.

Be happy now.

Today, I will relax. I am being prepared. I can let go of timing. I can stop
manipulating outcomes. Good things will happen when the time is right, and
they will happen naturally.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Your life, after all, is not the problem ...
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/June/feature2.html

The Healing Power of Your Aura
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/May/feature2.html

Stop Pouting and Start Transforming
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/December/feature2.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Balancing the Scales
by Michael Levy

When I was a little boy, one of my treats was to go to the local candy store
and get my penny bag of candy (well, it was fifty years ago). I went into
the store and looked around at all the fabulous glass jars of candy on the
shelves and the aroma of all the flavors sent me on a trip of delights.

I now had to choose which jar of candy I would like. Tough decision for a
six year old with only one penny to spend. Once I pointed to the jar that
was making my mouth water, the old man would take the jar off the shelf,
unscrew the lid and carefully weigh out a few ounces of candy on the little
scales. A four-ounce weight went on one side and the candy was poured on the
other. I thought him to be a mean old man, for not one fraction of an ounce
was given away. The scales had to balance exactly on the mark.

The amount of candy I bought for one penny was just the correct amount to
last me through the week. I would eat a few pieces each day and at the end
of the week I would eat my last piece and it was time for my allowance of
one penny again.

There were a few occasions when I was given more money by an uncle or aunt
and I would buy a huge bag of candy and stuff them down all at once. Rolling
around the room with stomachache and a few bouts of being sick soon cured
that.

I realized very early that you can have too much of a good thing. If the old
man in the candy store would have tipped the scales and given me more candy
I would have been sick more often. I realize now he was being kind to me by
balancing the scales spot on.

Balance in all things is the correct way to live. So how do we balance our
scales to get the correct perspective of life?

Spirit speaks to us all in silence and that is our source of information and
wisdom. If our actions do not bring joy then they have no meaning. Winston
Churchill was a man charged with Spirit's energy. He once said,

"If you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without
bloodshed, if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too
costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the
odds against you and only a small chance of survival. There may even be a
worse case: you may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because
it is better to perish than to live as slaves."

In the long run True Spirit will always overcome false doctrines of
prejudice and bigotry. It is the power in Spirit that encompasses peace and
tolerance. Hatreds, bigotry, and prejudice will never command the minds of
genuine Spiritual Teachers and Leaders.

As we learn to walk in wisdom's pathways our instincts become sharper. Our
intuition takes on greater meaning and we follow a more profound thought
pattern. We ask questions and find answers without help from books or other
people. We realize our contract is with God and we are learning to
understand the small print.

We all have much to learn about our Soul and Spirit. We are constructed from
Spirit's blueprints and we are all part of its pureness. Evil only exists in
the minds of misguided thinkers. There is no evil in our Souls and we must
not let a badly conditioned mind dictate messages of hate and jealousy. To
obtain the sweetness life has to offer we cannot afford to tip our scales
over, or else we will become frustrated and angry. We must weigh up each
situation that comes into our lives and balance our minds to understand what
feels good and what doesn't.

Our candy shop is the world we live in. We are born into a Magical Globe
full of Beauty and Bliss. We are intoxicated with all the aromas and visions
of all the Candies of Nature. We only need our fair measure of wealth,
brought to us by the fruits of our labor. Too much will make us sick. If we
think we have too little, we will think life is mean and build jealousy and
hatreds.

Balancing the scales of thought to embrace the Joys of a human experience is
taught through Spirit's guidance. As we learn to embrace the gift of being
alive, our joy will spread out the delights of life to last us until the day
we leave for the next journey. We only have a small allowance of time. We
must spend it wisely.

This article was published with permission of the author, Michael Levy.
www.pointoflife.com. All rights reserved. ©2004

About the Author:
Michael Levy is the author four books "What is the Point? "Minds of Blue
Souls of Gold" "Enjoy Yourself - It's Later Than You Think" and "Invest with
a Genius." Michael's poetry and essays now grace many web sites, Journals
and Magazines throughout the world. His philosophies have become a major
source of Truth, Wisdom and Love for many people. Visit his website at
www.pointoflife.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Prayer

Great Spirit,
In the past, I often thought I would be whole when I had the
“right� relationship, That is, if the relationship were in the form or
format and with the kind of person I expected/dreamed/fantasized.
So when Love showed up in my life I usually missed it
because I was waiting for the ‘right’ person.
I now see that each person and each relationship
is a perfect opportunity to love.
The transformation I long sought occurs
to the extent that I love unconditionally.
Please show me the love and innocence in each person I meet.
Express in and through me as unconditional love and peace.
Remove all blocks to loves awareness.
Open my heart dear God and free me from my fears.
Thank You for the many relationships I have.
Thanks also for the wonderful ways love is present in my life.
I am willing to love without conditions, please show me how.
Thank You God.
Amen

Marianne Williamson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Loneliness or Aloneness

Tell me: what's the difference
between aloneness and loneliness?
Loneliness could be said to be
a driving need for constant contact
with other humans
It is the feeling of 'Not Belonging'
that shapes itself into pain, heartbreak,
causing distress and disease

The simple fact of living alone
inside one's self
is inevitable
It is the nature of Soul to seek individuation...
We are born into this world a solitary creature
and we die in the same isolation
as the deer dies alone in the forest

The time in between these two events
in which we forge for ourselves our own belonging
is filled with choices to determine
whether we accept or reject our Soul-Self
and whether we will also join with the World

Are we not a part of every star that shines
as Thoreau says?
every flower that spreads its rays
every thought that humans' minds
could ever think?

We stand alone for a purpose:
to learn to live together
as a community of individuals
with unique talents and gifts
to share with one another

Our aloneness is a precious contribution
to the betterment of the whole
Let us treasure aloneness
For it is where we belong
We need never feel lonely again

Love
Stella

© 2002 Stella Raymonde Savoie
From ŒDaydreams‚ ©
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"We're so kind to other people, why are we so
mean to ourselves?"   -- Allen A.

Loving others more than ourselves is common.
We quickly learn to accept and love
others, even with all their flaws,
but we use another set of rules for ourselves.
Maybe it's because we know our own secrets.
Maybe our self-esteem still needs an overhaul.
Perhaps we think others are guilt-free. Whatever the
reason, we can't really love others until we love
ourselves; we can't give away something we don't
have.

Luckily, we're learning new ways to boost our self-
esteem. Some of us spend a few minutes before
sleep reviewing the day, with special emphasis on
the positive things we did. Some of us give
ourselves positive strokes through the day, telling
ourselves what a great job we did or how much
progress we've made. Others pause each day for a
"quiet time" or meditation. Still others make up a
list of tasks and try to perform one each day. There
are many other ways to feel good about ourselves,
too; all we need is a little creative thought and
effort. But it's worth the work. We're valuable,
worthy of love, and gaining the tools to learn to
love others.

From the book "Body, Mind, and Spirit" by Anonymous

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

End Of My Day

Now it is time
To end my day
So on my knees
I now pray
Dear God you have kept me
Safe sane sober and free
I hope my day has pleased you
I have done the best that I could do
Went to a meeting talked to a new man
Kept my temperament because I understand
By your grace God I have lived today
In gratitude I shared along the way
I know now I must not forget
Else my day I will regret
Thank you God for
Another day
Thanks
To you
I live
Today

Daniel M Corkery
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Reach Out

Don't drink beer
To relieve your fears
Don't do dope
To help you cope

Instead reach out to others,
Your sisters and brothers; fathers and mothers
Giving all you have to give
To make this world a safer place to live

Written by:  Kacy and Tammy Boyle  4/3/01
bluidkiti@...

Tammy's AA Links
www.ipass.net/~a1idpirat/tAA.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Those who dance are thought to be quite insane by
those who cannot hear music.
Maggie Erotokritou

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act is better
than a thousand heads bowed in prayer.
Mahatma Gandhi

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you knew Who walks beside you,
fear would be impossible.
A Course in Miracles

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The challenges are not there to pull you down.
Your challenges exist to move you forward.
True greatness comes from regularly and
successfully dealing with a wide range of challenges.
Ralph Marston

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Steps prevent me from committing suicide,
The Traditions prevent me from committing homicide.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Steps have introduced me, to myself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The answers are in the Steps.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The elevator to recovery is broken,
take the Steps.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

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or go to the website and unsubscribe
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Bumper Stickers for Addicts
www.recoverylane.com/bumper_stickers_for_addicts.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I have some Questions  on the 6th Step
Please share your experience strength and hope
so that it might clear some things up for me and others.

How am I trying to remove or control my own defects of character?

What is the difference between being entirely ready to have God remove
my defects of character and suppressing them by myself?

How am I increasing my trust in the God of my understanding by
working this step?

What action can I take that shows that I am entirely ready?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 13
I am open to experience my connection with God
and all the people I meet on my path today.
There is new joy each time I realize
our sameness rather than our separateness.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Conquer Your Mountain

Hold on to yours dreams
No matter how hard it seems
And to them you will aspire.

If you truly believe
Then you can achieve
Whatever you hearts desire.

So set your goals high
Don't be afraid to reach for the sky
And you would gain more than you would.

Cause the human spirit is stronger
And we can run longer
Than we ever thought that we could.

Deborah Dacenzo
deborahdad@...
This won a poetry contest and was published
It was my first proud moment in recovery

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Everyone Has Problems
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=750

Willingness
www.serenityfound.org/readings/willingness.html

DISEASE CONCEPT
www.nawol.org/2006_ch2%20DISEASE.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

12 Step Recovery Websites
www.serenityfound.org/official.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 1 ~ Bill's Story
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_1.html

Relationships ~ Soothing sounds
www.relationshipweb.com/odat/jun/jun13.htm

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
June 13                                          A Full Life

"The program works a miracle in our lives....We become free to live."
Basic Text, p. 11

Most of us-if we've been in recovery for any length of time at all-have
heard some member complaining in a meeting about being terribly
overworked, too busy for meetings or sponsorship or other activities.
In fact, we may have been the complaining member. The days seem so
full: job, family and friends, meetings, activities, sponsorship, step work.
"There just aren't enough hours in the day;" the member complains,
"to get everything done and meet everyone's demands on my time!"

When this happens, usually there's soft laughter from some of the
other members-probably members who had planned to grumble about the
same sort of thing. The laughter stems from our recognition that we are
complaining about the miracle of the life that is ours today. Not so long
ago, few of us were capable of having any of these "problems" in our life.
We devoted all of our energy to maintaining our active addiction. Today
we have full lives, complete with all the feelings and problems that go
with living in reality.

Just for today: I will remember that my life is a miracle. Instead
of resenting how busy I am, I will be thankful my life is so full.
pg. 171

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A List Of Blessings

One exercise that I practice is to try for a full inventory of my
blessings.  .  .  .
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  37

  What did I have to be grateful for?  I shut myself up and started listing
the blessings for which I was in no way responsible, beginning with having
been born of sound mind and body.  I went through seventy-four years of
living right up to the present moment.  The list ran to two pages, and took
two hours to compile; I included health, family, money, A.A.-- the whole
gamut.

  Every day in my prayers, I ask God to help me remember my list, and to be
grateful for it throughout the day.  When I remember my gratitude list,
it's very hard to conclude that God is picking on me.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 13th

A.A. Thought for the Day

In A.A. we have to reeducate our minds. We have to learn
to think differently. We have to take a long view of drinking
instead of a short view. We have to look through the glass to
what lies beyond it. We have to look through the night before
to the morning after. No matter how good liquor looks from
the short view, we must realize that in the long run it is poison
to us. Have I learned to look through the bottle to the better
life that lies ahead?

Meditation for the Day

If you are honestly trying to live the way you believe God wants
you to live, you can get guidance from God in times of quiet
communion with Him, provided your thoughts are directed
toward God's will and all good things. The attitude of "Thy
will, not mine, be done' leads to clear guidance. Act on this
guidance and you will be led to better things. Your impulses
seem to become less your own and more the leading of God's
spirit acting through your thoughts. Obeyed, they will bring
you the answers to your prayers.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may try to think God's thoughts after Him. I pray
that my thoughts may be guided by His thoughts.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 13

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Hanging on to Old Relationships

We want to travel baggage-free on this journey. It makes the trip easier.

Some of the baggage we can let go of is lingering feelings and unfinished
business with past relationships: anger, resentments, feelings of
victimization, hurt, or longing.

If we have not put closure on a relationship, if we cannot walk away in
peace, we have not yet learned our lesson. That may mean we will have to
have another go around with that lesson before we are ready to move on.

We may want to do a Fourth Step (a written inventory of our relationships)
and a Fifth Step (an admission of our wrongs). What feelings did we leave
with in a particular relationship? Are we still carrying those feelings
around? Do we want the heaviness and impact of that baggage on our behavior
today?

Are we still feeling victimized, rejected, or bitter about something that
happened two, five, ten, or even twenty years ago?

It may be time to let it go. It may be time to open ourselves to the true
lesson from that experience. It may be time to put past relationships to
rest, so we are free to go on to new, more rewarding experiences.

We can choose to live in the past, or we can choose to finish our old
business from the past and open ourselves to the beauty of today.

Let go of your baggage from past relationships.

Today, I will open myself to the cleansing and healing process that will put
closure on yesterday and open me to the best today, and tomorrow, has to
offer in my relationships.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sick of Life? Learn to Free and Heal Yourself
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/June/feature1.html

Doing The IPOD Shuffle
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/May/halpern.htm

Zen and the Art of Golf
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/December/lichtenberg.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Eight Habits For A Successful Life
by Lynn A. Robinson, M.Ed.

Think of someone you know who leads a successful life. They probably
have an enviable aura of calm and peacefulness, yet somehow they seem
to sparkle with infectious energy. They enjoy life and they love to
share that joy with others.

Does that sound like you?  It could be, because you have within you a
powerful guide that can lead you unerringly to a positive and vibrant
life.  I'm talking about intuition - an amazingly reliable source of
information that I often refer to as "the compass of the soul."  It's
available to you 24/7, fifty-two weeks a year, ready to point you in
the direction of energy, passion, and joy.  And best of all, you don't
have to be "gifted" to take advantage of all that it offers. You can
get started on a great life - or a greater life - right now by
following these simple suggestions:

TRUST YOUR INNER WISDOM -- People who believe in trusting their
intuition tend to be more successful in life.  Intuition is often
referred to as a "hunch" or a "gut feeling."  But there are many ways
to receive this vital information, which may come to you through
feelings, words, physical sensations, images, fleeting impressions, or
dreams. Pay attention to how you receive these impressions and check
in often with your inner "Success Coach."

ASK YOUR INTUITION QUESTIONS -- When you're in the midst of a
difficult life situation begin the habit of asking questions of your
intuition. "What is it that I am here to learn?"  "What is the best
possible outcome for this situation?"  The answer may not always leap
into your mind.  It takes time to retrain your thinking to "hear" the
subtle messages from your guidance system.  You may find that the
answer comes in an impulse to try something different, or a gradual
awakening to a new way of thinking about an obstacle you're
confronting.

DREAM, REFLECT AND MEDITATE -- Intuitive answers to life's concerns
come most easily during meditation, prayer and reflection. Find a
place at your home or office where you won't be disturbed and take a
few deep breaths and turn your focus within.  You might find it
helpful to have a centering word or words that you say to yourself.
These could include, "God," "Calm," "Peace be still" or any other word
or phrase that enables you to find the quiet place within.  Know that
there is wisdom in the Universe that flows through you and all around
you.  It has your best interests at heart.  When your mind is still
and your heart is open, the answers you seek can come to you.

DISCOVER WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO -- Successful people pay attention to
what they feel passionate about.  They commit to spending time each
day doing what they love.  For some it's a job that pays.  For others
it may be volunteer work or a hobby.  The root of the word enthusiasm
is entheos.  It literally means "God Within."  When you feel
enthusiastic about your dreams it means God is speaking through you
and saying "yes" to your goals! When you feel excited about something,
that's a nudge from your intuition about what direction to pursue.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE -- Do you often whine and complain about what you
don't have and ignore the abundance all around you?  Begin to notice
and appreciate what you attract easily into your life.  Perhaps you
have a healthy body or a wonderful group of close friends.  Pay
attention to small things around you -- the new flower in your garden,
the sound of your cat's purr, the laughter of a child or the beauty of
freshly fallen snow.  Before you know it, abundance in all forms will
begin to flow into your life.

SHIFT YOUR THOUGHTS -- The next time you find yourself feeling
anxious about something, become aware of the inner dialog you're
having.   Ask yourself "Is there another way to think about this?"
Try to catch yourself in the early stages of worry and negative
thinking and begin to focus on what you want instead of what you don't
want. Ask for guidance if you need help with this.  One client asked
in prayer, "Please guide my thoughts, my words and my actions.  I wish
to think, speak and act with love." She was astonished at the
difference this simple affirmation made.

DON'T BE AFRAID OF FEAR - Fear is the biggest hurdle that stops most
people from achieving their dreams. It happens when you move out of
the comfort zone of the life you've known and into a life on the
borders of your dreams. Many of us feel the fear and say, "I'm not
going one step further." Or "Give me a guarantee of success and then
I'll move forward." Or even, "I feel scared.  This must be my
intuition telling me that this direction is wrong." You're about to
take a leap of faith, but know that you're not alone. The inspiration
and direction from your intuition is there to guide you safely to your
hopes and dreams.

CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY - Part of learning to trust your intuition is
remembering to ask, "Does this decision make me happy?" or "Do I feel
energized by this decision?"  There are many ways to ask the question
and experience the answer, but here's the truth: your intuition will
provide you with the information you need to make positive choices.
Research has shown that happiness is a choice.  There is always a
positive and a negative aspect to any change that occurs in our lives,
and isn't it wonderful that we get to choose our focus?

A long time ago, I got in the habit of asking, "What's good about
this situation?" I promise you that if you do the same, you'll be
surprised at the happiness that brightens your world.  Have fun with
all of this.  And have a great life!

Copyright (c) 2004, all rights reserved. Permission is granted to
reproduce, copy or distribute this article as long as this
copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is
attached.

The author of this article is Lynn A. Robinson, M.Ed. Lynn is one
of the nation's leading experts on the topic of intuition. Her most
recent books include "Compass of the Soul: 52 Ways Intuition Can Guide
You to the Life of Your Dreams" (Andrews McMeel, 2003) and "Divine
Intuition: Your Guide to Creating a Life You Love" (DK Books, 2001).
Lynn is a popular and widely recognized author and motivational
speaker as well as a columnist and the Intuition-At-Work Expert for
iVillage.com.  Her free monthly "Intuition Newsletter" is available at
her Web site, http://www.LynnRobinson.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A HEALTHY DOSE OF LAUGHTER

   I read that a child laughs 400 times a day on the average, while
an adult laughs only 15 times each day. Which is puzzling since
laughter feels so good and is so good for us!

   You may know the benefits of laughter on the mind and spirit, but
are you aware of how much a good laugh can help you physically?
Norman Cousins used to say that laughter is so beneficial for
your body that it is like "inner jogging."

   Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic Health Letter, March 1993) reports that
laughter aids breathing by disrupting your normal respiration
pattern and increasing your breathing rate. It can even help
clear mucus from your lungs.

   Laughter is also good for your heart. It increases circulation
and improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues
throughout your body.

   A good laugh helps your immune system fight off colds, flu and
sinus problems by increasing the concentration of immunoglobulin
A in your saliva. And it may help control pain by raising the
levels of certain brain chemicals (endorphins).

   Furthermore, it is a natural stress reliever. Have you ever
laughed so hard that you doubled over, fell off your chair, spit
out your food or wet your pants? You cannot maintain muscle
tension when you are laughing!

   The good news is that you are allowed more than 15 laughs a day!
Go ahead and double the dose and make it 30 times today. (You may
begin to notice immediate improvement in your relationships!)
Then double it again! You are bound to feel better, you will cope
with problems more effectively and people will enjoy being around
you.

Laughter: it's just good medicine!

Steve Goodier

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The opportunity to serve comes in areas
and at times that you may not expect.
Even though it may not be totally convenient for you
from this physical level,
I suggest you don't reject the opportunity.

If you are open to serve, Spirit will bring forth the way.
If it comes forward and you have an attitude of
"Well, not that, and I'm busy this weekend," then
Spirit will respect you and leave you to your limited serving.
You may also be left with your limitations, on many other levels.

John-Roger
From: Passage Into Spirit

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Words from a Simple Heart

  Kids love to get their feet wet. Every puddle is an
invitation to part the water and make a splash. They
don't worry if the puddle is deeper than expected
and they end up with a soaker or two. The effort, no
matter how wet, is always worth the possibility of a
grand splash.

  Adults tend to walk around life's puddles. we resist
the opportunities to extend ourselves and try
something new. The effort may not be worth the end
result. We may fail. Or, heaven forbid, we may end
up looking foolish.

  The dry ground is safe ground. We're familiar with
the terrain. We know what's going to happen next.
There's no risk of embarrassment or failure. New
challenges involve too many unknown factors. We
stick to the safety of our dry little patch of the planet,
unwilling to face them.

  Then, one distant day, we look back and wonder
why we were so afraid to try. The 'could have's' and
'would have's' of regret settle in and sing a mournful
song.

  Life is filled with opportunities to work towards a
dream, make a positive impact, to learn and to
grow. Will they lead you where you want to go, or
take you to a new or exciting place you've never
been?

  Unless you're willing to get your feet wet, you'll
never know.

Living in love and loving life,
Terri McPherson
tmcphers@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Why?

Why is a question,
I constantly keep.
When I find the answer,
I know I will weep.
Not for sadness,
Yet, gladness and deep contentment,
And I know I could never
feel any resentment.
Yet, I feel for some reason,
And I don't know why.
I won't find the answer,
until I die.
So let me die daily,
For in dying, I'll see.
The answer to why,
Is found within me.

Rebecca Ann
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Quiet Moments

Quiet moments spent alone
Meditating in my home
Thanking God for another chance
Upon awakening I could dance
I should have died long ago
God had better days I now know
Drinking heavy was my way at life
Yet it was not until
I lost my second wife
That I began to see
King alcohol had a hold on me
Dear God hear my plea:
Come dear God and rescue me
Drinking made me realize
Just how much my life centered
In my disease and lies
I was powerless out of control
So empty inside
Far from whole
Those spirits had control
Today I'm grateful for this new way
Feeling blessed as I give it away
On my knees I like to pray
For deep in my heart
I live humbly today
My God loves me
As He makes me aware
So I give it away
To show I care

Daniel M Corkery
4/3/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In love, there is transformation that occurs.
But it occurs only when we remember that God
is to be found in every situation and person.
When we have the greatest challenge being in love,
this is when the greatest gifts are there for us.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Evil (ignorance) is like a shadow
-it has no real substance of its own,
it is simply a lack of light.
You cannot cause a shadow to disappear
by trying to fight it, stomp on it, by railing against it,
or any other form of emotional or physical resistance.
In order to cause a shadow to disappear,
you must shine light on it.
Shakti Gawain

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Let us then be what we are, and speak what we think,
and in all things keep ourselves loyal to truth.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Life is no brief candle to me.
It is a sort of splendid torch
which I have got a hold of for the moment,
and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible
before handing it on to future generations.
George Bernard Shaw

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When you share your experience strength and hope,
it should be like a mini skirt.......
short enough to cover the subject
and long enough to be interesting.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The wreckage was created and done,
in the name of fun,
now that's insanity.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It wasn't about getting high,
it was about staying high.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I just thought I was a nice guy
who partied too much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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or go to the website and unsubscribe
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Bumper Stickers for Addicts
www.recoverylane.com/bumper_stickers_for_addicts.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I have some Questions  on the 6th Step
Please share your experience strength and hope
so that it might clear some things up for me and others.

How am I trying to remove or control my own defects of character?

What is the difference between being entirely ready to have God remove
my defects of character and suppressing them by myself?

How am I increasing my trust in the God of my understanding by
working this step?

What action can I take that shows that I am entirely ready?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 13
I am open to experience my connection with God
and all the people I meet on my path today.
There is new joy each time I realize
our sameness rather than our separateness.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Conquer Your Mountain

Hold on to yours dreams
No matter how hard it seems
And to them you will aspire.

If you truly believe
Then you can achieve
Whatever you hearts desire.

So set your goals high
Don't be afraid to reach for the sky
And you would gain more than you would.

Cause the human spirit is stronger
And we can run longer
Than we ever thought that we could.

Deborah Dacenzo
deborahdad@...
This won a poetry contest and was published
It was my first proud moment in recovery

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Everyone Has Problems
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=750

Willingness
www.serenityfound.org/readings/willingness.html

DISEASE CONCEPT
www.nawol.org/2006_ch2%20DISEASE.htm

Spiritual Thought of the Day
www.serenityfound.org/quotes/spiritual.html

12 Step Recovery Websites
www.serenityfound.org/official.html

A.A. Big Book Chapter 1 ~ Bill's Story
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/chapter_1.html

Relationships ~ Soothing sounds
www.relationshipweb.com/odat/jun/jun13.htm

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just for Today
June 13                                          A Full Life

"The program works a miracle in our lives....We become free to live."
Basic Text, p. 11

Most of us-if we've been in recovery for any length of time at all-have
heard some member complaining in a meeting about being terribly
overworked, too busy for meetings or sponsorship or other activities.
In fact, we may have been the complaining member. The days seem so
full: job, family and friends, meetings, activities, sponsorship, step work.
"There just aren't enough hours in the day;" the member complains,
"to get everything done and meet everyone's demands on my time!"

When this happens, usually there's soft laughter from some of the
other members-probably members who had planned to grumble about the
same sort of thing. The laughter stems from our recognition that we are
complaining about the miracle of the life that is ours today. Not so long
ago, few of us were capable of having any of these "problems" in our life.
We devoted all of our energy to maintaining our active addiction. Today
we have full lives, complete with all the feelings and problems that go
with living in reality.

Just for today: I will remember that my life is a miracle. Instead
of resenting how busy I am, I will be thankful my life is so full.
pg. 171

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A List Of Blessings

One exercise that I practice is to try for a full inventory of my
blessings.  .  .  .
AS BILL SEES IT, p.  37

  What did I have to be grateful for?  I shut myself up and started listing
the blessings for which I was in no way responsible, beginning with having
been born of sound mind and body.  I went through seventy-four years of
living right up to the present moment.  The list ran to two pages, and took
two hours to compile; I included health, family, money, A.A.-- the whole
gamut.

  Every day in my prayers, I ask God to help me remember my list, and to be
grateful for it throughout the day.  When I remember my gratitude list,
it's very hard to conclude that God is picking on me.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 13th

A.A. Thought for the Day

In A.A. we have to reeducate our minds. We have to learn
to think differently. We have to take a long view of drinking
instead of a short view. We have to look through the glass to
what lies beyond it. We have to look through the night before
to the morning after. No matter how good liquor looks from
the short view, we must realize that in the long run it is poison
to us. Have I learned to look through the bottle to the better
life that lies ahead?

Meditation for the Day

If you are honestly trying to live the way you believe God wants
you to live, you can get guidance from God in times of quiet
communion with Him, provided your thoughts are directed
toward God's will and all good things. The attitude of "Thy
will, not mine, be done' leads to clear guidance. Act on this
guidance and you will be led to better things. Your impulses
seem to become less your own and more the leading of God's
spirit acting through your thoughts. Obeyed, they will bring
you the answers to your prayers.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may try to think God's thoughts after Him. I pray
that my thoughts may be guided by His thoughts.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 13

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Hanging on to Old Relationships

We want to travel baggage-free on this journey. It makes the trip easier.

Some of the baggage we can let go of is lingering feelings and unfinished
business with past relationships: anger, resentments, feelings of
victimization, hurt, or longing.

If we have not put closure on a relationship, if we cannot walk away in
peace, we have not yet learned our lesson. That may mean we will have to
have another go around with that lesson before we are ready to move on.

We may want to do a Fourth Step (a written inventory of our relationships)
and a Fifth Step (an admission of our wrongs). What feelings did we leave
with in a particular relationship? Are we still carrying those feelings
around? Do we want the heaviness and impact of that baggage on our behavior
today?

Are we still feeling victimized, rejected, or bitter about something that
happened two, five, ten, or even twenty years ago?

It may be time to let it go. It may be time to open ourselves to the true
lesson from that experience. It may be time to put past relationships to
rest, so we are free to go on to new, more rewarding experiences.

We can choose to live in the past, or we can choose to finish our old
business from the past and open ourselves to the beauty of today.

Let go of your baggage from past relationships.

Today, I will open myself to the cleansing and healing process that will put
closure on yesterday and open me to the best today, and tomorrow, has to
offer in my relationships.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sick of Life? Learn to Free and Heal Yourself
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/June/feature1.html

Doing The IPOD Shuffle
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/May/halpern.htm

Zen and the Art of Golf
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2004/December/lichtenberg.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Eight Habits For A Successful Life
by Lynn A. Robinson, M.Ed.

Think of someone you know who leads a successful life. They probably
have an enviable aura of calm and peacefulness, yet somehow they seem
to sparkle with infectious energy. They enjoy life and they love to
share that joy with others.

Does that sound like you?  It could be, because you have within you a
powerful guide that can lead you unerringly to a positive and vibrant
life.  I'm talking about intuition - an amazingly reliable source of
information that I often refer to as "the compass of the soul."  It's
available to you 24/7, fifty-two weeks a year, ready to point you in
the direction of energy, passion, and joy.  And best of all, you don't
have to be "gifted" to take advantage of all that it offers. You can
get started on a great life - or a greater life - right now by
following these simple suggestions:

TRUST YOUR INNER WISDOM -- People who believe in trusting their
intuition tend to be more successful in life.  Intuition is often
referred to as a "hunch" or a "gut feeling."  But there are many ways
to receive this vital information, which may come to you through
feelings, words, physical sensations, images, fleeting impressions, or
dreams. Pay attention to how you receive these impressions and check
in often with your inner "Success Coach."

ASK YOUR INTUITION QUESTIONS -- When you're in the midst of a
difficult life situation begin the habit of asking questions of your
intuition. "What is it that I am here to learn?"  "What is the best
possible outcome for this situation?"  The answer may not always leap
into your mind.  It takes time to retrain your thinking to "hear" the
subtle messages from your guidance system.  You may find that the
answer comes in an impulse to try something different, or a gradual
awakening to a new way of thinking about an obstacle you're
confronting.

DREAM, REFLECT AND MEDITATE -- Intuitive answers to life's concerns
come most easily during meditation, prayer and reflection. Find a
place at your home or office where you won't be disturbed and take a
few deep breaths and turn your focus within.  You might find it
helpful to have a centering word or words that you say to yourself.
These could include, "God," "Calm," "Peace be still" or any other word
or phrase that enables you to find the quiet place within.  Know that
there is wisdom in the Universe that flows through you and all around
you.  It has your best interests at heart.  When your mind is still
and your heart is open, the answers you seek can come to you.

DISCOVER WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO -- Successful people pay attention to
what they feel passionate about.  They commit to spending time each
day doing what they love.  For some it's a job that pays.  For others
it may be volunteer work or a hobby.  The root of the word enthusiasm
is entheos.  It literally means "God Within."  When you feel
enthusiastic about your dreams it means God is speaking through you
and saying "yes" to your goals! When you feel excited about something,
that's a nudge from your intuition about what direction to pursue.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE -- Do you often whine and complain about what you
don't have and ignore the abundance all around you?  Begin to notice
and appreciate what you attract easily into your life.  Perhaps you
have a healthy body or a wonderful group of close friends.  Pay
attention to small things around you -- the new flower in your garden,
the sound of your cat's purr, the laughter of a child or the beauty of
freshly fallen snow.  Before you know it, abundance in all forms will
begin to flow into your life.

SHIFT YOUR THOUGHTS -- The next time you find yourself feeling
anxious about something, become aware of the inner dialog you're
having.   Ask yourself "Is there another way to think about this?"
Try to catch yourself in the early stages of worry and negative
thinking and begin to focus on what you want instead of what you don't
want. Ask for guidance if you need help with this.  One client asked
in prayer, "Please guide my thoughts, my words and my actions.  I wish
to think, speak and act with love." She was astonished at the
difference this simple affirmation made.

DON'T BE AFRAID OF FEAR - Fear is the biggest hurdle that stops most
people from achieving their dreams. It happens when you move out of
the comfort zone of the life you've known and into a life on the
borders of your dreams. Many of us feel the fear and say, "I'm not
going one step further." Or "Give me a guarantee of success and then
I'll move forward." Or even, "I feel scared.  This must be my
intuition telling me that this direction is wrong." You're about to
take a leap of faith, but know that you're not alone. The inspiration
and direction from your intuition is there to guide you safely to your
hopes and dreams.

CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY - Part of learning to trust your intuition is
remembering to ask, "Does this decision make me happy?" or "Do I feel
energized by this decision?"  There are many ways to ask the question
and experience the answer, but here's the truth: your intuition will
provide you with the information you need to make positive choices.
Research has shown that happiness is a choice.  There is always a
positive and a negative aspect to any change that occurs in our lives,
and isn't it wonderful that we get to choose our focus?

A long time ago, I got in the habit of asking, "What's good about
this situation?" I promise you that if you do the same, you'll be
surprised at the happiness that brightens your world.  Have fun with
all of this.  And have a great life!

Copyright (c) 2004, all rights reserved. Permission is granted to
reproduce, copy or distribute this article as long as this
copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is
attached.

The author of this article is Lynn A. Robinson, M.Ed. Lynn is one
of the nation's leading experts on the topic of intuition. Her most
recent books include "Compass of the Soul: 52 Ways Intuition Can Guide
You to the Life of Your Dreams" (Andrews McMeel, 2003) and "Divine
Intuition: Your Guide to Creating a Life You Love" (DK Books, 2001).
Lynn is a popular and widely recognized author and motivational
speaker as well as a columnist and the Intuition-At-Work Expert for
iVillage.com.  Her free monthly "Intuition Newsletter" is available at
her Web site, http://www.LynnRobinson.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A HEALTHY DOSE OF LAUGHTER

   I read that a child laughs 400 times a day on the average, while
an adult laughs only 15 times each day. Which is puzzling since
laughter feels so good and is so good for us!

   You may know the benefits of laughter on the mind and spirit, but
are you aware of how much a good laugh can help you physically?
Norman Cousins used to say that laughter is so beneficial for
your body that it is like "inner jogging."

   Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic Health Letter, March 1993) reports that
laughter aids breathing by disrupting your normal respiration
pattern and increasing your breathing rate. It can even help
clear mucus from your lungs.

   Laughter is also good for your heart. It increases circulation
and improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues
throughout your body.

   A good laugh helps your immune system fight off colds, flu and
sinus problems by increasing the concentration of immunoglobulin
A in your saliva. And it may help control pain by raising the
levels of certain brain chemicals (endorphins).

   Furthermore, it is a natural stress reliever. Have you ever
laughed so hard that you doubled over, fell off your chair, spit
out your food or wet your pants? You cannot maintain muscle
tension when you are laughing!

   The good news is that you are allowed more than 15 laughs a day!
Go ahead and double the dose and make it 30 times today. (You may
begin to notice immediate improvement in your relationships!)
Then double it again! You are bound to feel better, you will cope
with problems more effectively and people will enjoy being around
you.

Laughter: it's just good medicine!

Steve Goodier

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The opportunity to serve comes in areas
and at times that you may not expect.
Even though it may not be totally convenient for you
from this physical level,
I suggest you don't reject the opportunity.

If you are open to serve, Spirit will bring forth the way.
If it comes forward and you have an attitude of
"Well, not that, and I'm busy this weekend," then
Spirit will respect you and leave you to your limited serving.
You may also be left with your limitations, on many other levels.

John-Roger
From: Passage Into Spirit

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Words from a Simple Heart

  Kids love to get their feet wet. Every puddle is an
invitation to part the water and make a splash. They
don't worry if the puddle is deeper than expected
and they end up with a soaker or two. The effort, no
matter how wet, is always worth the possibility of a
grand splash.

  Adults tend to walk around life's puddles. we resist
the opportunities to extend ourselves and try
something new. The effort may not be worth the end
result. We may fail. Or, heaven forbid, we may end
up looking foolish.

  The dry ground is safe ground. We're familiar with
the terrain. We know what's going to happen next.
There's no risk of embarrassment or failure. New
challenges involve too many unknown factors. We
stick to the safety of our dry little patch of the planet,
unwilling to face them.

  Then, one distant day, we look back and wonder
why we were so afraid to try. The 'could have's' and
'would have's' of regret settle in and sing a mournful
song.

  Life is filled with opportunities to work towards a
dream, make a positive impact, to learn and to
grow. Will they lead you where you want to go, or
take you to a new or exciting place you've never
been?

  Unless you're willing to get your feet wet, you'll
never know.

Living in love and loving life,
Terri McPherson
tmcphers@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Why?

Why is a question,
I constantly keep.
When I find the answer,
I know I will weep.
Not for sadness,
Yet, gladness and deep contentment,
And I know I could never
feel any resentment.
Yet, I feel for some reason,
And I don't know why.
I won't find the answer,
until I die.
So let me die daily,
For in dying, I'll see.
The answer to why,
Is found within me.

Rebecca Ann
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Quiet Moments

Quiet moments spent alone
Meditating in my home
Thanking God for another chance
Upon awakening I could dance
I should have died long ago
God had better days I now know
Drinking heavy was my way at life
Yet it was not until
I lost my second wife
That I began to see
King alcohol had a hold on me
Dear God hear my plea:
Come dear God and rescue me
Drinking made me realize
Just how much my life centered
In my disease and lies
I was powerless out of control
So empty inside
Far from whole
Those spirits had control
Today I'm grateful for this new way
Feeling blessed as I give it away
On my knees I like to pray
For deep in my heart
I live humbly today
My God loves me
As He makes me aware
So I give it away
To show I care

Daniel M Corkery
4/3/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In love, there is transformation that occurs.
But it occurs only when we remember that God
is to be found in every situation and person.
When we have the greatest challenge being in love,
this is when the greatest gifts are there for us.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Evil (ignorance) is like a shadow
-it has no real substance of its own,
it is simply a lack of light.
You cannot cause a shadow to disappear
by trying to fight it, stomp on it, by railing against it,
or any other form of emotional or physical resistance.
In order to cause a shadow to disappear,
you must shine light on it.
Shakti Gawain

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Let us then be what we are, and speak what we think,
and in all things keep ourselves loyal to truth.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Life is no brief candle to me.
It is a sort of splendid torch
which I have got a hold of for the moment,
and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible
before handing it on to future generations.
George Bernard Shaw

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When you share your experience strength and hope,
it should be like a mini skirt.......
short enough to cover the subject
and long enough to be interesting.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The wreckage was created and done,
in the name of fun,
now that's insanity.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It wasn't about getting high,
it was about staying high.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I just thought I was a nice guy
who partied too much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
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Even if your country is listed
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Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
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No More Enabling
www.recoverylane.com/no_more_enabling.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I have some Questions  on the 6th Step
Please share your experience strength and hope
so that it might clear some things up for me and others.

How am I trying to remove or control my own defects of character?

What is the difference between being entirely ready to have God remove
my defects of character and suppressing them by myself?

How am I increasing my trust in the God of my understanding by
working this step?

What action can I take that shows that I am entirely ready?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
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This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 12
Today I will honor my own values
and be open to change as a result of growth.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hell of Active Addiction
~Fallen Angel~

The pain won't seem to go away.
I find I always go astray.
As I strive to stay sober,
I just want it to be over.
Sometimes I just want to die-
but all I can do is cry.
I feel hopeless and scared-
It's almost too much to bare.
I am covered in tears by all
of my fears.
I feel very weak and my world
is so bleak,
it is defined by fear
for I wish the end is near
~by Deirdra
Bottom of my cocaine addiction, Jan. 2004 ....................

The Other Side
~Rockin' it in Recovery~

When I was using, I couldnt feel,
for life I had no appeal
I was a scared, hopeless little girl
with my drugs, I lived in a whirl
I hurt so bad inside-
my life, it did subside.
For me, myself, and I - I hated me,
and just wanted to die.
I thrived on self-destruction
I thought it to be the only way
Then one day, I couldnt deal-I knew I had lost.
And for all this, I paid a high cost.
I said I needed help.
Yes, I have struggled, I still have hard days
But to stay sober-I know that it pays
I still am scared, but I do have faith.
I don't worry about tomorrow, it's today I need to face
Im growing very slowly, it can be very painful
But everyday I get stronger and life becomes more worthwhile.
I WAS A DOPE- FIEND WITH NO HOPE,
NOW IM A HOPE-FIEND WITH NO DOPE.

Deirdra Muller
pinkideeisme@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Seasons
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=748

Youth
www.wscribe.com/parables/youth.html

Giving of Ourselves
www.serenityfound.org/readings/ourselves.html

Pledge, Preface, Introduction
www.nawol.org/2006_pledge%20preface%20intro.html

Clip Art Medallions
www.alcoholism.about.com/library/blchips.htm

A Chance to Start Anew
www.geocities.com/loriflower/1/sunshine.html

Hope
www.netpoets.com/poems/life/0186001.htm

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 12                              A Vision of Hope

"Yes, we are a vision of hope..." Basic Text, p. 51

  By the time we reached the end of our road, many of us had
lost all hope for a life without the use of drugs. We believed we
were destined to die from our disease. What an inspiration it was
then, coming to our first meeting and seeing a room full of addicts
who were staying clean! A clean addict is, indeed, a vision of hope.

  Today, we give that same hope to others. The newcomers see
the joyful light in our eyes, notice how we carry ourselves, listen
to us speak in meetings, and often want what we have found. They
believe in us until they learn to believe in themselves.

  Newcomers hear us carry a message of hope to them. They tend
to see us through "rose-colored glasses," They don't always recognize
our struggle with a particular character defect or our difficulties with
improving our conscious contact with our Higher Power. It takes them
time to realize that we, the "old-timers" with three or six or ten years
clean, often place personalities before principles or suffer from some
other unsightly character defects. Yes, the newcomer sometimes places
us on a pedestal. It is good, though, to openly admit the nature of our
struggles in recovery for, in time, the newcomer will be walking through
those same trials. And that newcomer will remember that others walked
through that difficulty and stayed clean,

Just for today: I will remember that I am a beacon to all who follow
in my path, a vision of hope. pg. 170

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One Day At A Time

Above all, take it one day at a time.
AS BILL SEES IT, p.11

  Why do I kid myself that I must stay away from a drink for only one day,
when I know perfectly well I must never drink again as long as I live?  I
am not kidding myself because one day at a time is probably the only way I
can reach the long-range objective of staying sober.

If I determine that I shall never drink again as long as I live, I set
myself up.  How can I be sure I won't drink when I have no idea what the
future may hold?

  On a day-at-a-time basis, I am confident I can stay away from a drink for
one day.  So I set out with confidence.  At the end of the day, I have the
reward of achievement.  Achievement feels good and that makes me want more!

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 12th

A.A. Thought for the Day

When we came into A.A., we made a tremendous discovery.
We found that we were sick persons rather than moral lepers.
We were not such odd ducks as we thought we were. We found
other people who had the same illness that we had, who had
been through the same experiences that we had been through.
They had recovered. if they could do it, we could do it. Was
hope born in me the day I walked into A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

"He that heareth these sayings and doeth them is like unto a
man who built his house upon a rock and the rain descended
and the floods came and the wind blew and beat upon that
house and it fell not for it was founded upon a rock." When
your life is built upon obedience to God and upon doing His
will as you understand it, you will be steadfast and unmovable
even in the midst of storms. The serene, steadfast, unmovable
life - the rock home - is laid stone by stone - foundation, walls,
and roof - by acts of obedience to the heavenly vision. The
daily following of God's guidance and the daily doing of His will
shall build your house upon a rock.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that my life may be founded upon the rock of faith.
I pray that I may be obedient to the heavenly vision.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 12

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Spontaneity and Fun

Practice being spontaneous. Practice having fun.

The joy of recovery is that we finally get to experiment. We get to learn
new behaviors, and we don't have to do them perfectly. We only need to find
a way that works for us. We even have fun experimenting, learning what we
like, and how to do what we like.

Many of us have gotten into a rut with rigidity, martyrdom, and deprivation.
One of the "normal" experiences many of us have been deprived of is having
fun. Another one is being spontaneous. We may not have the foggiest notion
what we would like to do for fun. And we may hold ourselves in check so
tightly that we wouldn't allow ourselves to try something fun anyway.

We can let ourselves go a little now and then. We can loosen up a bit. We
don't have to be so stiff and rigid, so frightened about being who we are.
Take some risks. Try some new activities. What would we like to do? What
might we enjoy doing? Then, take another risk. Pick out a movie we'd like to
see; call a friend, and invite him or her to go along. If that person says
no, try someone else, or try again another time.

Decide to try something, then go through with it. Go once. Go twice.
Practice having fun until fun becomes fun.

Today, I will do something just for fun. I will practice having fun until I
actually enjoy it.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Language of Now
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/06/languageofnow.htm

Religion and Spirituality
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/May/opinion.htm

Letting Go Of The Need To Know
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/January/feature4.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Actively Creating Peace by Pema Chödrön

Suppose there were a place we could go to learn the art of peace, a sort of
boot camp for spiritual warriors. Instead of spending hours and hours
disciplining ourselves to defeat the enemy, we could spend hours and hours
dissolving the causes of war.

Such a place might be called bodhisattva training - or training for servants
of peace. The methods we learn at the bodhisattva training might include
meditation practice and they might also include the six paramitas - the six
activities of the servants of peace.

One of the main challenges of this camp would be to avoid becoming
moralistic. With people coming from all nations, there would be many
conflicting opinions about what was ethical and what was unethical, about
what was helpful and what was not. Very soon we'd probably need to request
the most tamed and awakened people there to lead a course on flexibility and
humor!

In his own way, Trungpa Rinpoche devised such a course for his students.
He'd have us memorize certain chants, and a few months after most of us knew
them, he'd change the wording. He'd teach us specific rituals and be
extremely precise about how they should be done. Just about the time we
began criticizing people who did them wrong, he'd teach the rituals in a
completely different way. We would print up nice manuals with all the
correct procedures, but usually they were outdated before they came off the
press. After years of this sort of training, one begins to relax one's grip.
If today the instruction is to put everything on the right, one does that as
impeccably as one can. When tomorrow the instruction is to put everything on
the left, one does that with one's whole heart. The idea of one right way
sort of dissolves into the mist.

When we are training in the art of peace, we are not given any promises
that, because of our noble intentions, everything will be okay. In fact,
there are no promises of fruition at all. Instead, we are encouraged to
simply look deeply at joy and sorrow, at laughing and crying, at hoping and
fearing, at all that lives and dies. We learn that what truly heals is
gratitude and tenderness.

The first five transcendent actions are generosity, discipline, patience,
exertion, and meditation. The very words generosity, discipline, patience,
and exertion may have rigid connotations for many of us. They may sound like
a heavy list of "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts." They might remind us of school
rules or the preaching of moralists. However, these paramitas are not about
measuring up. If we think they are about achieving some standard of
perfection, then we'll feel defeated before we even begin. It is more
accurate to express the paramitas as a journey of exploration, not as
commandments carved in rock.

GENEROSITY

The first paramita is generosity, the journey of learning how to give. When
we feel inadequate and unworthy, we hoard things. We are so afraid - afraid
of losing, afraid of feeling even more poverty-stricken than we do already.
This stinginess is extremely sad. We could look into it and shed a tear that
we grasp and cling so fearfully. This holding on causes us to suffer
greatly. We wish for comfort, but instead we reinforce aversion, the sense
of sin, and the feeling that we are a hopeless case.

The causes of aggression and fear begin to dissolve by themselves when we
move past the poverty of holding back. So the basic idea of generosity is to
train in thinking bigger, to do ourselves the world's biggest favor and stop
cultivating our own scheme. The more we experience fundamental richness, the
more we can loosen our grip.

This fundamental richness is available in each moment. The key is to relax:
relax to a cloud in the sky, relax to a tiny bird with gray wings, relax to
the sound of the telephone ringing. We can see the simplicity in things as
they are. We can smell things, taste things, feel emotions, and have
memories. When we are able to be there without saying, "I certainly agree
with this", or "I definitely don't agree with that", but just be here very
directly, then we find fundamental richness everywhere. It is not ours or
theirs, but is available always to everyone. In raindrops, in blood drops,
in heartache and delight, this wealth is the nature of everything. It is
like the sun in that it shines on everyone without discrimination. It is
like a mirror in that it is willing to reflect anything without accepting or
rejecting.

The journey of generosity is one of connecting with this wealth, cherishing
it so profoundly that we are willing to begin to give away whatever blocks
it. We give away our dark glasses, our long coats, our hoods, and our
disguises. In short, we open ourselves and let ourselves be touched. This is
called building confidence in all-pervasive richness. At the everyday,
ordinary level, we experience it as flexibility and warmth.

When one takes a formal bodhisattva vow, one presents a gift to the teacher
as a focal point of the ceremony. The guidelines are to give something
that's precious, something one finds difficult to part with. I once spent an
entire day with a friend who was trying to decide what to give. As soon as
he thought of something, his attachment for it would become intense. After a
while, he was a nervous wreck. Just the thought of losing even one of his
favorite belongings was more than he could bear. Later I mentioned the
episode to a visiting teacher, and he said perhaps it was the opportunity
for that man to develop compassion for himself and for all others caught in
the misery of craving - for all others who just can't let go.

Giving material goods can help people. If food is needed and we can give it,
we do that. If shelter is needed, or books or medicine are needed, and we
can give them, we do that. As best we can, we can care for whoever needs our
care. Nevertheless, the real transformation takes place when we let go of
our attachment and give away what we think we can't. What we do on the outer
level has the power to loosen up deep-rooted patterns of holding on to
ourselves.

To the degree that we can give like this, we can communicate this ability to
others. This is called giving the gift of fearlessness. When we touch the
simplicity and goodness of things and realize that fundamentally we are not
stuck in the mud, then we can share that relief with other people. We can
make this journey together. We share what we have learned about taking down
sunshades and unlocking armor, about being fearless enough to remove our
masks.

DISCIPLINE

To dissolve the causes of aggression takes discipline, gentle yet precise
discipline. Without discipline, we simply don't have the support we need to
evolve. What we discipline is not our "badness" or our "wrongness". What we
discipline is any form of potential escape from reality. In other words,
discipline allows us to be right here and connect with the richness of the
moment.

It's not the same as being told not to enjoy anything pleasurable or to
control ourselves at any cost. Instead, this journey of discipline provides
the encouragement that allows us to let go. It's a sort of undoing process
that supports us in going against the grain of our painful habitual
patterns.

At the outer level, we could think of discipline as a structure, like a
thirty-minute meditation period or a two-hour class on the dharma. Probably
the best example is the meditation technique. We sit down in a certain
position and are as faithful to the technique as possible. We simply put
light attention on the out-breath over and over through mood swings, through
memories, through dramas and boredom. This simple repetitive process is like
inviting that basic richness into our lives. So we follow the instruction
just as centuries of meditators have done before.

Within this structure, we proceed with compassion. So on the inner level,
the discipline is to return to gentleness, to honesty, to letting go. At the
inner level, the discipline is to find the balance between not too tight and
not too loose - between not too laid-back and not too rigid.

Discipline provides the support to slow down enough, and be present enough,
so that we can live our lives without making a big mess. It provides the
encouragement to step further into groundlessness.

PATIENCE

The power of the paramita of patience is that it is the antidote to anger, a
way to learn to love and care for whatever we meet on the path. By patience,
we do not mean enduring - grin and bear it. In any situation, instead of
reacting suddenly, we could chew it, smell it, look at it, and open
ourselves to seeing what's there. The opposite of patience is aggression -
the desire to jump and move, to push against our lives, to try to fill up
space. The journey of patience involves relaxing, opening to what's
happening, experiencing a sense of wonder.

A friend told me how, in her childhood, her grandmother, who was part
Cherokee, took her and her brother on walks to see animals. Her grandmother
said, "If you sit still, you'll see something. If you're very quiet, you'll
hear something." She never used the word patience, but that is what they
learned.

EXERTION

Like the other paramitas, exertion has a journey quality, a process quality.
When we begin to practice exertion, we see that sometimes we can do it and
sometimes we can't. The question becomes, How do we connect with
inspiration? How do we connect with the spark and joy that's available in
every moment? Exertion is not like pushing ourselves. It's not a project to
complete or a race we have to win. It's like waking up on a cold, snowy day
in a mountain cabin ready to go for a walk but knowing that first you have
to get out of bed and make a fire. You'd rather stay in that cozy bed, but
you jump out and make the fire because the brightness of the day in front of
you is bigger than staying in bed.

The more we connect with a bigger perspective, the more we connect with
energetic joy. Exertion is touching in to our appetite for enlightenment. It
allows us to act, to give, to work appreciatively with whatever comes our
way. If we really knew how unhappy it was making this whole planet that we
all try to avoid pain and seek pleasure - how that was making us so
miserable and cutting us off from our basic heart and our basic
intelligence - then we would practice meditation as if our hair were on
fire. We would practice as if a big snake had just landed in our lap. There
wouldn't be any question of thinking we had a lot of time and we could do
this later.

These actions become the means of shedding our defenses. Every time we give,
every time we practice discipline, patience, or exertion, it's like putting
down a heavy burden.

MEDITATION

The paramita of meditation allows us to continue this journey. It is the
basis for an enlightened society that is not based on winning and losing,
loss and gain.

When we sit down to meditate, we can connect with something unconditional -
a state of mind, a basic environment that does not grasp or reject anything.
Meditation is probably the only activity that doesn't add anything to the
picture. Everything is allowed to come and go without further embellishment.
Meditation is a totally nonviolent, non-aggressive occupation. Not filling
the space, allowing for the possibility of connecting with unconditional
openness - this provides the basis for real change. You might say this is
setting ourselves a task that is almost impossible. Maybe that is true. But
on the other hand, the more we sit with this impossibility, the more we find
it's always possible after all.

When we cling to thoughts and memories, we are clinging to what cannot be
grasped. When we touch these phantoms and let them go, we may discover a
space, a break in the chatter, a glimpse of open sky. This is our
birthright - the wisdom with which we were born, the vast unfolding display
of primordial richness, primordial openness, primordial wisdom itself. All
that is necessary then is to rest undistracted in the immediate present, in
this very instant in time. And if we become drawn away by thoughts, by
longings, by hopes and fears, again and again we can return to this present
moment. We are here. We are carried off as if by the wind, and as if by the
wind, we are brought back. When one thought has ended and another has not
begun, we can rest in that space. We train in returning to the unchanging
heart of this very moment. All compassion and all inspiration come from
that.

NOSTALGIA FOR OLD HABITS

Sometimes we feel tremendous longing for our old habits. When we work with
generosity, we see our nostalgia for wanting to hold on. When we work with
discipline, we see our nostalgia for wanting to zone out and not relate at
all. As we work with patience, we discover our longing to speed. When we
practice exertion, we realize our laziness. With meditation we see our
endless discursiveness, our restlessness and our attitude of "couldn't care
less".

So we simply let that nostalgia be and know that all human beings are going
to feel like that. There's a place for nostalgia, just as there's a place
for everything on this path. Year after year, we just keep taking off our
armor and stepping further into groundlessness.

This is the training of the bodhisattva, the training of the servants of
peace. The world needs people who are trained like this - bodhisattva
politicians, bodhisattva police, bodhisattva parents, bodhisattva bus
drivers, bodhisattvas at the bank and the grocery store. In all levels of
society we are needed. We are needed to transform our minds and actions for
the sake of other people and for the future of the world.

About The Author:
Pema Chödrön is an American Buddhist nun and one of the foremost students of
Chögyam Trungpa, the renowned meditation master. She is the resident teacher
at Gampo Abbey, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan monastery in
North America established for Westerners. She is also the author of "The
Wisdom of No Escape" and "Start Where You Are". This article was excerpted
with permission from her book "When Things Fall Apart", ©1997. Reprinted by
arrangement with Shambhala Publications, In., Boston. www.shambhala.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

No longer my Enemy

I am no longer my greatest and worst enemy
for I have learned to live with myself
I listen to my body, my soul, my spirit, my mind, my dreams
my yearnings and leanings, my knowings and feelings
my needs and wants
my art and my heart

I listen to wisdom from Spirit
Manifested in a Higher Power than I
I gather ways and means and actions
that flow with purpose and meanings
I gather multiple directions
for my creative endeavours

I no longer hurt myself intentionally
self-sabotage in every unconscious choice
self-injury in every addiction
self-destruction in every relationship

I have learned that I know
what it is that I need without
having to need it from someone else
to be at the mercy of their good will
or good intentions
or when they have time for me

My time is mine, my life and mind are mine
I am my own best friend and thus
I can now extend
my heart and hand
to all whom life deems good
to have around me

Regardless of the outcome
I am well in my soul
For now
I have made my worst enemy
my Best Friend

Love
Stella

©2002 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dear God,
   I surrender to You my wealth, I surrender to You my debts.
Whatever fear I have about money, please remove this fear
from my mind. Whether I believe that money is scarce, or money
is too important, or money is bad, or money is unspiritual, whatever
my ideas are that block me, and you know what they are dear Lord,
please help me.

   I wish to have whatever abundance You see fit for me. I want
money to flow freely into me and through me, that it might bless
my life and the lives of others.

   I surrender to You now any judgments I might have on those who
have wealth. I do not wish to judge, for I know my judgment holds
back my own abundance. Whatever lack of integrity I might have
shown, if I am indebted or have violated anyone else, please wash
me clean and heal my mind. I make amends to You and to this person
in my heart.

   Please show me what behavior you would have me follow, Lord,
that I might begin again. Please place within my mind the attitudes
towards money that You would have me hold. I give up my own
interpretations and ask for Yours. Whatever money comes to me,
may it be used to serve you.
Thank you very much.
Amen.

by Marianne Williamson, from Illuminata: A Return to Prayer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Let peace begin with me.

For the dream of world peace to become a reality,
the most important link in the process must be the individual.
Because the individual mind is connected to the collective or group mind,
each person's peacefulness elevates the group consciousness.
This truth is expressed in the lyrics from a popular song,
"Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."

The greatest obstacle to peace is fear.
Fear arises from the experience of separation.
Love, which joins and unifies all things, is the antidote to fear.
Our task, then, is to release old thoughts of fear and
separation and replace them with thoughts of love and unity.
This shift occurs moment by moment,
as we learn to choose peace over conflict.

One person committed to peacefulness is a powerful force in the universe.
When a small but significant number of people engage in this process,
all of humanity will feel the change.
You have your part to play in shifting the balance
that will usher in a glorious new area.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with you.

from the book, Listening to Your Inner Voice
by Douglas Bloch copyright 1991

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT

BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
KEEP THE FEAR DEEP INSIDE.
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
I HAVE SO MUCH TO HIDE...
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
HOW WILL I SURVIVE.
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT...

FACE THE FEAR,
EMBRACE THE PAIN,
FEEL THE TINGLING ON MY BRAIN.
THE KISS OF DEATH,
IS CLOSE AT HAND,
SOMETIMES MY MIND IS NO MAN'S LAND...

BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
KEEP IT CAPPED WITH A LID.
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
KEEP MY FEAR HID...

BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
TURN AND WALK AWAY.
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
TO KEEP MY DRAGON AT BAY...

THE KNOWLEDGE OF HELL
FROM AN UN~CHARTED YOUTH.
THE ANGER DISPELLED
TOWARDS PARTY'S ACCUSED.
NO KNOWLEDGE,
NO FACT,
JUST FEELINGS INSIDE.
NO WHERE TO TURN,
SO MUCH TO HIDE...

BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
MY HEART'S IN CONTROL.
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
MY STRUGGLE TO BE WHOLE.
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
MY SEARCH FOR MY SOUL...

...BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT...

LOOKING AHEAD
RUNNING FROM THE PAST
WILLING TO FACE
THE RAPE AT LAST.
HOW MUCH HELL CAN MY MIND TAKE.
WHEN WILL I FIND
MY EMOTIONAL BREAK...

BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
STILL TRYING TO CONTROL
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
IT'S COMING BACK SLOW
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
THE FREEDOM, TO LET GO...

ANGER,
RE-SENTIMENT,
BE GONE FROM ME.
YOU BLOCK ME FROM SERENITY.
LET ME HAVE
MY HEART TO LOVE
TO FEEL THE WARMTH
FROM GOD ABOVE...

BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
THE WORLD STILL TURNS.
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
THE FIRE STILL BURNS.
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
NOW START TO RELAX...

BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT

...THE NIGHTMARE HAS PASSED...

BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT
BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT

Sum1AwSome@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Belly-Button Birthday

Today is my daughter¹s birthday.
I close my eyes and remember her birth.
I loved it when the nurses would say
She¹s beautiful! I knew so well her worth.

As she grew, her care for the weak grew stronger,
But her good friends weren¹t my choice of the lot
I was proud of her but wondered how much longer
She¹d be on this path. When I asked her we fought.

I started finding notes that mentioned ³smoking weed²
I wanted to believe her when she said she did not.
Soon other drug evidence was too strong not to heed
When we talked she gave back as good as she got.

³She loves me; it is a teenage fling!² I repeated
I thought she had quit after the birth of her son.
After 14 years drugs again surfaced. I felt defeated
I had told myself she kicked drugs, she was done.

Then came the phone call that all parents dread
Totally shattering my complacency late one night.
My brain processed ³careflighted, wreck.. half dead²
Her involvement with drugs would come to light.

In a one-car roll-over, her legs had been crushed.
The doctors didn¹t know if she¹d live or she'd die.
I touched her face and a tone that was hushed
I kissed her cheek and whispered quietly ³Why?²

Through 12-Step meetings, I¹ve came to know
Why she would risk all she had for the high
Addiction is a disease that drags people low
I¹m still just so thankful to God she didn¹t die.

I ask myself over and over, ³What part did I play
In her addiction. Should I have hidden the keys?²
At a 12-Step meeting I learned the three C¹s today
I didn¹t Cause, can¹t Control or Cure the disease

As at her birth, I still know her worth is great
I love her, but she belongs to her Higher Power
He loves her more than I. He controls her fate
I pray in His presence she will dwell hour to hour.

Who is fooling themselves more, the addict or parent
To try to control addiction.  We become mentally ill.
Through working the 12-steps I¹ve found it¹s inherent.
The cure is to give up and seek our Higher Power¹s will.

Carol Thomas
gillygumdrop@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What we see depends mainly on what we look for.
John Lubbock

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spiritual love is a position of standing with one hand
extended into the universe
and one hand extended into the world,
letting ourselves be a conduit for passing energy.
Christina Baldwin

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sometimes life's shadows are caused by
our standing in our own sunshine.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The light around someone who speaks truth,
who consistently acts with compassion for all,
even in great difficulty,
is visible to all around them.
Jack Kornfield

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I believed in what I did out on the streets.
I came to believe in what I am doing in here.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I used drugs because I didn't like myself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I didn't come in here because I saw the light,
I came in because I couldn't take the heat.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My attitudes and behaviors lead me to the drugs,
not the drugs leading me to my attitudes and behaviors.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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or go to the website and unsubscribe
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Car Thief
www.recoverylane.com/car_thief.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I have some Questions  on the 6th Step
Please share your experience strength and hope
so that it might clear some things up for me and others.

How am I trying to remove or control my own defects of character?

What is the difference between being entirely ready to have God remove
my defects of character and suppressing them by myself?

How am I increasing my trust in the God of my understanding by
working this step?

What action can I take that shows that I am entirely ready?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 11
Today I have the courage to look within
without fear at what needs to be changed in my life.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Fortress

Circle up the wagons gang,
another addict's crawling in.
Arrows up and down his back
of shame and guilt and sin.
Beat to shit by that last hit
couldn't take it anymore.
With his last ounce of strength
he's crawling towards the doors.
This is our Fortress,
our haven from insanity.
We who's lives were such a mess
have found serenity.
Welcome to our fortress
come in and find a chair
learn to live life to its fullest
and how to really love and care.
The addict is about beat down
but we've all been there too
That is where he can see the hope,
in the eyes of me and you.
By sharing we can ease his pain
and show him the way free.
Hopefully this thing will take
and he'll find recovery.
This is our Fortress,
our haven from insanity
we who's lives were such a mess
have found serenity.
Welcome to our fortress
come in and find a chair
learn to live life to its fullest
and how to really love and care.

With love,
johnh94@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Work of Your Heart
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=745

Who Is The Rich Man
www.wscribe.com/parables/rich.html

Trouble: Constructive or Destructive
www.serenityfound.org/readings/trouble.html

N.A. HISTORY AND ORIGINS
www.nawol.org/2006_ch25%20HISTORY.htm

Steps For Recovery ARCHIVE Articles
www.steps4recovery.org/archives.html

Confessions of a Teenage Addict
www.thailandlife.com/drugs/

Sponsorship Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/sponsorship.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 11                                                      Living Clean

"As we recover; we gain a new outlook on being clean.... Life can
become a new adventure for us." Basic Text, p. 88

The using life is not a clean one-no one knows this better than we do.
Some of us lived in physical squalor, caring neither for our surroundings
nor ourselves. Worse, though, than any external filth was the way
most of us felt inside. The things we did to get our drugs, the way we
treated other people, and the way we treated ourselves had us feeling
dirty. Many of us recall waking too many mornings just wishing that, for
once, we could feel clean about ourselves and our lives.

  Today, we have a chance to feel clean by living clean. For us addicts,
living clean starts with not using - after all, that's our primary use for
the word "clean" in Narcotics Anonymous. But as we stay "clean" and
work the Twelve Steps, we discover another kind of clean. It's the
clean that comes from admitting the truth about our addiction rather
than hiding or denying our disease. It's the freshness that comes from
owning up to our wrongs and making amends for them. It's the vitality
that comes from the new set of values we develop as we seek a Higher
Power's will for us. When we practice the principles of our program in all
our affairs, we have no reason to feel dirty about our lives or our
lifestyles - we're living clean, and grateful to be doing so at last.

  "Clean living" used to be just for the "squares." Today, living clean is
the only way we'd have it.

Just for today: I feel clean because I'm living clean - and that's
the way I want to keep it. pg. 169

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

All We Do Is Try

Can He now take them all -- every one?
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76

In doing Step Six it helped me a lot to remember that I am striving for
"spiritual progress."  Some of my character defects may be with me for the
rest of my life, but most have been toned down or eliminated.  All that
Step Six asks of me is to become willing to name my defects, claim them as
my own, and be willing to discard the ones I can, just for today.  As I
grow in the program, many of my defects become more objectionable to me
than previously and, therefore, I need to repeat Step Six so that I can
become happier with myself and maintain my serenity.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 11th

A.A. Thought for the Day

We alcoholics have to believe in some Power greater than
ourselves. Yes, we have to believe in God. Not to believe in
a Higher Power drives us to atheism. Atheism, it has been
said before, is blind faith in the strange proposition that
this universe originated in a cipher and aimlessly rushes
nowhere. That's practically impossible to believe. So we turn
to that Divine Principle in the universe that we call God. Have
I stopped trying to run my own life?

Meditation for the Day

"Lord, we thank Thee for the great gift of peace, that peace
which passeth all understanding, that peace which the world
can neither give nor take away." That is the peace that only
God can give in the midst of a restless world and surrounded
by trouble and difficulty. To know that peace is to have
received the stamp of the kingdom of God. When you have
earned that peace, you are fit to judge between true and
false values, between the values of the kingdom of God and
the values of all that the world has to offer.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that today I may have inner peace. I pray that today
I may be at peace with myself.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 11

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Moving Forward

Much as we would like, we cannot bring everyone with us on this journey
called recovery. We are not being disloyal by allowing ourselves to move
forward. We don't have to wait for those we love to decide to change as
well.

Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to grow, even though the
people we love are not ready to change. We may even need to leave people
behind in their dysfunction or suffering because we cannot recover for them.
We don't need to suffer with them.

It doesn't help.

It doesn't help for us to stay stuck just because someone we love is stuck.
The potential for helping others is far greater when we detach, work on
ourselves, and stop trying to force others to change with us.

Changing ourselves, allowing ourselves to grow while others seek their own
path, is how we have the most beneficial impact on people we love. We're
accountable for ourselves. They're accountable for themselves. We let them
go, and let ourselves grow.

Today, I will affirm that it is my right to grow and change, even though
someone I love may not be growing and changing alongside me.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty Quotes Creating Abundance & Prosperity
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/06/20quotes.htm

Ask Louise, Letters of Wisdom and Affirmations
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/January/23-0197.html

Do We Really Create Our Own Reality?
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/January/feature5.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Conscious Eating By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.

Americans are experiencing an epidemic of obesity.  Most Americans
eat entirely too much food, and move themselves too little.  There are
other Americans who regularly go hungry.  I do not wish to make a
social comment on the obvious discrepancy, but I do want to write
about the psychology of eating.

Our bodies were constructed to tolerate and survive rather long
periods without eating food.  When food is scarce, our metabolism
rather quickly goes into a "preparation-for-starvation mode."  In this
mode, when we eat food and don't burn it through bodily movement or
body temperature maintenance, the body tends to store it all for
future use.  This is often why people, who go on diets with little or
no food, still do not lose weight.  Whatever food they do take in, the
body converts to body fat to keep them alive until the next time food
is available (whenever that might be).

In the situation where food is readily available, we tend to select
what we eat by sight and appeal, rather than by bodily cues regarding
what the body needs with respect to amounts and types of foods.  We
also pay little or no attention to when we eat, where we eat, what we
eat, how we eat, and how much we eat.  In short, eating is usually an
unconscious activity.

In order to eat consciously, you need to begin paying attention to
the eating process.  If you "tune in" to your body and how it reacts
to your eating, and eat only according to what it really needs, your
weight will return to its optimum level without special dieting or
starvation schedules.  Here are some basic rules for eating
consciously.

Eat only when you are actually hungry and for no other reason.  Eat
slowly and stop eating when satisfied...not when you are stuffed.

Whenever you eat, sit down at a table with the food on it.  Don't
"eat on the run," in your car, while walking, standing at the kitchen
counter, or just standing.  Eat only while sitting down at a table.

When eating, don't do anything else...like read the newspaper, drive
a car, finish office work, or continue to prepare food.  How can you
attend to eating if your mind is doing something else?

Don't talk with your mouth full.  Yes, our parents taught us this.
But you would be surprised to discover how often people speak when
there is still food in their mouths.

Don't put any food in your mouth until the previous bite is in your
stomach.  Shoveling in the food as if you were going to run out,
merely increases the speed with which you will.

Become aware of your physical experience of hunger.  Make a
mental scale to assess your hunger level.  Level 1 is completely
empty.  At level 5 your stomach is comfortably full, not stretched.
At level 10, you are in pain because your stomach is stretched to the
maximum.  Eat food only when your stomach is at level 1 or 2.  Stop
eating when you are comfortably at level 5.  Once or twice a week
allow yourself to experience level 1, which is at least four hours
after you have eaten something before.  Forget about established
eating times.  Go by stomach cues.  Nothing else.  At level 5, you
feel good and energized.  At level 6, you begin to feel tired or
heavy.

Every time you eat, write down the time you ate, what your hunger
level was at the beginning and ending of your eating and whether or
not you enjoyed the food.  Ask your stomach if it really enjoyed
receiving the food.

Eat no food until the previous food has left the stomach completely.
Usually about 3-4 hours.  Snacks between meals are out, unless all
previous food is out of the stomach, and your hunger is at level one.

Make sure each meal has food which addresses each taste of sweet,
sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and astringent.  We need to expose
ourselves to each of these tastes at least once a day, otherwise we
get a craving, not for the food itself, but for the taste.

The first helping is about two-cupped-hands full.  Fill your stomach,
which is about the size of your closed fist, to about two thirds full.
  Eat dessert first, if you eat dessert at all.  Drink an 8-oz. glass
of water 5 minutes before putting anything in your mouth.

Move your body every day for at least an hour.  Walking, swimming,
biking, weight training, dancing, or calisthenics are all good ways to
move.  Move in ways that you enjoy.

After following these rules, if you still want to eat, wait five
minutes drink a glass of water.  You will most likely lose the urge.
If you are still hungry and have the urge to eat, go ahead.  But
follow the rules above.  If this happens all the time, you probably
have some kind of eating disorder or are eating for reasons other than
hunger.

If you eat consciously, you are much more likely to enjoy eating and
your body won't pay the price of becoming obese.

Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D. has 30+ years experience as a Life Coach and
Licensed Psychologist.  He is available for coaching in any area
presented in "Practical Psychology."  As your Coach, his only agenda
is to assist you in creating the lifestyle you genuinely desire. The
initial coaching session is free.  Contact him: (970) 568-0173 or
E-mail: DrLloyd@... or LJTDAT@....

Dr. Thomas also serves on the faculty of the Institute For Life Coach
Training.  In that capacity, he teaches advanced coaching teleclasses:
*Coaching Successful Life*s Lessons,* and *Intentional Creation:
Re-Shaping Your Life.*  To contact the Institute, call 970-224-9830 or
E-mail: doccoach@....  Check out the website:
www.lifecoachtraining.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Let Them Go

"You have to let them go.
You simply have no choice.
To hold on would be criminal.
They have the right to speak their own voice.

You have to let them go.
It's wasted energy not to set them free.
They need to set out on their own,
and find out who they're going to be.

You have to let them go.
You can't prevent them from making mistakes.
They need to learn their own life lessons,
through their tears, blessings, errors, and lucky breaks.

You have to let them go.
You can't be in control.
To try to manage all their lives,
Is not your own life's role.

You have to let them go.
You'll be so joyful in the end.
You'll find that who they have become,
Is someone you're proud to befriend.

You have to let them go,
and you will surely find...
That when they come back home to you,
They never left you far behind.

You have to let them go.
To have, when they return...
Genuine love and appreciation...
With your loved ones and your friends."

Virginia Santoro
© 2000
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wisdom Inherent

There is a wisdom that
certain people acquire
as an afterthought
of living in tune with Nature
and with their true Self
Being connected as they are to what's real
permanent, unwavering
they gather onto themselves a deep knowing
of inner experience

They know what's important
how to begin
how to fill in the missing pieces of dilemmas
that puzzle so many sleep-walking people today
They know how to follow multiple dreams
that bubble up softly to the surface
and make themselves understood

What wisdom is this?  Such gems
of mental clarity and emotional maturity
such skills of intuitive mastery

I wish to adopt this deep learning
and since life is a verb and you learn as you do,
I will:
have faith      feel respect      gaze with soft eyes
seek truth      play     immerse my heart     dance
create from depth      spread heart smiles    embrace love

Cause you know
this is not a dress rehearsal

Love
Stella
©2000 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Recipe for Staying Clean for the Newcomer

Take one individual who wants to stay clean,
add a second, a minute, an hour or a day,
add generously a lot of "go easy on yourself,"
mix with a lot of meetings and make new friends,
"knead" with reading the basic text,
and meditate often, the results;
the basic recipe for daily living!

Don Wendl  Copyright (C) 1995
addictme@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Can¹t, He Can, Let Him

Got to get out of this place.
I feel I¹m in a race

Got to get out of here.
The noise intrudes in my ears.

My sanity¹s compromised
From allowing danger inside

I¹m feeling anger within.
My spirit¹s twitching from sin.

The lack of spirit resounds
With hate, fear and despair.

The empty hole they possess
Reaks in all of the air.

I¹m directed to let it all go.
That third step is working real slow.

I realize I can¹t he can.
The let him is straining my soul.

I guess it¹s all about faith, not fear,
Which will allow my heart¹s ache to disappear.

I can¹t, he can, let him will work
If applied with the rest of God¹s plan with the steps.

The steps are my safety net when applied
To my life in recovery.
I¹m so grateful I¹m alive.

Brad B.
BradBenjaminson@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Everything you want is out there waiting for you to ask.
Everything you want wants you.
But you have to take action to get it.,
Jack Canfield

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Education is what remains after one has
forgotten everything he learned in school.
Albert Einstein

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't talk about what you have done or what you are going to do
--do it and let it speak for itself.
Martin Vanbee

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Your friends will know you better in the first minute you meet
than your acquaintances will know you in a thousand years.
Richard Bach, "Illusions"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If every man would sweep before his own doors,
the city would soon be clean.
Italian Proverb

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Trust God,
clean house
help others.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Trace it,
face it,
erase it,
replace it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Give it up,
clean it up,
make it up,
keep it up.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Change or die.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

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or
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Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
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or go to the website and unsubscribe
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

My wifes due date was Monday June 4th, we were due to go to the doctors on
Friday. On Thursday night Lauries water broke, we got to the hospital at
2:40 a.m. and she gave birth to my second son Mitchell David at 4:02 a.m.
weighing 7 lbs. 11 oz.and 21 inches long :) It was absolutely spectacular, I
was in the zone, present, available, grounded, praying and then crying. He
looks EXACTLY like my son Andrew when he was born.

I will be picking them up to come home today, I am VERY EXCITED,
Thank YOU ALL  for your emails, calls and support
(((Family))) a BIG hug to you
I LOVE YOU!!!
Scott

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Happy Birthday Alcoholics Anonymous*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

From "Two alcoholics meet:"
     "'I have placed both operation and myself in God's hands.
I'm going to do what it takes to get sober and stay that way.'
  "Just before they stopped [at the hospital, where Dr. Bob
was to perform surgery], Bill, who also had his practical side,
gave him a bottle of beer...The bottle of beer Bill gave him
that morning was the last drink he [Dr. Bob] ever had.
  "Although arguments have been and will be made for other
significant occasions in A.A. history, it is generally agreed
that Alcoholics Anonymous began there, in Akron, on that date:
June 10, 1935."

c. 1980, Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers, pages 74-75

A.A. Timeline History
www.alcoholicsanonymous.9f.com/aa_history_timeline.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I have some Questions  on the 6th Step
Please share your experience strength and hope
so that it might clear some things up for me and others.

How am I trying to remove or control my own defects of character?

What is the difference between being entirely ready to have God remove
my defects of character and suppressing them by myself?

How am I increasing my trust in the God of my understanding by
working this step?

What action can I take that shows that I am entirely ready?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 10
Today my heart brings me to new places
of giving and sharing that I have not yet experienced.
I am a friend today and get great satisfaction
when I put the needs of others first because I want to,
not because I think I have to do so.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sober and Clean Roller Coaster

One moment I'm up...the next moment I'm down
I can't seem to deal with...these feelings I've found.
It disrupts my day...takes me out of the way
Unable to confide...express or convey.
It's followed by anger...then ego and pride
My first thoughts are of running...but I know I can't hide.
If I want to get better...one day at a time
I must face all my fears...with laughter or tears
Must get thru the pain...to appreciate the joy
Must be able to feel...in order to heal.
Be humble enough...to accept God's will
And into my heart...most firmly instill.
And though these words...may be easy to say
I know it takes time...but there will come a day
By embracing the truth...I will then become whole
I'll be joyous and free...having reclaimed my soul..
 
Deborah Dacenzo ©
deborahdad@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twelve Step Prayers
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=742

What's Prettier Than Freckles
www.wscribe.com/parables/freckles.html

God as We Understand Him
www.serenityfound.org/readings/god_understanding.html

Recovery and the Internet
www.nawol.org/twpp13theinternet.html

Soberscopes June
http://www.steps4recovery.org/soberscopes_0607.html

Home Group
www.naworks.org/cartoon.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 10                                       Changing Motives

"When we finally get our own selfish motives out of the way, we begin
to find a peace that we never imagined possible."  Basic Text, p. 44

  As we examine our beliefs, our actions, and our motives in recovery,
we'll find that sometimes we do things for the wrong reasons. In our
early recovery, we may have spent a great deal of money and time on
people, wanting only for them to like us. Later on, we may find that we
still spend money on people, but our motives have changed. We do it
because we like them. Or perhaps we used to get romantically involved
because we felt hollow inside and were seeking fulfillment through
another person. Now our reasons for romantic involvement are based in
a desire to share our already rewarding lives with an equal partner.
Maybe we used to work the steps because we were afraid we'd relapse
if we didn't. Today we work the steps because we want to grow
spiritually.

  We have a new purpose in life today, and our changing motives reflect
that. We have so much more to offer than our neediness and
insecurities. We have developed a wholesomeness of spirit and a peace
of mind that moves our recovery into a new realm. We extend our love
and share our recovery with complete generosity, and the difference
we make is the legacy we leave to those who have yet to join us.

Just for today: In recovery, my motives have changed. I want to do
things for the right reason, not just for my personal benefit. Today,
I will examine my motives. pg. 168

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Entirely Ready?

"This is the Step that separates the men from the boys.". . . the
difference between "the boys and the men" is the difference between
striving for a self determined objective and for the perfect objective
which is of God. . . . It is suggested that we ought to become entirely
willing to aim toward perfection. . . . The moment we say, "No, never!" our
minds close against the grace of God. . . . This is the exact point at
which we abandon limited objectives, and move toward God's will for us.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 63, 68, 69

Am I entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character?  Do I
know at long last that I cannot save myself?  I have come to believe that I
cannot.  If I am unable, if my best intentions go wrong, if my desires are
selfishly motivated and if my knowledge and will are limited -- then I am
ready to embrace God's will for my life.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 10th

A.A. Thought for the Day

If we have had some moral, religious, or spiritual training,
we're better prospects for A.A. When we reach the bottom,
at this crucial moment when we're thoroughly licked, we turn
instinctively to whatever decency is left in us. We call upon
whatever reserves of morality and faith are left down deep
in our heart. Have I had this spiritual experience?

Meditation for the Day

The world wonders when it sees a person who can unexpectedly
draw large and unsuspected sums from the bank for some
emergency. But what the world has not seen are the countless
small sums paid into that bank, earned by faithful work over
a long time. And so is the bank of the spirit. The world sees
the person of faith make a demand on God's stores of power
and the demand is met. The world does not see what that
person has been putting in, in thanks and praise, in prayer
and communion, in small good deeds done faithfully, steadily
over the years.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may keep making deposits in God's bank. I pray
that in my hour of need, I may call upon these.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 10

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Responsibility

Self care means taking responsibility for ourselves. Taking responsibility
for ourselves includes assuming our true responsibilities to others.

Sometimes, when we begin recovery, we're worn down from feeling responsible
for so many other people. Learning that we need only take responsibility for
ourselves may be such a great relief that, for a time, we disown our
responsibilities to others.

The goal in recovery is to find the balance: we take responsibility for
ourselves, and we identify our true responsibilities to others.

This may take some sorting through, especially if we have functioned for
years on distorted notions about our responsibilities to others. We may be
responsible to one person as a friend or as an employee; to another person,
we're responsible as an employer or as a spouse. With each person, we have
certain responsibilities. When we tend to those true responsibilities, we'll
find balance in our life.

We are also learning that while others aren't responsible for us, they are
accountable to us in certain ways.

We can learn to discern our true responsibilities for ourselves, and to
others. We can allow others to be responsible for themselves and expect them
to be appropriately responsible to us.

We'll need to be gentle with ourselves while we learn.

Today, I will strive for clear thinking about my actual responsibilities to
others. I will assume these responsibilities as part of taking care of
myself.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Passion Solution, by Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/06/alan-cohen.htm

Thankfulness
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/January/21-0197.html

Pay It Forward
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/January/vissell.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Being Present by John Kuypers

The present is what is happening when you strip away all the resentments of
your past and all the worries you have about your future. To live in the
present is to live as if the past never existed and as if the future were
irrelevant. Living in the present is a vision for life that is achievable in
any moment, yet is unattainable in every moment. None of us is that perfect.

To live in that seemingly surreal state of mind requires one thing: a deep
self-confidence that you are good enough. In order to live in the present,
you must trust that you will be able to handle whatever comes your way,
without undue thought or preparation. When we were toddlers around the age
of two, we had that deep self-trust. We knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that
we were good enough, because we had no concept that we could be anything
else but good enough. We were at ease with who we were. We were open and
curious about each new moment. We had no expectations about what was
supposed to happen. We didn't judge events or people as good or bad, nor did
we blame anyone. Instead, we adapted, showing our feelings in the moment and
without reservation. Our joy was complete joy. Our anger and our tears were
full and intense. We recovered from the setbacks of life in minutes. We were
not self-conscious about what we were doing or about how we looked while
doing it. Life was an adventure that we explored passionately and intensely.

As an adult seeking to know and do what's important now when facing
uncertainty, you must rediscover this child-like state of mind. You will
find it when you know in your heart that you are already prepared for this
moment. Then you will be free to be true to who you really are at any-time,
anywhere. Your joy will abound because you have no reason to fear what might
happen if you make a mistake or if you don't do things the way someone else
would want you to do them. You are good enough, even if others disagree.

DOING THE BEST YOU CAN
When you do what's important now for you, you create a past that leaves you
ready to handle the present. By default, the future is taking care of itself
as you make decisions that are acceptable to you no matter what happens
tomorrow. You no longer give yourself reasons to feel self-doubt, anxiety,
or resentment. You are doing the best you can. You accept that what happens
next is not in your control. You trust that you will handle whatever comes
your way, no matter how fabulous or awful it may be.

Being capable of doing what's important now for you is a paradox. You must
feel safe especially when a situation feels dangerous. Learning to be more
present is therefore entirely about creating for yourself the ability to
feel safe, no matter what is happening around you. You create this for
yourself when you are able to seek fulfillment from within yourself, rather
than searching for it from outside sources. When you feel fulfilled from
within, you will feel good enough to make the mistakes that you will
inevitably make when you dare to do what's important for you, right in the
moment. When you are fully present, you are accepting of who you are. Your
sense of self-worth is not linked to the world around you.

Your every thought, feeling, and action is yours alone. In contrast, the
thoughts, feelings, and actions of others are theirs alone. There is no such
thing as blame, because they didn't "do it" to you, and you didn't "do it"
to them. Life is happening and you are merely adapting to it. The journey
hurts because you are giving up your desire to have power and influence over
others. The rewards are sweet, however, because you are gaining power over
yourself, the only person over whom any of us truly have control.

This separation of yourself from the world around you is not to be confused
with building a wall around yourself and being insensitive to the feelings
and needs of others. Indeed, the effect is quite the opposite. Because you
are so open and vulnerable, you feel a tremendous compassion for those who
are suffering. Yet you are aware at all times that their suffering is not
your suffering. You are aware that it is not your duty to change, fix or
alter their life experience, even if you think you "know" what's better for
them more than they know themselves.

When you are present, you are not needy. You don't "need" others to change
who they are or how they behave in order for you to feel safe or loved. You
don't "need" positive or instant gratification in order to feel good about
yourself. Your sense of love and well-being comes from within. If you feel
unsafe, you trust that you will do what you need to do in order to feel at
peace again.

WHAT'S IMPORTANT NOW
When you are fully present, you are open and vulnerable. You say and do
whatever comes to your mind without filtering it. You disclose your true
feelings, right in the moment. You follow your inner spirit, trusting that
you are doing what is right for you in that moment. If you don't get the
result you wanted, you don't judge yourself or others as having failed. It's
just what's happening in this moment. Your only question is, what's
important for me in this new moment? In this way, your excellence is allowed
to emerge from within you in ways that you may never have dreamed possible.

You might appreciate that this can also be a very dangerous way to live. You
might say or do something that someone in your life is not going to like.
You might offend someone important at work. You might do something
impulsive, like having a sexual fling or quitting your job. You might spend
yourself into a deep debt. You might even lose control of your emotions and
do something vindictive or cowardly that you might later painfully regret.
For these reasons, you need to feel very safe in order to dare to be
present. When you expose who you really are, unfiltered and unguarded, you
are very vulnerable. Is it a coincidence that we typically only show the
"dark" side of our personalities to those whom we love the most? We don't
yell at our boss or at our customers. We yell at our spouses, our children,
and perhaps our employees. We feel safe with them. We know we can be who we
really are when we are with people who love us or who have no power over us.

In order to live more fully in the present, we must learn how to feel safe
even when a situation feels threatening to us. We must learn how to risk
being vulnerable even when we can get seriously hurt, emotionally or
physically. Does this not explain the appeal of "extreme" sports? When a
person is climbing the side of a mountain with only a thin rope separating
them from certain death, that person becomes very present. Is this not also
what great athletes do in the last minutes of a championship game? They are
vulnerable to the risk of disappointing their fans, yet they remain focused
on doing what's important now for them, in order to get what they want in
that moment -- victory. They put out of their minds any fear of the
consequences if they fail to perform. They feel safe within themselves, at
least in that situation, knowing that they are doing the best they can
regardless of what results occur. If they don't do this, then their
self-doubt will most assuredly lead to a decline in their ability to perform
with excellence.

To be present is to be living in a state of consciousness. You may do things
out of habit, but nothing you do is an unconscious habit. Rather, you are
very intentional. Every word, gesture, and deed is intentional. By the same
token, you are highly conscious of what others say and do. Instead of being
lost in your own thoughts, you are tuned in to the world around you. The
result is that other people feel your "presentness" in a deep way.
Paradoxically, you are much more connected to them because you are no longer
reacting to them as if your sense of self-worth were affected by what they
say or do to you. Because you feel complete, you can set your own needs
aside and simply be present with them, giving them the love, empathy, or
advice that are truly helpful to them. You don't act out of a need to feed
your ego.

When you are present, you are tuned in to the four dimensions of your body,
your mind, your heart, and your soul, all at once. You are aware of how you
feel within your body. You are tuned in to your emotions. You are in charge
of your thoughts, rather than having your thoughts race frenetically in your
mind. You are also connected to your soul, that part of you that directs you
towards some higher Purpose for your life beyond the need for instant
gratification. All this is happening for you at the same moment in time you
feel fully integrated. Your mind's eye sees what your physical eyes see. You
feel energized and passionate about what you are doing. Your thoughts are
focused on what is happening, and you adjust and adapt your actions
accordingly in order to do what's right for you. Your soul resonates with a
deep peace that you are living this moment as you were meant to live it.

When you are fully present, you become open to a new way of making decisions
in your life, using your own "sixth sense". Your sixth sense is your "Inner
Knowing", that part of you which is not logical or emotional. You seek to
develop this part of you as your surest guide for knowing what's important
now for you. You accept that this "knowing" is distinct and separate from
thinking, which is merely logic and therefore only as good as the facts and
skills that you possess. You understand that "knowing" is also not your
feelings. Though your feelings may be powerful, they are merely your heart
bringing the past back into the present. How can you be sure that your
feelings about this present moment will bring about the same result as the
last time? You cannot. Only your Inner Knowing rises above your thinking and
your feeling. Learning how to recognize and act on your Inner Knowing is the
greatest tool for discovering what's important now for you by living in the
present.

THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD
The journey towards living more fully in the present is like traveling down
a "yellow brick road", as Dorothy did in The Wizard of Oz. You must feel
motivated by the idea that there is a Land of Oz, where you will truly feel
happy with yourself and your life. You must feel willing to face many
frightening obstacles along the way. You must do this knowing that you have
no idea whether you will ever find this mystical place.

The Land of Oz is a state of mind in which you feel good about who you are,
what you want, and how you do things. This is the place where you will no
longer feel you need to improve in order to be a good-enough person. All
your desires to make changes in your life will go away, to be replaced by a
desire to know who you are and to be true to yourself. You will still be
"improving", but your reason will have changed from trying to be good enough
to wanting to fulfill your purpose in life.

For this journey to appeal to you, you must decide that this is a state of
mind worth finding. Otherwise, the enormous barriers to getting there will
most assuredly knock you off the path. The barriers are the many reasons why
you don't already believe that you are good enough right now. Like the Lion,
the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow, at the end of the journey you may discover
that you already have the courage, the heart, and the intelligence to be
good enough to do what's important now for you. This is precisely what makes
this a frightening journey at times. You will find it terrifying to face the
possibility that you tried so hard to be better than you are, when the "real
you" was good enough all along.

When we try to be better than good enough, we erect walls around who we
really are. We do this with the best of intentions. From infancy to
adulthood, we learn from our parents, mentors, friends, and from life itself
that we must be a certain kind of person if we are to be loved and
successful. We might learn at age four, for example, that having temper
tantrums results in our parents being angry with us. So we learn to put up a
wall around that part of us that wants to have temper tantrums. At the time
we erect that wall, it serves us. But behind this wall, we are hiding part
of who we really are, from others and from ourselves. In this way, our walls
ultimately also make us blind to our "real" selves.

Removing a wall is very frightening. We erected that wall to protect
ourselves from being hurt. We put it up in order to fit into how other
people defined "good enough" for us. We learned that to have a temper
tantrum might have painful consequences for us, such as rejection,
criticism, humiliation, and attack. To tear down a wall is to expose
ourselves once again to the risk of more pain and heartache.

Overcoming our innate desire to have that temper tantrum in the first place
is the real secret to succeeding on this journey. When we have our walls up,
we are suppressing who we are out of fear that our real selves might do
something we'll regret. By facing our fears that we might actually do just
that, we give ourselves the opportunity to overcome that dark side of our
personalities. Then we can risk being who we really are without fearing that
we will go on an angry rampage, or collapse in a weeping puddle of hopeless
futility. Then we can truly dare to live in the present. Facing each wall is
frightening. That is why it is so vital to appreciate the rewards of being
present. No sane person would otherwise want to go on this journey. Our fear
of what might happen without that wall serves us. Our fear warns us that we
are in danger. To then go ahead and do exactly what our fear is telling us
not to do is ... painful. If you are like me, at the moment of truth, you
will want to bolt as fast as you can. Your memory of the rewards of being
present is all that you will have to keep yourself from running away.

Each time you dare to cross through a doorway, you will likely experience
powerful and bone-chilling emotions. If you consider acting in spite of your
fear, the door will open for you, exposing a dark and foreboding abyss. You
cannot see what is on the other side. You have to go forward with blind
determination. You have to trust that you are not about to step off a cliff,
hurtling towards a rocky and bloody bottom, like a skydiver whose parachute
does not open. Each time you dare to break through a wall, you will be
rewarded with the knowledge that you can live without that wall and survive
to tell the tale. You will feel an unloading of a burden that you probably
didn't even realize you had been carrying. The burden is your wall. The wall
that you erected to protect yourself from being hurt unwittingly becomes a
huge weight around your neck, aging you and crushing you. On the other side
of each doorway, you will feel a deeper, more open connection to the people
and the world around you. You will feel more connected with who you really
are.

Crossing a doorway is not a one-time event. All it means is that the next
time you stand at such a doorway, you will cross it with greater courage.
Each subsequent doorway invites you to uncover your vulnerability at an
ever-deeper level. In that respect, the doorways are tools for you. They are
actions that you can take anytime you feel anxious, discontent, or worried
about what is happening in your life and about what it might mean for you.

These are the six doorways that will help you shed your past and dare to do
what the real you is aching for you to do:

1. Listen to Your Body: Facing the fear that your body is trying to tell you
something that you do not want to know.

2. Change Your Beliefs: Facing the fear that what you have always believed
to be true may not be so.

3. Be Authentic: Facing the fear of exposing to other people what you are
truthfully thinking and feeling.

4. Risk Disapproval: Facing the fear of hurtful consequences once you allow
others to see your true self.

5. Let Go of Outcomes: Facing the fear that you might crumble if your most
valued people, possessions, and passions are taken away from you.

6. Feel Your Feelings: Facing the fear that you can no longer blame how you
feel on other people.

By crossing through these six doorways with ever greater courage, you will
begin to strip away the baggage of the past that is clouding your ability to
know what's important now for you. Indeed, you will begin to build a
wellspring of strength from within yourself that will allow you to withstand
the enormous pressures you will undoubtedly feel from others around you as
you begin to embrace the person you really are, rather than the one they
wanted you to be. In doing so, you may not become rich, famous, or find your
soul-mate, though any of these things might happen. But you will be more
satisfied with who you are, with what you want, and with how you do what you
are doing, regardless of what results you get for your efforts. You will
feel the joy of being connected to the real you and to the world around you
as it really is. You will know in your own heart that you are doing the best
you can because you are focusing all of your body, mind, heart, and soul on
what's important now for you. Is there anything more that you can ask of
yourself? Here are some closing thoughts about The Journey...

Remember...
. Keep a vision in your mind of a time when you were everything you wanted
to be, letting it pull you forward when you feel defeated.

. Each of us is the best we can be when we are fully present, focused yet
relaxed, curious yet non-judgmental, committed yet flexible.

. You will have the self-trust it takes to live fully in the present when
you can create for yourself a deep sense of emotional safety, regardless of
what is happening in your life.

Watch for...
. Pushing yourself too hard. You spent a lifetime building your inner walls
of self-protection. You won't tear them all down in a month.

Try this...
. Start writing in a journal. Your self-disclosure will act like a mirror,
helping you to see the real you that is hidden behind your walls. Do
whatever you have to do in order to safeguard your journal so that you can
frankly and openly write down your true thoughts and feelings.

This article is excerpted from What's Important Now, ©2002, by John Kuypers.
Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Present Living & Learning, Inc.
www.presentliving.com

About the Author:
John Kuypers is the Director and Founder of Present Living & Learning, Inc.
(www.presentliving.com), an organization dedicated to helping people from
all walks of life learn how to work and live passionately with no regrets by
living in the present. He is forty-four years old, remarried with four
children and devotes his full-time work to writing, speaking, training and
coaching. He lives near Toronto, Canada.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sacred Places

Secret places dot our world
special places for us to see
Sacred places for us to go to
to rejoice in, meditate, to be
to pray with, contemplate, ruminate, concentrate
Places that stay where they are
and don't move, musing
inviting our visitations
whenever we are ready
they wait patiently
they don't go away

We visit them to fill a need
to fill up on energy
the connection with the sacred
soul-filling vibrations
we fill up on the benefits of silence
on the steadfastness to a place
we who are forever on the move
as busy ants to and fro
we come to sacred places
to be reminded that standing still
is a wise and knowing thing to do

By bathing with the skies
slowdancing with the stars
naked gazing at the moon
shining in the sun
Just being under
is to be touched
blessed
kissed

Love
Stella

©2000 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lord Keep Me Humble

Lord keep me humble,
Let me not be deceived,
By all the good that's in my life,
Remind me that I have a daily reprieve.

I see the human suffering,
Broken lives and broken dreams,
They were once productive people,
They forgot the daily reprieve.

I listen to their stories,
I can hear their self-hate,
Demoralized and guilty,
They think they are doomed by fate.

I ask you to work through me, Lord,
Give me the right words to say,
To shed some light and hope,
That they might find their way.

I too am a broken person,
An addict with some fears,
I struggle with self-doubt,
And compare myself to my peers,

Lord, keep me humble,
Remind me that it's You,
Who is working through me,
In everything I do.

I know the danger involved,
In thinking I am less than or better,
I thought I was cured,
And nearly lost all forever.

Lord, work through me,
Give me strength for everyday,
Let me carry the message of hope,
And for my clean time always pray....

Written by ~  Julie Lauderback

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It Takes Just One

Each one can touch every one.
Each one can teach everyone.
Each one can reach every one.
Why not be that one?

One smile can touch many hearts.
One kindness can teach many minds.
One prayer can reach many souls.
You do make a difference.

What if you are the missing piece.
What if your helpfulness is what is needed.
What if your „thank you‚ opens the door to common courtesy.
What if your gentle hug heals the lonely heart.
What if your thoughtful blessing brings renewed hope.
What if your listening presence offers clarity and direction.
What if you are the one.

Life is for giving and You are the gift.
It is only in freely giving yourself that you fully realize the abundant
gift you are.

Life is the opportunity to forgive ourselves for withholding the gift we
are.
I forgive myself for being unforgiving.
I forgive myself for limiting myself.
I forgive myself for hiding my gifts.
I forgive myself for being afraid.
I forgive myself for thinking I am unworthy of giving and you are
undeserving of receiving.
I forgive myself for thinking the world owes me.
I forgive myself for believing I am not capable.
I forgive myself for believing I cannot ever give enough.
I forgive myself for waiting for a return on my giving.
I forgive myself for not knowing what to give.
I forgive myself for thinking I will be depleted.
I forgive myself for thinking I must wait until a better time or place.
I forgive myself for dismissing or diminishing the gift I Am.
The world awaits the gift of YOU and me and each one.

PS Forgiveness is an eraser filled with loved.
When we let go of our judging and limiting mind, abundant love and
givingness takes its place.
When I practice forgiveness, I say and write 30 or more forgivenesses daily.
It is a life‚s work and worthy of daily application.

I am willing to touch and teach and reach out to everyone equally,
Betty Lue
aj4how@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Rejoice In Today

This is a day we shall rejoice
Today we can now hear
The call of the inner voice
Gradually I start my day
On my knees I like to pray
Out of gratitude you can hear me say
This is a day that God has made
For these are the days
I would never trade
Today we have a choice
Will we let other hear our voice
As we turn to give it away
We can surely rejoice in today
Now we have a new directiony
We worked the steps to correction
We have a new program to follow
No longer shall we wallow
In old self pity or shame
We have now changed
We now have goals
At which to aim
We can now rejoice
We can work together
We now all have a new choice
Easy does it but do take action today
Always be happy rejoice in this way
After we reach our goal we turn
To the new man offer a hand
Because we understand
We now have a choice
So in today rejoice

Daniel M Corkery
5/11/2002
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Unless someone offers a friendly smile,
a helping hand, a caring word, a listening ear.
Somebody, some where loses the courage to live.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

May every gift I receive today,
be passed along and given away.
God will replenish me, heart and soul,
wash me in love and keep me whole.

Terri McPherson
to subscribe send an email to tmcphers@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The work toward enlightenment often entails a painful
and not very pretty arousal of the worst of which we're capable,
made plain to both ourselves and others,
in order that might consciously choose to release our personal darkness.
Marianne Williamson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"No matter how much cats fight,
there always seem to be plenty of kittens."
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ah -- love -- the walks over soft grass,
the smiles over candlelight,
the arguments over just about everything else.
Max Headroom

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Finish each day and be done with it.
You have done what you could;
some blunders and absurdities have crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day;
you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit
to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are new in the program have your fun now,
because once you start the steps the work begins.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The first step is the cement,
for building the foundation of your recovery
one day at a time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are uncomfortable or some things wrong,
The answers are in the steps.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions
are like 24 wrenches to fit any size nut
that walks into the rooms.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Put Gratitude In Your Attitude*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
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Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
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Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
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If you want to know what is going on with the my new baby
CLICKE HERE

Baby Update
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=797

Spiritual Notice
www.recoverylane.com/spiritual_notice.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I have some Questions  on the 6th Step
Please share your experience strength and hope
so that it might clear some things up for me and others.

How am I trying to remove or control my own defects of character?

What is the difference between being entirely ready to have God remove
my defects of character and suppressing them by myself?

How am I increasing my trust in the God of my understanding by
working this step?

What action can I take that shows that I am entirely ready?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
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participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
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A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 9
I am discovering who I am with joy today!
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Soul Theft

A lonely soul, with no more fix,
To ease the pain, of a soul that¹s sick.
No way to run, or hide from me.
The pain so great, no more could be.

Like a blade was driven into my soul.
My heart was nothingŠexcept a hole.
I died inside, but the body was left,
To carry the burden, of the soul theft.

The drink and drugs that once eased the pain,
No longer worked, and how insane!
The terror and hurtŠno one could bear!
Or understandŠ.And who would care?
The rape that took all that was left,
The self destructionŠ.the soul theft.

I couldn¹t live another day.
The hurt and horror wouldn¹t go away!
I hit my knees and screamed above,
And to the voices inside, which knew no love.

I begged my God to ease the pain.
To take me now, or make me sane.
To remove my defects that made me sad.
To fill my heart, to remove the bad.
To guide each day and let me give,
His love to others and a will to live.

At once my heart was replaced with love.
By God¹s loving grace sent from above.
He forgave my sins and is making me whole.
He guides my stepsŠHe has control!
I thank my God, who had mercy on me,
For giving me life, and the will to be!

If I can help one single soul,
Who¹s felt this theft, who isn¹t whole.
Then I¹ve served my purpose, for the good is left,
And the end has comeŠto the soul theft.

Thank God!

Mary Elizabeth Cromwell
Gatlinburg, TN
Maryann39507@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Finding Spiritual Guidance
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=736

Watch Your ...
www.wscribe.com/parables/watch.html

Change
www.serenityfound.org/readings/change.html

Addictionary
www.nawol.org/2006_Addictionary.html

Meditation Games
www.deepfun.com/meditation.htm

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 9                           Old Dreams Needn't Die

"Lost dreams awaken and new possibilities arise." Basic Text, p. 88

Most of us had dreams when we were young. Whether we dreamed of
a dynamic career, a large and loving family, or travels abroad, our
dreams died when our addiction took hold. Anything we ever wanted for
ourselves was cast away in our pursuit of drugs. Our dreams didn't go
beyond the next drug and the euphoria we hoped it would bring.

Now in recovery, we find a reason to hope that our lost dreams could
still come true. No matter how old we are, how much our addiction has
taken from us, or how unlikely it may seem, our freedom from active
addiction gives us the freedom to pursue our ambitions. We may discover
that we're very talented at something, or find a hobby we love, or learn
that continuing our education can bring remarkable rewards.

We used to put most of our energy into spinning excuses and
rationalizations for our failures. Today, we go forward and make use of
the many opportunities life presents to us. We may be amazed at what
we're capable of. With our foundation of recovery, success, fulfillment,
and satisfaction are within our reach at last.

Just for today: Starting today, I'll do whatever I can to realize my
dreams. pg. 167

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Letting Go Of Our Old Selves

Carefully reading the first five proposals we ask if we have omitted
anything, for we are building an arch through which we shall walk a free
man at last. . . . Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the
things which we have admitted are objectionable?
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 75, 76

The Sixth Step is the last "preparation" Step.  Although I have already
used prayer extensively, I have made no formal request of my Higher Power
in the first Six Steps.  I have identified my problem, come to believe that
there is a solution, made a decision to seek this solution, and have
"cleaned house."  I now ask: Am I willing to live a life of sobriety, of
change, to let go of my old self?  I must determine if I am truly ready to
change.  I review what I have done and become willing for God to remove all
my defects of character; for in the next Step, I will tell my Creator I am
willing and will ask for help.  If I have been thorough in the preparation
of my foundation and feel that I am willing to change, I am then ready to
continue with the next Step.  "If we still cling to something we will not
let go, we ask God to help us be willing." (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 76)

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 9th

A.A. Thought for the Day

We finally came to the bottom. We did not have to be
financially broke, although many of us were. But we were
spiritually bankrupt. We had a soul-sickness, a revulsion
against ourselves and against our way of living. Life had
become impossible for us. We had to end it all or do
something about it. Am I glad I did something about it?

Meditation for the Day

Faith is not seeing, but believing. I am in a box of space and
time and cannot see spacelessness or eternity. But God is
not within the shell of time and space. He is timeless and
spaceless. He cannot be fully comprehended by our finite
minds. But we must try to make a union between our
purposes and the purposes of God. By trying to merge our
minds with the mind of God, a oneness of purpose results.
This oneness of purpose puts us in harmony with God and
others. Evil comes from being in disharmony with God and
good comes from being in harmony with Him.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be in harmony with God. I pray that I may
get into the stream of goodness in the universe.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 09

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Panic

     Few situations - no matter how greatly they appear to demand it - can be
bettered by us going berserk.
     --Codependent No More

Don't panic!

If a swimmer was crossing a great lake, then suddenly focused too heavily on
the distance remaining, he might start to flounder and go under -- not
because he couldn't swim, but because he became overwhelmed by panic.

Panic, not the task, is the enemy.

Many of us have moments when we feel crowded and overwhelmed. We have times
when we feel like we cannot possibly accomplish all that needs to be done.

We may be facing a task at work, an improvement in ourselves, or change in
our family life.

For a moment, it is helpful to look forward and envision the project. It is
normal, when we look ahead at what needs to be done, to have moments of
panic. Feel the fear, then let it go. Take our eyes off the future and the
enormity of the task. If we have envisioned the goal, it will be ours. We do
not have to do everything today, or at once.

Focus on today. Focus on the belief that all is well. All we need to do to
reach our goal is to focus on what presents itself naturally, and in an
orderly way, to us today. We shall be empowered to accomplish, peacefully,
what we need to get where we want to be tomorrow.

Panic will stop this process. Trust and guided action will further it.
Breathe deeply. Get peaceful. Trust. Act as guided, today.

We can get back on track by treading water until we regain our composure.
Once we feel peaceful, we can begin swimming again, with confidence. Keep
the focus simple, on one stroke, one movement at a time. If we can make one
movement, we have progressed. If we get tired, we can float -- but only if
we are relaxed. Before we know it, we shall reach the shore.

Today, I will believe that all is well. I am being led, but I shall only be
led one day at a time. I will focus my energy on living this day to the best
of my ability. If panic arises, I will stop all activity and deal with panic
as a separate issue.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Inspiration, Your Ultimate Calling
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/06/f1.htm

How to Pick a Fortune, by Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/January/20-0197.html

Ask Louise, Letters of Wisdom and Affirmation
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/January/hay.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Living in the Moment by Jacob Liberman with Erik Liberman

We often talk about "wanting to be spiritual," but being spiritual and
taking care of our everyday affairs are exactly the same thing. There is no
difference. With clarity we become ordinary -- simply taking care of
whatever comes before us. In this process, we develop trust that whatever
shows up in our lives, we will meet it.
When we don't take care of things in the moment, they get backed up and we
feel overwhelmed. But life never brings us anything at the wrong time!
That's why everything in nature works so miraculously. Notice how the tides
move, the earth rotates, and the trees grow. Notice how everything is
perfectly timed -- how our bodies work, how a child develops. God never
makes a mistake.

So, when something enters our awareness, that's the moment to take care of
it. Don't pay that bill tomorrow, take out the trash later, or make the bed
when you get back. When you see it, do it! Don't prioritize anything -- life
has already done that for you.

Take care of what's in front of you, and the universe will take care of you.

Human Beings
Imagine that life is simply about taking care of ourselves. Feeding
ourselves, bathing ourselves, tending to whatever comes before us, and in
that way, just being.

For most of us, the being side of life is underused, and the doing side is
weighted down. When we are being, we are humane and very much in touch with
everything in life. When we are doing, we forget the essence of our humanity
and narrowly focus our minds on "making things happen." We forget that
everything in life is already happening!

Our lives today are complex because we have lost sight of what is essential.
We've developed technologies to handle the complexities we have created, but
still have no time for living!

Living successfully isn't about making a lot of money. It is about embracing
life, and responding to it honestly in each moment. This alone is the true
source of our prosperity, because in this practice, we evolve from human
doings to human beings.

When I do less, more things happen. When I do nothing everything happens.

Non-Doing
In the East, there is a state between doing and being called wu-we-wu, or
action without action. I call it "non-doing." When I speak of non-doing,
most people don't know what I'm talking about. They think I mean "laying
back" and "hanging out" -- a lethargic lifestyle.

But non-doing is not the opposite of doing! It is neither passive nor
active, but a state of optimal presence and sensitivity. It is a fluid
response to life, rather than a branding iron applied to life to get it to
move "our way." Competitive athletes refer to non-doing as "the zone." In
this state, an appropriate response to any situation originates from our
core and is not edited by the intellect. It defines response-ability, rather
than react-ability. Non-doing happens when we trust that life always has the
first move -- that in reality, we are living in a state of "not knowing" --
and therefore, our actions are not isolated initiations based on our own
desires, but responses to life's invitations.

Non-doing means that we are ready to respond to whatever life brings us, yet
feel no need to initiate anything. It is the exquisite experience of being
guided effortlessly and surprised by the miracle called life.

Animals live in the Kingdom of God. We occasionally visit on weekends.

Being Normal Isn't Natural
Many of us pride ourselves on being "normal," but what we call normal may
not be very natural -- let alone healthy! If you're "normal," you will
probably experience cancer, arthritis, vision loss, or heart disease
sometime during your life, and your natural process of saging will be
reduced to aging.

If you want to view life in its natural state, go into nature and observe
animals. Wild animals live effortlessly in the Kingdom of God. They are
always present -- never doing anything early or late, excessively or
deficiently. Their behavior is a model of the word "responsibility," meaning
they respond to life with presence and awareness at all times.

When they're hungry, they eat. When they're not hungry, they don't worry
about where their next meal will come from. You never see a bear looking for
a job, doing aerobics, or taking a cigarette break! We are the only species
with concepts of unemployment, exercise, and addiction.

In order to reclaim our natural connection with life, we must begin living
with greater presence, respect, and gratefulness. We have been living under
the illusion that evolution has ended with us at its helm. Perhaps the
dinosaurs thought that, too!

This article is excerpted from Wisdom from an Empty Mind, ©2001, by Jacob
Liberman with Erik Liberman. Reprinted with permission of the publisher,
Empty Mind Publications.

About the Author:
Dr. Jacob Liberman, author of the internationally acclaimed books, Light:
Medicine of the Future and Take Off Your Glasses and See, shares his
teachings of grounded spirituality in lectures and workshops around the
world. Erik Liberman, award-winning actor and writer, edited this book with
his father.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Cat Who Needed a Night Light

    On a warm August day, a dainty little cat named Dolores was
receiving a special award:  the American Humane Association's
William O. Stillman award for bravery.  The association gives
the award to people who risk their lives to save animals from
danger, and to animals who face down danger to save the lives of
people.  Either way, the winners are heroes, whether they're
take charge, fearless sorts of people, or extroverted, devoted
pets like Dolores.

    Dolores hadn't always been an extrovert.    And she hadn't
seemed very devoted to anyone, either.  In fact, she'd been what
most people call the quiet type.  When she first came to live
with her owner, Kyle, Dolores rarely had anything to say.  And
most of the time, she didn't like being touched.

    Kyle didn't know why Dolores was so standoffish.    And he
didn't understand something else about her:  why she always
became upset whenever the lights were turned out.  But Kyle
didn't care.  Something about the cat's quiet, unassuming manner
appealed to him.  So, at night, he just left all the lights on
in the apartment where he and Dolores lived, even when it was
time to go to sleep.  And if Dolores wanted to keep her distance
-- well, he could respect that.  Maybe, if he was patient,
Dolores would someday decide to come to him, to talk to him, to
be friends.

    So for the next year, Kyle loved Dolores for exactly who
she was.  He let her keep her distance, and he didn't ask for
more than she could give.

    Then, one May evening, everything changed.  The night
started like any other.  And, at evening's end, Kyle checked --
as usual -- to make sure all the lights in his apartment were
on.  Then, he went to sleep.

    Sometime later he woke with a start.  Something was jumping
on his head!  Paws were scratching his face!  And, when he
opened his eyes, his apartment was no longer brightly lit;
instead it was filled with black smoke.  But he could see who
was doing the jumping and scratching: Dolores.

    The little cat was all Kyle could see.  But she was enough.

    Together, the two made their way to the only available exit
from the apartment -- the back door.  Kyle felt his way along
the walls.  At the same time, he felt for Dolores with his feet
and followed her.  Finally, the pair reached the back door.
Kyle pulled on the knob to open the door, only to have the knob
fall off into his hand.  The door remained firmly shut.

    Making his way to the door had taken every bit of strength
and oxygen Kyle had, and he collapsed to the floor.  But, once
again, he felt those insistent paws scratching his face.  Kyle
mustered his last bit of strength to hurl himself against the
door, break it down and run outside to fresh air and safety.
Once there, he looked around for the cat who'd saved his life.

    She wasn't there.

    With sickening clarity, Kyle realized that Dolores was
still inside the apartment.  He ran to one of the firefighters.

    "My cat's still inside my apartment!" he exclaimed.  "Can
you find her?"

    The firefighter promised to try.

    Now all Kyle could do was wait.  He knew Dolores's chances
weren't good, but still -- maybe, just maybe, she would be found
alive.

    An hour or so later, the firefighters brought the blaze
under control.  And one firefighter brought Kyle a bundle
wrapped in a towel.  Kyle held his breath.  Inside the bundle
was Dolores -- eyes seared shut, hair singed, but alive.

    The firefighter explained that Dolores had collapsed just
inside the door and that a fireman had stumbled on her when he
entered the apartment.  After removing her from the apartment,
paramedics gave the cat CPR and oxygen before bringing her to
Kyle.

    The fire changed Kyle's life dramatically.  He'd lost all
his clothes, furniture and other possessions, and had to go live
with his mother for awhile.  His cat had changed, too.

    The once-quiet Dolores was now a talker who meowed and
purred almost constantly.  Even more surprising was her new
desire to be touched and cuddled -- preferably while she was
lying on Kyle's lap.

    Now, just four months later, Dolores was being recognized
for her bravery.  But Kyle knew he'd gotten a bigger prize.
He's never asked for more than Dolores could give -- and then
found she was willing to give him everything she had.

By Susan McCullough from Chicken Soup for the Cat & Dog Lover's Soul
Copyright 1999 by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Abondanza!

"How rich am I if I cannot sleep,
having pockets full, but afraid of thieves?

Where is my wealth if I sit alone,
with countless possessions on a lonely throne?

What of abondanza, if all I can see...
is what, first & foremost, is in it for me?

What does it prosper any woman or man,
if they greet every day with open hands?

If you never feel sated, the answer is found...
in the fact that wanting has kept you bound.

Start blessing your good, whatever it is...
Be thankful to God for the very life that you live.

The need for more is your separation from God.
Close up that gap, and your wanting will stop."

Virginia Santoro
© 2001
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Man In The Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself,
And see what THAT man has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Who judgment upon you must pass;
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one looking back from the glass.

Some people may think you're a straight-shootin' chum
And call you a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.

Author Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Maps

Maps are curious things they invite
you to peruse them with an eagle's
point of view
detailed, yet globally encompassing

A map
like the human heart
has inroads to secret fantastic places
has lonely rivers that flow to the sea
and jewelled lakes of dreams lying in solitude

has wide open spaces
has oceans bordering unknown territory
has well-known places loved and well visited
and hidden away places barely known
left desolate, barren

The roads less travelled oftentimes
yield the best treasures

Ever thought the map
of your heart
needed this close an inspection?

Love
Stella

©2000 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Positive Affirmations:

There is a wondrous freedom in knowing who I was yesterday
does not define who I am now.

I will see the past for what it was and move on.

Today I will clear and throw away the cobwebs of fear, depression and
anxiety from my consciousness.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When you are inspired by some great purpose,
some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds;
Your mind transcends limitations,
  your consciousness expands in every direction,
and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world.
Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive,
and you discover yourself to be a greater person
by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.
Patanjali

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There is a very little difference between people;
it is called attitude;
and it makes a really big difference.
The big difference is whether it's positive or negative.
W. Clement Stone

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kindness can become its own motive.
We are made kind by being kind.
Eric Hoffer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Look past the body, past the personality, past the behavior,
into the window of one another's souls.
There we make a connection.
The God in me recognizes and honors the God in you.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Unless someone offers a friendly smile,
a helping hand, a caring word, a listening ear.
Somebody, some where loses the courage to live.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Having a relationship with your sponsor
is the only way to learn to live your life,
that you know nothing about.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A sponsor is only as good as your ability to use him/her.
If you don't call your sponsor, you don't have a sponsor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When someone asks me to sponsor them,
it is an honor and a privilege.
Little do they know, that they are sponsoring me.
This is about the therapeutic value
of one person helping another.
Sponsorship is a two way street.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
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Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
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Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
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USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
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Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
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My wife is having contractions,
we are going to be headed to the hospital.
I will keep you updated,
When God opens the door, the gift will be present :)
Scott


Self Image
www.recoverylane.com/self_image.htm


Recovery Prayer

Dear God, protect me and provide for me.
Guide me and illuminate the path of my pilgrimage.
Grant me courage, commitment, and strength.
Teach me to care and give without reservation.
Make me aware of gratitude and principle.
Help me recognize your presence around me.
And let my life be a reflection of your love.

Amen
Written by Greg Pierce, 4 December 1987

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I have some Questions  on the 6th Step
Please share your experience strength and hope
so that it might clear some things up for me and others.

How am I trying to remove or control my own defects of character?

What is the difference between being entirely ready to have God remove
my defects of character and suppressing them by myself?

How am I increasing my trust in the God of my understanding by
working this step?

What action can I take that shows that I am entirely ready?

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 8
Today I do all the footwork I can to make my life work.
I trust the results to God and know that
they will be just what is good and right for me.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Love You Gave To Me

When you look at me, with eyes to see,
A lady standing there.
And in your mind, with love so blind,
Your thoughts so deeply care.
I look at me, it's hard to see,
The person I've become.
With help from you, to see me through,
A miracle to some.
For many nights, I lay in fright,
Too scared to go to sleep.
The scars I bore, I fought a war,
The saber cut so deep.
Now, here I stand, "Well, ain't life grand?"
This love I have today.
Was given to me, entirely free,
For me to give away.

Sharlett Hunt 6/4/03
Sharlette863@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Unseen Help
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=733

Twelve Steps to Insanity
www.wscribe.com/parables/insanity.html

When Conflicts Mount
www.serenityfound.org/readings/conflict.html

Mental Health Touches Everyone
www.athealth.com

Bill W. Speaker Tapes
www.aaprimarypurpose.org/speakers.htm

A.A. Big Book
www.winternet.com/~terrym/bigbook.txt

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 8                                    The Only Requirement 

"This program offers hope. All you have to bring with you is the
desire to stop using and the willingness to try this new way of life."
IP No. 16, "For the Newcomer"

  From time to time we wonder if we're "doing it right" in Narcotics
Anonymous. Are we attending enough meetings? Are we using our sponsor,
or working the steps, or speaking, or reading, or living the "right" way?
We value the fellowship of recovering addicts - we don't know what
we'd do without it. What if the way we're practicing our program is
"wrong"? Does that make us "bad" NA members?

  We can settle our insecurities by reviewing our Third Tradition, which
assures us that "the only requirement for membership is a desire to
stop using:' There aren't any rules that say we've got to attend this many
meetings or these particular meetings, or work the "steps" this way at
this pace, or live our lives to suit these people in order to remain NA
members in good standing.

  It's true that, if we want the kind of recovery we see in members we
respect, well want to practice the kind of program that's made their
recovery possible. But NA is a fellowship of freedom; we work the program
the best way for us, not for someone else. The only requirement for
membership is a desire to stop using.

Just for today:  I will look at the program I'm working in light of
my own recovery. I will practice that program to the best of my
ability.  pg. 166

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

On A Wing And A Prayer

.  .  . we then look at Step Six.  We have emphasized willingness as being
indispensable.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76

  Steps Four and Five were difficult, but worthwhile.  Now I was stuck on
Step Six and, in despair, I picked up the Big Book and read this
passage.  I was outside, praying for willingness, when I raised my eyes and
saw a huge bird rising in the sky.  I watched it suddenly give itself up to
the powerful air currents of the mountains.  Swept along, swooping and
soaring, the bird did things seemingly impossible for mortal birds to
do.  It was an inspiring example of a fellow creature "letting go" to a
power greater than itself.  I realized that if the bird "took back his
will" and tried to fly with less trust, on its power alone, it would spoil
its apparent free flight.  That insight granted me the willingness to pray
the Seventh Step prayer.

  It's not easy to know God's will in each circumstance.  I must search out
and be ready for the currents, and that's where prayer and meditation
help! Because I am of myself, nothing, I ask God to grant me the
knowledge of His will and the power and courage to carry it out -- today.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 8th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. We always get
worse, never better. We are never cured. Our alcoholism
can only be arrested. No matter how long we have been
sober, if we try liquor again, we're as bad or worse than
we ever were. There is no exception to this rule in the
whole history of A.A. We can never recapture the good
times of the past. They are gone forever. Will I try to
recapture them?

Meditation for the Day

Your life has been given to you mainly for the purpose of
training your soul. This life we live is not so much for the
body as for the soul. We often choose the way of life that
best suits the body, not the way that best suits the soul.
God wants you to choose what suits the soul as well as the
body. Accept this belief and a wonderful molding of
character is the result. Reject it and God's purpose for
your life is frustrated, and your spiritual progress is
delayed. Your soul is being trained by the good you choose.
Thus the purpose of your life is being accomplished.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may choose what is good for my soul. I pray
that I may realize God's purpose for my life.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 08

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Fun

Have some fun - with life, with the day.

Life is not drudgery; that is an old belief. Let go of it. We are on an
adventure, a journey. Events will come to pass that we cannot now fathom.

Replace heaviness and weariness of spirit with joy. Surround yourself with
people and things that bring lightness of spirit.

Become sensitive to lightness of spirit.

The journey can be an exciting adventure. Let yourself enjoy it.

God, help me let go of my need to meet dysfunctional challenges in my
relationships.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To Manifest Or Not To Manifest
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/June/Opinion%20_Guy_Spiro.html

Blackwolf, psychotherapist and author of Chippewa heritage discusses
heretofore hidden aspects of Native American life that we in the West have
been told little about.
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/January/14-0197.html

Don¹t Sell Out To Fit In, Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/January/cohen.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Is the Grass Really Greener on the Other Side of the Fence? by Joseph Bailey

When we are unhappy, we often quite naturally begin to fantasize about how
our troubles would end "if only". If only I could move to the country and
avoid the hassle of city life... If only I could quit my job and do
something simpler, like be a forest ranger in a national park... If only I
could leave this marriage, which isn't working out, and find someone who
really understands me...

Unfortunately, all too often we quit that stressful job or leave that
unhappy marriage, only to find ourselves in a similar or worse situation.
Why is this?

Looking for external solutions to our psychological problems doesn't work.
In other words, if we don't change our thinking, we will bring that thinking
right along with us to the next job or the next marriage or the new house in
the country. Our experience of life is the creation of our own thinking >
perception > emotion > behavior. This doesn't mean that people should never
change jobs or careers, move to a better location, or even find a new
significant other. It simply means that nothing changes on the outside if
nothing changes on the inside, where your experience is created -- your
mind.

Doug came to me for help with several problems. He was stressed beyond his
limit. He was unable to sleep at night, hated the industry he was in and the
people he worked with, had angry outbursts at work, and couldn't maintain a
significant relationship. To Doug, it appeared that he was in the wrong job
and living in the wrong state and that his problems were all a result of
those factors. In the past ten years he'd taken five new jobs, moved to four
new homes, and failed in numerous relationships.

Doug would often fantasize about moving to Colorado, getting a job at a ski
resort, and simplifying his hectic life. He was making great money where he
was, but the stress wasn't worth it to him, and he knew he wasn't getting
any younger. He sought me out because he wanted to make sure he wasn't going
to regret his decision later.

"Everybody around here is always pushing my buttons", Doug said. "They have
no respect for my time, my priorities, or my responsibilities, yet they want
me to respect theirs. Well, I tell you, they can take this job and do you
know what with it!" This was Doug's typical complaint. But as he began to
understand the principles described in this book (The Speed Trap), his view
of his job and other people gradually began to change.

The Fork in the Road

One day, Doug realized he'd had it with his supervisor. One more demand like
that and I'll show him. I'll quit, Doug grumbled to himself.

Sure enough, his supervisor asked him to cancel his other plans and fly to
Florida the next day; this was an emergency.

"I'm sick and tired of your demands! What do you take me for -- a fool?"
With that, Doug stormed out of his supervisor's office and out to the
parking lot. He sped out of the driveway, and within two blocks a police
officer pulled him over and began writing out a ticket for going 50 in a
35-MPH zone.

As Doug sat in his car, it dawned on him that he was totally out of control
and definitely in an unhealthy way of thinking. Once again, he had made an
impulsive, reactive decision while in a rage. All of his musings about
leaving the job seemed to build up to this point. What have I done? he asked
himself. Is this really what I want, or am I overreacting? Suddenly, it
became absolutely clear to him that he had been "temporarily insane" and had
acted on that insane thinking.

When the officer handed him the ticket, Doug thanked him for the wake-up
call. Puzzled, the officer walked away wondering why anyone would be
thanking him for a ticket.

Doug suddenly realized that this was just one of numerous occasions in which
he had set himself up for having a major emotional reaction by thinking that
"they" were ruining his life. It became clear to him that he was taking
everything personally and that it was his thinking that was giving him his
emotional reaction. A flood of memories and insights washed over him, and he
saw this pattern throughout his whole life, with his family, his bosses, his
girlfriends, other jobs. It was always "their fault", and his only recourse
was to get away from those negative influences. That had appeared to be his
only option this time once again -- up to the moment he got the speeding
ticket.

Doug went back to the office and apologized to his boss. "I'm really sorry I
reacted to you the way I did. I was way out of line. I'll be in Florida
tomorrow." With that accomplished, Doug actually began to feel good about
the trip and even decided to throw in his golf clubs and take the weekend
off for some R & R. Man, I'm so lucky to have a job that will get me out of
the cold winter and off to Florida, he thought, as he went whistling out the
door.

On the plane back from Florida, Doug felt a warm glow of grateful feelings
as he realized how much he actually loved his job, especially now that he
realized where the power over his anger and his happiness truly resided.
Boy, am I glad I didn't quit. That was a close one. I wonder in how many
other areas of my life I've been doing the same thing, Doug mused. I guess
the grass only looked greener because I needed a new pair of glasses!

This article is excerpted from the book "The Speed Trap" by Joseph Bailey,
©1999. Reprinted with permission of the publisher, HarperSanFrancisco, an
imprint of Harper Collins, Inc.

About The Author:
Joseph Bailey is the president of the Minneapolis Institute of Mental Health
and Health Realization Consultants in Minnesota. He has trained chemical
dependency counselors from around the world for the Johnson Institute in
Minneapolis. He is the author of The Speed Trap as well as of Serenity
Principle, and Slowing Down to the Speed of Life. Visit his website at
www.healthreal.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Gentle Art of Blessing

   On awakening, bless this day, for it is already full of unseen
good which your blessings will call forth; for to bless is to
acknowledge the unlimited good that is embedded in the very
texture of the universe and awaiting each and all.

   On passing people in the street, on the bus, in places of work
and play, bless them. The peace of your blessing will accompany
them on their way and the aura of its gentle fragrance will be a
light to their path.

   On meeting and talking to people, bless them in their health,
their work, their joy, their relationships to God, themselves, and
others. Bless them in their abundance, their finances...bless them
in every conceivable way, for such blessings not only sow seeds of
healing but one day will spring forth as flowers of joy in the waste
places of your own life.

   As you walk, bless the city in which you live, its government and
teachers, its nurses and street sweepers, its children and bankers
and its priests.

   The minute anyone expresses the least aggression or unkindness
to you, respond with a blessing: bless them totally, sincerely, joyfully,
for such blessings are a shield which protects them from the
ignorance of their misdeed, and deflects the arrow that was aimed
at you.

   To bless means to wish, unconditionally, total, unrestricted good for
others and events from the deepest wellspring in the innermost
chamber of your heart: it means to hallow, to hold in reverence, to
behold with utter awe that which is always a gift from the Creator.
He who is hallowed by your blessing is set aside, consecrated, holy,
whole.

   To bless is yet to invoke divine care upon, to think or speak gratefully
for, to confer happiness upon - although we ourselves are never the
bestower, but simply the joyful witnesses of Life's abundance. To bless
all without discrimination of any sort is the ultimate form of giving,
because those you bless will never know from whence came the sudden
ray of sun that burst through the clouds of their skies, and you will rarely
be a witness to the sunlight in their lives.

   When something goes completely askew in your day, some unexpected
event knocks down your plans and you too also, burst into blessing: for
life is teaching you a lesson, and the very event you believe to be
unwanted, you yourself called forth, so as to learn the lesson you might
balk against were you not to bless it. Trials are blessings in disguise, and
hosts of angels follow in their path. To bless is to acknowledge the
omnipresent,  universal beauty hidden to material eyes; it is to activate
that law of attraction which, from the furthest reaches of the universe,
will bring into your life exactly what you need to experience and enjoy.

   When you pass a prison, mentally bless its inmates in their innocence
and freedom, their gentleness, pure essence and unconditional
forgiveness; for one can only be prisoner of one's self-image, and a free
man can walk unshackled in the courtyard of a jail, just as citizens of
countries where freedom reigns can be prisoners when fear lurks in
their thoughts.

   When you pass a hospital, bless its patients in their present wholeness,
for even in their suffering, this wholeness awaits in them to be
discovered.

   When your eyes behold a man in tears, or seemingly broken by life, bless
him in his vitality and joy: for the material senses present but the
inverted image of the ultimate splendor and perfection which only the
inner eye beholds.

   It is impossible to bless and to judge at the same time. So hold
constantly as a deep, hallowed, intoned thought that desire to bless, for
truly then shall you become a peacemaker, and one day you shall,
everywhere, behold the very face of God.

Pierre Pradervand

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

True Abundance

   "Many are the heartaches of the person who bases his or her whole
security on things of the world.  Peaceful and secure is the person
whose real treasure is always the affluence of God-substance.  He or
she always feels rich no matter how the market fluctuates or what
the balance sheet shows.  And the great thing is that this feeling will
prompt him or her always to make right and wise decisions in the
management of his or her affairs.  The mind flourishes with creative
ideas, the hands tingle with ingenuity, opportunities unfold, and blessings
abound - all because of the feeling of abundance that came first.

   God can do no more FOR you than God can do THROUGH you.  Before
you attempt to raise money, the first step should be to raise
consciousness, to know that 'the place on which you are standing is holy
ground.'  It is important to recall that it is not really for lack of
abundance that you are experiencing want, but for lack of the awareness
of the ever-present reality of divine substance and the faith to shape it
into manifest form.

   Turn from the appearance of lack to the reality of affluence as you
declare for yourself something like this: 'I ESTABLISH MYSELF IN
THE LIMITLESS SUBSTANCE OF GOD, AND I HAVE ABUNDANCE."

Eric Butterworth

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dispersion

Life energy
surrounds and affects us
every day of our lives
even if we are not aware of
its invisible influence

As energies fluctuate
waning and waxing as moon phases
we become part of such energy flows
we are all part of the energy band
wrapped and bound around this planet

We all contain seeds of knowing
about each other
the squirrel knows about me
as I intimately may know the squirrel
a blade of grass ~ her cells
feed my cells' needs
Bound together as we are
woven tightly out of life necessity
so beautifully interdependent
we have adopted a system
of dispersing ourselves
in our common energy field
our web of life circle
so that we have forgotten our relativity
to one another

New awareness reconnects
energy bonds
and brings a silent joy of recognition
be aware
be present
to each other

Love
Stella

©2000 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

WHAT IF . . . by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

   WHAT IF it doesn't matter what you do but how you do whatever you do?

   HOW WOULD this change what you choose to do with your life?

   WHAT IF you could be more fully present and open-hearted working as a
cashier in the corner store - able to really see and be with the people who
come into the store- than you are when you are striving to do what you hope
or think will make a more important contribution to the world and the lives
of those you love?

   HOW WOULD this change how you want to spend your precious time on this
earth?

   WHAT IF your contribution to the world and the fulfillment of your own
happiness is not dependent upon discovering a better method of prayer or
technique of meditation, not dependent upon reading the right book or
attending the right seminar, but upon really seeing and deeply appreciating
yourself and the world as they are right now?

   HOW WOULD this affect your search for spiritual development?

   WHAT IF there is no need to change, no need to try and transform yourself
into someone who is more compassionate, more present, more loving or wise?

   HOW WOULD this affect all the places in your life where you are endlessly
trying to be better?

   WHAT IF the task is simply to unfold, to become who you already are in
your essential nature- gentle, compassionate and capable of living fully and
passionately present?

   HOW WOULD this effect how you feel when you wake up in the morning?

   WHAT IF who you essentially are right now is all that you are ever going
to be?

   HOW WOULD this effect how you feel about your future?

   WHAT IF the essence of who you are and always have been is enough?

   HOW WOULD this effect how you see and feel about your past?

   WHAT IF the question is not why am I so infrequently the person I really
want to be, but why do I so infrequently want to be the person I really am?

   HOW WOULD this change what you think you have to learn?

   WHAT IF becoming who and what we truly are happens not through striving
and trying but by recognizing and receiving the people and places and
practices that offer us the warmth of encouragement we need to unfold?

   HOW WOULD this shape your choices about how to spend today?

by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Accountable

First I must figure
What I want out of today
Then I will contemplate
What I must do to make this way
It is worth the effort I spend
Will it make me happy
In the end
Then careful
Planning
Consideration
Will anyone be hurt
By my actions
In the end will I find
Satisfaction
What will this cost me
Am I ready to pay the price
Do my actions prove
That I am nice
This is important to me today
I do not want to offend
Anyone along the way
So I walk softly
Watching where I walk
And what I say
Because I am
Accountable today

Daniel M Corkery
3/2/2002
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Self-empowerment -
that's learning to respect other people's music,
but dance to your own tune as you master harmony within yourself.
Self Empowerment, Doc Childre

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

How should two people treat each other
If they both know God?

Like a musician touching his violin
With utmost care
To caress the final note.
Hafiz

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For the things we have to learn
before we can do them,
we learn by doing them.
Aristotle

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wish not so much to live long, as to live well.
Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you can't fight
and you can't flee......
flow.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If the wind don't blow......
row.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Faith will move a mountain,
but you have to bring a shovel.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The sooner you push your wagon,
the quicker you on on your way.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
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this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Double Trouble
www.recoverylane.com/double_trouble.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Each month we will share on a step and spiritual principles of the step.
Since it is June the 6th month, PLEASE share on the 6th step
If you haven¹t done the 6th step with your sponsor
Please share on willingness, surrender and responsibility...

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 7
Today I am willing to experience all my feelings
without hiding or running away.
I am feeling alive in all moments
and I am living this day to the fullest.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twelve Steps of Sponsorship

1.   I will not help you to stay and wallow in limbo.

2.  I will help you to grow, to become more productive, by your
     definition.

3.  I will help you become more autonomous, more loving of yourself,
     more excited, less sensitive, more free to become the authority
     for your own living.

4.   I can not give you dreams or "fix you up" simply because I can not.

5.   I can not give you growth, or grow for you.  You must grow for
      yourself by facing reality, grim as it may be at times.

6.   I can not take away your loneliness or your pain.

7.   I can not sense your world for you, evaluate your goals for you,
     tell you what is best for your world;  because you have your own
     world in which you must live.

8.   I can not convince you of the necessity to make the vital decision
     of choosing the frightening uncertainty of growing over the safe
     misery of remaining static.

9.   I want to be with you and know you as a rich and growing friend;
     yet I can not get close to you when you choose not to grow.

10.  When I begin to care for you out of pity or when I begin to lose
     faith in you, then I am inhibiting both for you and for me.

11.   You must know and understand my help is conditional.  I will be
     with you and "hang in there" with you so long as I continue to get
     even the slightest hint that you are still trying to grow.

12.   If you can accept this, then perhaps we can help each other to
     become what God meant us to be, mature adults, leaving childishness
     forever to the little children of the world.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Recovery Tool Kit
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=725

The Troubles Tree
www.wscribe.com/parables/trouble.html

No Matter What!
www.serenityfound.org/readings/no_matter.html

John Bradshaw: A Teacher for Our Times
www.creativegrowth.com/opexart.htm

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 7                                  Someone Who Believes In Me

"Just for today I will have faith in someone in NA who believes in me
and wants to help me in my recovery."   Basic Text, p. 96

Not all of us arrive in NA and automatically stay clean. But if we keep
coming back, we find in Narcotics Anonymous the support we need for our
recovery. Staying clean is easier when we have someone who believes in
us even when we don't believe in ourselves.

  Even the most frequent relapser in NA usually has one staunch supporter
who is always there, no matter what. It is imperative that we find that
one person or group of people who believes in us. When we ask them if we
will ever get clean, they will always reply, "Yes, you can and you will.
Just keep coming back!"

  We all need someone who believes in us, especially when we can't believe
in ourselves. When we relapse, we undermine our already shattered
self-confidence, sometimes so badly that we begin to feel utterly
hopeless. At such times, we need the support of our loyal NA friends.
They tell us that this can be our last relapse. They know from experience
that if we keep coming to meetings, we will eventually get clean and stay
clean.

  It's hard for many of us to believe in ourselves. But when someone loves
us unconditionally, offering support no matter how many times we've
relapsed, recovery in NA becomes a little more real for us.

Just for today: I will find someone who believes in me. I will believe
in them. pg. 165

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Upward Path

Here are the steps we took . . .
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59

These are the words that lead into the Twelve Steps.  In their direct
simplicity they sweep aside all psychological and philosophical
considerations about the rightness of the Steps.  They describe what I did:
I took the Steps and sobriety was the result.  These words do not imply
that I should walk the well-trodden path of those who went before, but
rather that there is a way for me to become sober and that it is a way I
shall have to find.  It is a new path, one that leads to infinite light at
the top of the mountain.  The Steps advise me about the footholds that are
safe and about chasms to avoid.  They provide me with the tools I need
during the many parts of the solitary journey of my soul.  When I speak of
this journey, I share my experience, strength and hope with others.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 7th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Alcoholism is a progressive illness. We go through the three
stages of social drinking, trouble drinking, and merry-go-round
drinking. We land in hospitals and jails. We eventually lose our
homes, our families, and our self-respect. Yes, alcoholism is a
progressive illness and there are only three ends to it-the
insane asylum, the morgue, or total abstinence. Will I choose
not to take the first drink?

Meditation for the Day

You not only can live a new life but you also can grow in grace
and power and beauty. Reach ever forward and upward after
the things of the spirit. In the animal world, the very form of
an animal changes to enable it to reach that upon which it
delights to feed. Your whole character changes as you reach
upward for the things of the spirit-for beauty, for love, for
honesty, for purity, and for unselfishness. Reaching after
these things of the spirit, your whole nature becomes changed
so that you can best receive and delight in the wonders of the
abundant life.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may reach forward and upward. I pray that my
character may be changed by this reaching upward for the
things of the spirit.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 07

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Into Orbit

     It doesn't matter if they're hurting themselves. It doesn't matter that
we could help them if they'd only listen to, and cooperate with, us. IT
DOESN'T MATTER, DOESN'T MATTER, DOESN'T MATTER, DOESN'T MATTER.
     --Codependent No More

I think I can change him. Nobody's ever really loved him and appreciated him
before. I'll be the one to do that, and then he'll change. . . . She's never
been with anybody trustworthy before. I'll prove how trustworthy I am, and
then she'll be able to love. . . . Nobody's been able to get to her, to
conquer her, before. I'll be the one to do that. . . . Nobody's ever really
given him a chance. . . . Nobody's ever really believed in him before. . . .

These are warning signs. Red lights. Red flags. In fact, if we're thinking
these thoughts, they need to be stop signs.

If we have gotten hooked into believing that somehow we will be the one who
will make the difference in someone's life, if we are trying to prove how
good we can be for someone, we may be in trouble.

This is a game. A deception. It won't work. It'll make us crazy. We can
trust that. We're not seeing things clearly. Something's going on with us.
t will be self-defeating.

We may be "the one" all right -- the one to wind up victimized.

The whole thought pattern reeks of codependency, of not being responsible
for oneself, and of victimization. Each person needs to do his or her own
work.

Nobody in the past has really understood him. . . . Nobody has seen what I
see in her. . . . It's a set up. It sets us up to stop paying attention to
ourselves while we focus too much on the other person. It takes us away from
our path and often puts us in orbit.

Nobody has appreciated him enough. . . . Nobody has been good enough to her,
or done for her what I can do. . . . It's a rescue. It's a game move, a game
we don't have to play. We don't have to prove we're the one. If we're out to
show people we're the best thing that ever happened to them, it may be time
to see if they're the best thing that ever happened to us.

We have not been appointed as guardian angel, godmother, godfather, or "the
one who will."

The help, support, and encouragement that truly benefits others and
ourselves emerges naturally. Let it.

God, help me let go of my need to meet dysfunctional challenges in my
relationships.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Challenge of a New, Golden Age
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/June/feature6.html

Meditation Holds the Key
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/January/11-0197.html

Two Steps Behind Anger
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/February/vissell.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Are You Ready to Surrender? by Aluna Joy Yaxk'in

If I was asked to pick one of the most potent teachings I have received in
my awakening process, it would be the acts of constant "surrender" and
"non-attachment". No matter which way we turn in life these days, we are
being asked to let go of what we know, to be able to step into the vast
unknown. Surrender and non-attachment work hand in hand. To live in
non-attachment is to surrender in every moment; to "let go and let God".

Lately we find our lives and our world changing in ways we did not expect,
and many, like myself, had "plans". We can get attached to our plans. We
have plans for our businesses, our spiritual lives, and our relationships.
But lately I am beginning to think the Great Maker has a bigger "Plan" than
we could have imagined on our own. The challenge we are faced with is to let
go of our human 3D idea of a perfect future to make room for the grand and
unexpectedly wonderful next step the creator has in store for us!

This topic reminds me of a vision I had a few months back. In the vision I
saw all the lightworkers, healers, teachers, wise ones, elders, shamans, and
all consciously-evolving people of the world standing high atop a huge
360-degree red rock plateau. The plateau rose from the desert floor several
hundred feet in all directions. The plateau was very crowded, much like a
sold-out rock concert. There was not an inch of space left to move about.
Many in the group were becoming impatient, and began to shove and push. The
ones on the edge began to quickly search for a way to get off the plateau so
they would not be pushed off and fall to the desert floor. But in every
direction there was only a sharp drop-off. There were no ladders, ropes,
bridges, or signs saying this way down. The pulse of the group intensified
and the entire top of the plateau became a single pulsing organism.

I asked what the vision meant, and I came to realize that we as a human race
have experienced everything we possibly can. We have re-hashed, re-written,
re-taught, and re-experienced every spiritual teaching known in this
dimension. There is no place left to go. Nothing left to learn. We cannot
back up because history is too packed full of experience and the time has
passed where we could retreat back to our comfort zone of what is known. We
are on a spiritual plateau. We are being asked to move forward into the
unknown. But moving forward takes courage, faith, and a huge dose of
surrender to be able to make the jump off this spiritual plateau. It will
also take a huge dose of non-attachment to what we know, who we think we
are, and what we have. And the universe is asking us... "Are we ready?"

The Inca Spiritual Messenger I work with in Peru, Willaru Huayta, has taught
me a lot about non-attachment over the last few years. Here is a man who
once lived in a cave in the Amazon jungle, with no material possessions. At
that time in his life, he was able to move back and forth between dimensions
and to commune with the masters, like the Great Inca, Lord Meru, and the
Angelic realms. Willaru learned how to jump into the vast unknown -- jump
off the plateau -- but he also had next-to-no attachments to this world,
either. But as we move back into the mainstream world, it becomes harder to
maintain this ability, as Willaru soon discovered when he was asked to
re-enter the world and share his teachings. It was considerably easier for
him to enter the void while in the jungles than it is now, while living in
Cuzco, running pilgrimages, and raising a family.

Where Willaru is right now, is where we all are. We can't go running into
the jungles with just the clothes on our backs and learn to surrender and
take the jump into the void. We are being asked to jump, surrounded by all
the things we have collected in our very busy and complicated lives, lives
filled with our family obligations, our demanding jobs, our material
possessions. This doesn't mean we must give it all up, it just means we must
not be attached to who we are, what we have, and our plans. We are being
asked to be ever ready to hear the call, to step on the new path, to make
the jump when it reveals itself.

Jesus said, "See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit. Be
like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to
open the door as soon as he comes and knocks. Happy those servants whom the
master finds awake when he comes. I tell you solemnly, He will put on an
apron, sit them down at the table and wait on them."

My vision evolved during a few months and the ones on the plateau became the
archetype called Indiana Jones and began to swing a machete in the deep dark
crowded jungle called life, cutting a path to an unknown destination. This
addition to the original vision reminded me that it is time for us to
joyously embrace the spiritual adventurer inside ourselves. It is time to be
wild in our thinking and to be creative in our actions. These are the days
we can birth a new world, a new age, a new creation, and it is up to us what
manifests. All it will take is one person on the spiritual plateau to brave
the jungle ahead, to jump into the unknown, to lead us to a new future.

The vision was clear -- we as humanity are waiting, desiring, and begging
for the next step. Something new and unexpected is on the way and we can all
feel its coming. It is our readiness and state of surrender that will help
us see the path ahead. We can take flight from the spiritual plateau and
reach higher states than we have ever dreamed of. Everything we have learned
for ages past, through cultures, religion, science, has brought us to this
place. For us to access the next step we have to expect the unexpected; to
stretch our conscious and unconscious minds to accept a new reality emerging
right in front of us. Forest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates.
You never know what you are going to get." It is time to let go of the plans
we have made and to jump with boundless surrender into the Creator's new
vision. Are YOU ready? The creator thinks so!

About The Author:
Aluna Joy Yaxk'in is an internationally known spiritual guide, speaker,
author, photographer, Mayan Astrologer, Clairvoyant, and Sacred Site Essence
Formulator. She acts as a cross cultural guide on spiritual pilgrimages
blending her vast experience in Multidimensional communication, Maya/Inca
Cosmology, Andean Mastery, and Ascended Master Teachings. Aluna is author of
Mayan Astrology and The Mayan Daykeeper. She can be reached at Center of the
SUN - Aluna Joy Yaxk'in, PO Box 1988, Sedona, AZ 86339 Ph: 520-282-6292
Ph/Fax: 520-282-4622 Webpage: www.1spirit.com/alunajoy  E-mail:
alunajoy@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wherever You Are, Be There

One of the major reasons why we fail to find happiness
or to create a unique lifestyle
is because we have not yet mastered
the art of being.

While we are home our thoughts are still absorbed
with solving the challenges we face at the office.
And when we are at the office we find
ourselves worrying about problems at home.

We go through the day without really listening
to what others are saying to us.
We may be hearing the words,
but we aren't absorbing the message.

As we go through the day we find ourselves focusing
on past experiences or future possibilities.
We are so involved in yesterday and tomorrow that we
never even notice that today is slipping by.

We go through the day rather than getting something
from the day. We are
everywhere at any given moment in time
except living in that moment in time.

Lifestyle is learning to be wherever you are.
It is developing a unique focus on the current moment,
and drawing from it all of the substance and
wealth of experience and emotions that it has to offer.
Lifestyle is taking time to watch a sunset.

Lifestyle is listening to silence.
Lifestyle is capturing each moment
so that it becomes a new part of what we are
and of what we are in the process of becoming.
Lifestyle is not something we do;
it is something we experience.
And until we learn to be there,
we will never master the art of
living well.

"Until you make peace with who you are,
you'll never be content with what you have."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dragons

Often judged to be a destructive force
the mythical dragon of legends
was said to hide in caves
protecting jewelled treasures
deep in mountain sides
in the midst of wilderness lands
Untameable, unreachable, unknowable

Wisdom of Chinese symbolic lore teaches
this beast of power is revered as a spirit
showing us the way

I see Dragons
as whimsical creatures that inhabit the
metaphysical land of the psyche
not just a wisp of the imagination
but a potential force for positive changes
that needs harnessing
a soul strength at our disposal

We each have our own
personal power dragon you see
to whom we assign
either timidity or an adventurous spirit...
if it be tame, mild, a retreating entity;
if it be forward, persistent,
owning true integrity
depends entirely on the path we choose
as part of our daily choices
as part of the integrating process
the peaceful truce we make with
our nature/imagination

Dragons within
make friends with children
move mountains
and protect secret treasures
Dare to believe

Love
Stella

©2000 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It's All in the Tone

"It's hardly ever what you say.
It's more the way in which you say it.
It's not really the words that you use...
It's the tone you use to convey it.

'Come here!' he sharply said.
So, the child recoiled and wept.
'Come here,' I softly said instead.
He looked at my smile...
And to my lap he eagerly crept.

Your words may be ever so mild and fair,
but the tone may pierce like a dart.
Yes, your words may be sweet as the summer air,
but with your tone you may break my heart.

Whether you may know it or not;
Whether you mean to or whether you even care...
Kindness, arrogance, love and hate,
caring, disdain and anger are lurking there.

Oh, so many quarrels would you avoid,
and, instead, in happy relations rejoice...
if you kept anger not only out of your words,
but also out of your voice!"

by Virginia Santoro
© 2000
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Beginning Today

Beginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday.  It is in the past
and the past will never change.  Only I can change by choosing to do so.

Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow.  Tomorrow will always
be there, waiting for me to make the most of it.  But I cannot make the most
of tomorrow without first making the most of today.

Beginning today I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of
my respect and admiration.  This capable person looking back at me is
someone I enjoy spending time with and someone I would like to get to know
better.

Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life.  I value the gift
bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with
others.

Beginning today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to
revel in the mysteries I encounter.  I will face challenges with courage and
determination.  I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my
quest for growth and self- improvement.

Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.
Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image, my
desire to succeed or my capacity to love.

Beginning today I walk with renewed faith in human kindness.  Regardless of
what has gone before.  I believe there is hope for a brighter and better
future.

Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart.  I will welcome new
experiences.  I will meet new people.  I will not expect perfection from
myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world.
But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.

Beginning today I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do things
that make me happy...  admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my
favorite music, pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath...  Pleasure
can be found in the most simple of gestures.

Beginning today I will learn something new; I will try something different;
I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer.  I will change what
I can and the rest I will let go.  I will strive to become the best me I can
possibly be.

written by - Penny White
© 1995
www.penwomanship.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Love requires that we overcome the traditional
and self-defeating fears that place distance
between ourselves and others.
Leo Buscaglia

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What the caterpillar calls the end of the world
the master calls a butterfly.
Richard Bach

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you had a friend who talked to you,
like you sometimes talk to yourself,
would you continue to hang around with that person?
Rob Bremer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One-half of knowing what you want is knowing
what you must give up before you get it.
Sidney Howard

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you don't know what to do,
then don't do anything.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Give time, time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This too shall pass.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't leave before the miracle happens.
If you're not here for the first miracle,
then you can't be here for the second miracle.
Miracles are our birthright.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you're feeling bad, you need a meeting.
If you're feeling good, the meeting needs you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

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Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

Drinking and Drugging Cartoons
www.offthemarkcartoons.com/search-results/key/drug/
www.offthemarkcartoons.com/search-results/key/drink/

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Each month we will share on a step and spiritual principles of the step.
Since it is June the 6th month, PLEASE share on the 6th step
If you haven¹t done the 6th step with your sponsor
Please share on willingness, surrender and responsibility...

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 6
I know that I cannot be hurt by anyone
if I consistently look for their best.
Today I continue to search out the best in all my relationships,
looking for something I can love in everyone.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Keep Coming Back

All she wanted was love
Then she lost hope.
Her heart full of N.A.
Her head full of dope.

I told her I loved her
It wasn't enough.
She took herself out
Cuz life got too tough.

I hate this disease
It takes and it kills.
A pipe or a shot,
A handful of pills.

You told me to stay
Didn't know if I could.
Just for today, then
I promised I would.

I keep coming back
In spite of the pain.
This too shall pass
It's just part of the game.

Remember those that go
Make sure it's not you.
Just keep coming back
I know I will, too.

Anonymous

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Two Friends In The Desert
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=721

Time Management
www.wscribe.com/parables/time.html

Spirituality Is About Being Me
www.serenityfound.org/readings/being_me.html

Art Of Recovery
www.perceptiongallery.com/Art%20of%20Recovery.html

Louise Hay
www.louisehay.com/index.php

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 6                     Recovery Doesn't Happen Overnight 

"The Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous are a progressive
recovery process established in our daily living."
Basic Text, p. 96

  After some time in recovery, we may find we are faced with what
seem like overwhelming personal problems, angry feelings, and despair.
When we realize what's going on, we may wail, "But I've been working
so hard. I thought I was..:' Recovered, maybe? Not hardly. Over and
over, we hear that recovery is an ongoing process and that we are
never cured. Yet we sometimes believe that if we just work our steps
enough, pray enough, or go to enough meetings, we'll eventually... Well,
maybe not be. cured, but be something!

  And we are "something:' We're recovering-recovering from active
addiction. No matter what we've dealt with through the process of the
steps, there will always be more. What we didn't remember or didn't
think was important in our first inventory will surely present itself later
on. Again and again, we'll turn to the process of the steps to deal with
what's bothering us. The more we use this process the more we'll trust
it, for we can see the results. We go from anger and resentment to
forgiveness, from denial to honesty and acceptance, and from pain to
serenity.

  Recovery doesn't happen overnight, and ours will never be complete.
But each day brings new healing and the hope for more tomorrow.

Just for today:  I will do what I can for my recovery today and
maintain hope in the ongoing process of recovery. pg. 164

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Readiness To Serve Others

. . . our Society has concluded that it has but one high mission -- to
carry the A.A. message to those who don't know there's a way out.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.  151

  The "Light" to freedom shines bright on my fellow alcoholics as each one
of us challenges the other to grow.  The "Steps" to self-improvement
have small beginnings, but each Step builds the "ladder" out of the pit of
despair to new hope.  Honesty becomes my "tool" to unfurl the "chains"
which bound me.  A sponsor, who is a caring listener, can help me to truly
hear the message guiding me to freedom.

  I ask God for the courage to live in such a way that the Fellowship may be
a testimony to His favor.  This mission frees me to share my gifts of
wellness through a spirit of readiness to serve others.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 6th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Drinking is the way we alcoholics express our maladjustment's
to life. I believe that I was a potential alcoholic from the start.
I had an inferiority complex. I didn't make friends easily.
There was a wall between me and other people. And I was
lonely. I was not well adjusted to life. Did I drink to escape
from myself?

Meditation for the Day

According to the varying needs of each person, so does each
person think of God. It is not necessary that you think of God
as others think of Him, but it is necessary that you think of
Him as supplying what you personally need. The weak need
God's strength. The strong need God's tenderness. The
tempted and fallen need God's saving grace. The righteous
needs God's pity for sinners. The lonely need God as a friend.
The fighters for righteousness need a leader in God. You may
think of God in any way you wish. We usually do not turn to
God until we need Him.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may think of God as supplying my needs. I pray
that I will bring all my problems to Him for help in meeting them.
"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 06

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

The Gift of Readiness

     Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
     --Step Six of Al-Anon

We progress to the Sixth Step by working diligently, to the best of our
ability, on the first Five Steps. This work readies us for a change of
heart, openness to becoming changed by a Power greater than ourselves --
God.

The path to this willingness can be long and hard. Many of us have to
struggle with a behavior or feeling before we become ready to let it go. We
need to see, over and over again, that the coping device that once protected
us is no longer useful.

The defects of character referred to in Step Six are old survival behaviors
that once helped us cope with people, life, and ourselves. But now they are
getting in our way, and it is time to be willing to have them removed.

Trust in this time. Trust that you are being readied to let go of that which
is no longer useful. Trust that a change of heart is being worked out in
you.

God, help me become ready to let go of my defects of character. Help me
know, in my mind and soul, that I am ready to let go of my self defeating
behaviors, the blocks and barriers to my life.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

How You are Kept Prisoner by a Drunken Monkey
with Sharp Teeth and a Big Bite
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/June/feature5.html

How To Measure Your Healing
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/January/08-0197.html

Ask Louise, Letters of Wisdom and Affirmations
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/February/hay.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation Is Easy by Louise L. Hay

Relaxation is essential to the healing process. It's hard to allow the
healing energies to flow within us if we're tense and frightened. Dr. Bernie
Siegel says, "The physical benefits of meditation have been well documented.
It tends to lower or normalize blood pressure, pulse rate, and the level of
stress hormones in the blood. Its benefits are also multiplied when combined
with regular exercise. In short, it reduces wear and tear on both body and
mind, helping people live better and longer."
It only takes a moment or two, several times a day, to allow the body to let
go and relax. At any moment, you can close your eyes and take two or three
deep breaths and release whatever tension you may be carrying. If you have
more time, sit or lie down quietly, and talk your body into complete
relaxation. Say silently to yourself: "My toes are relaxing, my feet are
relaxing, my ankles are letting go," and so on, working all the way up your
body. Or, you may begin with your head and work down.

At the end of this simple exercise, you'll feel peaceful and calm for a
while. Repeating this process on a regular basis can create a peaceful state
within you. This is a very positive, physical meditation that you can do
anywhere.

As a society, we've made meditation into something mysterious and difficult
to achieve, yet meditation is one of the oldest and simplest processes we
can do. Yes, we can make it complicated with specialized breathing and
ritualized mantras. Those meditations are fine for advanced students. Still,
everyone can meditate now; it's easy.

All we have to do is to sit or lie down quietly, close our eyes, and take a
few deep breaths. The body will automatically relax; we don't have to do
anything to force it. We can repeat the words healing or peace or love, or
anything that's meaningful to us. We could even say, "I love myself" or "All
is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. Out of this
situation only good will come. I am safe." We can say silently, "What is it
I need to know?" or "I am willing to learn." Then just be there quietly.

Answers may come immediately or in a day or two. Don't feel rushed. Allow
things to unfold naturally. Remember that it's the nature of the mind to
think; you will never completely rid yourself of dashing thoughts. Allow
them to flow. You might notice, "Oh, now I'm thinking fear thoughts or anger
thoughts or disaster thoughts or whatever." Don't give these thoughts
importance; just let them pass through your mind like soft clouds on a
summer sky.

Some say that uncrossing your legs and arms and sitting upright with a
straight spine will improve the quality of the meditation. Maybe so. Do it
if you can. What's important is to meditate on a regular basis. The practice
of meditation is cumulative: The more regularly you do it, the more your
body and mind respond to the benefits of relaxation -- and the quicker you
may get your answers.

Another easy method of meditation is to simply count your breaths as you sit
quietly with your eyes closed. Count "one" on the inhale, "two" on the
exhale, "three" on the inhale, and so on, counting your breath from one to
ten. When you exhale on ten, just begin again at one. If your mind wanders
and you find yourself counting up to 18 or 30, merely bring yourself back to
one. If you find that you're fretting about your doctor or your job or your
kids or about making a shopping list, simply bring yourself back to the
count of one.

You can't meditate incorrectly. Any starting point is perfect for you. You
can find books that will teach you several methods. You can also find
classes that will give you the experience of meditating with others. Begin
anywhere. Allow meditation to become a habit.

If you're new to meditation, I would suggest that you begin with only five
minutes at a time. People who immediately do 20 or 30 minutes can get bored
and skip it entirely. Five minutes once or twice a day is a good beginning.
If you can do it at the same time every day, the body begins to look forward
to it. Meditation gives you small periods of rest that are beneficial to the
healing of your emotions and body.

You see, we all have tremendous wisdom within us. We have all the answers to
all the questions we shall ever ask inside of us.

You have no idea how wise you are. You can take care of yourself. You do
have the answers you need. Get connected. You will feel safer and more
powerful.

This article is excerpted from You Can Heal Your Life Companion Book, ©2002,
by Louise L. Hay. Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Hay House Inc.
http://www.hayhouse.com

About the Author:
Louise L. Hay is a metaphysical lecturer and teacher and the bestselling
author of 27 books, including You Can Heal Your Life and Empowering Women.
Her works have been translated into 25 different languages in 33 countries
throughout the world. Since beginning her career as a Science of Mind
minister in 1981, Louise has assisted thousands of people in discovering and
using the full potential of their own creative powers for personal growth
and self-healing.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Trouble Tree

  The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had
just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him
lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit and now his ancient
pickup truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in
stony silence.

  On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked
toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree,
touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening
the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face
was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and
gave his wife a kiss. Afterward he walked me to the car.

  We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked
him about what I had seen him do earlier.

  "Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help
having troubles on the job, but one thing for sure, troubles
don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I
just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. Then
in the morning I pick them up again. "Funny thing is," he smiled,
"when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there ain't
nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."

Author Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Little Child

I am your Little One
I am always with you ~
I am your learning, your being
Your wonderment at the world

I am your unashamed openness to the Universe
Your feelings, your imagination, your intuition
I love play, warmth, rainbows, dragons and simplicity
I encompass your vulnerability
Your tenderness, fragility, love and honesty

I am in tune with your environment
wherever you are and with whomever you may be
I know what you need to be happy
When you tune into me
I gladly inform you of all of the above

In order to fill your world with colours
I need to be given permission
I need your nurturance and total acceptance
Otherwise I stay hidden in your heart
crying and alone
but patient, waiting

For I will not compromise my innocence
I need firm boundaries to feel safe
Will you open to love?
Will you help me to trust?
My survival depends on it
My happiness comes only from you

All I want is your heart to open
Will you invite me
into your world?

Love
Stella

© 2000 Stella Raymonde Savoie
From ŒDaydreams¹©
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Mountains to Climb

Too often we try to take on problems that do not belong to us . . .
and we usually do this in the name of love.

Most of the time, these problems are not of our making,
but we continue to think we could or should "fix" them.

It is important to remember that we each have mountains to climb
and rivers to cross on our travels through life.

To climb someone else's mountain or cross someone else's river is to deny
them the lessons they need to learn on their own path through life.

What we can do, however, is to be there for support, encouragement and
inspiration when needed.

Giving unconditional love, a hug, or just being someone who will listen
is sometimes the healthiest action we can do for them
as well as for ourselves.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Why

Why is a question,
I constantly keep.
When I find the answer,
I know I will weep.
Not for sadness,
Yet, gladness and deep contentment,
And I know I could never
feel any resentment.
Yet, I feel for some reason,
And I don't know why.
I won't find the answer,
until I die.
So let me die daily,
For in dying, I'll see.
The answer to why,
Is found within me.

written by ~ Rebecca Ann
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

No matter what situation you are in right now,
there is a purpose to that situation.
By working with the specific conditions in front of you,
you will begin to discover things about yourself t
hat will give you clues to the next step.
Your job will be to look, listen, feel, choose, and act.
Carol Adrienne

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Pure love asks for nothing but peace for a brother,
knowing that only in that way can we be at peace ourselves.
Pure love of another person is the restoration of our heartline.
Marianne Williamson

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Consult your friend on all things,
especially on those which respect yourself.
His counsel may then be useful where your
own self-love might impair your judgment.
Seneca

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Anxiety separates us from experiencing a great life.
So caught up are we in our worry,
we may even cut ourselves off from giving and receiving love.
God invites us into a fuller life in which we recognize that
there is no anxiety that our Creator cannot handle,
if we only remember to ask for help.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What if we knew for certain that
everything we're worried about today will work out fine?
What if . . . we knew the future was going to be good,
and we would have an abundance of resources and guidance
to handle whatever comes our way?
What if . . .  we knew everything was okay,
and we didn't have to worry about a thing?
What would we do then?
We'd be free to let go and enjoy life.
Melody Beattie, The Language of Letting Go

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

expect miracles

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

if it works, don't fix it

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

it works, if you work it

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

stick with the winners

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Promise, Many Gifts*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Adult Children of Alcoholics
www.AdultChildren.org

Al-Anon/Alateen
www.al-anon.org

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.dhh12s.com/access.htm

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer¹s Anonymous
www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.crystalmeth.org

Criminal and Gangs Anonymous
www.angelfire.com/id/CGAnonymous

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship forŠ
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
www.depressedanon.com

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
www.draonline.org

Eating Disorders Anonymous
www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
www.earthgroupna.org

Nar-Anon is a family support group
www.naranon.com

Nicotine Anonymous (WWW Home Page) NA Home Page
www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
www.spenders.org/home.html

Suicide Anonymous
www.geocities.com/samemphis

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit does not endorse any of the
advertisements that may appear in this daily mailing.
Advertising is the price that we pay for a free list server
that yahoo groups and google groups provides.

Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
a blessing for me, Thanks for your support and contributions,
"What I can't do alone we can do together." If you have any
original poetry or submissions that you would like to send to
me you can email me at
YOUnMEnHP@...

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
We invite you to share the writings by forwarding today's
message to others. Share "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit"
with friends and loved ones: Please keep passing this along to
online recovery friends  "We can only keep what we have by
giving it away."

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to:

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or
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Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe
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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 6000 recovering people in 66 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada , Columbia, Costa Rica, China ,
Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Lithuania, Mali West Africa, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia , Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
U.S.A., Venezuela, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from.
12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit-owner@yahoogroups.com
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ clean date 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

     (\o/\o/)   we are each of us angels  with only one wing  (\o/\o/)
      /_\/_\    and can only fly     by embracing each other   /_\/_\

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.groups.google.com/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

If you want to know about our pregnancy update click below...
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=772
Thanks for your prayers and support
Scott


Quickies Humor
www.recoverylane.com/quickies.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Each month we will share on a step and spiritual principles of the step.
Since it is June the 6th month, PLEASE share on the 6th step
If you haven¹t done the 6th step with your sponsor
Please share on willingness, surrender and responsibility...

to share please visit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/

A Safe Place to Share , Discover and Recover.
This is a SLAMMING, STRONG support group with
a whole lot of EXPERIENCE, LOVE and HOPE that is available to you.
This a message bulletin board meeting, where people post on the
weekly topic. It takes only 1 minute to enter a password and
username. Please go this page on the upper right hand corner and click
the join club link, sign in and go to the left hand side and click
messages to read what others have shared and click on the post link,
now you can share on the topic of the week or whatever you would like.
There is a lot of good experience, strength and hope in here as well
as newcomers who need our support and love, PLEASE stop by,
we will leave the light on in the room and there is coffee in the back :)
Thanks for your participation and support !!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Please Be There For The Newcomers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

June 5
Peace and relaxation flow through me
with every breath that I take.
I am complete in this moment.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Each Precious Moment

Why does it take so long to see,
That each moment given,
is precious to me?
What treasure we have,
in every true friend.
Just a kind word spoken,
or a card we can send.
If we can only,
But open our eyes,
To all of the treasures
We have in our lives.
There would be no time
To cry and to pout.
No time to envy,
To fear or to doubt.
Just let us give thanks,
In all things that be.
Please open our hearts,
That our eyes might see.

written by ~ Rebecca Ann
rbowlin14@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Figure It Out
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=717

Stress Survival Kit
www.wscribe.com/parables/stress.html

This Matter of Honesty
www.serenityfound.org//readings/honesty.html

Mental Help Net - Self-Help Sourcebook OnLine
www.mentalhelp.net/selfhelp/

Half The Person
www.wscribe.com/parables/pet.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Recovery Gifts, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/tp40/Application.asp?app=Store&ID=20869

Recovery and Spiritual Greeting Cards for sale
www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
June 5                                   Honest Prayer

"Although honesty is difficult to practice, it is most rewarding."
  Basic Text, p. 92

   How difficult we find it to be honest! Many of us come to NA so
confused about what really happened in our lives that it sometimes takes
months and years to sort it all out. The truth of our history is not always
as we have told it. How can we begin to be more truthful?

   Many of us find it the easiest to be honest in prayer. With our fellow
addicts, we sometimes find that we have a hard time telling the whole
truth. We feel certain that we won't be accepted if we let others know
us as we really are. It's hard to live up to the "terminally hip and fatally
cool" image so many of us portrayed! In prayer, we find an acceptance
from our Higher Power that allows us to open our hearts with honesty.

   As we practice this honesty with the God of our understanding, we
often find that it has a ripple effect in our communications with others.
We get in the habit of being honest. We begin to practice honesty when
we share at meetings and work with others. In return, we find our lives
enriched by deepening friendships. We even find that we can be more
honest with ourselves, the most important person to be truthful with!

   Honesty is a quality that is developed through practice. It isn't always
easy to be totally truthful, but when we begin with our Higher Power, we
find it easier to extend our honesty to others.

Just for today: I will be honest with God, myself, and others. pg. 163

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get Involved In Service*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you are enjoying this daily recovery email,
Please pass on 12 Step Soul Food For The Spirit to your online friends,
"We can only keep what we have by giving it away."
If you have received this as a forward
and  would like to subscribe please email
me at YOUnMEnHP@...
Thanks, In loving service, Scott :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Get A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meditation of the Day
www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
www.whitebison.org/meditation

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
www.gatewayrehab.org/June.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Changed Outlook

Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84

When I was drinking, my attitude was totally selfish, totally
self-centered; my pleasure and my comfort came first.  Now that I am sober,
self-seeking has started to slip away.  My whole attitude toward life and
other people is changing.  For me, the first "A" in our name stands for
attitude.  My attitude is changed by the second "A" in our name, which
stands for action.  By working the Steps, attending meetings, and carrying
the message, I can be restored to sanity.  Action is the magic word!  With
a positive, helpful attitude and regular A.A.  action, I can stay sober and
help others to achieve sobriety.  My attitude now is that I am willing to
go to any length to stay sober!

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.
Daily Reflection In Loving Memory Of Scott Reeves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Be A Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden/ June 5th

A.A. Thought for the Day

We alcoholics are fortunate to be living in a day and age when
there is such a thing as Alcoholics Anonymous. Before A.A.
came into being, there was very lit- de hope for the alcoholic.
A.A. is a great re-builder of human wreckage. It takes men
and women whose personality problem expresses itself in
alcoholism and offers them a program that, if they are willing
to accept it, allows them not only to get sober, but also to find
a much better way of living. Have I found a better way of Living

Meditation for the Day

Very quietly God speaks through your thoughts and feelings.
Heed the Divine voice of your conscience. Listen for this and
you will never be disappointed in the results in your life. Listen
for this small, still voice and your tired nerves will become
rested. The Divine voice comes to you as strength as well as
tenderness, as power as well as restfulness. Your moral strength
derives its effectiveness from the power that comes when
you listen patiently for the still, small voice.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may listen for the still, small voice of God.
I pray that I may obey the leading of my conscience.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
JUNE 05

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Combating Shame

Shame can hold us back, hold us down, and keep us staring at our feet.
-- Beyond Codependency

Watch out for shame.

Many systems and people reek of shame. They are controlled by shame and may
want us to play their game with them. They may be hoping to hook us and
control us through shame.

We don't have to fall into their shame. Instead, we'll take the good
feelings -- self-acceptance, love, and nurturing.

Compulsive behaviors, sexually addictive behaviors, overeating, chemical
abuse, and addictive gambling are shame-based behaviors. If we participate
in them, we will feel ashamed. It's inevitable. We need to watch out for
addictive and other compulsive behaviors because those will immerse us in
shame.

Our past, and the brainwashing we may have had that imposed "original shame"
upon us, may try to put shame on us. This can happen when we're all alone,
walking through the grocery store or just quietly going about living our
life. Don't think. . . . Don't feel. . . . Don't grow or change. . . .Don't
be alive. . . . Don't live life. . . . Be ashamed!

Be done with shame. Attack shame. Go to war with it. Learn to recognize it
and avoid it like the plague.

Today, I will deliberately refuse to get caught up in the shame floating
around in the world. If I cannot resist it, I will feel it, accept it, and
then be done with it as quickly as possible. God, help me know that it's
okay to love myself and help me to refuse to submit to shame. If I get off
course, help me learn to change shame into guilt, correct the behavior, and
move forward with my life in immediate self-love.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission
of the publisher.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ten Steps to Finding Happiness, Freedom and Joy
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/June/feature4.html

Comics
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/1997/January/07-0197.html

I am starting to like this guy, Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/February/cohen.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

How to Listen to Your Inner Millionaire by Lynn A. Robinson

What do Albert Einstein, Lillian Vernon, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey
and Stephen King have in common? The answer is: They trust their
intuition!  Each one of these people credits this wise "inner guide,"
in part, to their personal and professional success.

Webster's defines intuition as "quick and ready insight." We're all
born with this inner knowing and when we listen to it and act on its
wisdom we're guided unfailingly towards our hopes and dreams.  It's as
if we have an inner compass that points us to success and abundance.

How can you learn to tap in to your inner success coach to assist
you in creating the life of your dreams?  Here are seven tips:

1) LEARN TO LISTEN AND TRUST YOUR INTUITION
Intuitive information reveals itself more easily when you learn to
quiet your mind through meditation or by simply sitting quietly and
listening to some relaxing music.  Ask your intuition questions such
as, "How can I begin to bring more money into my life?" or "What
career could I choose that will be both fun and financially
rewarding?"  Intuition reveals itself in a variety of ways.  There's
no one right way to receive its wisdom.  It may come in the form of a
hunch, a gut feeling, an inner voice, an image or in a dream.

2) BE CLEAR WHAT YOU WANT
It's been said that if you don't know where you're going any path
will take you there.  What are your goals, your dreams and passions?
Spend some time writing about them in a journal. Draw, paint or cut
out pictures from magazines that describe what you want your ideal
life to look like.  Dare to think big! When you're clear what you
want, your intuition will begin to give you messages about how to
achieve your dreams. What would you do if you were to unexpectedly
receive one million dollars with the stipulation that you spend it on
creating work you love. What would you do if you were to receive so
much that you could do whatever you chose to do for the rest of your
life and not have to worry about money? The answers to these questions
are a strong message from your intuition about your life purpose.
With the understanding that this money isn't in your life right now,
what steps could you take to begin to live the life you dream?

3) KEEP YOUR SELF-TALK POSITIVE
Your thoughts have power. Keep your focus on what you want, not on
what you don't want.  Research has shown that financially successful
people tend to be optimistic. Their inner dialog reveals that they
expect things to work out in their favor. Imagine two people. Woman #1
holds these predominate thoughts in her mind, "I'm a failure. I'm
broke all the time.  I'll never get ahead."  Woman #2 thinks, "I'm a
good person and I deserve abundance.  Things have a way of working out
for me." Who would have your vote as "most likely to succeed?"
Intuition can reveal itself more easily to people like woman #2 whose
mind is open to its guidance.

4) MAINTAIN AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation,
you will discover that your life will begin to be filled with
abundance. What is in your life right now that you feel grateful for?
Your intuition will constantly provide you with information about how
to create a life you love when you begin to focus on appreciation. It
will give you nudges, hints, impulses, feelings, hunches and dreams,
to move you in the right direction. If you're constantly stressed and
always wishing for more time, money, freedom, energy - fill in the
blank - you need to create some time for "sacred idleness." All those
signs of stress are signals from your intuition that it's time to slow
down... take a comfort break... give yourself a few hours or days off
to reflect on your life. What do you truly want? What fills your soul?
What can you let go of? What are the blessings in your life? These are
all questions to ask your intuitive guidance system. Listen to the
answers, reflect, and take action. Taking the time to meditate, write
and dream new dreams will pay off in a big way. It's an important step
in creating the abundant life you deserve.

5) TURN AWAY FROM WORRY
Do you labor under the illusion that if you worry enough about
money, you'll ward off debt?  Nothing could be further from the truth.
  Worry, anxiety and fear create more worry, anxiety and fear.  They
don't create more money.  Here are two techniques that work: If you
find you simply can't ditch the worry habit, try limiting your worry
to a five-minute period during a specific time of the day.  You might
also choose a phrase that you find comforting such as, "Peace, be
still." Or "I am now open and receptive to new avenues of income." Or
"It will all turn out okay." Say it often when worry thoughts arise.

6) PRAY AND ASK FOR GUIDANCE
Listen for guidance.  Prayer is talking to God. Meditating and
listening within are the ways you receive answers.  Ask God for ways
that you can begin to let go of fear and begin to prosper.  Prayer is
simply a conversation with a wise and loving presence.  Say words
like, "I need help.  I'm scared about not being able to pay my bills.
Ease my fears and worries.  Reveal your plans for my abundance." Ask
God, "Is there anything I could do right now that would allow
prosperity to flow into my life?" The answer may not immediately pop
into your mind.  You may find that the response to your prayer comes
when you wake up in the morning or while you're in the shower.
Whenever the answer comes, be willing to take a risk and act on its
wisdom.

7) VISUALIZE AND PROSPER
Close your eyes for a moment and bring to mind an image of what it
would look and feel like to have the prosperity you desire. Spend a
few moments visualizing this perfect outcome. What emotions would you
be feeling if you got what you wanted? As you visualize this image,
feel those emotions. Add some words to your imagery. Use whatever
works for you. "This is great." "I feel terrific!" Imagine your
friends and family celebrating with you. Do whatever you can to make
this image real and vivid.  Open your eyes when you feel ready.  Now
go out into the world and experience the abundance all around you!

"The Prosperity Prayer"
by Lynn Robinson

Dear God -

I surrender my financial affairs and concerns about money to
your Divine care and love.

I ask that you remove my worries, anxieties and fears about
money, and replace them with faith.

I know and trust that my debts will be paid and money will
flow into my life.

I have only to look to nature to see proof of the abundance
you provide.

I release all negative thoughts about money, and know that
prosperity is my true state.

I commit to being grateful for all that I now have in my life.

I learn to manage my finances wisely, seeking help where needed.

And finally, I ask you to help me to understand my purpose
in life and to act on that purpose with courage and
strength.  I know that prosperity will come, in part, by
doing work I love.  Please help me use my skills and
knowledge to be of service in the world.

Thank you, God.
Amen

NOTE: If you're interested in an audio CD of this topic, visit
www.LynnRobinson.com/prod_cds.html to order "Prosperity! The
Intuitive Path to Financial and Spiritual Abundance."

Copyright (c) 2003, all rights reserved. Permission is granted to
reproduce, copy or distribute this article as long as this
copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is
attached.

The author of this article is Lynn A. Robinson, M.Ed. Lynn is one
of the nation's leading experts on the topic of intuition. Her most
recent books include "Compass of the Soul: 52 Ways Intuition Can Guide
You to the Life of Your Dreams" (Andrews McMeel, 2003) and "Divine
Intuition: Your Guide to Creating a Life You Love" (DK Books, 2001).
Lynn is a popular and widely recognized author and motivational
speaker as well as a columnist and the Intuition-At-Work Expert for
iVillage.com.  Her free monthly "Intuition Newsletter" is available at
her Web site, www.LynnRobinson.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Enough for Everyone
from "Our Daily Bread"

     "An elderly woman stood in the doorway of her home and basked
in the light and warmth of the summer sun.  She shaded her eyes
as she looked up and exclaimed, 'I've got a whole sun to myself!'

I could say the same.  This is just one of the beautiful things in
nature that you have as much as I have.  Likewise, you and I and
millions of others have individually the whole heart of God.  There
is room for all.  This truth is simple and self-evident, yet its
implication is so profound that it almost overwhelms us.

God's gracious gifts can be experienced by all who believe, and
we can fully enjoy its blessings without diminishing their enjoyment
by others.  Knowing God and His limitless provisions, we are never
deprived, even though others are drawing on them, too.  Joy, assurance,
peace and the awareness of God's presence are just a few of the many
benefits that are given without measure for everyone to enjoy.  We
need only accept our gifts.

Remember, the well of God's blessings will never run dry."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Even in the stillness there is beauty and life,
Even in the solitude there is happiness and love.
What you see, what you feel....matters.
Who you are, what you will become....is up to you.
You are the master of your universe.

Until there is chaos, you don't appreciate quiet.
Until there are crowds, you don't appreciate being alone.
Now is the time to reflect and realize what you have.
Others envy you....no matter what your lot in life,
if it is what they lack and wish for.
You are unique.

Take time now....discover yours