Neighbor
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/neighbor.html

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

((((Family))) a BIG hug to you
This month the topic and sharing is on the 10th Step
I remember somebody once told me if you don't take
your inventory somebody else will :)
This step is about avoiding pain and maintaining happiness,
There is no right way to do the wrong thing
This is about making the time to stop and take a deep breathe,
Its about taking a look at whats going on around me and inside of me.
I try not to get to Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired these things
ALWAYS cause flare-ups.
When I am wrong its about taking a look at the part that I played
and cleaning up the situation so that mt spirit can be at peace.
Life is GREAT over here. My wife is feeling good.
Baby Mitchell is growing into a beautiful healthy boy.
Andrew is enjoying his friends in his 3 hour preschool that he
attends each day. I go on a road trip to Savannah Ga. On Weds
then I come back on Saturday night just in time to go to the
Doodlebops concert with my son Andrew on Sunday :)
I will be going in for knee surgery on Friday Oct. 12th.
I cant wait, I have been in alot of pain for months
and I am choosing to walk through this without pain medication,
as I cant fall asleep with pain meds. I would rather be in some pain
during the day and able to sleep at night.
Life is good, recovery is good,
God is GREAT!!!!
In loving service
Scott


The weekly meeting topic is:
Each month we will share on a step and spiritual principles of the step.
Since it is October the 10th month, PLEASE share on the 10th step
If you haven’t done the 10th step with your sponsor
Please share on Perseverance, Integrity and Serenity...

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

October  1
I am grateful for the power
I have over the future of my life.
I am being guided at all times
to use my power with wisdom and with love.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Miracle

Miracle: An event that appears to be inexplicable
by the laws of nature,
held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God.

An act of God-that's what this has to be.
There's no other way I could hope to explain
this miracle of recovery.
One year down-
a lifetime to go?
One day at a time,
that's all I can know.
So many failed attempts
on my own--I can't remember...
Then I crawled into the rooms
reached out my hand-and surrendered.
Started following the suggestions
of those who'd been there before.
Found I didn't have to live
my old lifestyle anymore.
What I'd tried so hard
to quit on my own,
I found easier now
that I wasn't alone.
So if you're struggling with life
and can't find your way,
there's hope for you inside
the rooms of N.A.

John H.
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 Thousand Pound Phone
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1209

THE PROFESSOR AND THE PARADOX
www.barefootsworld.net/aaprofessor.html

Online NA Meetings, NA Literature, a Bulletin Board Service
www.NAWorldWide.org

A Close Shave
Henry J. Z. (Harry Z? B.? S.?), Akron, Ohio.
(OM, p. 348 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/harryz.html

Educated Agnostic
Norman H., Darien, Connecticut.
(OM, p. 351 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/normanh.htm

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
October 1                 Not just a motivation for growth

"We learn that pain can be a motivating factor in recovery."
Basic Text p.29

"Pain-who needs it!" we think whenever we're in it. We see
no good purpose for pain. It seems to be a pointless exercise
in suffering. If someone happens to mention spiritual growth
to us while we're in pain, we most likely snort in disgust and
walk away, thinking we've never encountered a more
insensitive person.

But what if human beings didn't feel pain-either physical
or emotional? Sound like an ideal world? Not really. If we
weren't capable of feeling physical pain, we wouldn't know
when to blink foreign particles out of our eyes; we wouldn't
know when to stop exercising; we wouldn't even know when
to roll over in our sleep. We would simply abuse ourselves for
lack of a natural warning system.

The same holds true for emotional pain. How would we have
known that our lives had become unmanageable if we hadn't
been in pain? Just like physical pain, emotional pain lets us
know when to stop doing something that hurts.

But pain is not only a motivating factor. Emotional pain
provides a basis for comparison when we are joyful. We
couldn't  appreciate joy without knowing pain.

Just for today: I will accept pain as a necessary part of life. I
know that to whatever level I can feel pain, I can also feel joy.

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/October.html

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

Emotional Balance
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, . . .
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 83

When I survey my drinking days, I recall many people whom
my life touched casually, but whose days I troubled through
my anger and sarcasm.  These people are untraceable, and
direct amends to them are not possible.  The only amends I
can make to those untraceable individuals, the only "changes
for the better" I  can offer, are indirect amends made to other
people, whose paths briefly cross mine.  Courtesy and
kindness, regularly practiced, help me to live in emotional
balance, at peace with myself.

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/ October 1st

A.A. Thought for the Day

A.A. will lose some of its effectiveness if I do not do my share.
Where am I failing?  Are there some things I do not feel like
doing?  Am I held back by self-consciousness or fear?  Self-
consciousness is a form of pride.  It is a fear that something
may happen to you.  What happens to you is not very important.
The impression you make on others does not depend so much on
the kind of a job you do as on your sincerity and honesty of
purpose.  Am I holding back because I am afraid of not making
a good impression?

Meditation for the Day

Look to God for the true power that will make you effective.  See
no other wholly dependable supply of strength.  That is the secret
of a truly effective life.  And you, in your turn, will be used to help
many others find effectiveness.  Whatever spiritual help you need,
whatever spiritual help you desire for others, look to God.  Seek
that God's will be done in your life and seek that your will conforms
to His.  Failures come from depending too much on your own strength.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may feel that nothing good is too much for me if I
look to God for help.  I pray that I may be effective through His
guidance.

"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
OCTOBER 01

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

Be Who You Are

In recovery, we're learning a new behavior. It's called Be Who
You Are.

For some of us, this can be frightening. What would happen if
we felt what we felt, said what we wanted, became firm about
our beliefs, and valued what we needed? What would happen
if we let go of our camouflage of adaptation? What would
happen if we owned our power to be ourselves?

Would people still like us? Would they go away? Would they
become angry?

There comes a time when we become willing and ready to take
that risk. To continue growing, and living with ourselves, we
realize we must liberate ourselves. It becomes time to stop
allowing ourselves to be so controlled by others and their
expectations and be true to ourselves - regardless of the
reaction of others.

Before long, we begin to understand. Some people may go
away, but the relationship would have ended anyway. Some
people stay and love and respect us more for taking the risk of
being whom we are. We begin to achieve intimacy, and
relationships that work.

We discover that who we are has always been good enough.
It is who we were intended to be.

Today, I will own my power to be 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you want to be a victim, that is a belief.
If you want to be empowered, that's a belief.
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/October/
conversation_Lipton.html

Woman's Night
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/April/vissell.htm

The Four Absolutes
www.worldzone.net/lifestyles/jtth/Absolutes.shtml

Has Anyone Told You
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/

meditationroom
http://www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Free To Be Me
by Marie T. Russell

Marie T. RussellWhat a liberating thought — I am free to be
me! Think about it... for years you have been molded and
pushed to behave in certain 'acceptable' ways. You have
been asked to adhere to tradition, to behave according to
certain accepted rules of behavior, and to dress according to
the norm. To act like the Jones. To make sure you didn't
"paint outside the lines".

You have done as you were told, fearing punishment or worse,
afraid of not being loved. You have accepted beliefs that others
held without question. You agreed with what others said about
you -- you were smart, stupid, pretty, ugly, etc. You have
believed that what others thought was true of you had to be so
— that others knew best -- that they were smarter or wiser and
somehow knew what was good for you.

Yet, if you look within, you know that some of those accepted
beliefs are not necessarily your truths. They are the truths of
those around you. For example as a child, you may have
been told that you were too noisy, or too playful. Now obviously,
if you were behaving in that fashion this was how you wanted to
be -- that was the real you wanting to express itself. When we
were told that we were 'too' this or 'too' that, we felt that our
behavior must be incorrect and adapted ourselves to what was
expected of us... and thus lost our spontaneity and joy in the
process.

Whose rules are we following now? The ones imposed by our
parents? And whose rules were they following? Their parents?
It goes back for many millennium and has nothing to do with us.
Need there be rules at all? If we all were true to our "inner self"
or our "higher self", rules would be unnecessary.

We all have an ingrained sense of right and wrong, of what
is loving and what is not, of what is "right" and what is not.
It is time to return to trusting ourselves -- to trusting that small
inner voice, that sense of true joy and spontaneity. We need
to free up our true selves by releasing them from the chains
and rules of conduct that were imposed on us. We are
trustworthy! We can follow our inner wisdom and it will always
support us and guide us.

I am free to be me! This thought, when affirmed regularly,
brings freedom. Now the first thing you may notice, as you tell
yourself that you are free to be you, are certain fears, doubts,
and guilt coming up. I remember thinking that the 'me' that was
inside was not a 'good' one — that I was selfish, unworthy,
unlovable, etc. etc. When you look inside yourself, you may
discover some similar beliefs — that if you are truly 'yourself'
you will be unacceptable to your boss, friends, mate, co-workers,
etc. Yet that is simply a figment of your imagination, of your
fears, or of someone else's fears.

The 'you' inside is that same innocent, spontaneous child that
you were — the one who was amazed at the beauty of a dandelion
flower, or that could find immense joy in splashing around in a
mud puddle — that playful being who enjoyed the present and
did not concern itself about "proper" and acceptable societal
norms (i.e. dirty clothes, weeds on the lawn, 'proper' attire and
behavior, etc.). That spontaneous, natural, and joyful person still
resides inside of you. All you need to do is give it permission to
'come out and play'.

We can now step forth from behind our masks and take the risk
to be real... to express our joys, our fears, our insecurities, our
love, our hopes, and our dreams. I am free to be me! I can allow
myself to be spontaneous. I can let myself be real and feel my
feelings, express the truth as I see it in the present moment, and
let my love for life radiate from my being, expressed in my
thoughts, words, and actions.

Trust yourself. You are an innocent, joyful being. Within you are
the seeds of joy, happiness, and success. Affirm: "I am free to be
me! I am free to express myself in whatever ways seem loving
and true to my inner being. I am free to be me and to create the
world I want around me. I have the right to express my inner
divinity and to live a life of love, joy, and creativity."

Trust your instincts. Trust that small inner voice that guides you
to the right, loving action. That small inner voice is who you
really are. That terrible person you have imagined yourself to
be is a machination of your imagination, fears, and self-doubts.
Yes, you have made mistakes... haven't we all? Yes, you had
instances where you were unjust, petty, and did not express loving
or peaceful thoughts. Those are nothing more than experiences
that you went through -- errors in judgment. Your true inner self
is still an innocent, loving being -- an angel in physical form. That
is who you are. You can reclaim it now! You are free to be who
you really are! A divine child of the Universe...

About The Author

Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985).
She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio
broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on
themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being.
Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our
own inner source of joy and creativity.

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

Heaven's Here On Earth

You can look to the stars in search of the answers
Look for God and life on distant planets
Have your faith in the ever after
While each of us holds inside the map to the labyrinth
And heaven's here on earth

We are the spirit, the collective conscience
We create the pain and the suffering
And the beauty in this world
Heaven's here on earth

In our faith in humankind
In our respect for what is earthly
In our unfaltering belief
In peace and love and understanding

I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise
Of ordinary people leading ordinary lives
Filled with love, compassion, forgiveness and sacrifice
Heaven's in our hearts

In our faith in humankind
In our respect for what is earthly
In our unfaltering belief
In peace and love and understanding

Look around
Believe in what you see
The kingdom is at hand
The promised land is at your feet
We can and will become what we aspire to be
Heaven's here on earth

If we have faith in humankind
And respect for what is earthly
And an unfaltering belief
That truth is divinity
And heaven's here on earth

I've seen spirits
I've met angels
I've touched creations
Beautiful and wondrous
I've been places
Where I question all I think I know
But I believe, I believe, I believe this could be heaven

We are born inside the gates
With the power to create life
And to take it away
The world is our temple
The world is our church
Heaven's here on earth

If we have faith in human kind
And respect for what is earthly
And an unfaltering belief
In peace and love and understanding
This could be heaven here on earth

song by Tracy Chapman ©
"New Beginnings" album

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

A man knocked on the door.
"Who is there?" asked God.
"Me," replied the man.
"Go away then," said God.

The man left and wandered in the arid desert
until he realized his error and returned to the door.

He knocked again.
"Who's there?" asked God.
"You," answered the man.
"Then come in," replied God.
"There's no room here for two."

Sufi Teaching Story

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

Let Go

A form of magic emerges/materialises
when given permission by two little words
*let go*
It's as if an invisible door opens
double French patio doors, wide and large
and a full view of landscape/seascape
spreads itself at your feet

Two little words that strip down walls
of restraint, judgment, grief, bleeding, cold heart and
expectations ~ those defense mechanisms
that exist to pseudo-protect the sanity ~
leaving bare a kind of innocence
as a wrapped up gift
colourfully boxed just for you

Freedom blossoms only in the arms of an open heart
Permission gives birth to Passion
only with Surrender
to the gentler forces of Healing and Nature
Replacing the good with the better
Don‚t hold on so tight
Let go and surrender
The Healing begins in your Soul

Love
Stella

© 2002 Stella Raymonde Savoie-Johnson
  From Daydreams© 2001
stellaraymonde@...

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

In Reality

In the name of progress and civilization we kill, destroy, pollute.
We overpopulate.
We kill each other.
But what is progress and civilization?

In an effort to escape this madness we become obsessed
with sex, drugs, and alcohol.
With these we try to escape from reality.
But what is reality?

Is our happiness in a drug, a bottle or someone else?
Mentally and physically drained, we lie on the floor sweating profusely
Erratic heartbeat, erratic breathing.
Lying in our own cesspool.
We ask, why are we doing this to ourselves?
Yet we would kill for more. If only we could get up.
We cant get up!
Is this happiness?

In the journey for spirituality we search for the power the control.
Our gods are greed, material things, possessions.
Men, women, children, we prostitute ourselves!
Is this spirituality?

We must be honest with ourselves and kind to ourselves.
We must love ourselves.
We must accept ourselves for being different, or the same
We must accept ourselves, so that we can accept others.

Through acts of faith, kindness, and love for all things
We will find love and kindness from others. If we respect.
We will be respected.

We can find happiness if we look in the right places!
Within ourselves!
We are human beings!

© 1994 By Hippie Rick
Hippie-Rick@...

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

Appreciation is a powerful tool to shift perspective.
Finding something to appreciate during a difficult situation quickly
moves the perspective to the big picture from the little picture.
  From Chaos to Coherence, Doc Childre and Bruce Cryer

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

The world is round and the place which may seem like
the end may also be only the beginning.
Ivy Baker Priest

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

Acting as if is different than
fake it until you make it.
If you fake it you might not make it.
Dot T. Pittsburgh Pa. N.A.

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

It's easier to act your way into a new way of thinking than
to think your way into a new way of acting.
Millard Fuller

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

(First) meetings: Bring your body, your mind will follow.

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

Meetings: AA is like a raffle; you must be present to win.

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

Complete surrender is the key to recovery, and total abstinence is
the only
thing that has ever worked for us. In our experience, no addict who has
completely surrendered to this Program has ever failed to find recovery.
Copyright © 1982, World Service Office, Inc. NA Basic Text Book

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

We have learned from our group experience that
those who keep coming to our meetings regularly stay clean.
Copyright © 1982, World Service Office, Inc. NA Basic Text Book

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

We do not have to understand this Program for it to work.
All we have to do is follow direction.
Copyright © 1982, World Service Office, Inc. NA Basic Text Book

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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."

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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/






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Alanon Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/alanon.html

"What is 13 stepping?
The 13th Step:
My life is unmanageable, and I'd so Love to share it with you.

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Intolerance and indifference are attitudes that defeat us in our
recovery ,
what are some other attitudes you display that defeat you in your
recovery ?
How are you working to change this ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 30
I am one of the miracles of this universe and
I am connected to everything that was ever created.
I can pick up the phone or sit in quiet meditation,
choosing to make a contact with a friend or
with my Higher Power or with both.
Today I know that I am never alone.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Because it Mattered

It seemed like yesterday when
I had walked down the road of despair
a feeling  gripped me like a vice
What I had to look forward to.
The emptiness overwhelmed me
at the bleakness of the future
Nothing had mattered anymore

Faceless people surrounded me
staring blankly without hope
Food seemed a distant thought then,
All that seemed real  was a
distinct craving
for what  was slowly killing me
nothing really mattered;

A warm bed, arms that once embraced me
with tender words of "I love you
were a faded memory
recalling I pulled the cover of the cardboard
box over my thin shoulders to keep
me protected from the biting winds
Those memories seem to become
a reality I wanted again,

Words spoken crept into my thoughts then
"Let us care for you until you can
care for yourself"
it started to matter,
reflecting now
A flicker of hope crept  into my heart
Can there really be people that care?
I wanted so to believe, I needed to trust,
I wanted to live again,
It did matter!!
I remember the corner  phone booth
seemed to beckon
I slowly raised my body to a standing position
and spoke to anyone who would listen

"please Sir can you spare a quarter
I have a life to get on with because now it matters.

Barbara Fagan

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 Station
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1206

GRESHAM'S LAW & ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR CUP OF TEA?
STRONG? - MEDIUM? - WEAK?
www.barefootsworld.net/aagreshamslaw.html

Live Online NA Meetings, NA Literature, a Bulletin Board Service
www.NAWorldWide.org

Self-injury: You are NOT the only one
www.palace.net/~llama/psych/injury.html

Truth Freed Me!
Paul S., Akron, Ohio.
(OM, p. 336 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/pauls.html

Smile With Me, At Me
Harold S., Brooklyn, New York.
(OM, p. 340 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/harolds.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 30                                 Being Ourselves

"Our real value is in being ourselves."   Basic Text, p. 101

Over and over, we have tried to live up to the expectations of those
around us. We may have been raised believing that we were okay if we
earned good grades in school, cleaned our rooms, or dressed a certain
way. Always wanting to belong and be loved, many of us spent a lot of
time trying to fit in-yet we never quite seemed to measure up.

Now, in recovery, we are accepted as we are. Our real value to others
is in being ourselves. As we work the steps, we learn to accept
ourselves just as we are. Once this happens, we gain the freedom to
become who we want to be.

We each have many good qualities we can share with others. Our
experiences, honestly shared, help others find the level of
identification they need to begin their recovery. We discover that we
all have special gifts to offer those around us.

Just for today: My experience in recovery is the greatest gift I can
give another addict. I will share myself honestly with others.

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/September.html

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

Reconstruction

Yes, there is a long period of reconstruction ahead . . .
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83

The reconstruction of my life is the prime goal in my recovery as I
avoid taking that first drink, one day at a time. The task is most
successfully accomplished by working the Steps of our Fellowship.
The spiritual life is not a theory; it works, but I have to live it.
Step
Two started me on my journey to develop a spiritual life; Step Nine
allows me to move into the final phase of the initial Steps which
taught me how to live a spiritual life. Without the guidance and
strength of a Higher Power, it would be impossible to proceed
through the various stages of reconstruction. I realize that God
works for me and through me.  Proof comes to me when I realize
that God did for me what I could not do for myself, by removing
that gnawing compulsion to drink.  I must continue daily to seek
God's guidance. He grants me a daily reprieve and will provide the
power I need for reconstruction.

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/ September 30th

A.A. Thought for the Day

There are no leaders in A.A. except as they volunteer
to accept responsibility.  The work of carrying on A.A.--
leading group meetings, serving on committees, speaking
before other groups, doing twelfth-step work, spreading
A.A. among the alcoholics of the community--all these things
are done on a volunteer basis.  If I don't volunteer to do
something concrete for A.A., the movement is that much
less effective.  I must do my fair share to carry the load.
A.A. depends on all its members to keep it alive and to keep
it growing.  Am I doing my share for A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

When you look to God for strength to face responsibility and
are quiet before Him, His healing touch causes the Divine
Quiet to flow into your very being.  When in weakness you
cry to God, His touch brings healing, the renewal of your
courage, and the power to meet every situation and be
victorious.  When you faint by the way or are distracted by
feelings of inferiority, then rely on the touch of God's spirit
to support you on your way.  Then arise and go forth with
confidence.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may lay myself open today to the healing touch
of God.  I pray that I may not falter or faint by the wayside,
but renew my courage through prayer.

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
SEPTEMBER 30

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

Not a Victim

You are not a victim.

How deeply ingrained our self-image as a victim can be! How
habitual our feelings of misery and helplessness! Victimization
can be like a gray cloak that surrounds us, both attracting that
which will victimize us and causing us to generate the feelings
of victimization.

Victimization can be so habitual that we may feel victimized even
by the good things that happen to us!

Got a new car? Yes, we sigh, but it doesn't run as well as I
expected, and after all, it cost so much. . . .

You've got such a nice family! Yes, we sigh, but there are
problems. And we've had such hard times. . ..

Well, your career certainly is going well! Ah, we sigh, but there
is such a price to pay for success. All that extra paperwork. . . .

I have learned that, if we set our mind to it, we have an incredible,
almost awesome ability to find misery in any situation, even the
most wonderful of circumstances.

Shoulders bent, head down, we shuffle through life taking our
blows.

Be done with it. Take off the gray cloak of despair, negativity,
and victimization. Hurl it; let it blow away in the wind.

We are not victims. We may have been victimized. We may have
allowed ourselves to be victimized. We may have sought out,
created, or re created situations that victimized us. But we are not
victims.

We can stand in our power. We do not have to allow ourselves
to be victimized. We do not have to let others victimize us. We do
not have to seek out misery in either the most miserable or the best
situations.

We are free to stand in the glow of self-responsibility.

Set a boundary! Deal with the anger! Tell someone no, or stop that!
Walk away from a relationship! Ask for what you need! Make choices
and take responsibility for them. Explore options. Give yourself what
you need! Stand up straight, head up, and claim your power. Claim
responsibility for yourself!

And learn to enjoy what's good.

Today, I will refuse to think, talk, speak, or act like a victim.
Instead, I
will joyfully claim responsibility for myself and focus on what's good
and right in 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

More Ways to Say Yes to Peace and No to War
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/April/cyberweave.htm

Has Anyone Told You
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/

meditationroom
http://www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Midlife Clarity
by Jane Foley

It happened right before my very eyes! I had unexpectedly popped
in to check on a friend who was struggling with many aspects of her
life. Just the day before, her teenage son had bent the family car
for the third time, Mr. Wrong was caught in his ninth lie, and the
child-support check had not come -- again.

"How are you doing?" I asked, noticing there was something different
about her today. She vented about that day's new problem, which
I think had something to do with cash flow or, more specifically, the
lack of it. I reminded her of a trick my ninety-two-year-old
grandmother had taught me. Whenever I complained about an
insurmountable problem, she would say, "Put yourself one year
forward in time and ask, 'Will this matter next year? Will I even
remember it?' Listen to an old lady, and know that nine times out
of ten it won't!"

While she digested my grandmother's advice, I paused, and then
added, "You know, girl, after forty-eight years, need I remind you of
that old adage -- God never puts more on your plate than you can
handle."

She sat for a long moment, then looked me straight in the eye and
said, "Right now I'm very clear about one thing: I need a smaller
plate!

She sat smiling in contemplation for a while before she again spoke.
"I think most people would call what I'm going through a midlife crisis,
but they're wrong!" She almost shouted as she sat straight up in her
chair. "This is not a midlife crisis, this is midlife clarity!"

The voice that made this announcement was strong, confident, and
clear, almost as if a new person had appeared behind my friend's
desk. It seemed as if a butterfly had just emerged from the confines
of its cocoon and taken flight. She leaned back in her leather chair
with a new air of poise and self-reliance, as her eyes wandered
upward in thought.

Midlife clarity? She hadn't been clear about anything in her life for
a long time, I thought, as I sat observing what was almost a physical
change wash over her. In the past year she seemed to have
completely lost herself -- divorce, single motherhood with two teens,
great challenges with her profession, a current dysfunctional
relationship, and an ex-husband continually hauling her into court.
I guess this was why she wanted a smaller plate, I thought, laughing
to myself.

We had been friends for twelve years, casually and professionally,
yet for some reason our lives had only recently begun to
interconnect on a regular basis. Why now, I had wondered, would
our relationship grow close after so many years? I soon found out,
as our lives continued to weave together until I found myself
hovering on the edge of her midlife whirlpool, strategically poised
to throw her a lifeline -- the kind of lifeline that can only be thrown
from someone in the sisterhood, the lifeline we women earn after
weathering many storms.

I returned my attention to her. The lifeline I had been attempting to
throw her had been earned through years on my own journey of
self-discovery, struggle, and, at one point, truly losing myself. Just
like my friend in her own whirlpool, I too had navigated through
waters I never belonged in to find midlife clarity. Afterwards, I began
to see other women move along the same course I had navigated in
my thirties, when I found that core essence of "who I am" and began
to be comfortable with myself. My "who I am" moment was that same
moment my friend was experiencing now: a moment of clarity --
midlife clarity!

My thoughts turned to memories of my life before my "moment" -- I
had met a wonderful British man when I was working in the Middle
East. We had connected on a level that was that once-in-a-lifetime
love. Wow, it was wonderful! I remember thinking, "I now know what
it's like to be walking on air." After a few years in the Middle
East, we
moved to England. As an American, I was enchanted by its tradition,
history, and beauty. I made girlfriends and slotted neatly into the
English life. What I couldn't see was that, piece-by-piece, I was slowly
losing myself. The more time passed, the more of who I was faded
into my fiancé's life. I couldn't work, as a foreigner in another
country;
I didn't have my American girlfriends; and my fiancé's world began
to develop into my own. I didn't know it but I was lost.

It wasn't until I returned to the United States that I realized how
lost I
really was, not until I began to interact with my girlfriends and feel
the early signs of empowerment. The sisterhood to the rescue! It
took about three years to regain myself; with the help of my friends.
And then the moment came -- and it came with a bang! Nothing
specific set it off, it just came.

Midlife clarity is a process that usually begins in one's thirties and
culminates when you wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and
see yourself. Not the self you saw yesterday or the self you saw when
you were in another country or the self of the last decade. You see
yourself stripped of all the trappings of other's expectations,
ambitions, or dreams, liberating your core essence. There is no
asking, "Who am I?" You know. You stand tall, you walk proud, you
command respect, and you instill confidence in yourself and others.
It's clarity, exponentially cubed! You are no longer overwhelmed by
life; you are instead wonderfully surrounded by it, capable of
handling most of what life can deal out.

Surrounded by life! This is what midlife should make you think; yet,
all too often, midlife has the stigma of crisis attached to it: "My
milestone birthday," "I'm over the hill," "I'm having a midlife crisis;'
"I'm so old," or "God, I'm depressed; I've really done nothing with my
life" are comments commonly heard from women approaching forty.
The word midlife can conjure anxious thoughts of that pension plan
you're going to start tomorrow, a lost youth, or even of your own
mortality. Then the moment comes when you realize, this is the point
in life we all long for, not dread: the point where you find yourself
braver than you ever believed, stronger than you ever knew; and
willing to clarify the rules you now play by to anyone who crosses
your path. It's groundbreaking!

You may be driving in your car, sitting quietly at your desk, or
drowning in that whirlpool that sucks you down and around so that
you feel there is no way out. Oprah spoke about "that moment." She,
like so many others, said it's as if a light bulb just came on. Like
clockwork, midlife clarity happens, sometimes on a woman's exact
fortieth birthday.

For years I have known this process existed. People watching has
always been a favorite pastime, and I've noticed that at about age
thirty-five, something begins to click in a woman's brain. She may
notice it on a conscious level or may have only a niggling feeling. She
may feel as if someone had just introduced her as a new member of
the family. Those courteous words we are all taught to say, "Nice to
meet you," could never have rung so true.

Not everyone lets it in, but not letting it in is akin to knowing you
need
to shed that extra fifty pounds, and then not even trying to lose them.
The fear of looking good may be what is stopping you: you may have
to fend off offers for dates or feel you must now perform sexually. But
if circumstances allow, and if a woman is not afraid of introducing her
new self to her old, the process commences. You might hear her
husband comment, "This is not the woman I married! She would never
have said that or done that in the past." That's when I say, "You go,
girl!"

You may be saying, "Yes! I know exactly what you're talking about!"
When you've gone through your moment of clarity, you then have a
great perception of the early signs of the process in others. That's
when you can place yourself in a position that supports, informs, and
throws a lifeline when needed, until your struggling friend comes to
the moment of her own midlife clarity.

What a privilege to have been in my friend's office to witness this
transformation, the moment her own midlife clarity was born. On that
special day, it was obvious to me that another stage in the maturation
of the human species had just been labeled, a stage that had either
gone unacknowledged or was considered a negative rather than the
monumental, positive facet of human growth that it is! That moment,
midlife clarity, is a right of passage just as real and important as
puberty.

Let there be no mistake. The moment of midlife clarity is not where
easy street rolls out and the world becomes a kinder, gentler place.
This is the kick-off of the second half of the game of life. There will
still be penalties, intercepted passes, and yes, the quarterback will
sometimes get sacked. But then there will the touchdowns, many
field goals, and every now and then even a safety.

Play the game. Play it hard, because this is midlife, and what could
be better than being surrounded by life?

This article is excerpted from Midlife Clarity, ©2002, by Jane Foley.
Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Beyond Words Publishing.
www.beyondword.com.

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

Imperturbability

I think Charles Allen said it first. "When faced with problems which
threaten to steal your peace of mind, learn the meaning of the
word 'imperturbability.'"

I heard of two artists who were asked to illustrate peace. Each was
assigned the task of depicting a peaceful scene on canvas.

The first artist drew a beautiful picture of a countryside on a warm,
spring day. A soft sun illumines green grass. A picturesque
farm house and grazing cattle are bathed in its warmth. A farmer
walks contentedly behind strong plow horses making his field
ready for spring planting. The picture is one of beauty and quiet
tranquility.

The other artist took a different approach. He drew a majestic,
rugged cliff. Gnarled trees, twisted by years of violent winds, jut
from the craggy mountainside. Dark clouds hang low and
fierce while jagged streaks of lightening slash across an angry sky.
The picture is one of violence, chaos and rage.

But as one looks closely, something else becomes visible.
There in one of the crevices of the rocky mountain, tucked back
just out of reach of the wind and rain -- a nest with two small
birds. Apparently unconcerned about the impending storm,
they appear calm, cozy and peaceful as they patiently wait for
the turbulence to pass.

And isn't that the way it so often is? We may want to be
surrounded by peace, but storms rage. Problems and
pressures without threaten to steal peace of mind within.

The answer is imperturbability: inner peace which doesn't
leave when circumstances change. It's a peace which is
greater than the problems of life, built on assurance that the
tempest will finally pass, we will survive the storm, we may
grow stronger because of it and, in the meantime, we will not
endure it alone.

Imperturbability -- it's the result of a peace which passes
understanding. For serenity is not freedom from the storm,
but peace amid the storm.

-- Unknown

* imperturbability - (im·per·turb·a·bly)
consistently calm: not easily worried, distressed, or agitated

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

Mindfulness

Spend some time with the art of Focus
All your attention centered in this one moment
Not scattered, not flying, nor running in all directions
Just concentrating on one thing, one step at a time
The cessation of anxious activity
brings time to its knees
At your disposal, there for your pleasure and service

A pinpoint sharpness will invade your psyche
A vivid importance will pervade your preoccupation
You will enter Flow at creation's wide open portal
Peace results and fills the being
Now it's easy to be kind to yourself
and to others

The Now ~ this special gift ~ is so precious
that we only have it, own it
one moment at a time
Return the gift: pay it full awareness
Let go all presumptions, expectations, regrets, guilt
Let go the result or the outcome
Just be here
and savour your moment

Love
Stella
stellaraymonde@...

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

Notes for the Soul

A soul is such a precious thing
It can get lost or allowed to sing.
Some get locked behind the gates of Hell
With the use of drugs ,our soul we did sell.
At first a stumble and then the fall
A little at a time, it wont be long , you will lose it all.
But wait it's not lost, only misplaced
We paid our dues, we made our case.
To save a soul only takes a Desire!
One day at a time puts out the fire.
We come in so raw and started to grow,
Recovery is possible, we needed to know!
One step at a time helps with a Higher Power,
The seed can grow to bloom and flower.
Your Soul is such a beautiful thing,
It can get lost or allowed to sing.

written by ~ Dennis Talbot

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

The Stranger in the Mirror

I looked in the mirror one day
An old man looked back my way
Do I know him I thought in my mind
I searched for an answer but had none I could find
I knew it was none other but me
But who I was
I could not see
Forty or more years have passed me by
I than noticed a tear in the corner of my eye
Rarely have I stopped to look at that man
How I did lie to myself I could not understand
I'm not that bad off I've said a thousand times
Lying to justify my self centered ways
Most of my years were spent in a haze
I've hurt so many who were close to me
Self-centered and selfish as I could be
Than came the time I wanted to change
First surrender and than rearrange
I got down on my knees and prayed to God
Oh please help me
Help me to help myself in this new walk
As I work the steps and listen to the talk
First I must learn to listen than listen t learn
Be honest and open and work the steps to freedom
Travel the path of my sisters and brothers
Do my best as I recover
Learn to walk in recoveries way
Count my blessings from day to day
Trust in God to help me work the steps
To discover the man in the mirror
I get what I need to work the program
  From God and my sponsor
People who know me say I have this glow
They say they can see a change in me
I just love this program of recovery
I do feel a lot more serene
No longer am I angry and mean
Finally at peace with the man in the mirror
Here are the steps that I took
One to three was surrender
Four to nine was house cleaning and amends
No longer my ways must I defend
Ten to twelve I maintain and give it away
As I work this program from day to day
I now love that man in the mirror
I'm here to say
I want sobriety to last forever
But I can only get it for  today
Get it and love it
Than give it away to keep it
I'm so grateful to God and my new family
As I travel this path in recovery

Daniel M Corkery
9/18/00
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

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

The minute you settle for less than you deserve,
you get even less than you settled for.
Maureen Dowd

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

As I grow older, I pay less attention to what people say.
I just watch what they do.
Andrew Carnegie

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

Let the beauty you love be what you do.
There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth."
Rumi

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

You can start finding your own divine love when
you start loving others.
But that doesn't count until you can love yourself.
John-Roger

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

If love has conditions attached,
it's not love, it's barter.

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

Love is a behavior.

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

Let us Love you until you learn to love yourself.

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

Love isn't love until you give it away.

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

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

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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,
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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/






Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ cleandate 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

         ==  ==      "we are each of us angels
    <^\()/\()/^>       with but one wing,
        \/  \/  \/       and can only fly by
         /  \/  \        embracing each other"
         `""``""`

Scott’s Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

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

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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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

My problem was that if I didn’t have a problem,
I would invent one.

www.recoveryresources.org/comics.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Intolerance and indifference are attitudes that defeat us in our
recovery ,
what are some other attitudes you display that defeat you in your
recovery ?
How are you working to change this ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 29
I love myself and all that I am today.
My fears are just one part of all that I am.
I am a human being on a progressive path
to recovery and every part of me
is important in the making up of who I am.
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 Slow-Bow Tree

The slow-bow tree in wind whipped gail
Arcs recklessly toward filling sails
And grasses of the marsh do sway
To keep time well with birds at play.

The oceans end, a crowded beach
Thick tan-oil smell, a scent from each
A day of games, a day of fun,
A day of precious color won
And newfound glamour’s evening play
Has alcohol to smooth the way.

Insider out, curiosity draw
His one time friends, where have they gone?
Return to within, and the feeling of free
Return to the place of the slow-bow tree.

Ian K.
roadbone@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 Power of a Single Moment
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1203

My Higher Power - The Light Bulb
By Clarence H. Snyder - "The Home Brewmeister
www.barefootsworld.net/aahplightbulb.html

NAWorldWide
   A new NA website is now online.
We have live Online NA Meetings, NA Literature, a Bulletin Board Service
(BBS/Forum) and more. Please
Join us if you wish.
To Join our group, click on the "Join" button.
www.NAWorldWide.org

AA Big Book
www.recovery.org/aa/bigbook/ww/index.html

Prison Stories of Recovery
www.recoveryresources.org/prison

The Salesman
Bob O., Richfield (Akron), Ohio.
(OM, p. 317 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/bobo.html

Fired Again
Wallace (Wally) G., Akron, Ohio.
(OM, p. 325 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/wallaceg.html

How the 12 Steps Work for This Agnostic
www.recoveryresources.org/agnostic.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 29                                          Just for Today

"When we stop living in the here and now, our problems become
magnified unreasonably"      Basic Text, p.96

   "Just for today"-it's a comforting thought. If we try to live in
the past,
we may find ourselves torn by painful, disquieting memories. The
lessons of our using are not the teachers we seek for recovery.
Living in tomorrow means moving in with fear.

   We cannot see the shape of the secret future, and uncertainty
brings worry. Our lives look overwhelming when we lose the focus
of today.

   Living in the moment offers freedom. In this moment, we know that
we are safe. We are not using, and we have everything we need.
What's more, life is happening in the here and now. The past is gone
and the future has yet to arrive; our worrying won't change any of it.
Today, we can enjoy our recovery, this very minute.

Just for today: I will stay in the here and now. Today - this moment
- I am free

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/September.html

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

Building A New Life

We feel a man is unthinking when he says sobriety is enough.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 82

   When I reflect on Step Nine, I see that physical sobriety must
be enough for me.  I need to remember the hopelessness I felt
before I found sobriety, and how I was willing to go to any lengths
for it.  Physical sobriety is not enough for those around me,
however, since I must see that God's gift is used to build a new
life for my family and loved ones.  Just as importantly, I must be
available to help others who want the A.A. way of life.

   I ask God to help me share the gift of sobriety so that its benefits
may be shown to those I know and 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/ September 29th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Having got this far, shall we pause and ask ourselves some
searching questions?  We need to check up on ourselves
periodically.  Just how good an A.A. am I?  Am I attending
meetings regularly?  Am I doing my share to carry the load?
When there is something to be done, do I volunteer?  Do I
speak at meetings when asked, no matter how nervous I am?
Do I accept each opportunity to do twelfth-step work as a
challenge?  Do I give freely of my time and money?  Am I trying
to spread A.A. wherever I go?  Is my daily life a demonstration
of A.A. principles?  Am I a good A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

How do I get strength to be effective and to accept
responsibility?  By asking the Higher Power for the strength
I need each day.  It has been proved in countless lives that
for every day I live, the necessary power shall be given me.
I must face each challenge that comes to me during the day,
sure that God will give me the strength to face it.  For every
task that is given me, there is also given me all the power
necessary for the performance of that task.  I do not need
to hold back.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may accept every task as a challenge.  I know
I cannot wholly fail if God is with me.

"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
SEPTEMBER 29, 2005

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

The Importance of Money

We cannot afford to allow our focus in life to be money. That will
not lead us into the abundance we're seeking. Usually, it will not
even lead to financial stability.

Money is important. We deserve to be paid what we're worth. We
will be paid what we're worth when we believe we deserve to be.
But often your plans fail when our primary consideration is money.

What do we really want to do? What do we feel led to do? What
are our instincts telling us? What do we feel guided to do? What
are we excited about doing? Seek to find a way to do that, without
worrying about the money.

Consider the financial aspects. Set boundaries about what you
need to be paid. Be reasonable. Expect to start at the bottom, and
work up. But if you feel led toward a job, go for it.

Is there something we truly don't want to do, something that goes
against our grain, but we are trying to force ourselves into it "for
the money?" Usually, that's a behavior that backfires. It doesn't
work. We make ourselves miserable, and the money usually goes
wrong  too.

I have learned that when I am true to myself about work and what
I need to be doing, the money will follow. Sometimes it's not as much
as I want; sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised, and it's more. But I'm
content, and I have enough.

Money is a consideration, but it cannot be our primary consideration
if we are seeking spiritual security and peace of mind.

Today, I will make money a consideration, but I will not allow it to
become my primary consideration. God, help me be true to myself
and trust that the money will follow.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Whose Picture Are You Taking Home? , Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/April/cohen.htm

Has Anyone Told You
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/

meditationroom
http://www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

My sky

By Brother Anthony (Tony Budell)

The eagle was hurt, crying out in pain and anguish because
someone had invaded his sky and attacked him. Now hurt
and bleeding, he wanted his revenge. How could other birds
invade his sky? He was the king of all the birds, the most
powerful creature of the skies and yet here he was, torn,
bleeding and tormented by this invasion of his space, this
unprovoked assault upon his sky.

As the eagle perched upon a tall tree, using his powerful beak
to tend his wounds and preen his feathers, a soft voice called
unto him, “Powerful eagle, king of all the skies, what has
befallen you?” He lifted his weary head and saw an owl perched
on a branch nearby, “I was attacked by smaller birds when I was
not looking, they came out of nowhere and before I could gather
my wits and my strength, it was too late. They pecked at me
unmercifully, leaving me cut and bleeding, but as soon as I
recover from my wounds, I will wreak my revenge on those
smaller birds. I will destroy their nests, their offspring and their
environments. As king of all the birds, I cannot be made to look
weak or vulnerable, so my vengeance is a necessity if I am to
regain my credibility with my fellow eagles”.

The owl pondered this for a while and then asked , “Would you
kill all the Starlings, all the crows, all the sparrows, all the species
of birds that you feel were responsible, even if they were totally
innocent of the actual attack upon you?” The eagle replied,
“Yes, I will kill them all, for in that way, I am sure to kill those
actually responsible.” The owl again pondered the answer and
then asked, “Why do you think the smaller birds attacked you.”
The eagle replied, “Because I am the most powerful creature of
the skies and with me out of the way, they would have my sky for
themselves.” Again the owl pondered the answer and said, “The
smaller birds attacked you, not because they wanted your sky,
but because they were frightened of your strength. You soar
higher than all the birds, your home is high in the mountains
and you are aloof to all the birds below you and because of this,
the other birds fear you. You patrol the skies, looking down with
contempt upon lesser birds than yourself. Have you ever thought
of descending from the lofty heights and talking with them?
Listening to their problems? Encouraging them, teaching them,
helping them. Showing them that although you are mighty and
powerful, you are also kindly and benevolent, that in your power
and strength lays gentleness and compassion. The lesser birds
know that you are powerful. They know that you are mighty.
They know that you are the king of all the skies. You do not have
to tell them this and you certainly do not have to demonstrate this.
It is only when you allow others to see your gentler side, your
compassionate side, your caring side, that your true greatness
will be known to all the birds.”

The eagle listened as he continued to tend his wounds, replying
at  length, “You just do not understand, Owl. I am the symbol of
an entire nation of humans. My outstretched wings are the
embodiment of that nations power and strength. Are you saying
that I should show my weaker side, my vulnerable side, surely you
are not asking me to show that I’m soft?”

The owl laughed softly, “Mighty eagle, king of all birds, showing
compassion and caring does not make you soft, it makes you
stronger. Do you not see the simple truth in this? I agree that
those that hurt you so badly should be punished, but to punish
all the birds would achieve nothing. In fact it would alienate all
birds of all species unto you. The rest of the bird kingdom knows
you are powerful so therefore you have nothing to prove to them.
All birds know that you can soar higher than all other birds so you
do not have to demonstrate this fact. All birds know that you are
king of the skies so therefore you do not have to keep telling them
this. It is only when they see the side of you that you keep hidden
for fear of being seen as soft, as you call it, that they will see you
true greatness. Come down from the high mountain for a while
and spend time with other birds, less powerful than you. Let them
hear your wisdom and feel your compassion.

Let them see you caring for other birds, guiding them, feeding
them, teaching them and then your true greatness will become
known throughout the kingdom of the skies. You say that your
outstretched wings of power represent a nation of humans, but
would it not be better that other nations of humans saw your
outstretched wings, not wings of power, but wings encompassing
all nations in love and compassion, for their lays your true strength
and your true greatness.

Bless you.

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

The Integrity of Ugly

   Everyone in the apartment complex I lived in knew who Ugly
was. Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in
this world: fighting, eating garbage, and, shall we say, loving.

   These three things, together with a life spent outside, had
taken their toll on Ugly. To start with, he had only one eye,
and where the other should have been, was a gaping hole.
He was also missing his ear on the same side. His left foot
appeared to have been badly broken at one time, and had
healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was
always turning the corner. His tail had long been lost,
leaving only the smallest stub which he would constantly
jerk and twitch.

   Ugly would have been a dark gray, striped tabby except for
the sores covering his head and neck. Even his shoulders
were covered with thick, yellowing scabs. Every time someone
saw Ugly, there was the same reaction ... That's one UGLY cat!

   All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw
rocks at him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to
come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door when he
would not leave. Ugly always had the same reaction. If you
turned the hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked
until you gave up and quit. If you threw things at him, he would
curl his lanky body around your feet in forgiveness.

   Whenever he spied children, he would come running, meowing
frantically, bumping his head against their hands, begging for
their love. If you ever picked him up, he would immediately begin
suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find.

   One day Ugly tried to be friendly to the neighbor's huskies. They
did not respond kindly, and Ugly was badly mauled. From my
apartment I could hear his screams, and I rushed to his aid. By
the time I got to him, it was apparent that Ugly's sad life was
almost at an end. Ugly lay in a wet puddle, his back legs and
lower back twisted grossly out of shape, a gaping tear in the white
stripe of fur that ran down his front.

   As I picked him up and tried to carry him home, I could hear him
wheezing and gasping and I could feel him struggling. It must
he hurting him terribly, I thought. Then I felt a familiar tugging,
sucking sensation on my ear. Ugly, in so much pain and
suffering, obviously dying, was trying to suckle my ear. I pulled
him closer to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with his
head, then he turned his one golden eye towards me, and I
could hear the distinct sound of purring. Even in the greatest
pain, that ugly, battle-scarred cat was asking only for a little
affection, perhaps some compassion.

   At that moment, I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving
creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or
scratch me, try to get away from me, or struggle in any way.
Ugly just looked up at me completely trusting in me to relieve
his pain.

   Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and
held him for a long time afterwards, thinking about how one
scarred, deformed little stray could so alter my opinion about
what it means to have true pureness of spirit, to love so totally
and truly. Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion
than a thousand books, lectures, or talk show specials ever
could, and for that I will always be thankful.

   He had been scarred on the outside, but I was scarred on the
inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love
truly and deeply, to give my total to those I cared for.

   Many people want to be richer, more successful, well-liked,
or beautiful. But for me? I will always try to be Ugly.

  From the Gossamer Gazette

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

She's Sober Today!

So carefree, the girl with flowers in her hair,
Just dashing around, without any cares,
Long hair and blue jeans, no shoes on her feet,
She'd heard about the Hippies, one day she would meet.

She'd never done drugs, though she might take a drink,
Till she met the Hippies, now what do you think?
She started to travel, right up to the top,
Never thinking that one day she just couldn't stop.

Then she met a soldier all covered with dreams,
Her drinking would stop, or that's how it seems.
It lasted a few years, she cheated on him,
When he did the same, the future looked grim.

Three children all stranded, she loves to this day,
But just like their father, they all went away.
A lonely old lady who just couldn't quit,
Since she could remember, she just didn't fit.

Some anonymous people came up to her door,
Said she wasn't different, she's lonely no more,
Her friends they are many, she's happy to say,
A God of her own now, she loves it this way!

Sharlett Hunt Sept. 13, 2004
Sharlette863@...

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

A Word About Unity

As each bird flaps it's wings, it creates an "uplift" for the bird
following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds a
71% longer flying range than if each flew alone.

LESSON; People who share common direction and sense
of community can get where they travel on the thrust of one
another. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly
feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly
gets back into formation to take advantage of the "lifting power"
of the bird immediately in front.

LESSON; If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay
in formation with those who are headed where we want to go.
The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those
up front to keep their speed.

LESSON; We need to make sure our honking from behind is
encouraging - not something less helpful. When a goose gets
sick or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow
him down to help protect him. They stay with him until he is
either able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on their
own, either with another formation or to catch up with
the original flock.

LESSON; If we have as much sense as the geese, we'll stand
by each other like they do. When a goose gets tired of leading
the formation, he will retire to the rear to take advantage of the
maximum lift (draft), while another goose moves forward to
take a turn at leading the formation.

LESSON; If we have as much sense as a goose, we will take a
turn in the lead when the time comes.

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

The path to our destination is not always a straight one.
We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back.
Maybe it doesn't matter which road we embark on.
Maybe what matters is that we embark.
Barbara Hall

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

Expect your every need to be met,
expect the answer to every problem,
expect abundance on every level,
expect to grow spiritually.
Eileen Caddy

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

Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker.
Failure is delay, not defeat.  It is a temporary detour,
not a dead end.  Failure is something we can avoid only by
saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.
Denis Waitley

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

Don't tell God how big your problems are....
Tell your problems  how BIG God is.....

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

Live your life each day as you would
climb a mountain.  An occasional
glance toward the summit keeps the
goal in mind, but many beautiful
scenes are to be observed from
each new vantage point.  Climb slowly,
steadily, enjoying each passing moment;
and the view from the summit will
serve as a fitting climax for the journey.
Harold B. Melchart

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

We attract hearts by the qualities we display;
we retain them by the qualities we possess.
Suard

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

Live and let live.

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

Live in the moment, not for the moment.

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

Live in the solution.
The answers are in the steps.

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

Live, Love, Laugh

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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   /_\/_\

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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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Area Service Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/areaservice.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Intolerance and indifference are attitudes that defeat us in our
recovery ,
what are some other attitudes you display that defeat you in your
recovery ?
How are you working to change this ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 28
I am learning to trust my intuition and
I am willing to act on this inner guidance.
I am taking positive and healthy actions today and
my life is getting better and better.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Someone Here Cares

Broken and beaten I finally arrived
You told me you cared
And I thought you lied

Little by little I gained more trust
"Take these steps, is all we suggest".
"Dig down deep, find out what's there,
We will guide you remember we care,"

Sharing brings hope, caring means love,
Spiritual wisdom comes from above.
"Take off those masks"  is what you said,
Nothing to fear, nothing to dread,

I tugged and I pulled, and lo and behold
The child within began to unfold.
With utmost care, I began to love,
And embrace this child, with hand in glove,

One day at a time, the wounds will heal
Dispose of the masks as I begin to peel,
No more am I broken, beaten with strife
You taught me to love, and
I love my new life!

Barbara Fagan

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 Farewell Letter
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=464

The Ego Factors In Surrender In Alcoholism
by Harry M. Tiebout, M.D.
www.barefootsworld.net/aaegofactors.html

Narcotics Anonymous TRIVIA QUIZ
www.funtrivia.com/playquiz.cfm?qid=148360&origin

Friends of Bill W. TRIVIA QUIZ
www.funtrivia.com/playquiz.cfm?qid=148361&origin

A.A. History TRIVIA QUIZ
www.funtrivia.com/playquiz.cfm?qid=88383&origin

A Ward of the Probate Court
William (Bill) V. H., Akron or Kent, Ohio.
(OM, p. 296 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/williamvh.html

www.silkworth.net/aabiography/charlies.html
Riding the Rods
Charlie S., Akron, Ohio.
(OM, p. 303 in 1st edition.)

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 28                                                   Hope

"Gradually as we become more God-centered than self
centered,our despair turns to hope."      Basic Text, p.92

   As using addicts, despair was our relentless companion. It
colored our every waking moment. Despair was born of our
experience in active addiction: No matter what measures we
tried to make our lives better, we slid ever deeper into misery.
Attempts we made to control our lives frequently met with failure.
In a sense, our First Step admission of powerlessness was an
acknowledgment of despair.

   Steps Two and Three lead us gradually out of that despair and
into new hope, the companion of the recovering addict. Having
accepted that so many of our efforts to change have failed, we
come to believe that there is a Power greater than ourselves. We
believe this Power can-and will-help us. We practice the Second
and Third Steps as an affirmation of our hope for a better life,
turning to this Power for guidance. As we come to rely more and
more on a Higher Power for the management of our day-to-day
life, the despair arising from our long experiment with self-
sufficiency disappears

Just for today: I will reaffirm my Third Step decision. I know that,
with a Higher Power in my life, there is hope.

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/September.html

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

Finding A "Reason To Believe"

The willingness to grow is the essence of all spiritual development.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 171

A line from a song goes, " . . .and I look to find a reason to
believe. .
."  It reminds me that at one time I was not able to find a reason to
believe that my life was all right.  Even though my life had been
saved by my coming to A.A., three months later I went out and
drank again.  Someone told me: "You don't have to believe. Aren't
you willing to believe that there is a reason for your life, even though
you may not know yourself what that reason is, or that you may
not sometimes know the right way to behave?"  When I saw how
willing I was to believe there was a reason for my life, then I could
start to work on the Steps.  Now when I begin with, "I am willing. . ."
I am using the key that leads to action, honesty, and an openness
to a Higher Power moving through 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/ September 28th

A.A. Thought for the Day

For the past two months we have been studying passages and
steps from the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous.  Now why not
read the book itself again?  It is essential that the A.A. program
become part of us.  We must have its essentials at our
fingertips.  We cannot study the Big Book too much or too
often.  The more we read it and study it, the better equipped
we are to think A.A., act A.A., and live A.A.  We cannot know
too much about the program.  The chances are that we will
never know enough.  But we can make as much of it our own as
possible.  How much of the Big Book have I thoroughly mastered?

Meditation for the Day

We need to accept the difficulties and disciplines of life so as
to fully share the common life of other people.  Many things
that we must accept in life are not to be taken so much as being
necessary for us personally, as to be experienced in order that
we may share in the sufferings and problems of humanity.  We
need sympathy and understanding.  We must share many of the
experiences of life, in order to understand and sympathize with
others. Unless we have been through the same experiences, we
cannot understand other people or their makeup well enough to
be able to help them.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may accept everything that comes my way as a
part of life.  I pray that I may make use of it in helping other
people.

"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
SEPTEMBER 28, 2005

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

Prayer

Here are some of my favorite prayers:

Help. Please. Don't.
Show me. Guide me. Change me.
Are you there?
Why'd you do that?
Oh.
Thank you.

Today, I will tell God what I want to tell God, and listen for God's
answer. I will remember that I can trust God.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Are Your Goals Exciting?
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/April/feature3.htm

Has Anyone Told You
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/

meditationroom
http://www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv


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

The Cracked Pot

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each
end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots
had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always
delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from
the stream to the masters house, the cracked pot arrived only
half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer
delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his masters
house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments,
perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked
pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that
it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke
to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of
myself, and I want to apologize to you."

"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"

"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half
my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out
all the way back to your masters house. Because of my flaws,
you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from
your efforts." The pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his
compassion he said, "As we return to the masters house, I want
you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of
the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path,
and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad
because it had leaked out half its load, and so again the Pot
apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers
only on your side of your path, but not on the other pots side? That's
because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage
of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day
while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two
years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate
my masters table. Without you being just the way you are, he would
not have this beauty to grace his house."

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We re all cracked pots. But if
we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Fathers
table.
In Gods great economy, nothing goes to waste. Don't be afraid of your
   flaws. Acknowledge them, and you too can be the cause of beauty.
Know that in our weakness we find our strength.

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

Through a Father's Eyes......

This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had
a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on
the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never
missed a game.

This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered
high school. But his father continued to encourage him but also
made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't
want to.

But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there
He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps
he'd get to play when he became a senior. All through high
school he never missed a practice nor a game but remained a
bench-warmer all four years.

His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words
of encouragement for him.

When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for
the football team as a "walk-on." Everyone was sure he could
never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept
him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul to
every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members
with the spirit and hustle they badly needed.

The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that
he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father
shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the
college games.

This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four
years at college, but he never got to play in a game. It was the end
of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice
field shortly before the big playoff game, the coach met him with a
telegram.

The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent.
Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this
morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?" The coach put his
arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week
off, son. And don't even plan to come back to the game on Saturday."

Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third
quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man
quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football
gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were
astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon. "Coach,
please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the young
man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way
he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young
man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave
in. "All right," he said. "You can go in."

Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands
could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never
played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could
not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked, and tackled like a star.
His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing
seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the
way for the winning touchdown.

The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their
shoulders. Such cheering you never heard. Finally, after the
stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the
locker room, the coach noticed that this young man was sitting
quietly in the corner all alone The coach came to him and said,
"Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into
you? How did you do it?"

He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well,
you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?"
The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came
to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me
play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!"

Like the athlete's father, God is always there cheering for us. He's
always reminding us to go on. He's even offering us His hand for
He knows what is best, and is willing to give us what we need
and not simply what we want. God has never missed a single
game. What a joy to know that life is meaningful if lived for the
Highest. Live for HIM for He's watching us in the game of life!

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

Once upon a time, twin boys were conceived in the same
womb. Seconds, minutes, hours passes as the two dormant
lives developed. The spark of life glowed until it fanned fire
with the formation of their embryonic brains. With their simple
brains came feeling, and with feeling, perception; a
perception of surroundings, of each other, of self.

When they perceived the life of each other and their own life,
they knew that life was good, and they laughed and rejoiced:
the one saying, “Lucky are we to have been conceived, and
to have this world,” and the other chiming, “Blessed be the
Mother who gave us this life and each other.”

Each budded and grew arms and fingers, lean legs and
stubby toes. They stretched their lungs, churned and turned
in their new-found world. They explored their world, and in it
found the life cord which gave them life from the precious
Mother’s blood. So they sang, “How great is the love of the
Mother that she shares all she has with us!” And they were
pleased and satisfied with their lot.

Weeks passed into months, and with the advent of each new
month, they noticed a change in each other and each began
to see a change in himself. “We are changing,” said the one.
“What can it mean?”

“It means,” replied the other, “that we are drawing near to birth.”

An unsettling chill crept over the two, and they both feared,
for they knew that birth meant leaving all their world behind.

Said the one, “Were it up to me, I would d live here forever.”

“We must be born,” said the other. “It has happened to all others
who were here.” For indeed there was evidence of life there
before, as the Mother had borne others.

“But mightn’t there be a life after birth?”

“How can there be a life after birth?” cried the one. “Do we not
shed our life cord and also the blood tissues? And have you ever
talked to one who has been born? Has anyone ever re-entered
the womb after birth?”

“No!” He fell into despair, and in his despair he moaned, “If the
purpose of conception and al our growth is that it be ended in
birth, then truly our life is absurd.”

Resigned to despair, the one stabbed the darkness with his
unseeing eyes and as he clutched his precious life cord to his
chest said, “If this is so, and life is absurd, then there really can
be no Mother.”

“But there is a Mother,” protested the other. “Who else gave
us nourishment"

“We get our own nourishment, and our world has always
been here. And if there is a Mother, where is she? Have you
ever seen her? Does she talk to you? No! We invented the
Mother because it satisfied a need in us. It made us feel secure
and happy.”

Thus while one raved and despaired, the other resigned
himself to birth, and placed his trust in the hands of the Mother.

Hours ached into days, and days fell into weeks. And it came
time. Both knew their birth was a t hand, and both feared what
they did not know. As the one was the first to be conceived, so
he was the first to be born, the other following after.

They cried as they were born into the light. And coughed out
fluid and gasped the dry air. And when they were sure they
had been born, they opened their eyes, seeing for the first
time, and found themselves cradled in the warm love of the
Mother! They lay open-mouthed, awe-struck before the
beauty and truth they could not have hoped to have known.

Written by Wayne Rice

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

The Bridge

I've reached this bridge in recovery.
I start to cross, I gaze to the sea.
There's so many on the other side,
Encourage me not to fear the tide.
"Summon strength as you begin.
Be persistent. You won't fall in.
You'll encounter fear and pain.
Look at us. You've so much to gain."

     And I've never, no I've never, ever felt like this.
     I'm so confused. I can't see my life through the mist.
     But, I believe.
     I believe.

I must seek the will to extend
Myself in love, to be my own friend.
Acting from habit is my own will.
I must seek Him if I am to fill
This hollow emptiness inside.
A victim of my own false pride.
I must do what I don't want to do,
To seek myself and to seek His truth.

     And I've never, no I've never, ever felt like this.
     I'm so confused. I can't see my life through the mist.
     But, I believe.
     I believe.

As I walk down this path alone,
I leave behind friends I have known.
I miss you now, I can do no more.
I finally step to the other shore.
People greet me, hold out their hand.
"Welcome to your very own land.
It's a land on mental health,
It's the land of emotional wealth."

     And I've never, no I've never, ever felt like this.
     I'm so confused. I can't see my life through the mist.
     But, I believe.
     I have Faith

written november 1992
©1992 by Michael J. Edwards

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

Recovery Dance

I always did the best I could
I wasn't bad
I was far from good
I hit the streets at an early age
At fifteen I was full of rage
I wanted to make my mark
I was on the streets after dark
I scored when ever I could
Done lots of harm
Done lots of good
I was blind I could not see
Yet it never really bothered me
I took and took as I made my way
That thanks to God that was yesterday
Today I walk in Gods grace
I make amends to the human race
My God has given me another chance
So in recovery I like to dance
Lots of work and lots of play
In recovery I make my way
The recovery dance is my second chance

Daniel M Corkery
6/13/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

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

If you make friends with yourself you will never be alone.
Maxwell Maltz

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

We do not need to wait until we are out of commission
to take the time to heed our inner voice.
Alan Cohen

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

The human spirit is stronger than anything
that can happen to it.
George C. Scott

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

I'm not in harmony with myself,
when what I feel on the inside
does not show on the outside.
Glen Ridless

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

Learn to listen, listen to learn.

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

Life is fragile; handle with prayer.

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

God gave you two ears and only one mouth for a reason.
To do twice as much listening and half as much talking.

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

Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth.

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

Walk The Walk

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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,
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,
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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:
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Service Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/service.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Intolerance and indifference are attitudes that defeat us in our
recovery ,
what are some other attitudes you display that defeat you in your
recovery ?
How are you working to change this ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 27
Today I'm living according to my truth,
knowing that freedom and happiness are the result.
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 Soldier I Loved

(CHORUS)
There was a wondering soldier I Loved
Her battles were fought from the strength given above
She battled addiction, surrendered and won
Her fight was with passion and unconditional love
Was Grace received from heaven above

She was a daughter, a mother, a grandma, a friend
As her honor and dignity began to ascend
She reached out her hand to every stray that came in
And helped them battle to surrender to win
And if they would fall she’d reach out again and again
Saying, it takes what it takes so hold on for the ride
I know you can do it with God at your side
The steps gave her compassion, guidance, and love
This soldier was ready for an addicts battles taking flight like a dove

(CHORUS)

She rose to the challenge each time a hand reached out
She knew it was a mission of life and death
So she reached in her sole and gave all that she could
To her family, her friends, even enemies she would
As we sit here and celebrate the life of this wondering soldier I  loved
I know in my heart her last battles been fought
So please take her passion and unconditional love
And carry it with you in your heart
As you reach out and reach out again
Cause I know her journey has finally come home

(CHORUS)

Written in dedication to Fillomena Boise

By Michelle Doulette
steps2serenity@...
Fillomena is a recovering addict battling cancer and now has little time
left.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12 Qualities of Sponsorship
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=155

The 12 Steps as Ego Deflating Devices
By Dr. Harry M. Tiebout, M.D.
What does Surrender Mean?
www.barefootsworld.net/aa12egodeflate.html

N.A. How It Works
www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/2098/howitwor.html

How It Works
(From Chapter 5, pages 58-60 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous)
www.aanapa.org/pages/coredocs/howitworks.htm

A.A. History TRIVIA QUIZ
www.funtrivia.com/playquiz.cfm?qid=88383&origin

The Seventh Month Slip
Ernie G., Akron, Ohio.
(OM, p. 282 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/ernieg.html

My Wife and I
Tom L., Akron, Ohio.
(OM, p. 287 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/toml.html

Just Friends
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/JustFriends.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 27                                                Right
back up

"There is 'something in our self-destructive personalities that cries
for failure."     Basic Text, p.77

   "Poor me; woe is me; look at me, my life is such a mess! I've fallen,
and no matter how hard I try, I continue to fail!' Many of us came to
NA singing this sad refrain.

   Life isn't like that anymore. True, sometimes we still stumble; at
times
we even fall. Sometimes we feel like we can't move forward in our
lives, no matter how hard we try. But the truth of the matter is
that, with
the help of other recovering addicts in NA, we find a hand to pull us
up, dust us off, and help us start all over again. That's the new
refrain
in our lives today. No longer do we say, "I'm a failure and I'm going
nowhere!' Usually, it's more like, "Rats! I hit that same bump in the
road of life again. Pretty soon I'll learn to slow down or avoid it
entirely!'
Until then, we may continue to fall down occasionally, but we've
learned that there's always a helping hand to set us on our feet again.

Just for today: If I begin to cry failure, I'll remember there is a
way to move forward. I will accept the encouragement and support
of NA.

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/September.html

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

Willingness To Grow

"If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on."
- AS BILL SEES IT, p. 8

Sobriety fills the painful "hole in the soul" that my alcoholism
created.  Often I feel so physically well that I believe my work
is done.  However, joy is not just the absence of pain; it is the
gift of continued spiritual awakening.  Joy comes from ongoing
and active study, as well as application of the principles of
recovery in my everyday life, and from sharing that experience
with others.  My Higher Power presents many opportunities for
deeper spiritual awakening.  I need only to bring into my
recovery the willingness to grow.  Today I am ready to grow.

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/ September 27th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Continuing the consideration of the term "spiritual experience":
"What often takes place in a few months could seldom have
been accomplished by years of self-discipline. With few
exceptions, our members find that they have tapped an
unsuspected inner resource which they presently identify with
their own conception of a Power greater than themselves.  Most
of us think this awareness of a Power greater than ourselves the
essence of spiritual experience. Some of us call it God-
consciousness.  In any case, willingness, honesty, and open-
mindedness are the essentials of recovery,"  Have I tapped
that inner resource that can change my life?

Meditation for the Day

God's power in your life increases as your ability to understand
His grace increases.  The power of God's grace is only limited
by the understanding and will of each individual. God's miracle-
working power is only limited in each individual soul by the lack
of spiritual vision of that soul.  God respects freewill, the right
of each person to accept or reject His miracle-working power.
Only the sincere desire of the soul gives Him the opportunity to
bestow it.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may not limit God's power by my lack of vision.  I
pray that I may keep my mind open today to His influence.

"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
SEPTEMBER 27

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

Temporary Setbacks

Sometimes, after we begin recovery, things in our life seem
to  get worse for a time. Our finances, our relationships, or
our health may seem to deteriorate.

This is temporary; this is a normal part of recovery and
healing. It may be the way things will be for a time, but not for
long.

Keep working at recovery, and the trend will reverse. Before
too long, things, and us, will be better than they were before.
This time, the foundation will be solid.

God, help me trust You and recovery, even when I have
setbacks. Help me remember that the problems are temporary,
and when they are solved, I will be on more solid ground.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Knowing Where You Come From
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/April/feature2.htm

Has Anyone Told You
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/

meditationroom
http://www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Dreams Do Come True

by Debbie Johnson

The goal is set. She runs for the pot of gold at the end of the
rainbow and everything in creation tries to stop her... A
hailstorm, a fire, a hurricane, a heartbreak, and finally,
persisting until the sweet end, she makes it! Hardly believing
it is real, she basks in the warm light of glory that begins to
feel as natural as the sun itself.

Just as she did, you can make your dreams come true.
Persistence is the key word in the above story, and the
magic key to success in any endeavor. Never give up.
If you believe in your dreams, you must pursue them with
zeal, tumbling any blocks in your way with pure love and
joy for the chase!
Where To Begin

When I was in eighth grade, my teacher asked us to write
a composition about what we'd like to do when we grew up.
All I could think of was one sentence. "I want to help people!"
I had an unformed idea that has reshaped and remolded itself
many times over the years, through many failures,
heartbreaks, and countless feelings of unworthiness and
self-doubt. I know now that the feeling to help others meant
to help myself first, then find ways to help others help
themselves.

That dream has finally grown into a full-time income reality,
with a part-time effort. (My dream job). I get to spend my days
spreading love, and loving myself, because I have the
freedom and time to do whatever I need to live well. That
doesn't mean that life is always easy, or that my work is
always enjoyable. It means I am doing what I would do if
this were the last day of my life. That is my yardstick for
following my heart... that and doing what feels absolutely
right and true.

What have you always wanted to do? Write it down now. If
that questions stumps you, try this one on for size: What would
you do if this were the last day of your life? Write down the first
thing that comes to mind, no matter how ridiculous or
impossible it seems... that will always be from Soul. OK,
got it? Good, you're on your way!

The God-Can

The first magic ingredient to making something happen is to
write it down. Writing things down makes them happen. It has
been proven in studies done with two groups of people. Both
groups sought after goals in the same way. Yet one group,
the test group, wrote their goals down on paper, the other
group was not allowed to do this. The group that took pen to
paper accomplished them, get this, 100 to one over the group
that did not! Is that incredible? I have proven this over and over
to myself. Every time I write my goals, they get accomplished
unless I am emotionally entangled in them (that's a whole
article in itself).

So get out a pretty or special box or jar, or decorate a can
(a "God-can" is nice). Now stuff it with all the little pieces of
paper on which you have madly written your dreams and
goals as they have come to mind. Set reasonable dates for
their attainment as well. It works, even if the dream doesn't
land exactly on that date, it helps your subconscious to
have a specific time frame.

Now you get to be a kid again. If you can pretend it is really
happening, it will happen much faster and more fully than
your mind can believe. Relaxation and becoming childlike
in your attitude is vital to working with your subconscious.
Too bad adults don't "make believe" anymore... why should
kids have all the fun anyway?

There are lots of wonderful books on creating what you want.
My studies of them and my own experiences in life have helped
me to accomplish almost anything I could imagine, from a
Hawaiian cruise to living there and learning Hula. From a
visit to New York City working temporarily at "Good Morning
America" to working at my dream job for a very special
publisher. There's more to go for me... I'm not stopping till my
body does, and you don't have to either. Life is meant to be
lived to the fullest, so get in there and dig your toes in the
mud. You might just find a diamond!

About The Author

Debbie Johnson is a counselor, author and publisher of 3 books:
"How to Love Yourself", "How to Think Yourself Thin", and "How
to Make Your Dreams Come True", available at your local Recovery
& Metaphysical Bookstore. Debbie can be reached at: Deborah
Johnson Publishing, 7030 SW Canyon Crest Dr., #6, Portland,
OR 97225.

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

Soul Silence

Stop paying attention to external noise
Listen for a while to the silence
Let your own voice speak to you
Treat stillness with respect, as an act of worship

Allow it admittance, a place at your hearth
Silence opens the door to the waiting soul
There with the answer, there with the inspiration

Commune, be at one, with sensitive heart
Be attuned to the whispers
They may at first be hard to hear
But from them issue many stories
Many arrows to new thoughts and choices
gathered together to fashion your Path

To contemplate them
you must be still
and listen to what your soul
has been needing to say to your heart
for a very long time

Love
Stella

Love
Stella
© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie-Johnson
stellaraymonde@...

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

Alternatives

Spiraling down to the Horror Dome
There's no place left for me.
Mom says "You can't come home
'Cuz that's not what I want to see."

The road to Hell is a mile wide,
With death lighting the way.
Hundreds of others walk by your side,
And your soul is the price you'll pay.

Alternatives are hard to find
When darkness is all you see.
Look for a face that's gentle and kind
Look toward recovery.

Twelve steps up to a brand new day
And hope is the light ahead.
These steps tell us "Just For Today"
Without them I'd be dead.

Meg M.
meg4how@...

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

Our Higher Power's Grace

How wonderful life is to us
each day that we arise.
No longer filled with misery,
of wantonness and cries.
For we have found a way of life,
that fills our every hope.
to give ourselves unselfishly,
seems to help us cope.
we gather in and share our lives
with all who want to listen.
cleansing self of all the dirt,
lets the light within us glisten
then we walk out into the world,
with smiles upon our face.
to show the ones who do not know,
our Higher Powers grace.

written by: Rebecca Ann Bowlin
rbowlin14@...
09/20/02

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

Ninety Days

Ninety days, five hours and fifteen minutes
Sober at last!
Sitting in a circle . . .
Parents, child/adult --
Meeting after meeting
Night after night
Therapy, education, life lessons
Sharing, caring, screaming, fighting.

Gazing around the room
Shinny faces, freshly groomed.
Girls out of Teen Living Magazine
Boys out of GQ.
Except for one . . .
Mine.

Still the punker … true to himself
A little less make-up, clothes cleaner
He looks directly into my eyes now.
But why can't he look like the other kids?

Head throbbing I close my eyes
And listen . . .
and visualize
Those freshly groomed shiny faces
Wishing he could look like them.
Words hurriedly flow from their mouths
Just what the parents desire to hear
NA rhetoric -- same old stuff
One sounding like the other.

Eyes still closed, I hear a familiar voice
Speaking slowly with gentleness from the heart
true … gut honest stuff
about himself
and his experiences
It was my son!
MY son!

Tears slowly rolled down my cheeks
My heart filled with pride
As I realized He had become the person
INside that I had always
Wanted him to be.
The OUTside did not matter.
I had grown that night.
I told him on the way home.

Lovingly, Kathleen (Kater)
September 15, 2000
Katerpilar00@...
Written September 6, 2000
For my son Darrin who now has 14 years clean and sober
Dedicated to Delf from Arcanum Cafe

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

The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow
but the rainbow won't wait while you do the work.
Unknown

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

We come to love not by finding a perfect person,
but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.
Anonymous

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

Happiness is not having what you want,
but wanting what you have.
Hyman Judah Schactel

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

As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
Marianne Williamson

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

The trouble with staying home and isolating
is you get a lot of bad advice.

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

ISOLATION is the darkroom where negatives are developed.

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

Recovery is a journey,
the destination is always changing.

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

The more we recover,
The more we uncover,
The more we discover.

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

Be grateful for where you are at...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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/






Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ cleandate 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

         ==  ==      "we are each of us angels
    <^\()/\()/^>       with but one wing,
        \/  \/  \/       and can only fly by
         /  \/  \        embracing each other"
         `""``""`

Scott’s Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

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

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

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




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sharing Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/sharing.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Intolerance and indifference are attitudes that defeat us in our
recovery ,
what are some other attitudes you display that defeat you in your
recovery ?
How are you working to change this ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 26
Today I have the courage I need to take the step
forward in my life that I have been putting off.
I can manage one step at a time,
one change at a time, with ease and confidence.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Stained Glass

My life is like stained glass.
Many facets and many colours.
The pattern changes year by year, never to be the same.
Some colours are healing, others pain.
Some joy. Some sorrow.
But like any piece of Stained Glass, I can be shattered.
If too many pieces are missing I fall apart.
I ask my Higher Power to help me keep the pieces together.
To help turn the painful colours to peaceful shades.
When my colours are most pleasing to Him, he will call me home.
My pieces of glass needed to make Heaven a prettier place.
To help the bigger work of Stained Glass.

Linda G.
alchemyenergyworks@...
September 2004

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 Lessons we Learn
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1200

The Status of "Slippers"
www.barefootsworld.net/aastatus.html

Friends of Bill W. TRIVIA QUIZ
www.funtrivia.com/playquiz.cfm?qid=148361&origin

1000 Marbles
www.members.tripod.com/~suzy_44/thousandmarbles.html

12 Promises
www.recoveryresources.org/25_aca5.gif

A Different Slant
Harry B., New York.
(OM, p. 252 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/harryb.html

The Back-Slider
Walter B., Cleveland, Ohio.
(OM, p. 265 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/walterb.html

Joy
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/Joy.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 26                                Seeing ourselves in others

"It will not make us better people to judge the faults of another."
   Basic Text, p.37

   How easy it is to point out the faults of others! There's a reason
for this: The defects we identify most easily in others are often
the defects we are most familiar with in our own characters. We
may notice our best friend's tendency to spend too much money,
but if we examine our own spending habits we'll probably find the
same compulsiveness. We may decide our sponsor is much too
involved in service, but find that we haven't spent a single
weekend with our families in the past three months because of
one service commitment or another.

   What we dislike in our fellows are often those things we dislike
most in ourselves. We can turn this observation to our spiritual
advantage. When we are stricken with the impulse to judge
someone else, we can redirect the impulse in such a way as to
recognize our own defects more clearly. What we see will guide
our actions toward recovery and help us become emotionally
healthy and happy individuals.

Just for today: I will look beyond the character defects of others
and recognize my own

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/September.html

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

A Unique Problem

"Alcoholics Anonymous will never have a professional class.
We  have gained some understanding of the ancient words
"Freely ye  have received, freely give." We have discovered
that at the point of professionalism, money and spirituality do
not mix.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 166

I believe that Alcoholics Anonymous stands alone in the treatment
of alcoholism because it is based solely on the principle of one
alcoholic sharing with another alcoholic. This is what makes the
program unique.  When I decided that I wanted to stay sober, I called
a woman who I knew was a sober member of A.A., and she carried
the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to me.  She received no
monetary compensation, but rather was paid by staying sober
another day herself.  Today I could ask for no payment other than
another day free from alcohol, so in that respect, I am generously
paid for my labor.

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/ September 26th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Continuing the consideration of the term "spiritual experience":
"The acquiring of an immediate and overwhelming God-
consciousness, resulting in a dramatic transformation, though
frequent, is by no means the rule. Most of our spiritual
experiences Are of the educational variety, and they develop
slowly over a period of time. Quite often friends of newcomers
are aware of the difference long before they are themselves.
They finally realize that they have undergone a profound
alteration in their reaction to life and that such a change could
hardly have been brought about by themselves alone."  Is my
outlook on life changing for the better?

Meditation for the Day

Look at the world as your Father's house. Think of all people
you meet as guests in your Father's house, to be treated with
love and consideration.  Look at yourself as a servant in your
Father's house, as a servant of all. Think of no work as beneath
you. Be ever ready to do all you can for others who need your
help. There is gladness in God's service. There is much
satisfaction in serving the highest that you know.  Express
your love for God in service to all who are living with you in
your Father's house.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may serve others out of gratitude to God.  I pray
that my work may be a small repayment for His grace so freely
given me.

"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
SEPTEMBER 26

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

Feeling Protected

Our task is not a naive one of feeling safe, of living and loving in a
utopian world. One woman commented that our task is making
ourselves feel safe while learning to live and love in a world that
is unsafe.

We do not want to dwell on the dangers, for that gives power to the
negative. Neither do we want to ignore them or pretend they don't
exist.

If we were going to sunbathe, we would not be naive about the
dangers from the sun. We know that harmful rays can burn. We
would take steps to protect ourselves, so that we could enjoy the
benefits of the sun.

That is our task in recovery.

This is what a woman, a helping professional, told me:

Picture a sunscreen surrounding you. Place it around yourself -
not too heavy and thick so no light can penetrate, and not so
thin that you are exposed to danger.

See yourself protected by a sunscreen that is effective. Make
certain that the screen is open to the good. For a while, your
screen was too heavy. It held back what you wanted. Now
change it to let the good come through.

This is your screen for life and the world. See it. Imagine it
surrounding you always. It wraps you in love, in comfort, in
protection. No harm can enter. No negative energy can
penetrate the screen.

Go in peace; go in safety;, now, know you are protected. Go
anywhere you need to go. The evil has been blocked; the
goodwill comes pouring forth. You do not have to work so hard
at protecting yourself. You can relax and enjoy life trusting that
you are safe. Go without fear, for you are wrapped in love and
protection. And you shall always be.

Today, I will envision myself wrapped in a shield that blocks
the negative and harmful rays of the world, but it is constructed
so that the good can enter.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Conversation with Marianne Williamson
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/April/conversation.htm

Has Anyone Told You
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/

meditationroom
http://www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Finding Spiritual Guidance
by Marie T. Russell

For some people spiritual guidance comes while sitting quietly
in meditation.

For others (and I am one of these), spiritual guidance comes
while taking a quiet walk, or taking a long shower, or washing
the dishes quietly, or doing anything quietly...

There is no "right" way to attune to your spiritual guidance…
The right way for you is whatever works for you. We are all
each unique, and we may each have a unique way of
connecting with our guidance.

For some, they need to sit in a church to receive spiritual
guidance, for others the middle of the forest is the place. And
for yet others, it is on their meditation cushion.

For others looking a angel cards or tarot cards helps provide
their connection. For others, no external tools are necessary...
They simply "hear" their guidance.

There is no "one" place or not "one" way where spiritual
guidance can be found.

I used to thing that something was wrong with me because I
had no interest in sitting for hours in meditation, as others do. I
felt guilty for not being interested in doing that. Yet for me, my
spiritual guidance came in the moments when I was doing the
dishes, or taking a long walk down the beach, or driving alone
down a long highway.

Look for spiritual guidance everywhere and at any time...
Spiritual guidance is not restricted to one area, or one particular
day, or one particular time of the day. While you may be more
open to receiving your guidance in the quiet hours of the early
morning, or the late night, your spiritual guidance is always
present. It is present in books that you "happen" to come across,
articles you are attracted to reading, things you hear that when
looked at from that perspective apply to your situation.

Perhaps if we expected to receive spiritual guidance at each
and every moment of our lives instead of simply in church on
Sunday, or when we sit quietly in meditation, we would receive
many more messages throughout the day.

Sometimes we make the mistake of overlooking spiritual
guidance because it does not come in the "package" we are
expecting… Yes, your guidance is within in the silence, and it
does come from our spiritual teachers, but it is also everywhere
we choose to look for it (and everywhere we don't look for it too).

Sometimes, spiritual guidance comes in the form of an overheard
conversation which really has nothing to do with us, but yet when
applied to our context is the perfect message for us at the moment.
Everything we hear can be a spiritual message.

You can try the following. Hold a question in your mind and then
open a book, or even a newspaper, and let your finger fall on the
page… and read where your finger has "coincidentally" landed…
You'll be amazed at the guidance you can find in this way.

Or, before you turn on the radio, ask the question you have in
mind and expect to hear the answer when you turn on the radio,
and lo and behold, the next song you hear (or the comment from
the radio announcer) will be perfectly attuned to your situation.

Spiritual messages are everywhere… after all, most spiritual
teachings tell us that God is everywhere, so why would the voice
of God not be everywhere? It is!

It is found in the voice of children, of birds, or accidentally
overheard conversations, in books that fall into our hands, in
"wrong" numbers, in everything you hear… In the TV shows you
watch, in the people you meet, in the people whose paths you
cross in the street…

If you hear something more than once, then it may be a
message for you. If you keep hearing of people having
candida, or hypoglycemia, (or whatever) perhaps you need
to investigate this for yourself, for perhaps the Universe is
sending you messages for you to pay attention.

Whatever we hear, a song, a conversation, a story, all are to
be applied to ourselves… we can ask, how does this apply to
me?

If someone tells you a story about their friend who is so angry,
or righteous, or whatever, then the question is "how does this
apply to me?" "Am I like this?" "Is there something I need to
learn here?"

The Universe is always sending us messages… but the
messengers are not always wearing wings, or dressed in holy
robes, as a matter of fact, they usually are not wearing wings or
holy vestments. Sometimes they are wearing rags and are
panhandling on the corner… sometimes the messengers have
an attitude and are a "royal pain"… sometimes they are your
next door neighbor… sometimes they are the person you like
best or like least... sometimes it is that thing that REALLY
aggravates you...

The spiritual guidance is all around us… are we listening?

About The Author

Marie T. Russell is the publisher of InnerSelf Magazine (first
published in 1985 originally as Mighty Natural Magazine) and
The Natural Yellow Pages (1987-2002). She produced a
weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from
1991-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem,
personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on
transformation and reconnecting with our inner source of joy
and creativity. Marie can be reached at marie@... with
personal comments and feedback, or to be placed on a mailing
list to be advised when her book becomes available.

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

A-Maze-Ment

Discover the little joys hidden in your days
do not lose yourself in your patient waiting time
record the journey to your Dream
as a maze that turns and twists ahead of you
unannounced, unforseen
un-covered, as of yet unperceived

For this time is fertile seeding ground
for the unleashing of creative inventions
for centering your self onto solid footings
Don‚t let it just pass you by
while your gaze intensifies on the road far ahead

There are treasures at your feet
Pay attention here instead
Leave the hidden workings of the universe
to its promises and miracles

Let them unfold, unravel their mysterious weaving
for the wondrous revealing
It shall soon come to pass

Love
Stella

© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie-Johnson
stellaraymonde@...

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

The Meaning of Peace

    There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who
would paint  the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The
king looked at all the pictures, but there were  only two he really
liked and he had to choose between them.

    One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror
for  peaceful towering mountains were all around it. Overhead
was a blue sky  with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture
thought that it was  perfect picture of peace.

    The other picture had mountains too. But these were rugged
and bare.  Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, and in
which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled
a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the
king looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a
crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had of angry water sat
the mother bird on her nest . . . perfect peace.
Which picture do you think won the prize?

    The king chose the second picture. Do you know why? "Because,"
explained the king, "peace does not mean to be in a place where
there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the
midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.

That is the meaning of peace.

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

Waste Of Life
Virjinja

Do you know a waste  of life
Worthless failure ~ not  alright
No good no-count, stupid  fool
Never made it out of  school
Prisoner well tucked  away
Serving time ~ an  endless stay
In the bottle, drowned  in sorrow
Sick, infected ~ bleak  tomorrow
Addicted one to  this or that
Hungry, hopeless ~ pass  the hat
Hardened heart, devoid  of feeling
Recalcitrant, obnoxious  meanie
Have you met a waste of  life
No one will fulfill that  lie
Every single human  being
Is beloved of God,  believe it
Back the veil of wasted  life
Hides an angel shining  light
Not one soul would to be  lost
Extend a hand, it's  worth the cost
There but for the Grace  of God
Go you or I, a road well  trod
By countless,  struggling, in strife
Not even one a  "waste of life."

©2006 ~ Virginia Santoro ~ All Rights  Reserved
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

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

I Took The Steps

My elevator was broke
So I took the steps
I took them
In order
As they was laid out
They relieved my fear
Anger resentment and doubt
First I surrounded admitted defeat
Then came to believe
God would put me
Back on my feet
Turned my
Life and will
Over to my higher power
He gave me the strength to
Make it hour by hour
Took an inventory
Fearless
Moral
Admitted
To myself
God and then man
The longer I stayed
The more I understand
More was to be revealed
Humbly I prayed to my higher power
Takes away my defects
Along with my
Short comings too
Getting better everyday
I was seeing peace inside me
To the glory of God
He set me free
I then made
a list of
My amends
Listened to my sponsor
Also my new friends
I went to many
To clean
My side of the street
Before I was half way
Through
I was amazed
God blessed me
He restored my sight
I could now clearly see
The remaining steps
Help me today
To be free
In this
My
New way

Daniel M Corkery
9/10/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer/

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

The Tao Te Ching says,
"When I let go of what I am,
I become what I might be.
When I let go of what I have,
I receive what I need."

Have you ever struggled
to find work or love,
only to find them
after you have given up?

This is the paradox of letting go.
Let go, in order to achieve.
Letting go is God's law.

Mary Manin Morrissey

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

If you can imagine it,
You can achieve it.
If you can dream it,
You can become it.
William Arthur Ward

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

Wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be,
whatever misfortune you may have suffered,
the music of your life has not gone.
It's inside you -- if you listen to it, you can play it.
Nido Qubein

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

It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels worthy of
himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him.
Abraham Lincoln

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

Re-examine all you have been told . . .
Dismiss what insults your Soul.
Walt Whitman

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

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over,
knowing what you are getting into and
being willing to pay the price.

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

Insanity is the seeming inability
to learn from past mistakes.

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

The ultimate form of insanity is to use.

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

It's a hell of a thing to be insane and not know it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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,
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
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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 weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

H and I Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/h&i.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Why is it important to have a face to face home-group ?
How do you contribute to the "atmosphere of recovery"
in your home-group meeting ?
What is the role of a home-group member ?


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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 25
Today I choose to build a pathway
to freedom from the bondage of self.
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 Gossip

A woman repeated a bit of gossip about a neighbor. Within a
few days the whole community knew the story. The person it
concerned was deeply hurt and offended. Later the woman
responsible for spreading the rumor learned that it was
completely untrue. She was very sorry and went to a wise
old sage to find out what she could do to repair the damage.

"Go to the marketplace," he said, "and purchase a chicken,
and have it killed. Then on your way home, pluck its feathers
and drop them one by one along the road."

Although surprised by this advice, the woman did what she was
told.

The next day the wise man said, "Now go and collect all those
feathers you dropped yesterday and bring them back to me."

The woman followed the same road, but to her dismay,
the wind had blown the feathers all away. After searching for
hours, she returned with only three in her hand.

"You see," said the old sage, "it's easy to drop them, but it's
impossible to get them back. So it is with gossip. It doesn't
take much to spread a rumor, but once you do, you can
never completely undo the wrong."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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=1196

Slips and Human Nature
By William D."Silky" Silkworth, M.D.
www.barefootsworld.net/aaslips-humannature.html

Narcotics Anonymous TRIVIA QUIZ
www.funtrivia.com/playquiz.cfm?qid=148360&origin

A Feminine Victory
Florence R., New York City.
(OM, p. 217 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/florencer.html

A Business Man's Recovery
William R., New Jersey.
(OM, p. 242 in 1st edition.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/williamr.html

Journey
www.geocities.com/meledyann/Journey.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 25              The Fourth Step-fearing our feelings

"We may fear that being in touch with our feelings will trigger an
overwhelming chain reaction of pain and panic."
Basic Text, p.29

   A common complaint about the Fourth Step is that it makes us
painfully conscious of our defects of character. We may be tempted
to falter in our program of recovery. Through surrender and
acceptance, we can find the resources we need to keep working
the steps.

   It's not the awareness of our defects that causes the most agony-
it's the defects themselves. When we were using, all we felt was
the drugs; we could ignore the suffering our defects were causing us.
Now that the drugs are gone, we feel that pain. Refusing to
acknowledge the source of our anguish doesn't make it go away;
denial protects the pain and makes it stronger. The Twelve Steps
help us deal with the misery caused by our defects by dealing directly
with the defects themselves.

If we hurt from the pain of our defects, we can remind ourselves
of the nightmare of addiction, a nightmare from which we've now
awakened. We can recall the hope for release the Second Step
gave us. We can again turn our will and our lives over, through
the Third Step, to the care of the God of our understanding. Our
Higher Power cares for us by giving us the help we need to work
the rest of the Twelve Steps. We don't have to fear our feelings.
Just for today, we can continue in our recovery.

Just for today: I won't be afraid of my feelings. With the help of
my Higher Power, I'll continue in my recovery.

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/September.html

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

The Only Requirement. . .

"At one time. . .every A.A. group had many membership rules.
Everybody was scared witless that something or somebody
would capsize the boat. . .The total list was a mile long.  If all
those rules had been in effect everywhere, nobody could have
possibly joined A.A. at all,. . ."
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS,  p. 139-140

I'm grateful that the Third Tradition only requires of me a
desire to stop drinking.  I had been breaking promises for
years.  In the Fellowship I didn't have to make promises, I
didn't have to concentrate. It only required my attending one
meeting, in a foggy condition, to know I was home.  I didn't
have to pledge undying love.  Here, strangers hugged me.
"It gets better," they said, and "One day at a time, you can do
it."   They were no longer strangers, but caring friends. I ask
God to help me to reach out to people desiring sobriety, and to,
please keep me grateful!

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/ September 25th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Let us consider the term "spiritual experience" as given in
Appendix II of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous. "A spiritual
experience is something that brings about a personality change.
By surrendering our lives to God as we understand Him, we are
changed.  The nature of this change is evident in recovered
alcoholics.  This personality change is not necessarily in the
nature of a sudden and spectacular upheaval.  We do not need
to acquire an immediate and overwhelming God consciousness,
followed at once by a vast change in feeling and outlook.  In most
cases, the change is gradual." Do I see a gradual and continuing
change in myself?

Meditation for the Day

"Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will
give you rest."  For rest from the care of life, you can turn to
God each day in prayer and communion.  Real relaxation and
serenity come from a deep sense of the fundamental goodness
of the universe.  God's everlasting arms are underneath all and
will support you.  Commune with God, not so much for petitions
to be granted as for the rest that comes from relying on His
will and His purposes for your life.  Be sure of God's strength
available to you, be conscious of His support, and wait quietly
until that true rest from God fills your being.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be conscious of God's support today.  I pray
that I may rest safe and sure therein.

"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
SEPTEMBER 25

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

Peace with the Past

Even God cannot change the past.
--Agathon

Holding on to the past, either through guilt, longing, denial, or
resentment, is a waste of valuable energy - energy that can be
used to transform today and tomorrow.

"I used to live in my past," said one recovering woman. "I was
either trying to change it, or I was letting it control me. Usually
both.

"I constantly felt guilty about things that had happened. Things
I had done; things others had done to me - even though I had
made amends for most everything, the guilt ran deep. Everything
was somehow my fault. I could never just let it go.

"I held on to anger for years, telling myself it was justified. I was
in denial about a lot of things. Sometimes, I'd try to absolutely
forget about my past, but I never really stopped and sorted through
it; my past was like a dark cloud that followed me around, and I
couldn't shake clear of it. I guess I was scared to let it go, afraid
of today, afraid of tomorrow.

I've been recovering now for years, and it has taken me almost
as many years to gain the proper perspective on my past. I'm
learning I can't forget it; I need to heal from it. I need to feel
and let go of any feelings I still have, especially anger.

"I need to stop blaming myself for painful events that took place,
and trust that everything has happened on schedule, and truly
all is okay. I've learned to stop regretting, and to start being
grateful.

"When I think about the past, I thank God for the healing and
the memory. If something occurs that needs an amend, I make
it and am done with it. I've learned to look at my past with
compassion for myself, trusting that my Higher Power was in
control, even then.

"I've healed from some of the worst things that happened to
me. I've made peace with myself about these issues, and I've
learned that healing from some of these issues has enabled
me to help others to heal too. I'm able to see how the worst things
helped form my character and developed some of my finer points.

"I've even developed gratitude for my failed relationships because
   they have brought me to who and where I am today.

"What I've learned has been acceptance - without guilt, anger,
blame, or shame. I've even had to learn to accept the years I
spent feeling guilty, angry, shameful, and blaming."

We cannot control the past. But we can transform it by allowing
ourselves to heal from it and by accepting it with love for others
and ourselves. I know, because that woman is me.

Today, I will begin being grateful for my past. I cannot change what
happened, but I can transform the past by owning my power, now,
to accept, heal, and learn from 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Life is Bliss, Consciousness, Joy
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/May/pressman.htm

Has Anyone Told You
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Blame Is the Culprit
by Lynn Grabhorn

Most of us think of blame as the melodramatic pointing of a long,
crooked finger towards one who has done scandalous wrong. Yet we're
actually into blame just about every waking moment of our days. From
weather, to rude drivers, to toothpaste caps, we blame from sunup
'til sundown and never think a thing about it.

Oh sure, more times than not we're probably justified in our
accusations, but so what! There's not an ounce of well-being that can
squeak through the low, thick vibration of blame, whether it's
justified or not. In fact, the electromagnetic energy of blame is so
potently charged as it flows from us to others, it can cause those
who are usually fairly dependable to mess up all over the place. And
for sure, sending blame-energy to someone who's been nasty, stupid,
abusive or drunk only amplifies the condition you'd like to see changed.

Some friends who had their luggage put on a wrong flight were fuming
and stewing for hours at their hotel over the inefficiency of the
airline. Their important luggage, which had been seen but had now
vanished, was so completely lost, no one even knew where to start
looking. Finally, my friends realized what they were doing, and
switched to appreciating the usually competent employees they'd been
berating. Within minutes -- minutes! -- they received the call that
the luggage was found and would be delivered within the hour. Prior
to their change of attitude, the buckets of angry, blameful energy
they were sending out was causing the airline workers to turn a minor
incident into a snarled up mess.

A lender to whom I had submitted a loan called to tell me they
couldn't find an important original paper I knew I had sent. As I was
crabbing over the incompetence of their staff, the phone calls kept
getting worse. More stuff missing, more facts not properly
documented, more problems, problems, problems. The more I knee jerked
into fuming blame, the more this thing was falling apart right before
my eyes. Then I realized what I was doing, switched to appreciation
for the normally efficient personnel, and in less than fifteen
minutes they called to apologize. Everything was there; the loan had
been approved.

A participant in one of my seminars couldn't stop blaming her husband
for what she perceived to be the cause of their twins' stuttering.
After the seminar she reluctantly agreed to undertake a program of
brief hubby-appreciation periods daily. She called about six months
later to tell me how difficult that had been at first, but as she got
into the swing of it, she learned to catch herself at the onset of a
blame bout and get her valve open enough to flow some appreciation to
the girls, as well as to her husband. As of the last phone call, both
of the girls had nearly returned to normal speech. I don't know what
happened to poor hubby.

The point is, the energy of blame always makes a bad situation worse.
Always!

Let's say there's a bunch of things in a partnership we don't like,
some big, some just trivial little things we might even think we're
ignoring. But "little" does not exist, and "little" is usually our
biggest problem. If something is big enough for us to label, even if
that label is "little," there's no way we can say we're ignoring it
or accepting it. We're focusing on the bloody thing, so obviously,
we're flowing energy to it and making it bigger.

The bottom line is that if we're bothered by something, whether our
being bothered is justified or not, we're attracting negatively;
that's the way of it! It may be only a mild annoyance over clothes
hung backwards. Or it may be as terrible as the fear of abuse. But
regardless of the emotional intensity, that negative attention to
"what is" will always cause even greater problems, because that's the
script we're writing.

True, we can't paint on another's canvas if they don't want it
painted on. If someone doesn't want to change, writing a new script
or appreciating probably won't accomplish much except get our own
valve open. In fact, once we're flowing that kind of energy, the
strong possibility exists that the other guy may buck like a spurred
yearling and not want any part of whatever it is we're offering,
which could well mean we might be looking at a pulling apart.

That's magnetics. If you're with someone who strongly desires not to
change, and you do, universal physics will probably split you up and
keep you that way. Yes, that may sound fearful, but ask yourself why
you'd want to stay with someone who creates their life through
negative energy flow?

So never mind your partner's valve. In fact, never mind your partner!
Take your focus off of what's going on around you and insist to
yourself that you get your own valve open any way you can, no matter
what. NO MATTER WHAT!

The only way you'll ever have a relationship the way you'd like it to
be is to script it that way and stay with that script until it comes
about, either with this partner or another with whom you're in
greater vibrational harmony (which means, if you haven't already
guessed, being a whole lot happier).
We Get to Choose

If you're a silent sufferer, as I was, good luck. Whatever it is
you're suffering over is growing like an overfed weed. Same thing if
you're a controller, nagger, worrier, or people-pleaser. You have to
take your relationship-killing focus OFF whatever it is that's
closing your valve and put it ON to what you want in life. In other
words, take your focus off your Don't Wants, put it on your Wants and
keep it there.

If you've got a drunk on your hands, open your valve and write your
new script.

If you've got an unemployed partner on your hands, open your valve
and write your new script.

If the two of you are fighting over money, open your valve and write
your new script.

Start talking with your partner about what you want and why, not what
you don't want and why.

I know, I'm sounding very cavalier about this, like there was nothing
to this business of ignoring the actions of some jackass who you're
sure is responsible for making your life miserable. Blame is our
game, and pointing the finger back on ourselves has always seemed so
pointless.

In the middle of writing this chapter I took a break to go do some
grocery shopping and maybe go to the steam bath to clear my head. I
wanted to leave the subject behind for a while to make sure I was
touching all bases. Leave it behind? Oh sure!

As I was driving to the store, I started a rather nasty inner
dialogue with the folks who were renting the little house on my
property. They had been unable to pay the rent for a couple of
months, and my focus on that nonpayment was becoming all-consuming,
to say the least. And anyhow, the car was a great place to fume, so I
was going on and on with all these phony undertones of compassion and
understanding. Frankly, I was boiling, yet totally oblivious to what
I was creating with my vibrations. And here I am writing about it,
for Pete's sake!

Fortunately, it was my cantankerous mood in the supermarket that woke
me up. Just as I reached for the dog food, it dawned on me how snarly
I felt. I asked myself

"What's bothering me?" and in an instant realized it was my focus on
the lackful conditions of my tenants.

At first I was annoyed at myself, then even more annoyed that I
didn't feel like getting out of my mood. I finished my shopping and
headed straight for the steam room, easing myself bit my bit into a
better mood as I drove, so that by the time I hit the steam, I was
ready to write a new script.

First, a little appreciation: "Nice kids, pleasant to have around."
Not exactly rah rah, but better than where I had been. I could feel
my resistance simmering down ... a little.

"Thank goodness they were there to take care of the dogs while I was
away. No other tenants have ever done that. And no other tenants have
ever offered to help with the annual house painting touch-up like
they did." That felt better.

"And they really do love their place, and have it fixed so cute." By
now, my valve was open enough for me to start the new script, so I
headed for the empty pool where I could quietly talk out loud without
being stared at.

"You both just got new jobs? Wow! That's fantastic! I'm truly happy
for you. I know you've been wanting to buy some new furniture, so now
you'll be able to do that."

On and on I went, painting the picture I wanted, backing off when I'd
go too far and it didn't feel comfortable, pushing ahead when it felt
good.

It wasn't ten minutes after I got home that the kids came over
beaming from ear to ear. Not a new permanent job yet, but they had
found an ongoing means to pay me, starting immediately! Fast action,
to say the least!

Though they had been abundantly aware of their inability to pay me,
their primary focus was on their love of the place and all the ways
they intended to fix it up, not on their lack of money, so we had a
vibrational match -- theirs and mine. If they had been focused
fearfully, all the appreciation in the world wouldn't have made a bit
of difference.

This article is excerpted from Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting,
©2000, by Lynn Grabhorn. Reprinted with permission of the publisher,
Hampton Roads. http://www.hrpub.com

About the Author
Lynn Grabhorn is a long-time student of the way in which thought and
feelings format our lives. Lynn's first book, Beyond the Twelve
Steps, along with her sweeping multimedia program, Life Course 101,
have received high acclaim from all corners of the world. Visit her
website at www.lynngrabhorn.com

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

The Universe holds nothing back from us.
We hold back because we don't feel we're worthy
and then we don't let the gifts grow into their fullness
because we ignore them.
For instance, suppose someone pays you a compliment.
How much do you really let that in?
Do you fend it off right away, or acknowledge your own goodness?
The next time someone shows appreciation
for you or what you've done,
try simply accepting the gift without disparagement.
Then consider how that acceptance makes you feel.

Mary Manin Morrissey

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

Half-Baked
Virjinja

Half-baked
That's  me
But not the way you'd  think
I'm still in the  oven
Not  done
A little  pink
Half-baked
I admit  it
I need a bit more  time
Tougher than  expected
It'll be a little  while
Before I'm good and  done
Wonder when that will  be
The Head Chef's on  duty
So that's just  fine with me
Half-baked
The batter was  well-mixed
He used the best  ingredients
Nothing is  amiss
He's watching and  checking
At the oven  door
He'll know when I'm  ready
Not a minute  before
For now, I'm  half-baked
In God's time, I'll  be
A glorious  masterpiece
I trust He's making  me.

©2006 ~ Virginia Santoro ~ All Rights  Reserved
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

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

The Fortress Great and Silent

Sadness is not a sickness, a mystery or a crime.
Regret sometimes finds each of us:  a by-product of time.
The pain of loss is commonplace, no trick to understand;
We know it from the first time something good slips from our hand.
When--no matter who we are, no matter where--we feel
We've been unjustly treated, our anger then is real.
There are few exceptions:  when we've suffered so much pain
That we won't permit our hearts to know the trauma once again;
Or when we let ourselves be taught that outrage equals shame,
Some dark, unhealthy lack within our spiritual domain,
That anger is some sordid kind of solitary sin.
Then is when we learn how to deny, and we begin
To wear that icy, shiny mask of knowledge, growth and health,
That underneath is really resignation.  Then, with stealth,
We take the secret pathway to the land of never-healing,
To dwell there in the fortress, great and silent, never feeling:
A cold and stony fortress.  The winter wind blows through.
We're not alone--the beast called grim endurance lives there too.
Though we may not prefer to feel the feelings we must feel,
To think that we can cage them there behind those doors of steel
Is to cage there, too, our heart's ability to  find expression
For all our joy, our gratitude, our caring and compassion.
We must give our pain its wings; we must let it seek the sky,
Trusting it will fly its headstrong flight and then will die.
For if we hide our outrage in that fortress, there protected,
It grows into that deathless best, though none, perhaps, detect it.

written by ~ Joel Rutledge
jjvarmint@...


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

Keys To Cope

I love to spread the message of hope
The twelve steps to freedom
The keys to cope
We really need to
Look over our ways
If we want peace
In our days
It's all real simple you see
It's up to us
To make the choice to be free
We need not ask why
For oh so long we would deny
Accept, surrender
If you want to win
On your knees
Is a great way to begin
Next get a sponsor
Who works
A program of recovery
They will help you to see
To be honest
To be free
After you get it
  From you head to your heart
Then you have made
The right start
Stick to the fight
You'll learn the way
Recovery is only
Just for today
You never get more
Then you can hold
The recovery stories
Never get old

Daniel M Corkery
7/17/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer/

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

Realize that true happiness lies within you.
Waste no time and effort searching for
peace and contentment and joy in the world outside.
Remember that there is no happiness
in having or in getting, but only in giving.
Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug.
Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without
getting a few drops on yourself.
Og Mandino

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

Experience is not what happens to a man.
It is what a man does with what happens to him.
Aldous Huxley

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

Keep what is worth keeping -
and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.
Dinah Muloch Craik

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

Love is the ability and willingness
to allow those that you care for
to be what they choose for themselves
without any insistence that they satisfy you.
Wayne Dyer

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

Every action of our lives touches on some chord
that will vibrate in eternity.
Edwin Hubbel Chapin

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

Learning is finding out what you already know.
Doing is demonstrating that you know it.
Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you.
You are all learners, doers, teachers.
   Richard Bach

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

Humility is that virtue which reduces a man
to the proper size without degrading him,
thereby increasing him in statue without inflating him.
Unless one attains some degree of humility,
one is condemned to drink again.

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

Don't get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired (H.A.L.T.)

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

Identify, don't compare.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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:
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sponsorship Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/sponsor.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Why is it important to have a home-group ?
How do you contribute to the "atmosphere of recovery"
in your home-group meeting ?
What is the role of a home-group member ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September  24
Today I choose to do things for me
that make me feel good about myself.
Today is a perfect day to do something
that I have been putting off.
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 My God’s Loving Hands

Patiently He guides me
with sure, unwavering steps.
Steadily He pulls me
up out of misery’s depths.
Like a little kid, I pull back sometimes
fall flat on my behind.
He’s right there with loving care
to listen while I whine.
Then, He picks me up, brushes me off
and off we go again
You know, I think I’m going to be ok
in my God’s loving hands.

john h ©
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 Lesson Of The Geese
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1189

Dr. Silkworth's Rx for Sobriety
The Elimination of Slips
The A.A. Grapevine, June 1945
www.barefootsworld.net/aasilkworthrx.html

What Every Parent Should Know About Sexual Abuse
www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/sex/childsex.html

Ace Full-Seven-Eleven
Author unknown, Akron, Ohio.
(Original Manuscript (OM), p. 62.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/authorunknown.html

The Unbeliever
Henry (Hank) P., New Jersey.
(OM and 1st edition, p. 194.)
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/hankp.html

Island Of Love
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/Feelings.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 24                                      A growing concept
of God

"The only suggested guidelines are that this Power be loving,
caring, and greater than ourselves. We don't have to be
religious to accept this idea.The point is that we open our
minds to believe."
Basic Text, p.24

   In a lifelong process of coming to believe, our understanding
of God will change. The understanding we have when new ill
recovery will not be the same when we have a few months
clean, nor will that understanding be the same when we have
a few years clean.

   Our initial understanding of a Power greater than ourselves
will most likely be limited. That Power will keep us clean but,
we may think, nothing more. We may hesitate to pray because
we have placed conditions on what we will ask our Higher
Power to do for us. "Oh, this stuff is so awful, even God couldn't
do anything," we might say, or "God's got a lot of people to take
care of. There's no time for me!'

   But, as we grow in recovery, so will our understanding. We'll
begin to see that the only limits to God's love and grace are
those we impose by refusing to step out of the way. The loving
God we come to believe in is infinite, and the power and love
we find in our belief is shared by nearly every recovering addict
around the world.

Just for today: The God I am coming to understand has a
limitless capacity for love and care. I will trust that my God is
bigger than any problem I may have.

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/September.html

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

I Choose Anonymity

We are sure that humility, expressed by anonymity, is the greatest
safeguard that Alcoholics Anonymous can ever have.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 187

Since there are no rules in A.A. I place myself where I want to be,
and so I choose anonymity.  I want my God to use me, humbly,
as one of His tools in this program.  Sacrifice is the art of giving
of myself freely, allowing humility to replace my ego.  With
sobriety, I suppress that urge to cry out to the world,  "I am a
member of A.A." and I experience inner joy and peace.  I let
people see the changes in me and hope they will ask what
happened to me.  I place the principles of spirituality ahead
of judging, fault-finding, and criticism.  I want love and caring
in my group, so I can grow.

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/ September 24th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Let us continue with Step Twelve.  We must practice these
principles in all our affairs.  This part of the twelfth step must
not be overlooked.  It is the carrying on of the whole program.
We do not just practice these principles in regard to our
drinking problem. We practice them in all our affairs.  We do
not give one compartment of our lives to God and keep the
other compartments to ourselves.  We give our whole lives to
God and we try to do His will in every respect.  "Herein lies our
growth, herein lies all the promise of the future, an ever-
widening horizon."  Do I carry the A.A. principles with me
wherever I go?

Meditation for the Day

"Lord, to whom shall we go but to Thee?  Thou hast the words
of eternal life."  The words of eternal life are the words from
God controlling your true being, controlling the real spiritual
you.  They are the words from God which are heard by you in
your heart and mind when these are wide open to His spirit.
These are the words of eternal life which express the true
way you are to live.  They say to you in the stillness of your
heart and mind and soul: "Do this and live."

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may follow the dictates of my conscience.  I pray
that I may follow the inner urging of my soul.

"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
SEPTEMBER 24

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

Allowing Ourselves to be Needy

We can accept ourselves as people who have needs - the need
for comfort, love, understanding, friendship, and healthy touch.
We need positive reinforcement, someone to listen to us,
someone  to give to us. We are not weak for needing these things.
These needs make us human and healthy. Getting our needs
met - believing we deserve to have them met - makes us happy.

There are times, too, when in addition to our regular needs, we
become particularly needy. At these times, we need more than we
have to give out. That is okay too.

We can accept and incorporate our needs, and our needy side,
into the whole of us. We can take responsibility for our needs.
That doesn't make us weak or deficient. It doesn't mean we are
not properly recovering, nor does it mean we're being dependent
in an unhealthy way. It makes our needs, and our needy side,
manageable. Our needs stop controlling us, and we gain control.

And, our needs begin to get met.

Today, I will accept my needs and my needy side. I believe I
deserve to get my needs met, and I will allow that to happen.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Has Anyone Told You
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/

Angry at your Ex?
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/May/vissell.htm

   “I Don’t Play Hurt” , Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/10/alan-cohen.htm

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Story of Life for All Ages
LEO BUSCAGLIA, Ph. D.

Spring had passed.

So had Summer.

Freddie, the leaf, had grown large. His mid section was wide
and strong, and his five extensions were firm and pointed.

He had first appeared in Spring as a small sprout on a rather
large branch near the top of a tall tree.

Freddie was surrounded by hundreds of other leaves just like
himself, or so it seemed. Soon he discovered that no two
leaves were alike, even though they were on the same tree.
Alfred was the leaf next to him. Ben was the leaf on his right
side, and Clare was the lovely leaf overhead. They had all
grown up together. They had learned to dance in the Spring
breezes, bask lazily in the Summer sun and wash off in the
cooling rains.

But it was Daniel who was Freddie's best friend. He was the
largest leaf on the limb and seemed to have been there before
anyone else. It appeared to Freddie that Daniel was also the
wisest among them. It was Daniel who told them that they were
part of a tree. It was Daniel who explained that they were
growing in a public park. It was Daniel who told them that the
tree had strong roots which were hidden in the ground below.
He explained about the birds who came to sit on their branch
and sing morning songs. He explained about the sun, the moon,
the stars, and the seasons.

Freddie loved being a leaf. He loved his branch, his light
leafy friends, his place high in the sky, the wind that jostled him
about, the sun rays that warmed him, the moon that covered him
with soft, white shadows.

Summer had been especially nice. The long hot days felt
good and the warm nights were peaceful and dreamy.

There were many people in the park that Summer. They often
came and sat under Freddie's tree. Daniel told him that giving
shade was part of his purpose.

"What's a purpose?" Freddie had asked.

"A reason for being," Daniel had answered. "To make things
more pleasant for others is a reason for being. To make shade
for old people who come to escape the heat of their homes is a
reason for being. To provide a cool place for children to come
and play. To fan with our leaves the picnickers who come to eat
on checkered tablecloths. These are all the reasons for being."

Freddie especially liked the old people. They sat so quietly on
the cool grass and hardly ever moved. They talked in whispers
of times past.

The children were fun, too, even though they sometimes tore
holes in the bark of the tree or carved their names into it. Still,
it was fun to watch them move so fast and to laugh so much.

But Freddie's Summer soon passed.

It vanished on an October night. He had never felt it so cold. All
the leaves shivered with the cold. They were coated with a thin
layer of white which quickly melted and left them dew drenched
and sparkling in the morning sun.

Again, it was Daniel who explained that they had experienced
their first frost, the sign that it was Fall and that Winter would
come soon.

Almost at once, the whole tree, in fact, the whole park was
transformed into a blaze of color. There was hardly a green
leaf left. Alfred had turned a deep yellow. Ben had become a
bright orange. Clare had become a blazing red, Daniel a deep
purple and Freddie was red and gold and blue. How beautiful
they all looked. Freddie and his friends had made their tree a
rainbow.

"Why did we turn different colors," Freddie asked, "when we
are on the same tree?"

"Each of us is different. We have had different experiences. We
have faced the sun differently. We have cast shade differently.
Why should we not have different colors?" Daniel said
matter-of-factly. Daniel told Freddie that this wonderful season
was called Fall.

One day a very strange thing happened. The same breezes that,
in the past, had made them dance began to push and pull at their
stems, almost as if they were angry. This caused some of the
leaves to be torn from their branches and swept up in the wind,
tossed about and dropped softly to the ground.

All the leaves became frightened.

"What's happening?" they asked each other in whispers.

"It's what happens in Fall," Daniel told them. "It's the time for
leaves to change their home. Some people call it to die."

"Will we all die?" Freddie asked.

"Yes," Daniel answered. "Everything dies. No matter how big or
small, how weak or strong. We first do our job. We experience
the sun and the moon, the wind and the rain. We learn to dance
and to laugh. Then we die."

"I won't die!" said Freddie with determination. "Will you, Daniel?"

"Yes," answered Daniel, "when it's my time."

"When is that?" asked Freddie.

"No one knows for sure," Daniel responded.

Freddie noticed that the other leaves continued to fall. He
thought, "It must be their time." He saw that some of the
leaves lashed back at the wind before they fell, others
simply let go and dropped quietly.

Soon the tree was almost bare.

"I'm afraid to die," Freddie told Daniel. "I don't know what's
down there."

"We all fear what we don't know, Freddie. It's natural," Daniel
reassured him. "Yet, you were not afraid when Summer became
Fall. They were natural changes. Why should you be afraid of
the season of death?"

"Does the tree die, too?" Freddie asked.

"Someday. But there is something stronger than the tree. It is
Life. That lasts forever and we are all a part of Life."

"Where will we go when we die?"

"No one knows for sure. That's the great mystery!"

"Will we return in the Spring?"

"We may not, but Life will."

"Then what has been the reason for all of this?" Freddie continued
to question. "Why were we here at all if we only have to fall and
die?"

Daniel answered in his matter-of-fact way, "It's been about the
sun and the moon. It's been about happy times together. It's
been about the shade and the old people and the children. It's
been about colors in Fall. It's been about seasons. Isn't that
enough?"

"That afternoon, in the golden light of dusk, Daniel let go. He
fell effortlessly. He seemed to smile peacefully as he fell.
"Goodbye for now, Freddie," he said.

Then, Freddie was all alone, the only leaf on his branch.

The first snow fell the following morning. It was soft, white, and
gentle; but it was bitter cold. There was hardly any sun that day,
and the day was very short. Freddie found himself losing his
color, becoming brittle. It was constantly cold and the snow
weighed heavily upon him.

At dawn the wind came that took Freddie from his branch. It
didn't hurt at all. He felt himself float quietly, gently and softly
downward.

As he fell, he saw the whole tree for the first time. How
strong and firm it was! He was sure that it would live for
a long time and he knew that he had been part of its life and
made him proud.

Freddie landed on a clump of snow. It somehow felt soft and
even warm. In this new position he was more comfortable than
he had ever been. He closed his eyes and fell asleep. He did
not know that Spring would follow Winter and that the snow
would melt into water. He did not know that what appeared to be
his useless dried self would join with the water and serve to
make the tree stronger. Most of all, he did not know that there,
asleep in the tree and the ground, were already plans for new
leaves in the Spring.

THE BEGINNING

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

What can you do TODAY...this very moment?

A central teaching in most spiritual traditions is:
What you wish to experience, provide for another.

Look to see, now, what it is you wish to experience
in your own life, and in the world. Then see if there
is another for whom you may be the source of that.

If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.

If you wish to know that you are safe, cause another to
know that they are safe.

If you wish to better understand seemingly incomprehensible
things, help another to better understand.

If you wish to heal your own sadness or anger, seek to heal
the sadness or anger of another.

Those others are waiting for you now. They are looking to
you for guidance, for help, for courage, for strength, for
understanding, and for assurance at this hour. Most of all,
they are looking to you for love.

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

Dalai Lama

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

   It is healthier to see the good points of others than to analyze
our own bad ones.   -- Francoise Sagan

Looking for the good in others is good for one's soul. Self-
respect, self-love grows each time we openly acknowledge
another's admirable qualities. Comparisons we make of
ourselves with others, focusing on how we fail to measure
up  (another woman is prettier, thinner, more intelligent, has
a better sense of humor, attracts people, and on and on) is a
common experience. And we come away from the comparison
feeling generally inadequate and unloving toward the other
woman.

It is a spiritual truth that our love for and praise of others will
improve our own self-image. It will rub off on us, so-to-speak.
An improved self-image diminishes whatever bad qualities
one has imagined.

Praise softens. Criticism hardens. We can become all that we
want to become. We can draw the love of others to us as we
more willingly offer love and praise. We have an opportunity
to help one another as we help ourselves grow in the self-love
that is so necessary to the successful living of each day.

I will see the good points in others today. And I will give praise.

Hazelden Foundation

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

Going Back

Waking up this morning after a "good" night out.
Not knowing what happened during the blackout.
Who's this in bed lying next to me?
Gotta run to the Goddess and get on my knees.

Now it's remorse, the guilt and shame
Yes, I'm in a lot of emotional pain.
I'm desperate now and wanting to die,
my soul is really hurting inside.

It's been over a year since I've had my last drunk.
That is, up until last night when things ran amuck.
I've made a lot of friends with that group staying sober.
Built a new life, well, I guess that's all over.

There's no going back, cause what will they think,
but man I'll tell you, the using life stinks!
Seeing the tracks, and reeking of gin,
Can’t remember just what I put in.

Why didn't I listen, am I that much of a fool?
I traded in the good life, for an empty bar stool!
I thought I could do it, but know I cannot.
Thought I was different, But see that I'm not.

This time I was lucky, I didn't land in jail.
I just don't know why the suicide failed.
I need to get straight and tell others my story,
Hope no one saw me in this insidious glory.

© 1996 By Hippie Rick

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

Stuck In A Prison

Stuck in a prison inside of my head
Haunted by the harmful
Things you had said
You had told me
I was useless
You said
I was no good
Those things you said
I had never understood
You stood so tall above me
Took my soul and set me free
Just a little and then a lot more
I had spent most my life running
I really did not know what for
You had abused me back
When I was but a child
Really was no wonder
I spent most of life
Out on the streets
Living oh so wild
So full of anger
So full of pain
Nothing left
In life
I could gain
Stuck in a prison
Then God set me free
I understand and now I see
Yes these things were all
Apart of my destiny
No longer
Stuck in a prison

Daniel M Corkery
7/15/2003
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

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

Continuing to cling to the patterns you know
inhibits your ability to discover what you don't know.
Eric Allenbaugh

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

When We Put Our Cares In God's Hand,
HE Puts Peace In Our Hearts

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

Fear is an insidious virus.
Given a breeding place in our minds...
it will eat away our spirit and
block the forward path of our endeavors.
James F. Bell

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

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.
Mahatma Gandhi

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

A Native American grandfather was talking
to his grandson about how he felt.
He said, "I feel as if I have two wolves fighting in my heart.
One wolf is the vengeful, angry, violent one.
The other wolf is the loving, compassionate one."
The grandson asked him, "Which wolf will win the fight  in your heart?"
The grandfather answered, "The one I feed."

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

Humility: The bigger my head, the easier the target.

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

Humility: Halos can turn into nooses.

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

Get humble, or get humiliated.

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

Being humble means being teachable.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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,
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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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tradition Twelve Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/tradition12.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Why is it important to have a home-group ?
How do you contribute to the "atmosphere of recovery"
in your home-group meeting ?
What is the role of a home-group member ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 23
Today I am really listening to the messages that I tell myself.
Today I want to feel good.
Today I'm changing on my negative messages for positive ones.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I am Free!

Free from darkness of disease
My true self I start to see
That God and I are truly One
I stretch my arms towards the sun
The road is hard, as high roads are
I take a step, goals look so far
Ahead of me - I take one more
Before too long I'm at the door
It opens up, my fears awake
Can I go on, one more step take?
I ask for help, my strength is gone
I cannot face this one alone
God offers me a gentle thought
My mind is open to be taught
By others low and higher than
The stretch of path where I now stand
He works through all I choose to see
With heart, mind open willingly
I walk my path - I can be free.

written by--Valerie T.
thatval@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 Healing Poison
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1184

PSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION OF ALCOHOLICS
By William D. Silkworth, M.D., New York, N.Y
from "The Medical Record", July 19, 1939
www.barefootsworld.net/aasilkworth1939.html

Traditions Checklist
www.silkworth.net/aa/traditions_checklist.html

Indian Prayer
www.silkworth.net/indian_prayer.html

Robin Williams Enters Rehab for Alcohol
www.people.aol.com/people/article/0,26334,1224730,00.html

Celebrity Mugshots
www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/

Into the LIGHT
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/IntoTheLight.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 23                                         Dealing with gossip

"In accordance with the principles of recovery, we try not to
judge, stereotype, or moralize with each other."
Basic Text, p.11

   Let's face it: In Narcotics Anonymous, we live in a glass house
of sorts. Our fellow members know more about our personal lives
than anyone has ever known before. They know who we spend
our time with, where we work, what step we're on, how many
children we have, and so forth. And what our fellow members
don't know, they will probably imagine.

We may be unhappy when others gossip about us. But if we
withdraw from the fellowship and isolate ourselves to avoid
gossip, we also rob ourselves of the love, friendship, and
unparalleled experience with recovery that our fellow members
have to offer. A better way to deal with gossip is to simply accept
the way things are and the way we are, and live our lives according
to principles. The more secure we become with our personal
program, the decisions we make, and the guidance we receive
from a loving God, the less the opinions of others will concern us.

Just for today: : I am committed to being involved in the NA
Fellowship. The opinions of others will not affect my commitment
to recovery.

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/September.html

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

Lightening The Burden

showing others who suffer how we were given help is the very
thing which makes life seem so worth while to us now. . . . the
dark past is . . . the key to life and happiness for others.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 124

Since I have been sober, I have been healed of many pains:
deceiving my partner, deserting my best friend, and spoiling
my mother's hopes for my life.  In each case someone in the
program told me of a similar problem, and I was able to share
what happened to me.  When my story was told, both of us
got up with lighter hearts.

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/ September 23rd

A.A. Thought for the Day

Step Twelve is, "Having had a spiritual awakening as the result
of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics,
and to practice these principles in all our affairs." Note that
the basis of our effectiveness in carrying the message to
others is the reality of our own spiritual awakening. If we have
not changed, we cannot be used to change others. To keep this
program, we must pass it on to others. We cannot hoard it for
ourselves. We may lose it unless we give it away. It cannot flow
into us and stop; it must continue to flow into us as it flows out
to others. Am I always ready to give away what I have learned
in A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

"Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you." When you
are faced with a problem beyond your strength, you must turn
to God by an act of faith. It is that turning to God in each trying
situation that you must cultivate. The turning may be one of glad
thankfulness for God's grace in your life. Or your appeal to
God may be a prayerful claiming of His strength to face a
situation and finding that you have it when the time comes. Not
only the power to face trials, but also the comfort and joy of
God's nearness and companionship are yours for the asking.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may try to draw near to God each day in prayer. I
pray that I may feel His nearness and His strength 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
SEPTEMBER 23

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

Tolerance

Practice tolerance.

Tolerate our quirks, our feelings, our reactions, our peculiarities,
and our humanness. Tolerate our ups and downs, our resistance
to change, and our struggling and sometimes awkward nature.

Tolerate our fears, our mistakes, our natural tendency to duck
from problems, and pain. Tolerate our hesitancy to get close,
expose ourselves, and be vulnerable.

Tolerate our need to occasionally feel superior, to sometimes
feel ashamed, and to occasionally share love as an equal.
Tolerate the way we progress - a few steps forward, and a couple
back.

Tolerate our instinctive desire to control and how we reluctantly
learn to practice detachment. Tolerate the way we say we want
love, and then sometimes push others away. Tolerate our
tendency to get obsessive, forget to trust God, and occasionally
get stuck.

Some things we do not tolerate. Do not tolerate abusive or
destructive behaviors toward others or ourselves.

Practice healthy, loving tolerance of ourselves, said one man.
When we do, we'll learn tolerance for others. Then, take it one
step further. learn that all the humanness we're tolerating is what
makes ourselves and others beautiful.

Today, I will be tolerant of myself. From that, I will learn appropriate
tolerance of others.

©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 Missing Tube” , Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/09/alan-cohen.htm

An Uneasy Peace: The World Needs a
Blueprint for Love Now More Than Ever
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/May/cyberweave.htm

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Values in the Workplace

by Lenedra J. Carroll

An understanding of values is essential in business operation:
not as a semantic discussion about the difference between a
value and a principle or a quality, but rather as discussion about
what we value. What do we value and how are those values
operating in our families, our work, or our communities?
Examining what we are currently valuing is illuminating. If we
value money, it is a prime operator in our experience. If it is
security, then that forms the platform of our life. Consciously
choosing our primary operating values and crafting methods
that support them bring us into alignment with our own
authenticity and integrity.

There are numerous attributes we value and operate by. They
constitute the methods and practices that are the cornerstones
of our daily operations. Stillness, innovation, peaceful means,
creativity, soul-based interaction, authenticity, timeliness, all
these are included in our core values. Dignity and equity,
justice and wisdom, temperate means and intuition are
others that guide this business.
-- Mani Management Group

GRACE, DIGNITY, AND EQUITY

On one occasion, a dispute arose with a musician over
working credits for a song of Jewel's. Jewel had requested,
from the start, that the two of them share the credit equally.
The work was completed before a contract was actually
signed, which is common in this business. After the work,
but during the contract process, the musician requested
sole credit. Jewel felt the contribution of each was equal
and she wanted the credit line to reflect that.

The industry attorneys typically handle this type of negotiation,
so the matter went back and forth between lawyers for a time
without good result, growing more polarized. I finally contacted
the manager of the other party and suggested a personal
meeting between the manager, his artist, and myself. This is
unusual and they were hesitant but reluctantly agreed when I
told them I simply wanted to have a more complete exchange
of the history, feelings, needs, and reasoning of each party.

When we met in a New York hotel room, their trepidation was
high. So I began with a calm and humorous overview. My tone
and lack of tension helped place us on less volatile ground,
dulcifying the atmosphere between us. I asked them to tell me
everything they could to shed light on the process. They were
initially defensive and their statements involved a lot of the
typical "case building" and accusation. After listening,
questioning, and understanding them thoroughly I suggested
that we mildly debate the various points in the spirit of our
mutual interest in working together again. They agreed and
we spent some time going back and forth over the divergent
points and history.

Following that, I asked for two or three minutes of quiet for us
to consider where we were now. They were partially relieved
yet somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of silence and were
rather fidgety during the five minutes or so that I sat staring
out the window, pondering. As I reviewed, I considered the
following:

      * It was apparent to me that our own communication at the
	 start was unclear and incomplete, resulting in some of the
	 problem.
      * They had no contractual recourse, so legally we were not
	 under obligation.
      * Several of the points held by each of us could not be
	 resolved; only our separate and conflicting ting experiences,
	 opinions, and desires supported them.
      * The credit meant far more to the other artist as a career
	 builder than it did to Jewel. It was an important career step
	 for them.
      * Jewel had nothing at risk and she would have many future
	 opportunities to receive credit.

I shared my thoughts with them and said that the decision
seemed not to rest on the history of the matter but rather on
what was timely and just in the career of both artists. It seemed
to me that from that point of view the right thing was for the other
artist to receive the full credit.

They expressed surprise and gratitude to be recognized in this
way. Following the spirit of our gesture, they offered to share a
joint credit with Jewel on another point that was clearly theirs.
This was a nice surprise for all of us. Most heartening, however,
was the shift in the energy. I've learned that, in most circumstances,
when people are treated with grace, dignity, and fairness, they
respond in kind.

JUSTICE AND WISDOM

Justice and wisdom, as values that inform our methods, have
nearly disappeared in many areas of our culture. For instance,
information is accessed far more frequently than wisdom.
Wisdom, with its combination of experience and the ability to
access that deeper knowing, is a vital quality. The lack of it is
a great deficit to our society and our personal process. For
each one of us can access wisdom and justice within us by
forging our connection with the Infinite Source.

The consideration of justice in individual or corporate matters
is as rare, and significant, a loss. We can seek wisdom and
infuse a sense of justice into all of our interactions and
especially our problem solving. To move beyond the difficulties
facing our world, both wisdom and justice can and must be
brought to the table in all negotiations and interactions. More
people of wisdom are needed to step forward and fulfill an
obligation to contribute solutions to the difficulties we face
in all disciplines: in local, national, and global politics, finance,
environment, science, and business. Public officials, educators,
business, and other leaders who serve only public opinion
without bringing a higher wisdom to bear cannot truly serve
the public good.

TEMPERATE MEANS

Compassion, tolerance, and nonjudgment are values I
advocate at Mani. They bring temperance to a situation,
elevating it above the level of personal agendas and egos.
Contrary to common belief, they cost very little and net much.
The idea that we understand one another at the expense of
our own goals is absolutely false. It is time that we begin to
be courageous in this respect.

The key is in holding, indeed valuing, all parts of the picture as
necessary to the whole. Others' agendas are of value to them,
mine to me. In the area of agenda, it is an even playing field.
Not judging theirs or my own keeps me focused on assessing
what my needs are, my values, and whether the situation is
suitable for me to meet those aims or whether I need to seek
another situation.

Even when taking a stand for or against something, the matter can
be held in tolerance and nonjudgment. Anything else is futile. The
amount of judgment in our lives is a grave factor in creating our
current situations. Intolerant and damning views serve only to
impossibly polarize positions.

I know when I have a problem and
have done all I can to figure it out,
I keep listening in a sort of inside silence
until something clicks and I feel a right answer.
-- Conrad Hilton

The only mistake I ever made was not listening to my gut.
-- Lee Iacocca

INTUITION

On one occasion we were working a very lucrative arrangement
with a dot-com company. All had gone exceptionally well -- it
promised to be very rewarding financially for us and we had a
great humanitarian project worked into the deal. We liked the
company as well as its people very much. We were close to
our final agreement when a few "hitches" came up. The
problems, primarily, were internal issues within the other
company that seemed to affect our agreement. It appeared
that some time would be needed to resolve the issues.

As I stepped back to observe this I noticed that I had some new
feelings of unease. I could not pinpoint the cause of them;
everything seemed in good order. Still, the feelings persisted
and the delays continued. Then, during a conference call, I
surprised everyone including myself by pulling out of the deal,
saying, however, that I was open to being approached at another
time when their internal matters were resolved. My team,
disappointed that months of work seemed to have come to
naught, queried me about the sudden decision. I replied that I
felt certain it was the right thing to do, but could not explain fully.
It was a strong intuition. Just a few weeks later the technology
stock market crumbled and the entire dot-com landscape was
imperiled. Had I not followed my intuition we would have been
very negatively impacted.

To access intuition, it helps to slow down. In our dealings we
generally operate at a very fast pace. Our breath then is usually
shallow and rapid. Movement, breath, and thought are all
connected. When we slow down and breathe more deeply
it slows our thoughts enough to override our chattering and
often circular mental process and assumptions. We can then
hear the quiet voice of inner wisdom. It is there for all of us if
we value it and prioritize opportunity for it.

Intuition is grounded in a deep knowingness. In it is a certainty.
There is the certainty of the ego and there is the certainty of
the soul. The first is subject to our entire melange of agendas,
fears, hopes, desires, beliefs. The second issues forth from
the Infinite Intelligence as it expresses in our personal
circumstances. Learning to sort out the ego's voice and hear
the soul's is the challenge.

An executive at Atlantic Records said of me in an interview,
"When we first met, she seemed to have an uncanny certainty
about Jewel's career." That certainty stemmed from the day,
when on the beach in San Diego, Jewel understood what she
wanted to do and her purpose for doing it. At that time, we had
an epiphany in which we "knew" that we would work together
to create a platform for good in the world. In that moment I "saw"
the path before us, and its outcome. It was from that certainty that
I worked; I felt absolutely assured of the outcome. That certainty
of vision and purpose becomes a compelling individual prime
wave that reverberates back with a resounding "Yes" from the
Source.

What this power is, I cannot say.
All I know is that it exists ... and it becomes available
only when you are in that state of mind
in which you know exactly what you want..
and are fully determined not to quit until you get it.
-- Alexander Graham Bell

It's always with excitement that I wake up in the morning
wondering what my intuition will toss up to me
like gifts from the sea. I work with it
and rely upon it. It's my partner.
-- Jonas Salk

PEACEFUL MEANS

Practicing peaceful means is another company value -- "being"
peace in our interactions. Being peace doesn't mean simply
giving in or giving up or always "making nice." It has far more
to do with balance, courage, thoughtful action, stillness, self-
assessment, preparedness, and patience. It must include
compassion, clarity, creativity, and forthrightness as well as
justice and wisdom. It is a strong position to take, not a weak
one, and it requires great self-discipline and commitment to put
forward. We must begin to ask this of ourselves more frequently.
We cannot simply continue to stand by, feeling victim to an unsafe
world. There are steps we can take. Every day we are faced with
countless opportunities to grow in these abilities -- in situations
at work, challenges within our families, and our friendships.

Yet we hold ourselves hostage to all that we are afraid to say,
confront, or expose. The cost is beyond reason: the nearly
complete forfeiture of our most authentic feelings, values,
thoughts, and interactions. We become unable to recognize
ourselves. We become unbelievably restricted by our straitjacket
jobs, marriages, and dull routines. It takes courage to change or,
especially, to leave a life that little resembles us. It is a vital
moment of choice: the moment when we choose to alter a life
that is primarily designed to get by, that is designed to work within
limitations and darkness. We can choose instead to have a life
of meaning and creativity, a life of purpose, a life of service,
a life of value. Our lives can change, gradually or even literally
overnight, but for the change to occur it means committing to the
evolvement of our Soul.

PUTTING VALUES TO THE TEST

When the general manager of Atlantic Records called to say that
Jewel was being offered the cover of Time magazine, I told him
we would need a little time to consider if she would do it. It had
been many years since an Atlantic artist was on the cover of Time,
so they were thrilled to be approached by the magazine. It was
understandably difficult for him to imagine circumstances in
which one would say no. He likely questioned my sanity. I told
him there were many things we valued much more than an
opportunity to increase her fame and that one of them was her
healthy personal growth. I explained that Jewel was currently in
a process of adjustment about fame. She was beginning to see
what it was, what the cost and concerns were. She wasn't at all
sure she wanted it. It weighed heavily on her mind. I felt that
accepting the cover would move her quickly toward the realm
of celebrity without the opportunity to consider if it was her choice.
If she agreed without exploring it fully, it would be based on
everyone else's assumptions that it was an automatic "yes" that
was desirable or necessary.

That type of process is a decision by default. In a default decision
you allow convention, ego responses, others' views, or old
programming to be the values that inform and determine your
decision. Conscious and fully informed choice is aborted in such
a process and you find yourself acting based on the automatic
assumptions of the default idea. As they unfold, default decisions
result in many difficulties because it is hard to serve them with
real satisfaction. They are ego centered and time driven. And
they rarely include one's soul values.

The suspense in this decision was heightened by the fact that
jewel was on a much-needed retreat for the weekend and I
would not be able to discuss it with her until Sunday. It was
three long days for the Atlantic team, but to their credit they
were gracious rather than hysterical with us, though they told
me later that no one slept all weekend. When I spoke with
Jewel, she felt obligated to accept -- it seemed expected of her.
I suggested that she consider what it would mean for her, to
review her recent feelings about fame and celebrity, and to
consider her values. I asked her not to make a default decision.
"A Time cover is a wonderful thing if it's truly timely. Be certain
you feel ready; if you are not, it would be folly to do it. If you
pass on it, your career will not be harmed, you can trust in
that. There are no missed opportunities."

She spent two days going into her fear and hesitancy about
fame -- the change, the security issues, the loss of privacy.
She asked herself if she was ready for more, and she asked
from a place where she really felt she had choice. She knew I
would say no to Atlantic and hold firm through the inevitable
pressure that would follow.

She received a wonderful understanding in herself. "I was sort
of worrying about the fame issue before and this opportunity
has brought it to a head for me. As I meditated and prayed, I
examined myself and asked my heart who I was and what I
was ready for. I saw I had a strength. I knew I was ready. This
was a surprise to me," she said. "I hadn't seen it when I was
worrying. And I can see where I am vulnerable and what support
I will need so that I don't forfeit what I value about me."

By making a fully examined choice, she did not default to
assumptions about her career path or what was good for
her. She knew she could move forward without forfeiting
her core self.

IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

I work with excitement and wonder at what is possible between
people. Again and again I am humbled by how willing they are
to act outside of their familiar patterns. Given a chance, I find
them usually glad to have opportunities to be in more
harmonious business and personal exchanges. I am continually
heartened by what we can do and how we can be together. It is
working from the platform of our common human values that
makes this possible.

When the uncomfortable situations, angers, and issues occur,
I elevate them to the highest degree that I am able to within
myself. I go into them thoughtfully, even prayerfully. I enjoy
them, I don't dread them. They are welcome to come to me.
Why not? Where else should these matters go? To someone
who will perpetuate the same ridiculous old stuff that is
fundamental to the serious problems that we are all so very,
very sick to death of? Each of us can be the agents of this
change simply by acting on the saying, "If not me, who? If not
now, when?"

If, in our interactions, some of our exchanges can be
transformed,  we are making a substantive difference. It is a
difference that facilitates transformation -- a transformation
vital to our very survival.

This article was excerpted from The Artitecture of All Abundance,
©2001, by Lenedra J. Carroll. Reprinted with permission of the
publisher, New World Library www.newworldlibrary.com

Lenedra J. Carroll is an artist, poet, author, entrepreneur, singer,
and philanthropist. She also manages the career of her daughter,
singer/songwriter Jewel. Visit Lenedra's website at
www.LenedraJCarroll.com. For information on Higher Ground for
Humanity and the Clearwater Project, organizations founded
by Lenedra and her daughter Jewel, visit
www.highergroundhumanity.org and www.clearwaterproject.org
]
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Race

They all lined up so full of hope,
Each thought to win the race,
Or tie for first, or if not that,
At least take second place.

And fathers watched from off the side,
Each cheering for his son;
And each boy hoped to show his dad
That he would be the one.

The whistle blew, and off they went,
Young hearts and hopes afire,
To win, to be the hero there
Was each boy's desire.

And one boy in particular,
Whose dad was in the crowd,
Was running in the lead and thought,
My dad will be so proud.

But as they sped down the field
Across a shallow dip,
The little boy who thought to win
Lost his step and slipped.

Trying hard to catch himself,
His hands flew out in brace,
And mid the laughter of the crowd,
He fell flat on his face.

So down he fell and with him hope,
He couldn't win, not now;
Embarrassed, sad, he only wished
To disappear somehow.

But as he fell his dad stood up,
And showed his anxious face
Which to the boy so clearly said:
Get up and win the race.

   He quickly rose, no damage done,
Behind a bit, that's all;
And ran with all his might and mind
To make up for his fall.

So anxious to restore himself,
To catch up to win,
   His mind went faster than his legs
He slipped and fell again.

   He wished then he had quit before,
With only one disgrace;
I'm hopeless as a runner now,
I shouldn't try to race.

But in the laughing crowd he searched,
And found his father's face,
That steady look that said again,
Get up and win the race.

So up he jumped to try again,
Ten yards behind the last;
If I'm going to gain those yard,
I've gotta move real fast.

Exerting everything he had,
He regained eight or ten;
But trying so hard to catch the lead
He slipped and fell again.

Defeat: He lay there silently,
A tear dropped from his eye;
There's no sense in running anymore
Three strikes I'm out, why try.

The will to rise had disappeared
All hope had fled away;
So far behind, so error prone
I'll never go all the way.

I've lost... so what's the use he thought,
I'll live with my disgrace;
But then he thought about his dad
Who soon he'd have to face.

Get up - an echo sounded low,
Get up and take your place;
You were not meant for failure here,
Get up and win the race.

With borrowed will, get up, it said,
You haven't lost it all;
For winning is no more than this,
To rise each time you fall.

So up he rose to run once more,
And a new commit;
He resolved that win or lose the race,
At least he wouldn't quit.

Three times he'd fallen, stumbling,
Three times he rose again;
Now he gave it all he had,
And ran as though to win.

They cheered the winning runner
As he crossed the line first place;
Head high and proud and happy,
No falling, no failing, no disgrace.

But when the fallen youngster
Crossed the line last place,
The crowd gave him the greater cheer
For finishing the race.

And even though he came in last
With head bowed low unproud,
   You would have thought he won the race
To listen to the crowd.

And to his dad, he sadly said,
I didn't do so well;
His father said, "You won, my son,
you rose each time you fell."

And now when things seem dark
And hard and difficult to face,
The memory of that little boy
Helps me in my race.

For all of life is like that race
With ups and downs and all,
And all you have to do to win
Is rise each time you fall.

from Mac Anderson's book Motivating Yourself:
Recharging the Human Battery

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

Distractions

On the spiritual journey, on the soul quest
we tread, sometimes lightly, oftentimes harshly
And we meet along the way
some kind of temptation to lure us away from our dream
some interception of the momentum that throws us off balance
It's 'Construction Ahead' or 'Detour' signs
It can appear as an outside interference or
an inside conflict
Some dark days are distractions
you know, when the mind numbs for a while
when memory is what others have, not you
when this is 'just not my day'

These attempts at sabotage must be confronted
Not lazily embraced until all that remains of the quest
is a wisp of nothingness
something that you once believed in, but now...

Steadfastly refuse to cave into negative mindsets
or temptations with no substance
Maintain alertness, keep your soul awake
You are not alone
Follow the path and keep your dream alive
Keep following your heart Home

Love
Stella

© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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

What Is A Father

Have you ever wondered, really wondered what, how or why?
What is a father, a Dad, a role model guy?

To watch other friends have some man play with them
And teach them how to catch a ball.
To pick them up, brush them off, just a word
To tell them it's ok when they would stumble and fall.

To guide them and encourage them when things looked so bad.
Are these some of the qualities of a person called Dad.

There is so much to say to answer the question of why.
But pardon me if I don't listen for I feel the need to cry.

No one to guide me or instruct me, Left all alone
To try and figure what life is all about.
The pain runs so deep I just have to cry out.

What is a man? This is where my confusion begins.
You were never my teacher from beginning to end.

Now it's out in the open, I allow my tears to cleanse my soul.
I give this to God and will try to put it behind me as I
Continue on my journey of becoming whole.

I am not saying these things to hurt you, I believe
You did the best you could.
Just to let you know, without your help,
Today I love myself and I really turned out good.

I finally believe I am valuable, worthy and loveable
And have the qualities of a man.
I have values and morals, even integrity.
On my beliefs I am not afraid to stand.

It's a shame you never got to know me.
Maybe you would be proud of the person I call me.
I give thanks to my creator for loving me
And helping me to set my soul free.

Dennis T.
Dennis9817@...

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

I Know Daddy

I know daddy that you didn't mean to hurt me
that day you decided to take your life
I know daddy that you really did love me
But you did hurt me and I was filled with many questions and doubts
Why did you take you life?  Didn't you love me?
Did I do something?  Wasn't I enough for you to want to live?

That day daddy when they closed the lid to your coffin
My world fell apart
I realized then daddy that you were gone
Never coming back again

I got up and ran, I wanted to get away
I couldn't stand the pain I was having to face that day
My daddy was never coming home again
I would never see you again

My life changed that day
No more did I have you to love me and protect me
I had to learn to be strong
I had to learn to take care of me

And daddy, not only did I lose you that day
But your family acted like I didn't exist anymore
They treated me as an outcast
I couldn't understand what I did for them to not love or want me anymore

I would go to where you lived as a boy
And folks who knew you said you didn't have kids
I stood proud daddy and told them oh yes he did
That I once was your pride and joy

But daddy as I got older I came to suffer from the same disease that had
a hold of you
The disease that steals your life and your soul
The disease that steals your youth and makes you old
The disease that leaves you in misery, loneliness, hopelessness,
helplessness

But daddy the buck stops here with me
God has given me a chance
Through Him I am able to have a second life
Through Him and AA, I know happiness, joy, peace and serenity

Those things daddy that you sought to know
Those things that were missing from your life
Today I know them daddy
Today I am free

Because I share your disease
I understand you now
I know today daddy that you didn't mean to hurt me
That you really did love me

Till we meet again daddy
Please know that you still live in my heart
I still love you so
One day daddy we will be together again
For I know daddy that right before you died
You made it right with God

Written by:  Tammy Boyle 7/7/01
bluidkiti@...

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

The consciousness of loving and being loved
brings a warmth and richness to life
that nothing else can bring.
Oscar Wilde

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

One must live the way one thinks
or end up thinking the way one has lived.
Paul Bourget

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

The lure of the distant and the difficult is deceptive.
The great opportunity is where you are.
John Burroughs

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

It's easier to fight for one's principles
than to live up to them.
Unknown

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

In matters of principle, stand like a rock;
in matters of taste, swim with the current.
Thomas Jefferson

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

The heart of the problem
is usually the problem of the heart.

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

Humble people don't think less of themselves,
they just think of themselves less.

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

Courage is not the absence of fear,
but the ability to rise above it.

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

Someone whose Basic Text is falling apart,
life is usually together

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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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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 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/

Tradition Eleven Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/tradition11.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Why is it important to have a home-group ?
How do you contribute to the "atmosphere of recovery"
in your home-group meeting ?
What is the role of a home-group member ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September  22
Today I will find someone who needs my love.
Today I will share my strength, hope and experience
so that someone else can be reborn.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Yesterday

Has there ever been another day like today?
A day that is sunnier or brighter?
I wonder why I can't enjoy it like everyone else
This black cloud follows me like a shadow
Sinking down around my knees, the cloud settles
Inviting me to sink down with it
Bruises appear before my eyes, they spread
Over the horizon like a sunset
The hitting didn't last as long this time
The screaming wasn't as loud
I hide from the light like a nocturnal animal
Afraid to look at the joy the light brings
Maybe I will escape someday, away from the hurt
Or maybe I will just hide in the black cloud
Has there ever been a day as dark as this?
A day sunnier or brighter..............

Linda G.
alchemyenergyworks@...
August 2005

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 Floating Fig Miracle
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1179

ALCOHOLISM AS A MANIFESTATION OF ALLERGY
By William D. Silkworth, M.D., New York, N.Y
from "The Medical Record", March 17, 1937
www.barefootsworld.net/aasilkworth1937.html

Understanding Grief
www.geocities.com/lorisgarden/Grief.html

When one door closes....
www.kaypoe.the-webplace.com/think/doors1.shtml

Home Brewmeister
Clarence S., Cleveland, Ohio.
(OM, p. 274 in 1st edition, p. 297 in 2nd and 3rd editions.)
Pioneers of A.A.
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/clarencesnyder.html

The Keys of the Kingdom
Sylvia K., Chicago, Illinois.
(p. 304 in 2nd and 3rd editions.)
Pioneers of A.A.
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/sylviakauffman.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 22                                             Keeping the
gift

"Life takes on a new meaning when we open ourselves to
this gift."
Basic Text, p.102

Neglecting our recovery is like neglecting any other gift we've
been given. Suppose someone gave you a new car. Would you
let it sit in the driveway until the tires rotted? Would you just drive
it, ignoring routine maintenance, until it expired on the road? Of
course not! You would go to great lengths to maintain the
condition of such a valuable gift.

   Recovery is also a gift, and we have to care for it if we want to
keep it. While our recovery doesn't come with an extended
warranty, there is a routine maintenance schedule. This
maintenance includes regular meeting attendance and various
forms of service. We'll have to do some daily cleaning-our Tenth
Step-and, once in a while, a major Fourth Step overhaul will be
required. But if we maintain the gift of recovery, thanking the Giver
each day, it will continue.

   The gift of recovery is one that grows with the giving. Unless we
give it away, we can't keep it. But in sharing our recovery with
others, we come to value it all the more.

Just for today: My recovery is a gift, and I want to keep it. I'll do
the required maintenance, and I'll share my recovery with others.

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/September.html

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

Centering Our Thoughts

When World War II broke out, our A.A. dependence on a Higher Power
had its
first major test.  A.A.'s entered the services and were scattered all
over
the world.  Would they be able to take the discipline, stand up
under fire, and endure . . . ?
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 200

I will center my thoughts on a Higher Power.  I will surrender all
to this power within me.  I will become a soldier for this power,
feeling the might of the spiritual army as it exists in my life today.
I will allow a wave of spiritual union to connect me through my
gratitude, obedience and discipline to this Higher Power.  Let me
allow this power to lead me through the orders of the day.  May
the steps I take today strengthen my words and deeds, may I
know that the message I carry is mine to share, given freely by
this power greater than myself.

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/ September 22nd

A.A. Thought for the Day

Step Eight is, "Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and
became willing to make amends to them all."  Step Nine is, "Made
direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when
to do so would injure them or others."  Making restitution for
the wrongs we have done is often very difficult.  It hurts our
pride.  But the rewards are great.  When we go to a person and
say we are sorry, the reaction we get is almost invariably good.
It takes courage to make the plunge, but the results more than
justify it.  A load is off your chest and often art enemy has been
turned into a friend.  Have I done my best to make all the
restitution possible?

Meditation for the Day

There should be joy in living the spiritual life.  A faith without
joy is not entirely genuine.  If you are not happier as a result of
your faith, there is probably something wrong with it.  Faith in
God should bring you a deep feeling of happiness and security,
no matter what happens on the surface of your life.  Each new
day is another opportunity to serve God and improve your
relationships with other people.  This should bring joy.  Life
should be abundant and outreaching.  It should be glowing and
outgoing, in ever widening circles.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that my horizons may grow ever wide.  I pray that I may
keep reaching out for more service and companionship.

"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
SEPTEMBER 22

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

Trusting Ourselves

Many of us believed that heeding the words of God or our Higher
Power meant following rigid rules, an instruction booklet for life.

Many of us now believe differently. The rigid rules, the endless
instructions, the exhortation to perfection, are not the words our
Higher Power whispers.

The words of God are often those still, small words we call
intuition or instinct, leading and guiding us forward.

We are free to be whom we are, to listen to and trust ourselves.
We are free to listen to the gentle, loving words of a Higher Power,
words whispered to and through each of us.

Today, help me, God; to let go of shame based rigid rules. I will
choose the freedom of loving, listening, and trusting.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Perfect Match, Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/May/cohen.htm

“The Sequel’s Not Equal” , Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/07/alan-cohen.htm

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

We Had a Dream

God Said:

We had a dream, you and I. It was a dream of Oneness, and
Our dream came true. And it remains true. Our Oneness is
the basis of your life. Without Our Oneness, life in the world
would not exist. It is a dance of life you dance. You have
whisked yourself off the stage of Heaven onto the stage of
Earth. Earth life is temporary. It is an escapade. Our Oneness
is Eternal. Our Oneness is inevitable.

Long live Oneness. That's all there is! It is beyond life, and
yet life is made of it. It is not that Oneness endures. Life is
Oneness Itself. You walk your fingers through the telephone
book of life, become immersed in the telephone book, perhaps
forgetting that the telephone book comes from somewhere,
and is not all that exists. There is a Publisher as well as the
published. Some numbers are unlisted yet they exist.

You were birthed from My heart of love. There are no two ways
about it. A melodrama plays itself out. It has twists and turns,
and you become embroiled in them. All the while, Our
Oneness remains intact. There is no getting away from it
except in your fertile imagination.

There is no stepping out of Oneness. Oneness it is, and
Oneness you are. Oneness is like a million stars flashing in
the night. All the stars shine the same light. All the stars are
alive in Oneness. The difference between you and the stars
is that they never doubt. They are quieted in the soul of the
night. They shine just as brightly during the day, only you
don't see them then. The stars know they shine without
cease.

You are stars perpetual. You are stars whose light has alit
on Earth. You and the stars above are in constant communion
with Me, and with each other. There is no elbow on Earth
that moves without its basis in Heaven. You are indentured
to the light of Heaven. It is yours to reflect. That is all that
is yours. Call it light, call it love, that's what you are. Amazing
how you don't see the light that burns in your heart and casts
itself all over the Earth which you amazingly see as
wilderness. Amazing what you don't see, beloveds.

See now. Rub your eyes and see the beautiful firmament and
its Earth and its Heaven. Look at the spotlight the stars shine
down on you. It is My love they shine. They know naught else
but to shine My light. And therein lies the happiness of stars.

The selfsame happiness is yours. My light is yours to shine,
day and night. You are magnificent in the starlight of your heart.
The rays of light emanate from your heart. The rays score on
other hearts. Lights meet, and so light seems to expand. It was
ever so. It grows larger only in your imagination. Well, keep on
imagining until you see for yourself the light that you are and
ever were. When you shine your light, you feel at peace.
Imagined troubles vanish. They cannot exist in the light you
shine, so open your eyes and see the light that naturally and
easily removes all darkness.

Darkness never was. Only your eyes were not wide open.
Open your eyes, and open your heart. Open wide. Let the
vibrant light within you shine out. Let it outshine your doubts.
Leave doubt behind. It cannot possibly exist in a Lighted
World any more than you can live in a dark world. You are
your own light even though all light is Mine. Shine your light
so that you may see it.

HeavenlettersTM
Copyright@ 1999-2007

HeavenlettersTM -- Helping Human Beings Come Closer to
God  and Their Own Hearts
Gloria Wendroff, GodwriterTM, Teacher, Speaker
The GodwritingTM International Society of Heaven
703 E. Burlington Avenue, Fairfield, IA 52556
Email angels@...
Visit www.heavenletters.org

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

The Flow of Life

If we think and say "I am no good, nobody loves me,"
that is what comes back to us in experience.
Whatever deep intentions we have in our subconscious mind,
we will receive exactly what we are thinking and speaking.
Now imagine saying what we truly want with creative
loving intentions and creative loving words.

The more we repeat consciously a positive thought to our
subconscious mind through affirmations, the more we mean
business. We begin to water down resistance from our past,
as we begin to believe what we are saying. For example ...

"I love and approve of myself exactly as I am."
"I am a vessel for divine ideas."
"I am divinely protected and guided."
"I am at one with the Flow of Life."

How to do it?
Sit quietly, go inside,
slow your thoughts down and say ...

"I am open for divine ideas to flow through me"

and ask ...

"What is it I need to learn?"
"What is it that I could do?"
"What do I have to give?"

Then reflect upon
what comes up for you.

Excerpt From "THE MIRACLE YOU ARE" by Roger King

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

"I Need You!"

I found God.....
                          In your faces
I found God.....
                          In your touch
I found God.....
                          in your words
I found God.....
                          in your example
I found God.....
                          in your hearts
I found God.....
                          in your actions
I found God.....
                          in your lives

Thanks to YOU !
The "MAN UPSTAIRS"
has blessed me beyond Belief !

I can.....
                  touch and be touched
I can.....
                  seek and forgive
I can.....
                  grow and cherish
I can.....
                  fail and learn
I can.....
                  hope and rejoice
I can.....
                  live and laugh
I can.....
                  love and cry

Take my hand.....
                  I need you!

Cary P.
Carycappy@...
(8/29/2002)
"God I love AA!

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

But By The Grace Of God

But by the grace of God,
I woke up this morning,
and was given another chance at living.
I was granted hope
to live my life the way
God intended me to,
sober and free.
Every step I take is important,
because it might be my last.
The whole world
is out there waiting for me,
and I face it
confident, and courageous.
It's truly miraculous
this gift of sobriety.
No matter what happens in my life,
or how dire my existence becomes,
I know that for
as long as I do thy will,
I will be deserving
of this sober life
I have been given.

Frank Beresheim 9/10/00-
fberesheim@...

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

So Grateful

I am grateful when I open my eyes
For my God has blessed me I realize
I'm ready when God sends someone my way
I get on my knees and I pray
God takes care of all my needs
As I go out and plant His seeds
I plant them and God makes them grow
As I follow the paths that I know
So many show up at our doors to be free
Of all the madness that they see
We love them and invite them to stay awhile
So by Gods love we can smile
He grants us peace and serenity
As we try to help all we see

Daniel M Corkery
7/10/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer/

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

The day the child realizes that all adults
are imperfect he becomes an adolescent;
the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult;
the day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Aiden Nowlan

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

Victory awaits those who have everything in order.
People call this luck.
Roald Amundson (polar explorer)

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

  From word to deed is a great space.
French Proverb

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

In order to live free and happily,
you must sacrifice boredom.
It is not always an easy sacrifice.
Richard Bach

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

How high you bounce is
more important than how hard you fall.

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

When one door closes, another door opens.
It's a bitch being in the hallway.

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

I An A Hope Fiend

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

H.O.P.E.: Hang On, Peace Exists

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

H.O.P.E.: Hearing Other Peoples Experience

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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/






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tradition Ten Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/tradition10.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Why is it important to have a home-group ?
How do you contribute to the "atmosphere of recovery"
in your home-group meeting ?
What is the role of a home-group member ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 21
Today I am taking whatever comes in my stride.
Today I know I can handle any change,
any surprise, anything as long as I remember
that my Higher Power is with me and I am never alone.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Let Us Begin our Journey, My Friend

We gather in this circle of healing miracles
Different addictions shadow our daily lives ....

    addiction to substances
    addiction to control
    addiction to power
    addiction to ego
    addiction to being right
    addiction to love and sex
    addiction to destruction
    addiction to arrogance
    addiction to self pity
    addiction to self contempt
    addiction to resentments
    addiction to revenge
    addiction to rationality or irrationality
    addiction to the addict
    addiction to ......

        (add your own personal words ....)

Whose addiction is worse?
Whose addiction is darkest?

Yours or mine, or theirs or ours?
Or this and that, and which and where?

the best judge would be that person in the mirror
who always looks and talks back at you ....

Has nothing to do with anyone
has everything to do with us alone

The twelve steps work just fine if you work it,
but only if you are brave and have courage to change ....

This pathway are not taken by the less courageous
or by those who cringe and hide from their own shadows...

    Our steps begin with the dawn of Awareness
    processed with light of Acceptance
    and finalized with nurturing power of Action

And after Twelve comes One ....
One thing at a time, One day at a time

Yes, the journey must begin with 'me'
Yet, my question to you, my friend is:

    are you willing to step beside and alongside me ?
    Yet I am not asking you whether you 'can' do it ...
    but simply...  if you 'will' step into this journey
    with me into the pathway of peace and light?

for in the end of the journey, whether smiling or crying,
the face on the mirror will only reflect our own

Joyce DG
joydave@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 12 Steps We Arrived With
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1174

International Day of Peace, September 21
www.internationaldayofpeace.org

The Little Doctor Who Loved Drunks
A.A. Grapevine, Inc, May, 1951
Dr. Silkworth William Duncan "Silky" Silkworth, M.D.
July 22, 1873 - March 22, 1951
www.barefootsworld.net/aasilkyloveddrunks.html

90 Tools for Recovery
www.recovery.org/aa/aa-related/tools.html

The Man Who Mastered Fear
Archie T., Grosse Point, Michigan.
(OM, p. 332 in 1st edition, p. 275 in 2nd and 3rd. Titled "The
Fearful One,"
in the 1st edition. It was rewritten and renamed for the later
editions.)
Pioneers of A.A.
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/archietrowbridge.html

He Sold Himself Short
Earl T., Chicago, Illinois.
(p. 287 in 2nd and 3rd editions.)
Pioneers of A.A.
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/earltreat.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 21                                                     Prayer

"Prayer takes practice, and we should remind ourselves that
skilled people were not born with their skills."   Basic Text, p.45

   Many of us came into recovery with no experience in prayer
and worried about not knowing the "right words!' Some of us
remembered the words we'd learned in childhood but weren't
sure we believed in those words anymore. Whatever our
background, in recovery we struggled to find words that spoke
truly from our hearts.

   Often the first prayer we attempt Is a simple request to our
Higher Power asking for help in staying clean each day. We
may ask for guidance and courage or simply pray for knowledge
of God's will for us and the power to carry that out. If we find
ourselves stumbling in our prayers, we may ask other members
to share with us about how they learned to pray. No matter
whether we pray in need or pray in joy, the important thing is
to keep making the effort.

   Our prayers will be shaped by our experience with the Twelve
Steps and our personal understanding of a Higher Power. As
our relationship with that Higher Power develops, we become
more comfortable with prayer. In time, prayer becomes a source
of strength and comfort. We seek that source often and willingly.

Just for today: I know that prayer can be simple. I will start where
I am and practice.

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/September.html

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

Giving It Away

Though they know they must help other alcoholics if they would
remain sober, that motive became secondary.  It was transcended
by the happiness they found in giving themselves to others.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 159

Those words, for me, refer to a transference of power, through
which God, as I understand Him, enters my life.  Through prayer
and meditation, I open channels, then I establish and improve
my conscious contact with God.  Through action I then receive
the power I need to maintain my sobriety each day.  By
maintaining my spiritual condition, by giving away what has
been so freely given to me, I am granted a daily reprieve.

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/ September 21st

A.A. Thought for the Day

Let us continue with Steps Four, Five, Six, Seven, and Ten.
In taking a personal inventory of ourselves, we have to face
facts as they really are.  We have to stop running away.  We
must face reality.  We must see ourselves as we really are.
We must admit our faults openly and try to correct them.
We must try to see where we have been dishonest, impure,
selfish, and unloving.  We do not do this once and forget it.
We do it every day of our lives, as long as we live.  We are
never done with checking up on ourselves. Am I taking a daily
inventory of myself?

Meditation for the Day

In improving our personal lives, we have Unseen help.  We
were not made so that we could see God.  That would be too
easy for us and there would be no merit in obeying Him.  It
takes an act of faith, a venture of belief, to realize the
Unseen Power.  Yet we have much evidence of God's existence
in the strength that many people have received from the act
of faith, the venture of belief.  We are in a box of space and
time and we can see neither our souls nor God. God and the
human spirit are both outside the limitations of space and time.
Yet our Unseen help is effective here and now.  That has been
proved in thousands of changed lives.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may make the great venture of belief.  I pray
that my vision may not be blocked by intellectual pride.

"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
SEPTEMBER 21

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

Letting Go of Urgency

One thing at a time.

That's all we have to do. Not two things at once, but one thing done
in peace.

One task at a time. One feeling at a time. One day at a time.
One problem at a time. One step at a time.

One pleasure at a time.

Relax. Let go of urgency. Begin calmly now. Take one thing at a
time.

See how everything works out?

Today, I will peacefully approach one thing at a time. When in
doubt, I will take first things first.

©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 Touch of Timeliness
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/May/feature2.htm

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

   Here & Now

by Dr. Richard T. Lovelace

      Imagine you are on a path in a patch of shadowy woods. The
path is clearly marked but there are dips and roots in it, and limbs
have fallen onto it. The woods are filled with delicate flowers and
ferns and other interesting sights that give you considerable
pleasure. There are also predatory animals such as tigers that
could harm you. But you have a durable and powerful flashlight.
By keeping the beacon on the path near your feet, you are able
to step over and around obstacles in the path. The predators are
frightened by the light and run away. You get to enjoy the flowers,
ferns, and other wonderful things along the path. The more you
keep your powerful light pointed near your feet, the safer and
more easily you progress through the woods.

      Occasionally, you shine your light behind you, back down the
path, or toward the path ahead. But you do that only briefly, to give
yourself a sense of where you have been and where you are
going; most of the time you keep your light steadily shining on
the path at your feet. You're safe and you can enjoy the scenery.

      Sometimes you take out your compass and check it, to be sure
you're going in the direction of your choice. You're on the right
path, you are doing very well. Occasionally, others on paths near
yours walk with you, but you don't depend on their lights. You
enjoy their company while they are there.

The path in the woods illustrates living in the here and now, the
only way to make it safely through life with as much stress-free
enjoyment and productivity along the way as possible. Some
of us go down the path (life) shining our lights (focus of attention)
too far and too frequently behind us (the past) and ahead of us
(the future).

      We stumble (have needless stress and trouble) and miss
much of the scenery (pleasures of life) along the way. We turn
off our lights (take less responsibility for ourselves), expecting
that others will look out for us and shine their lights at our feet,
rather than taking care of themselves. We get upset with them
when they don't and we fall. Usually we accuse them of not
being fair to us.

It's in our best interest to spend relatively little time thinking of
the past or future. When we stay in the present, we realize that
the woods have a way of distorting the light. What we see is
only an approximation of what will be or has been. We can get
into serious trouble when we believe our memories of the past
are accurate or when we think we can see the future. Guessing --
even good guessing -- isn't knowing what the future holds.

There's nothing wrong with doing some occasional looking
ahead to plan and set goals. The danger is in doing it too
often. It's important, and not that difficult, to distinguish planning
from shining your light ahead to the future in an inappropriate way.
When you feel good-to-neutral, then you're planning. If you're
thinking ahead and don't feel better from doing it, you're not
planning or setting goals. Life is far more than preparation for the
"real thing." Right now is the real thing.

Many people probably (and most likely do) have hidden stress
that's a danger to you. It isn't what happens to you or around you
that stresses you or gives you bad moods, it's what you think --
thoughts that happen so quickly or deeply that you don't even
recognize them. Stress from traffic and similar sources is an
   illusion. You may accept what I'm telling you as absolutely true.
After all, many others have studied stress for many years and
most of us haven't -- but you need to believe what I'm telling you,
for it to benefit you. I want that benefit for you.

I have talked with people who have taken trying to look to the
future to an extreme. They've spent years in a job they hated,
dreaming of the time they'd enjoy their retirement. When they
retire they realize that most of their lives have already passed
with little joy or satisfaction -- they discover they don't even know
how to be joyful and satisfied in their retirement. When thoughts
of the future or past interfere with your significant awareness of
what's going on in the present, much harm is done.

Speaking of thoughts of the future -- how would you like to be as
free of fears as is humanly possible? How would you like to have
little, if any, fear of speaking in public or almost anything else?

      A woman told me that soon after she began to practice what
I'm sharing with you, she had an interesting experience. She
lived on a farm, and one dark night she needed to go some
distance from the house to get to the truck. With her flashlight in
hand, she walked along the rough dirt road, forcing herself to
keep the light at her feet. At first she was afraid because by not
shining the light around, she couldn't make sure there were no
ghosts out there.

      She laughed and said, "I don't know what I thought I'd have
done if there were ghosts there. I did make it to the truck without
stumbling and without getting off the road. It was a good lesson
for me."

You can be free of fear as much as you can shine your light at
your feet (live in the here and now). Anytime you are tense,
apprehensive, afraid, or terrified you are most likely not living in
the reality of the here and now. At some level of your mind, you
are pointing your light down your path somewhere.

Keep your light at your feet and take your life one sure step at a
time. You can do it.

The above is excerpted with permission (printed in the June 1992
edition of InnerSelf Magazine) from Stress Master, ? by Dr. Richard
Terry Lovelace, and published by John Wiley & Sons, 605 Third Ave.,
New York, MY 10158. Dr. Lovelace is "mostly retired" but has a private
practice offering psychotherapy and stress management in Winston-
Salem, NC. Visit his website at http://www.truthforhealthyliving.org/

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

Leaps of Faith

In Faith we step out
towards the unknown of the day
of the future
If we concern ourselves with 'what ifs,' 'ands' and 'buts'
we rarely jump and so lose so much
that may have been

Acts of faith
leaps of faith
are like days that march towards you,
stop awhile and ask what will you do with me
I have come your way and am yours
I bear many gifts, unopened, a mystery
Will you embrace me, this day?
We are as resplendent in deserving
as kings and queens to their throne
and just as brave to accept
what Faith and the Day promises to bring

You can still acknowledge fear
in your acts of faith
But keep the voice still long enough
to make the jump

Love
Stella
© 2000 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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

This Newfound Treasure

Living life is such a pleasure,
Since I have this newfound treasure.
The grace of God so sweet,
Which makes my life complete.
Seeking only to forgive,
Is the life I want to live.
Judging not lest I be judged,
By Gods spirit I am nudged.
Lost in darkness for so long,
Now my heart sings a new song.
Dread no longer rules my life,
I have ceased from toil and strife.

Love you, Becky
rbowlin14@...
Copyright ©2002 Rebecca Bowlin

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

The Cluttered Nightmare

I had a cluttered nightmare about a drunken-hearted man
and sadness did engulf me as i watched he couldn't stand
his eyes were glazed and heavy
and his heart he held in his hand
he couldn't see the love in there
nor did he have a plan
i wish i could have helped him
maybe to understand
it wasn't that no one listened
before his eyes had finally glistened
for you see he was quiet dead
from a bullet in his head
now because of my cluttered nightmare
i know i do not dare
pick up the drink that now has him lying there
for now i am broken-hearted and his pain i truly share
we all have pain and anguish  written on our face
from our own little secrets we think we hide without a trace
now you too please beware
for it could be you that's lying there

BY: ANGELA F MOORE   WHFL©
AMOORE530@...
Printed with Permission

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

Wisdom cannot be taught.
It can only be learned.
Source Unknown

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

Every man has his own destiny:
the only imperative is to follow it,
to accept it,
no matter where it leads him.
Henry Miller, The Wisdom of the Heart

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

We look at some people as if they were special, gifted, divine.
Nobody is special and gifted and divine.
No more than you are, no more than I am.
The only difference, the very only one,
is that they have begun to understand
what they really are and have begun to practice it.”
Richard Bach

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

Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things
even if we do not get anything in return.
It is the joy of our life to do them.
When we do good things from an inner desire,
there is kindness in everything we say, think, want and do.
Emanual Swedenburg

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

I love and accept myself, exactly as I am.
Louise Hay

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

True happiness is found in service.

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

If you are not happy with what you have,
what makes you think you would be happy with more?

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

If you aren't happy today,
what are you waiting for?

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

Would you rather be right
or would you rather be happy?

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

Recovery is an inside job...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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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this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
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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/






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tradition Nine Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/tradition09.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Why is it important to have a home-group ?
How do you contribute to the "atmosphere of recovery"
in your home-group meeting ?
What is the role of a home-group member ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 20
I am very grateful for this day.
I am grateful for all the love and inspiration
that I receive from my Higher Power wherever I ask.
I just stop and tune in to this universal energy
and am transformed to the level of my willingness.
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 Fourth Step

Now you have some time in recovery.
But you have all this pain and misery.
Walking around ready to cry,
having those feelings of just wanting to die!

Take A look at yourself! you wont be the same.
Get rid of the torture the guilt and the shame.
The nightmares could be over with a stroke of a pen.
So, instead of wishing that it would all end.
Go on and do it, be happy again.

Take a look at yourself!
your really someone to love.
Remember You were put here by the one above.
Do it and be done, for without it there's no change.
Why put it off, and drive yourself insane.

Take a look at yourself!
You'll feel better by far.
Why live with those feelings and deep rooted scars.
Go ahead, and really begin this new life.
Get rid of all that past guilt, and strife.
Start now, and begin life anew.
Enjoy it with your friends, which are far from few!

© 1995 By Hippie Rick
Hippie-Rick@...
www.hippie-rick.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 Carpenter
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1171

International Day of Peace, September 21
www.internationaldayofpeace.org

The Fundamentals - In Retrospect, By Dr. Bob Smith
  From the September 1948, AA Grapevine
www.barefootsworld.net/aafundamentals.html

A range of exercises and activities to develop different mental skills.
www.thementalfitnesscenter.com

The News Hawk
Jim S., Akron, Ohio.
(OM, p. 254 in 1st edition, p. 251 in 2nd and 3rd editions.
Titled "Travel, Editor, Scholar" in the 1st edition.)
Pioneers of A.A.
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/jimscott.html

  From Farm to City
Ethel M., Akron, Ohio.
(p. 261 in 2nd and 3rd editions.)
Pioneers of A.A.
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/ethelmacy.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 20                                             Courage to
change

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know
the difference."  Serenity Prayer

   Recovery involves change, and change means doing things
differently. The problem is, many of us resist doing things
differently; what we're doing may not be working, but at least we're
familiar with it. It takes courage to step out into the unknown.
How do we find that courage?

   We can look around ourselves at NA meetings. There, we see
others who've found they needed to change what they were doing
and who've done so successfully. Not only does that help quiet our
fear that change- any change-spells disaster, it also gives us the
benefit of their experience with what does work, experience we
can use in changing what doesn't.

   We can also look at our own recovery experience. Even if that
experience, so far, has been limited to stopping the use of drugs,
still we have made many changes in our lives-changes for the
good. Whatever aspects of our lives we have applied the steps
to, we have always found surrender better than denial, recovery
superior to addiction. Our own experience and the experience of
others in NA tells us that "changing the things I can" is a big part
of what recovery is all about. The steps and the power to practice
them give us the direction and courage we need to change.
We have nothing to fear.

Just for today: I welcome change. With the help of my Higher
Power, I will find the courage to change the things I can.

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/September.html

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

The Gift Of Bonding

Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 63

Many times in my alcoholic state, I drank to establish a bond
between myself and others, but I succeeded only in establishing
the bondage of alcoholic loneliness.  Through the A.A. way of life,
I have received the gift of bonding with those who were there
before me, with those who are there now, and with those yet to
come.  For this gracious gift from God, I am forever grateful.

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/ September 20th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Step Four is, "Made a searching and fearless moral inventory
of ourselves."  Step Five is, "Admitted to God, to ourselves,
and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs."
Step Six is, "Were entirely ready to have God remove all
these defects of character."  Step Seven is, "Humbly asked
Him to remove our shortcomings."  Step Ten is, "Continued to
take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly
admitted it."  In taking a personal inventory, we have to be
absolutely honest with ourselves and with other people.
Have I taken an honest inventory of myself?

Meditation for the Day

God is good.  You can often tell whether or not a thing is of God.
If it is of God, it must be good. Honesty, purity, unselfishness,
and love are all good, unselfish helpfulness is good, and these
things all lead to the abundant life.  Leave in God's hands the
present and the future, knowing only that He is good.  The hand
that veils the future is the hand of God. He can bring order
out of chaos, good out of evil, and peace out of turmoil.  We
can believe that everything really good comes from God and
that He shares His goodness with us.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may reach out for the good.  I pray that I may
try to choose the best in 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
SEPTEMBER 20, 2005

You are reading from the book  Each Day a New Beginning.
Melody Beattie ©

What difference does it make how I am treated by life?
My real life is within.
--Angela L. Wozniak

It is said that we teach people how to treat us. How we treat
others invites similar treatment. Our response to the external
conditions of our lives can be greatly altered by our
perceptions of those conditions. And we have control of that
perception. No experience has to demoralize us. Each
situation can be appreciated for its long-term contribution to
our growth as happy, secure women.

No outside circumstances will offer us full time and forever
the security we all long for. And in like manner, none will
adversely interfere with our well being, except briefly and
on occasion.

The program offers us the awareness that our security,
happiness, and well being reside within. The uplifting moments
of our lives may enhance our security, but they can't guarantee
that it will last. Only the relationship we have with ourselves and
God within can promise the gift of security.

The ripples in my day are reminders to me to go within.

© 1982, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved.
Published 1982. Second edition 1991. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of the publisher

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

Accepting Our Gifts
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/June/vissell.htm

“Give Atlas A Break” , Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/06/alan-cohen.htm

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

End of the Trail - or the Beginning?
by Alan Cohen

One of my favorite hiking trails on Maui leads to a magnificent
hidden waterfall far off the beaten path. The path to the waterfall
begins as an offshoot of a main trail in a county park. One day
as I set out on the waterfall trail I noticed that county officials had
posted a sign, "End of trail." As I stepped over the sign onto the
fun trail, I chuckled to think that what was advertised as the end
of the trail was really the beginning of the trail. If hikers simply
heeded public signs, they were led to believe their hike was over.
If, however, they paid attention to their inner guide, they would
discover that the hike was just getting good.

Sometimes in life it appears that we are at the end of our trail,
when we are really at the beginning. If you take your direction
from social signs, you will just follow the herd and be programmed
by other people who think for you, and are guided primarily by
fear. But if you follow your joy-inspired inner voice of guidance,
you will be led to experiences that far surpass any the signmakers
post. Buddha said, "To see what few have seen, you must go
where few have gone."

On a cute TV sitcom, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Sabrina must
pass a test of true love to rescue her boyfriend whom she has
accidentally turned into a toad. Sabrina's initiation brings her to
a swinging rope bridge over a fiery chasm, where her beloved
awaits on the other side. The bridge is burning, and if Sabrina is
going to get to her young man, she will have to make a leap of
faith, now or never. On Sabrina's side of the bridge are two signs.
"True love" points over the bridge to her boyfriend, and "Safe Path"
points back from where she came. "Maybe you should just take
the safe path!" her boyfriend suggests. "No way!" Sabrina
answers, "That just leads to the suburbs."

Often our true path is not the apparently safe one - but if we
examine the "safe" path, it leads only to deadness and limitation.
The only real safety lies in being true to our own selves. What
does your heart tell you is real for you? If you were to allow your
authentic self to come forth, what would you be doing differently?
The only quality of character that will guide you reliably through
the many changes happening in and around you, is realness.
Trust who and what you are, and the universe will support you
in miraculous ways.

My friend Donna Lynn had been seeking more fulfillment in her
work, and when her company offered her a position on the night
shift at a higher salary, she took it. While she had more leisure
time during this shift, Donna Lynn noticed that the night cleaning
crew was throwing away toilet paper rolls with toilet paper left on
them. Donna Lynn felt this was a waste of a valuable resource
that someone could use, so she collected these rolls and took
them to a local homeless shelter. She found her involvement
with this charity so rewarding that she became a volunteer
coordinator, and then took a salaried position as director of a
city-wide volunteer agency. Donna Lynn's work was so
successful that she gained national prominence and received
an outstanding service award that brought her to Washington
D.C. where she was honored by President and Mrs. Clinton,
and met several past U.S. Presidents and their spouses - all as
a result of a single spontaneous thought about a roll of toilet
paper!

At this very moment the universe is trying to manifest miracles
through your visions, intuitions, and longings. Imagine that your
inklings are God's whispers to your heart. The same God that
gave you the idea, will give you the means and support to see
it through. The world is being transformed through people like
you, who love themselves enough to trust their inner guidance,
and relax enough to let the universe take care of the means.

"I don't just want a job - I want to be inspired."
-- Rene Zellweger in Jerry Maguire


Alan Cohen is the author of the bestselling The Dragon Doesn't
Live Here Anymore. To order Alan's new book I Had It All The
Time, or to request a free catalog of Alan's books, tapes, and
workshop schedule, write to Hay House, P.O. Box 5100,
Carlsbad, CA 92018, or call 1-800-462-3013.

For information about Alan's Mastery Training held in Hawaii and
focusing deeply with twenty-four participants, write to 430 Kukuna
Road, Haiku, Hawaii 96708 or phone 1-808-572-0001.

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

A Beautiful Flower In A Broken Pot
Author - unknown

Our house was directly across the street from the clinic entrance
of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. We lived downstairs
and rented the upstairs rooms to out patients at the clinic.

One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock
at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man. "Why,
he's hardly taller than my eight-year-old," I thought as I stared
at the stooped, shriveled body. But the appalling thing was his
face, lopsided from swelling, red and raw.

Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, "Good evening. I've
come to see if you've a room for just one night. I came for a
treatment this morning from the eastern shore, and there's no
bus 'til morning."

He told me he'd been hunting for a room since noon but with
no success, no one seemed to have a room. "I guess it's my
face... I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few
more treatments..."

For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me:
"I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus
leaves early in the morning."

I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch.
I went inside and finished getting supper. When we were
ready, I asked the old man if he would join us. "No thank you.
I have plenty." And he held up a brown paper bag.

When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to
talk with him a few minutes. It didn't take a long time to see
that this old man had an oversized heart crowded into that
tiny body. He told me he fished for a living to support his
daughter, her five children, and her husband, who was
hopelessly crippled from a back injury.

He didn't tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other
sentence was prefaced with a thanks to God for a blessing.
He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease,
which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked
God for giving him the strength to keep going.

At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children's room for him.
When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly
folded and the little man was out on the porch. He refused
breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if
asking a great favor, he said, Could I please come back and
stay the next time I have a treatment? I won't put you out a bit.

"I can sleep fine in a chair." He paused a moment and then
added, "Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are
bothered by my face, but children don't seem to mind."

I told him he was welcome to come again. And on his next trip
he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought
a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen.
He said he had shucked them that morning before he left so
that they'd be nice and fresh. I knew his bus left at 4:00 a.m.
and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this
for us.

In the years he came to stay overnight with us there was never
a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables
from his garden. Other times we received packages in the mail,
always by special delivery; fish and oysters packed in a box of
fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing
that he must walk three miles to mail these, and knowing how
little money he had made the gifts doubly precious.

When I received these little remembrances, I often thought of a
comment our next-door neighbor made after he left that first
morning. "Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned
him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!"
Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice. But oh! If only they
could have known him, perhaps their illness would have been
easier to bear.

I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from
him we learned what it was to accept the bad without complaint
and the good with gratitude to God.

Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse, As she
showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all,
a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. But to my great
surprise, it was growing in an old dented, rusty bucket. I thought
to myself, "If this were my plant, I'd put it in the loveliest container
I had!"

My friend changed my mind. "I ran short of pots," she explained,
and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn't
mind starting out in this old pail. It's just for a little while,
till I can
put it out in the garden."

She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I
was imagining just such a scene in heaven. "Here's an especially
beautiful one," God might have said when he came to the soul of
the sweet old fisherman. "He won't mind starting in this small body."

All this happened long ago -- and now, in God's garden, how tall
this lovely soul must stand.

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

Not Enough Time
Virjinja

There's not enough  time to answer calls
Not enough time to write  a note
Not enough time to send  a card
Not enough time your  love to show

There isn't a moment to  give a hug
Not a second to spare  for a simple hello
No time to spend giving  support
Not a kiss  good-bye, when off you go

There won't be time when  time is up
No time for even one  more chance
No time to reach and  hold a hand
No time left for  one last dance

Are you sure there's  really not enough time
Give some thought to  that oft-used line
Hidden within your  busyness
Are plenty of moments  for things like this:

Reflection
Affection
Sharing
Caring
Intimate  Talks
Meditative  Walks
Reaching  out
Helping  out
Kind  words
God  first

Friend, there's not  enough time
For rushing through  life
Missing its  meaning
Surely you're  seeing
There's plenty of time
To fully live  life
One day at a  time
That's doing it  right.

©2006 ~ Virginia Santoro ~ All Rights  Reserved
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

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

Simply said...

Simply said...
I should be dead.
Simply said,
I was mislead.
Simply said,
Addiction took it's toll.
Simply said,
I lost all control.
Simply said,
God intervened.
Simply said,
Today I'm clean!

written by ~
BKIND2WOLVES@...

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

A kindergarten teacher was observing
her classroom of children while they drew.
She would occasionally walk around to see each child's artwork.
As she got to one little girl who was working diligently,
she asked what the drawing was.
The girl replied, "I'm drawing God."
The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like."
Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing the girl replied,
"They will in a minute."

author unknown

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

Love is the extremely difficult realization
that something other than oneself is real.
Iris Murdoch

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

The Hindu tradition talks about the "veil."
When we look at someone, we see our perception of that person.
When we look with judgment, the veil becomes more opaque.
But when we remember God's inclusive love for all of us,
the veil thins, and we begin to see one another as our true selves,
the children of God.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

There is one basic mental Law.  What you place
in your subconscious mind must appear in your experience.
Your subconscious mind acts as the Law of Creation.
Nothing has ever happened to you or taken place around you
that was not the result of your subconscious mind.
Raymond Charles Barker

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

The more I examine the universe
and study the details of its architecture,
the more evidence I find that the universe in some sense
must have known we were coming.
Freeman Dyson

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

God help me! (Step 1, short form)

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

Growth: When the pain of where I am is worse
than the discomfort of where I am going, then I'll move.

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

Happiness isn't getting everything you want.
It's wanting what you've already got.

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

Happiness is an inside job.

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

Have a GREAT day
unless you have made other plans.....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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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and write subscribe in the subject line.

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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:
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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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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tradition Eight Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/tradition08.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Why is it important to have a home-group ?
How do you contribute to the "atmosphere of recovery"
in your home-group meeting ?
What is the role of a home-group member ?


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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 19
I grow and learn from everything that happens.
Today I am keeping my eyes open and my head clear
so that I don't have to make the same mistake twice.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12-Step Meetings

Why do I need meetings
To feel like God is near?
Are the many greetings
  From those that I hold dear
A “touchable” reminder
That God is always near?

Why do I need a meeting
To calm my troubled soul?
To remind me life is fleeting
And help me play my role.
To show serenity to others,
That God’s will is my goal.

Why do we all need meetings
When life’s crazy paths we trod?
Our world is teeming with beatings,
Terrorism, vandalism but not God.
Those we love have a sickness
Their illness descends like a rod

The Steps lead us to sanity
The Sharing opens our heart
The Openness discourages vanity
The Traditions show us our part
The Support says we’re not alone.
  From Meetings may I never depart.

Carol A. Thomas 9/11/05
gillygumdrop@...
My husband and I live in a rural area and driving to a meeting
is a 62 mile roundtrip. We have not been attending many meetings
and I miss them. Trying to organize my thoughts, I came up with
this as to why I need meetings:

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Teach Me
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1165

On Cultivating Tolerance By Dr. Bob Smith
www.barefootsworld.net/aatolerance.html

Things we hear at a Meeting...
www.recoveryresources.org/aphorisms.html

I am responsible for...
www.recoveryresources.org/responsible.html

The European Drinker
Joe D., Cleveland, Ohio.
(OM, p. 206 in 1st edition, p. 230 in 2nd and 3rd editions.)
Pioneers of A.A.
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/joedoppler.html

The Vicious Cycle
Jim B., Washington, D.C.
(p. 238 in 2nd and 3rd editions.)
Pioneers of A.A.
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/jimburwell.html

Infinity
www.geocities.com/meledyann/Infinity.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 19
Fellowship

"In NA, our joys are multiplied by sharing good days; our sorrows
are lessened by sharing the bad. For the first time in our lives,
we don't have to experience anything alone."
IP No.16, "For the Newcomer"

   When we practice using the steps and the other tools of our
program to work through our hardships, we become able to take
pleasure in the joys of living clean. But our joys pass all too
quickly if we don't share them with others, while hardships borne
alone may be long in passing. In the Fellowship of Narcotics
Anonymous, we often multiply our joys and divide our burdens
by sharing them with one another.

   We addicts experience pleasures in recovery that, sometimes,
only another addict can appreciate. Fellow members understand
when we tell them of the pride we take today in fulfilling
commitments, the warmth we feel in mending damaged
relationships, the relief we experience in not having to use drugs
to make it through the day. When we share these experiences
with recovering addicts and they respond with similar stories,
our joy is multiplied. The same principle applies to the challenges
we encounter as recovering addicts. By sharing our challenges
and allowing other NA members to share their strength with us,
our load is lightened.

   The fellowship we have in Narcotics Anonymous is precious.
Sharing together, we enhance the joys and diminish the burdens
of life in recovery.

Just for today: I will share my joys and my burdens with other
recovering addicts. I will also share in theirs. I am grateful for
the strong bonds of fellowship in Narcotics Anonymous.

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/September.html

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

A Riddle That Works

It may be possible to find explanations of spiritual experiences
such as ours, but I have often tried to explain my own and have
succeeded only in giving the story of it.  I know the feeling it gave
me and the results it has brought, but I realize I may never fully
understand its deeper why and how.
AS BILL SEES IT,  p. 313

I had a profound spiritual experience during an open A.A. meeting,
which led me to blurt out, "I'm an alcoholic!"   I have not had a drink
since that day.  I can tell you the words I heard just prior to my
admission, and how those words affected me, but as to why it
happened, I do not know.   I believe a power greater than myself
chose me to recover, yet I do not know why.  I try not to worry or
wonder about what I do not yet know; instead, I trust that if I continue
to work the Steps, practice the A.A. principles in my life, and share
my story, I will be guided lovingly toward a deep and mature
spirituality in which more will be revealed to me.  For the time
being, it is a gift for me to trust God, work the Steps and help 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/ September 19th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Let us continue with Steps Two, Three, and Eleven.  We must
turn to a Higher Power for help, because we are helpless
ourselves.  When we put our drink problem in God's hands
and leave it there, we have made the most important decision
of our lives.  From then on, we trust God for the strength to
keep sober.  This takes us off the center of the universe and
allows us to transfer our problems to a Power outside ourselves.
By prayer and meditation, we seek to improve our conscious
contact with God.  We try to live each day the way we believe
God wants us to live.  Am I trusting God for the strength to
stay sober?

Meditation for the Day

"These things have I spoken unto you, that your joy may be
full." Even a partial realization of the spiritual life brings
much joy.  You feel at home in the world when you are in touch
with the Divine Spirit of the universe.  Spiritual experience
brings a definite satisfaction.  Search for the real meaning
of life by following spiritual laws.  God wants you to have
spiritual success and He intends that you have it.  If you live
your life as much as possible according to spiritual laws, you
can expect your share of joy and peace, satisfaction and
success.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I will find happiness in doing the right thing.  I pray
that I will find satisfaction in obeying spiritual laws.

"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
SEPTEMBER 19, 2005

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

Apologies

Sometimes, we act in a manner with which we are less than
comfortable. That's human. That's why we have the words:
"I'm sorry." They heal and bridge the gap. But we don't have
to say, "I'm sorry" if we didn't do anything wrong. A sense
of shame can keep us apologizing for everything we do,
every word we say, for being alive and being who we are.

We don't have to apologize for taking care of ourselves,
dealing with feelings, seeking boundaries, having fun, or
getting healthy.

We never have to change our course, if it is in our best
interest, but sometimes a general apology acknowledges
other feelings and can be useful when the issues of a
circumstance or relationship are not clear. We might say:
"I'm sorry for the fuss we had. I'm sorry if what I needed
to do to take care of myself hurt you; it was not intended
that way."

Once we make an apology, we don't have to keep repeating
it. If someone wants to keep on extricating an apology from
us for the same incident, that is the person's issue, and
we don't have to get hooked.

We can learn to take our apologies seriously and not hand
them out when they're not valid. When we feel good about
ourselves, we know when it's time to say we're sorry and
when it's not.

Today, I will try to be clear and healthy in my apologies,
taking responsibility for my actions and nobody else's. God,
help me figure out what I need to apologize for and what is
not my responsibility.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

“Take Your Power Back” , Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/05/alan-cohen.htm

Letters of Wisdom and Affirmation, Louise Hay
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/June/hay.htm

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

The Seasons of Our Nature
by Meredith Young-Sowers

When Nature changes her seasons, the shift seems effortless,
predictable, and inevitable. The new season approaches and
the old one retreats. Just as Nature doesn't stay forever in a
single season, like it or not, neither do we.

Just as there are four seasons in Nature, our inner natures
also experience four seasons. Spring is the season of new
beginnings. In Summer, we grow the fruits of our new beginnings,
and in the Fall, we harvest the rewards of our efforts, including
opportunities to be acknowledged and appreciated for our
accomplishments. In Winter we rest, rediscovering our true
selves. Without Winter we cannot move into Spring.

We recognize the season we're in both by the way we feel and
by the movement of energy in and around our efforts. We know
when we are putting forth our greatest efforts, but we don't
always realize when we are internalizing our greatest learnings.
It's not the level of effort that tells us what season we're in, it's
the return on those efforts.

In the Spring of our inner natures, our efforts begin to bring
us returns, and we feel compelled to begin new projects,
even some that have rested on our shelves for many years.

Our growing bank accounts and acclaim from peers tell us
we are now in the Summer of our inner natures. Other
people recognize us when we are in Summer and want to
celebrate with us. We feel stronger each day, a direct
reflection of the intense heat of the Summer sun.

In the Fall of our inner natures, we feel invincible. Everything
we touch turns to gold. We are celebrated for our achievements,
and we seem to be headed for a permanent place in the
winners' circle. Then we feel the first signs of Winter, and
everything begins to shift.

In the Winter of our inner natures, we slow down and feel the
loss of outer accomplishments, public acclaim, and/or
material possessions. We are doing nothing differently, yet
there are fewer returns on our efforts. We feel as if we're
coming undone; an old fear we thought we'd put to rest
resurfaces. The more attached we are to worldly success,
or to old patterns and people with whom we've identified,
the harder we struggle, and the more we struggle the more
life unravels before our eyes. We push and pray, ask and beg,
but to no avail. Our undoing has a life of its own, and we
seem its victims.

If we could stop the action at this point of desperation and
say to ourselves, "I realize I'm being asked to grow in new
ways," we might consider that this is a time for someone
else to shine and be successful. We would say: I wish all
who are in the Spring, Summer, and Fall of their lives the
joy of their success, knowing that I, too, will enter the Spring
of success again. But in the meantime, I can rest, renew, and
reap spiritual rewards.

We're like a spent flower in Winter, tired and needing rest
and recovery, not from the outer world but from our inner
selves. Instead, many of us enter Winter desperate to hold
on to the energy of Fall, which slips through our fingers no
matter how tightly we clench our fists.

Winter is God's time, the time of spiritual renewal. It doesn't
mean that we have to lose everything, or even that we have
to lose anything. What falls away in the Winter of our inner
natures are the outworn trappings with which we identify
ourselves.

Whether we're stressed beyond reason or deeply unhappy
doesn't seem to matter. We persist in staying where we think
the power, money, or prestige lives. Even though we may be
suffocating, Winter releases us from our burdens. We
continue to want the things that are identified with outward
signs of success: financial status, career, marriage, appearance,
clever wit, or brilliant physical prowess. Once relieved of what
is burdensome, we climb quickly back into the fray again
until Winter once more shows us what really matters now.

As we grow spiritually, our Winters deal more with the interior
of our lives. We are prodded again to give up the fears, anger,
desires, and jealousies that have grown up along with material
success. At first we lose what we think we want; then we lose
what we are ready to give up. I like to think of my Wintertime
as coming into dry dock to get rid of the barnacles.

Illness is a Winter Opportunity

Mental and physical illnesses are experiences of the Winter
of our inner natures. We can't run away from them, so we have
no choice but to stay and learn. People talk about the gift of an
illness. The gift is that we've been given an opportunity to heal
a dysfunctional behavior or a useless emotional pattern,
perhaps from this life and perhaps from past lives. We are
offered an opportunity to move to an advanced level of
awareness, releasing unwanted patterns of anger, resentment,
envy, jeal\ousy, regret, judgment, and loss. Sometimes we're
able to release the patterns and the illness instead of our lives.
In the broadest view of life, healing isn't just about changing the
body, it's about adjusting our perception and about learning to
love. Healing happens when we believe in the power of Love
that is in us.

Renewal and Clarity in Partnership

Marriages and partnerships also move through the cycle of Spring,
Summer, Fall, and Winter. We tend to get divorced in the Winter
of our inner lives, and we tend to come together in the Spring,
Summer, or Fall. In long-standing relationships, Winter holds the
potential for rediscovery or bailout. We enter and leave Winter
with different minds and hearts. We may come into Winter
determined to leave a relationship but emerge knowing we'll stay.
Just as Winter snows moisten the earth so that Spring flowers can
grow, Winter's tears may awaken a new and glorious Spring for our
hearts.


This article is excerpted from Wisdom Bowls, ©2002, by Meredith
Young-Sowers. Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Stillpoint
Publishing  www.stillpoint.org

About the Author:
Meredith Young-Sowers is the author of the best-selling books
Agartha: A Journey to the Stars and the Angelic Messenger Cards.
She is also the Director of the Stillpoint Institute and the Stillpoint
School of Advanced Energy Healing. Visit her website at
www.meredithyoung-sowers.com as well as www.wisdombowls.com

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

Look At Us ~ We're Different
Virginia  Santoro

"Look at us... we're different.
We don't look alike at all.
You're white, blue eyes, thin and tall.
I'm dark of skin, hair and eyes.
My hair is curly, yours all spiked.

Look at us... we're different.
We eat different foods.
Your every meal is full of rice.
For me it's franks and pop on ice.
My pasta is al dente...
Your veggies grilled just right.

Look at us... we're different.
Our family life light years apart.
You're folks divorced, remarried twice...
Mine together 50 ~ going for 75.
Your kids in college ~ scholarships and all.
Mine scrubbing toilets, tired and poor.

Look at us... we're different.
My celebrations go on for days.
You quietly accept your joys...
in inconspicuous ways.
My traditions so important...
while you could care the less.
We tiptoe around our cultures...
Curious, but not impressed.

Look at us... we're different.
Our values two extremes.
You have the highest morals.
I stumble through my dreams.
You watch me and in judgment decree...
There's nothing worthwhile in someone like me.

Look at us... we're different.
Our religions have different names.
You think you have the key to heaven.
The next man thinks the same.
We argue over who is right...
To make our point, some would even die.
And all this in the name of God...
How unlike Him - how sad, how odd!

Look at us... we're different.
I challenge you to see...
The things that seem so different,
are inconsequential at the least.
You live and breathe and cry and laugh...
Just like me, it seems.

We experience joy...
We encounter pain.
Through it all, we both remain...
Children of the One Same God,
Made in His Image - all the same.

Look at us... we're not different!
We're not different at all.
At the core of each one of us...
We're Love and so much more.
Remember who and what you are.
Come back to Love ~ you've strayed too far.
Look again - we're not different...
We're not different at all !"

©2001 ~ Virginia Santoro ~ All Rights  Reserved
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

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

Building Energy Reserves

Energy is a desirable thing
an asset to our dream realization

Know what it is that you need to gather to yourself
your unique stores needed to see you through your days
Then draw upon it to fill up on the energy you need
Fill up on energy as a vitality of expression
Be in love with life, be alive with joy ~
with artfully creating your own new world

Is it a walk in the park with the dog?
Some time alone with your journal?
A ride along a deserted highway before dawn?
Baking a pie, your favourite kind?
A delightful nap in the middle of the day?
A swim?  A good movie?  A hug?
These are all energizers in which we may indulge
when reserves are low and we wander around
wondering what is missing in our life

Don't be afraid to ask
Don't be shy about your needs
Dare to go outside your comfort zone
Where lies the promise of a new dimension of thought
Where seeds of growth and creativity and contentment reside
Bring them all within to give birth to a new energy
Bursting in deep and high
from the inspired inside of you

Love
Stella
© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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

Words that came to be shared ......
Joyce
joydave@...

Fire and destruction in human's wake
rather than lotus springing from our steps

Blessings and gifts of the day are God given
Tragedies are human made daily, big and small

We scream at injustice and seek blood for blood
We in anger and tears howl into the skies
We in tears, question the wisdom of God
We pray in silence, lighting candles in the dark

Why do we create tragedies daily within our lives
Amoks and insanity, does it not portray the life of addicts

Or have we forgotten our own self made tragedies
Losing everything dear to the world of addiction?

Tragedies are reminders, tragedies are man made
Made of thought, into experience through words and action

Only blessings are made in heaven, sadness are made on earth
And will we ever learn to listen to the fallen tears of others?

As we recover my friends
let us make lotuses spring in the wake of our steps ...

If we truly recover and carry the message
may lotus petals open up fragrantly in manyfolds
under those steps that others we guide take
within it, may the blessings of God unfold


With prayers and sympathy
   to the US people, and those who face
   tragedies, big and small ......

~~~~~Om Mani Padma Hung~~~~~

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

Angela's Poem
in memory of my Mom, Marilynne, sister Sherry
and brother Rick who took their own lives

When we were children living in
A chaotic world where lies within
Dysfunction, abuse and alcohol
And Daddy looked twelve feet tall

We learned to hit and how to fight
Hurt each other, we'd kick and bite
We'd watch Daddy beat up Mom
We'd cry and scream "Help Someone!"

The very thing that we should love
Instead we'd always push and shove
We'd tear each other all apart
Misery was always in our heart

But now the tables sure have changed
We grew up and rearranged
The pecking order of family pride
No longer do we have to hide

Inside ourselves so no-one sees
The awful, ugly part of me
We learn to grow and cultivate
A lovely garden, no more self-hate

So now we see that we can end
The lasting effects that extend
To all the children who grow up
In a world of chaos of booze and drugs

Angela C.
"2000 - Copyright by Angela C. -- all rights reserved ".
mylovelygarden@...
www.angelfire.com/my/lovelygarden
www.mylovelygarden.com/
September 1996

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

There is That within me that is unlimited in Its potential.
It is my connection with God, It is God within me.
With God all things are possible which, without God are impossible.
I now imagine an incredible and magnificent life for myself
a life filled with an abundance of unlimited good.
In spite of conditions, appearances, and circumstances
I deny all lack and limitation, sickness and disease,
pain and suffering, struggle and effort,
for I know that God is the one and only Reality
and God is Good all the time.
edwardg

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

Hear with the ear of your heart,
And you will know you are a part,
Of all that is goodness and light,
A star shining and ever bright.
At one with all spiritual essence,
An essential, magnificent presence.
Catherine Seiler
Copyright 30.07.2000

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

One's destination is never a place but rather a new way
of looking at things.
Henry Miller

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

When I despair, I remember that all through history
the way of truth and love has always won.
There have been tyrants and murderers and
for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall -
Think of it, ALWAYS.
Mahatma Gandhi

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

The dark moment the caterpillar calls the end of the world,
is the sun-filled moment the butterfly calls the beginning.

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

It's not so important why you are an alcoholic-
but rather what are you going to do about it?

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

Esteem-able acts build self-esteem.

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

Growth: Don't commit suicide during the first five years sober
(you'll be killing the wrong person.)

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

Show up...slow up... and grow up.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*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,
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/

Tradition Seven Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/tradition07.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
I can't stop using and someone said to me
"Recovery is not going to start working,
until everything else has stopped working"
What did it mean to you when you heard
"KEEP COMING BACK FOR THE FIRST TIME?"
What has become of you as a result of taking that suggestion ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 18
If something isn't working for me today,
I am willing to let go of the struggle.
I trust that God has something better in store 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lessons...

I had to live the life I did
In order to learn about me.
I had to do the things I did
So I could live happy and free.

I had to feel the pain of love
In order to choose to be free.
Knowing what love takes today,
I'm happy being me.

I had to let go of those who hurt
That's not the way of love.
Love is soft and gentle and strong
It's seeking within and above.

Many lessons that I have learned
Have helped me heal the pain.
I wouldn't have things different
I now have the world to gain.

So if you think you're trapped somehow
Remember we can grow.
Be true to yourself and love and life
It's better than you know.

Written 9/10/03
In peace, light, and love, Meg
mm1597@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Searching
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1159

"Grapevine" in Bow
Grapevine, June 1944, Vol 1, No. 1
www.barefootsworld.net/aagv0644.html

He Thought He Could Drink like a Gentleman
Albert (Abby) G., Cleveland, Ohio.
(p. 210 in 2nd and 3rd editions.)
Pioneers of A.A.
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/abbygolrick.html

Women Suffer Too
Margaret ("Marty") M., New York City and Connecticut.
(p. 222 in 2nd and 3rd editions.)
Pioneers of A.A.
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/margaretmann.html

If You Come Across An Angel
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/IfYouComeAcrossAnAngel.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 18                                       Honest relationships

"One of the most profound changes in our lives is in the realm
of personal relationships."   Basic Text p.55

   Recovery gives many of us relationships that are closer and
more
intimate than any we've had before. As time passes, we find
ourselves gravitating toward those who eventually become
our friends, our sponsor, and our partners in life. Shared
laughter, tears, and struggles bring shared respect and lasting
empathy.

   What, then, do we do when we find that we don't agree with
our friends on everything? We may discover that we don't share
the same taste in music as our dearest friend, or that we don't
agree with our spouse about how the furniture should be arranged,
or even find ourselves voting differently than our sponsor at a service
committee meeting. Does conflict mean that the friendship, the
marriage, or the sponsorship is over? No!

   These types of conflict are not only to be expected in any long-
lasting relationship but are actually an indication that both people
are emotionally healthy and honest individuals. In any relationship
where both people agree on absolutely everything, chances are
that only one person is doing the thinking. If we sacrifice our honesty
and integrity to avoid conflicts or disagreements, we give away the
best of what we bring to our relationships. We experience the full
measure of partnership with another human being when we are
fully honest.

Just for today: I will welcome the differences that make each one
of us special. Today, I will work on being myself.

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/September.html

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

Bringing The Message Home

Can we bring the same spirit of love and tolerance into our
sometimes deranged family lives that we bring to our A.A.
group?
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 111-112

My family members suffer from the effects of my disease.  Loving
and accepting them as they are -- just as I love and accept A.A.
members -- fosters a return of love, tolerance and harmony to my
life.  Using common courtesy and respecting others' personal
boundaries are necessary practices for all areas of 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/ Setpember 18th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Two is, "Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves
could restore us to sanity."  Step Three is, "Made a decision
to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we
understood Him."  Step Eleven is, "Sought through prayer
and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as
we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us
and the power to carry that out."  The fundamental basis of
A.A. is a belief in some Power greater than ourselves.  Let us
not take this lightly.  We cannot fully get the program without
this venture of belief.  Have I made the venture of belief in
a Power greater than my own?

Meditation for the Day

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High,
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."  Dwell for
a moment each day in a secret place, the place of communion
with God, apart from the world, and thence receive strength
to face the world.  Material things cannot intrude upon this
secret place, they can- not ever find it, because it is outside
the realm of material things.  When you abide in this secret
place, you are under the shadow of the Almighty.  God is close
to you in this quiet place of communion.  Each day, dwell for a
while in this secret place.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may renew my strength in quietness.  I pray that
I may find rest in quiet communion with 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
SEPTEMBER 18

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

Letting the Good Stuff Happen

Before recovery, my relationships were lousy. I didn't do very
well on my job. I was enmeshed in my dysfunctional family.
But at least I knew what to expect!
--Anonymous

I want the second half of my life to be as good as the first half
was miserable. Sometimes, I'm afraid it won't be. Sometimes,
I'm frightened it might be.

The good stuff can scare us. Change, even good change, can
be frightening. In some ways, good changes can be more
frightening than the hard times.

The past, particularly before recovery, may have become
comfortably familiar. We knew what to expect in our
relationships. They were predictable. They were repeats of
the same pattern - the same behaviors, the same pain, over
and over again. They may not have been what we wanted,
but we knew what was going to happen.

This is not so when we change patterns and begins recovering.

We may have been fairly good at predicting events in most areas
of our life. Relationships would be painful. We'd be deprived.

Each year would be almost a repeat of the last. Sometimes it got
a little worse, sometimes a little better, but the change wasn't
drastic. Not until the moment when we began recovery.

Then things changed. And the further we progress in this
miraculous program, the more we and or circumstances change.
We begin to explore uncharted territory.

Things get good. They do get better all the time. We begin to
become successful in love, in work, in life. One day at a time,
the good stuff begins to happen and the misery dissipates.

We no longer want to be a victim of life. We've learned to avoid
unnecessary crisis and trauma.

Life gets good.

"How do I handle the good stuff?" asked one woman. It's harder
and more foreign than the pain and tragedy."

"The same way we handled the difficult and the painful experiences,"
I replied. "One day at a time."

Today, God, help me let go of my need to be in pain and crisis.
Help me move as swiftly as possible through sad feelings and
problems. Help me find my base and balance in peace, joy, and
gratitude. Help me work as hard at accepting what's good, as I
have worked in the past at accepting the painful and the difficult.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Why Your Life Sucks” ,Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/04/alan-cohen.htm

A Profound Near Death Experience and a Message of Love
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/June/cyberweave.htm

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Look Within & See
by Marie T. Russell

Have you ever found yourself wanting to 'fix' people? You know...
when you can clearly see everything that's wrong with them and
want to reorganize them and their life?

It seems so easy for us to look at someone else and see
everything that they need to do to improve themselves. It seems
so easy to 'fix' someone else... to see everything they could change
in their personality, relationships, attitudes, patterns, and lives in
general.

When you find yourself doing that, you can be sure that if you
turned that projection around and applied it to yourself you would
discover many truths and have some astonishing revelations.

For example, the other day I found myself in various situations in
which the old 'beast' of judgment reared its ugly head. Seemed like
I could do so much better... Yet when I applied the technique of
taking whatever I was criticizing in someone else and applying it
to myself, I discovered some amazing things... I also was 'guilty' of
those same things I was judging in others.

If you desire to see where you need to do some clearing, try this...
The next time you find yourself blaming, judging, or criticizing
someone, ask yourself: "How do I exhibit this behavior also? How
does this apply to my actions and thoughts?" I would be willing to
bet that if you are honest with yourself you'll discover some amazing
truths... or rather I should say, some amazing illusions.

Someone dropped in the other day who was exhibiting strong
behavior of blame and other such energies. So I knew that if this
was coming out in my presence, then obviously I needed to look
within myself to see how I was harboring thoughts of blame. And
sure enough, those thoughts were there...

If people around you are acting out anger, look within yourself and
find out what you are angry about. If you find yourself in conversations
where the 'other' is judging and criticizing, ask yourself how you are
being judgmental and critical. It could be behavior that you are
directing towards others or towards yourself. Have you been judging
yourself? Have you been finding yourself wanting in certain areas?

Remember that the 'other' is always a reflection of you. So rather
than expend energy trying to 'fix' the other, use that energy where
it can really make a difference... 'fix' yourself. Look at yourself and
see what needs clearing.

A saying that I really like from Peace Pilgrim is "If the thoughts you
are thinking have not brought you peace, keep trying..."

Many times our past behavior has tended towards judging and
blaming, when those energies definitely do not bring peace. How
do you feel when you are in the middle of those energies? Definitely
not peaceful and loving, right?

Not only is judging and blaming harmful to yourself, to your inner
peace and joy, but it is futile... unless you turn it around and apply
it to yourself! When you use it as a learning tool, then you can really
make a difference -- in yourself.

The next time you find yourself judging or blaming someone else,
remember to ask your Higher Self to show you how you are really
judging and blaming yourself. And please forgive yourself for all
of these old patterns. This was simply learned behavior, and it
can be replaced with a more useful and loving energy.

When you find yourself in any situation that seems to call up unloving
responses in you, remember that you have a choice. You can make
yourself miserable by staying in the judgment and blame, or you
can release the other person to Spirit. Everyone has the right to
make their own 'mistakes' and to learn in the way they choose.
Rather than place your focus on them, place it on yourself.
Everything that comes to you is an opportunity for love and
healing. Everything is there to help us regain our inner peace
and innate state of love and harmony.

Make it a daily practice. Look around you (and within you) and
see what situations have been bringing up thoughts unlike Love.
Then use those situations as mirrors. Look at them and see... This is
especially powerful in those situations where we find ourselves
reacting strongly to someone or to a situation. If it's pushing your
buttons, then you can be sure there is something you need to look
at. As a wise friend of mine said, "If you didn't have any buttons, I
wouldn't be able to push them!" So the next time someone pushes
your button, get rid of the button... instead of blaming the button
pusher.

About The Author:
Marie T. Russell is the publisher of InnerSelf Magazine (first
published in 1985 originally as Mighty Natural Magazine) and
The Natural Yellow Pages (1987-2002). She produced a weekly
South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1991-1995 which
focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and
well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting
with our inner source of joy and creativity. Marie can be reached at
marie@... with personal comments and feedback, or
to be placed on a mailing list to be advised when her book becomes
available.  http://innerself.com/

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


THE RULES FOR BEING HUMAN ~ Dan Millman

1.  YOU WILL RECEIVE A BODY.
   	 You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours
	 for the entire period this time around.

2.  YOU WILL LEARN LESSONS.
   	 You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called Life.
	 Each day in this school you will have the
	 opportunity to learn lessons.  You may like the
   	 lessons or think them irrelevant and stupid.

3.  THERE ARE NO MISTAKES, ONLY LESSONS.
   	 Growth is a process of trial and error: Experimentation.
	 The "failed" experiments are as much a part of
	 the process as the experiment that ultimately "works."

4.  A LESSON IS REPEATED UNTIL LEARNED.
   	 A lesson will be presented to you in various
	 forms until you have learned it.
   	 When you have learned it,
	 you can the go on to the next lesson.

5.  LEARNING LESSONS DOES NOT END.
   	 There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons.
	 If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned.

6.  "THERE" IS NO BETTER THAN "HERE."
   	 When your "there" has become a "here,"
	 you will simply obtain another "there"
   	 that will again look better than "here."

7.  OTHERS ARE MERELY MIRRORS OF YOU.
   	 You cannot love or hate something about another person
	 unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself.

8.  WHAT YOU MAKE OF YOUR LIFE IS UP TO YOU.
   	 You have all the tools and resources you need.
	 What you do with them is up to you.
	 The choice is yours.

9.  YOUR ANSWERS LIE INSIDE YOU.
   	 The answers to Life's questions lie inside you.
	 All you need to do is look,
   	 listen and trust.

10.  YOU WILL FORGET ALL THIS

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

Be Honest
Virjinja

Be honest
Time to tell the truth
Everything you're hiding  from
Will come back to haunt  you
Sooner or later
All will be revealed
Save everyone the  trouble
Let nothing be concealed

Be honest
You're in so much pain
Because of the mask you  wear
Your tears will fall like  rain
Living inauthentic
Being insincere
Is sucking the life from  you
And those that you hold  dear

Be  honest
If not with me, with God
He knows all that's going  on
For Him, it's far from  hard
To see beyond your veil
He's totally aware
Of your denials, your  attempts
To hide away your cares

Be honest
I know you'll be  relieved
The truth is better than the  lies
Without it, there's no  peace
Covering up, hiding  things
Look at all the angst it  brings
Those who love you  understand
Those who don't never  can

Just be honest and you'll  see
You simply can't go  wrong
I say that sincerely
Be honest.

©2006 ~ Virginia Santoro ~ All Rights  Reserved
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

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

Love Is the Ultimate Lesson

Our main and most essential lesson is love.

In our search for happiness or spiritual growth, we eventually
realize that our main lesson is to be able to love others no matter
what they say or do.This does not mean that we allow them to do
whatever they like or behave irresponsibly, unjustly or unethically.
It means that we love them and respect them even if occasionally
we need to confront them assertively and dynamically concerning
their behavior.

Why is love our ultimate lesson? Because only when we are in a
state of love do we experience our true inner nature. As souls we
are love. Love is the experience of our innate connection and unity
with all beings and nature. This is the actual reality behind this
illusionary world of separate and alienated beings.

The opposite of love is ignorance and fear. We lose our feelings
of unity when we fear. Then our various defense mechanisms
cover our deep-seated love with fear, hurt, bitterness, anger,
hate, jealousy etc.

Seeking to love others unconditionally should not be identified
with good and bad or right and wrong. We are not better people
because we love. God does not love us more or less because we
love or do not love. We are simply freer from ignorance and fear
and much closer to happiness and peace. We are not obliged to
love. Loving is a choice and an opportunity to experience the
joy and peace of unity with ourselves and others.

There is no peace when we do not experience love - because
we are locked into our feelings of separateness and that is always
painful - because it is an illusion.  We do not feel good about
ourselves when we have negative feelings towards others. We
can ignore our conscience for some time but deep in ourselves
we are at odds with our true self when we do not love others.

But loving others depends so much on loving and accepting
ourselves as we are and feeling our own inner self-worth. When
we do not love ourselves, then we are living in fear of rejection
and loneliness. Thus we need more affirmation and approval from
others. When they are not able to give it to us, we feel hurt,
disillusioned and angry at them. We loose our love towards
others because we doubt ourselves.

Thus the lesson of love is two fold - loving ourselves and loving
others.

The key here is to be able to accept ourselves and the others as
we are in our process of evolution and not require of ourselves
or them to be perfect. When we understand, forgive and accept
ourselves and others for our weaknesses and faults and manage
to love ourselves and others in spite of those faults, then we are
much closer to learning our life lessons and finding true peace
with ourselves and others.

   Forgiving others and ourselves allows us to free ourselves from
the past - which does not exist anyway - and live in the present
without the burden of what has happened until now. Living in the
present is also a major life lesson.

All beings are created in the image and likeness of God. They are
ultimately divine and deserve our love and respect. That includes
our spouse, children, parents, siblings, friends co-workers and of
course our own self.

We can love purely only when we experience our true spiritual
nature. When we experience or perceive ourselves as immortal
divine souls who are always safe and worthy. Love requires
inner strength and harmonious relationship with ourselves.

Love, then, is always the lesson. To be able to love ourselves
and  to love others in all situations.

The exercises for this chapter are the following.

1. Observe yourself and make a list of all the moments that you
lose your feelings of unity and love for the persons closest to you.

2. Chose one of those situations in which you lose your love and
have negative feelings.

3. Discover what you fear in this situation. What are you afraid of
losing?

4. Free yourself from that fear by various methods discussed in
this and other books. (Especially the books Free to be Happy
with Energy Psychology, The Psychology of Happiness and
Relationships of Conscious Love.)

5. Visualize yourself able to love this person even if and when
he or she acts in this way.

6. Make it a point to be kind to this person - act as you would if
you actually had unconditional love for him or her.

7. Pray for this person's welfare daily.

8. Love and accept yourself just as you are.

Affirmations:

* I am freeing myself from mistaken perceptions fears and
expectation that limit my peace, happiness and love.

* I choose unity and love.

* Love is always the lesson.

*  I communicate with honesty and sincerity creating energized
love connections with the others.

* When I love I feel strong and safe.

* I love all without conditions - including myself.

The Psychology of Happiness
Concepts for a Happier more Harmonious life
www.HolisticHarmony.com

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

A Sponsor's Prayer

I pray dear God for my sponsee
show me how to set her free
how to give her a smile
and some joy for a little while
how to make her pain go away
and fill her with happiness just for today
lose the pain from yesterday
by showing her love in every way
how do I stop her from hurting
and let her know I am not deserting
please take her in Your loving arms
and hold her there till she feels no harm
tell me how can I help her to want to live
and teach her ways to forgive
show her the future will not be so forlorn
and that her life can be reborn
make her feel not so blue
let her know You love her too
and that her life it is not through
thank you God for the answer
for this disease, this awful cancer
I will take her in the rooms
and there her love will also bloom

written by Angela F. Moore
AMOORE530@...
{Printed with Permission}
©2000  WHFL

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

To me, God and compassion are one and the same.
Compassion is the joy of sharing.
It's doing small things for the love of each other-
just a smile, or carrying a bucket of water,
or showing some simple kindness.
These are the small things that make up compassion.
Mother Teresa

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

Right in the middle of good times,
with no reality-based reason,
we can sabotage our well-being
by over caring and projecting about what might happen.
Doc Childre and Howard Martin, The HeartMath Solution

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

The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution
to the healing of the world.
Angry people cannot create a peaceful planet.
Marianne Williamson

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

There is nothing we can do to make God
love us more than God already does.
There nothing we can do wrong
that will make God love us any less.

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

There but for the grace of God, go I.

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

To be grate-ful is to be grace-filled.

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

Keep an attitude of gratitude.

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

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal
with the intent of throwing it at someone;
you are the one who gets burned.
Buddha

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

The loving nature will attract those things of a loving
nature.  The Light in you will attract the Light in others.
Don't be afraid to take someone's hand.  Don't be afraid to
hug people.  Share the love. Give it out.

The love will be greater in you as a result.

John-Roger with Paul Kaye

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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,
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,
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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:
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tradition Six Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/tradition06.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
I can't stop using and someone said to me
"Recovery is not going to start working,
until everything else has stopped working"
What did it mean to you when you heard
"KEEP COMING BACK FOR THE FIRST TIME?"
What has become of you as a result of taking that suggestion ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 17
Today I continue to find people
who are positive, healthy and nurturing.
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 Vicious Cycle

Evening falls again on me,
I'm in the dark, I cannot see.
All around me candles lay,
Begging flames to come their way.
But I just sit inside myself,
Empty goals on dusty shelves.
Wondering why it seems so bleak
And why I hide and never seek.
So again I wait upon the sun,
Another lonely day is done.
I'll close the blinds, so none can see,
As morning falls again on me.

ANONYMOUS
(Written while still drinking. Sobriety date 3/10/79)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 Acronyms
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1157

THE GOD CONCEPT IN ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
By Rev. George A. Little, D.D., The non-alcoholic who started
the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous in Canada
www.barefootsworld.net/aagodconcept.html

Trouble Tree
www.mcfeth.com/Troubletree.htm

"The Man on the Bed" , Bill D. of Akron, Ohio.
(p. 182 in 2nd and 3rd editions.)
Pioneers of A.A.
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/manonthebed.html

He Had to be Shown
Dick S., Akron, Ohio.
(p. 364 in the 1st edition, p. 193 in 2nd and 3rd editions.
Titled "The Car Smasher," in the 1st edition,
rewritten and renamed for later editions.)
Pioneers of A.A. www.silkworth.net/aabiography/dickstanley.html

Choose Hope
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/Hope.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 17                           Going beyond Step Five

"We may think that we have done enough by writing about
our past. We cannot afford this mistake."       Basic Text p.32

   Some of us aren't too keen on writing out our Fourth Step; others
take it to an obsessive extreme. To our sponsor's growing dismay,
we inventory ourselves again and again. We discover everything
there is to know about why we were the way we were. We have the
idea that thinking, writing, and talking about our past is enough.
We hear none of our sponsor's suggestions to become entirely
ready to have our defects removed or make amends for the harm
we've caused. We simply write more about those defects and
delightedly share our fresh insights. Finally, our worn-out sponsor
withdraws from us in self-defense.

   Extreme as this scenario may seem, many of us have found
ourselves in just such a situation. Thinking, writing, and talking
about what was wrong with us made us feel like we had it all
under control. Sooner or later, however, we realized we were
stuck in our problems, the solutions nowhere in sight. We knew
that, if we wanted to live differently, we would have to move on
beyond Step Five in our program. We began to seek the
willingness to have a Higher Power remove the character defects
of which we'd become so intensely aware. We made amends for
the destruction we had caused others in acting out on those defects.
Only then did we begin to experience the freedom of an awakening
spirit. Today, we're no longer victims; we are free to move on in our
recovery.

Just for today: Although necessary, Steps Four and Five alone will
not bring about emotional and spiritual recovery. I will take them,
and then I will act on them.

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/September.html

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

Seeking Emotional Stability

When we developed still more, we discovered the best possible
source of emotional stability to be God Himself.  We found that
dependence upon His perfect justice, forgiveness, and love was
healthy, and that it would work where nothing else would.  If we
really depended upon God, we couldn't very well play God to our
fellows nor would we feel the urge wholly to rely on
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 116

All my life I depended on people for my emotional needs and
security,  but today I cannot live that way anymore.  By the grace
of God, I have admitted my powerlessness over people, places
and things.  I had been a real "people addict"; wherever I went
there had to be someone who would pay some kind of attention
to me.  It was the kind of attitude that could only get worse,
because the more I depended on others and demanded attention,
the less I received.

   I have given up believing that any human power can relieve me of
that empty feeling.  Although I remain a fragile human being who
needs to work A.A.'s Steps to keep this particular principle before
my personality, it is only a loving God who can give me inner peace
and emotional stability.

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/ September 17th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Step One is, "We admitted we were powerless over
alcohol-that our lives had become unmanageable."  This step
states the membership requirement of A.A.  We must admit
that our lives are disturbed.  We must accept the fact that
we are helpless before the power of alcohol.  We must admit
that we are licked as far as drinking is concerned and that
we need help.  We must be willing to accept the bitter fact
that we cannot drink like normal people.  And we must make,
as gracefully as possible, a surrender to the inevitable fact
that we must stop drinking.  Is it difficult for me to admit
that I am different from normal drinkers?

Meditation for the Day

"Show us the way, O' Lord, and let us walk in Thy paths."
There seems to be a right way to live and a wrong way.  You
can make a practical test.  When you live the right way, things
seem to work out well for you.  When you live the wrong way,
things seem to work out badly for you.  You seem to take out
of life about what you put into it.  If you disobey the laws of
nature, the chances are that you will be unhealthy.  If you
disobey the spiritual and moral laws, the chances are that
you will be unhappy.  By following the laws of nature and the
spiritual laws of honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love, you
can expect to be reasonably healthy and happy.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may try to live the right way.  I pray that I may
follow the path that leads to a better 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
SEPTEMBER 17, 2005

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

New Relationship Behaviors

We talk much about new relationship behaviors in recovery:
allowing others to be themselves without over reacting and
taking it personally, and owning our power to take care of
ourselves. We talk about letting go of our need to control,
focusing on self-responsibility, and not setting ourselves up
to be victims by focusing on the other person while neglecting
ourselves. We talk about having and setting healthy
boundaries, talking directly, and taking responsibility for what
we want and need.

While these behaviors certainly help us deal with addicted
people, these are not behaviors intended only for use in what
we call "dysfunctional relationships."

These behaviors are our new relationship behaviors. They help
us in stressful relationships. They can help us get through times
of stress in healthy relationships.

The recovery behaviors we are learning are tools - healthy
relationship skills - that help us improve the quality of all our
relationships.

Recovery means self-care - learning to take care of ourselves
and love ourselves - with people. The healthier we become, the
healthier our relationships will become. And we'll never outgrow
our need for healthy behaviors.

Today, I will remember to apply my recovery behaviors in all my
relationships - with friends and co-workers, as well as in any
special love relationship. I will work hard at taking care of myself
in the troublesome relationships, figuring out which skill might
best apply. I will also consider ways that my healthy relationships
might benefit from my new relationship skills.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Headed In The Right Direction, Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/June/cohen.htm

“They're Playing Our Song” , Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/03/alan-cohen.htm

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Skills For Creating A Satisfying Marriage

By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.

   There exists no easy recipe for creating a marriage that
satisfies both partners.  As a Life Coach, I regularly work with
couples interested in discovering their own formula for restoring
their marriage, making changes in their relationship, or building
an entirely new one.  It is no simple task, because all marital
(primary) relationships are as unique as the couples creating
them.

   Over the years however, I have identified many ingredients
which, when blended together in individualized fashion, usually
create the kind of marital relationship which best serves the
needs of the two partners.  Here are some of those ingredients.

-----Take time to attend to the relationship.  "I can't find the
time" is an irrelevant reason for not creating the relationship
you desire.  Time is created for the activities we really want to do.
Attention to anything makes it stronger.  Consciously plan to
create chunks of time to attend to this entity (separate from either
party) called "your relationship."  Your mutual attention will
strengthen it.

-----Examine and debunk the "myths of marriage."  Some of the
more common myths include: my spouse is supposed to make
me happy; my marriage should always be charged with a
perpetual feeling of love; fidelity is limited to the sexual
relationship
alone; a good marriage is trouble-free; my partner is always to
blame for the nature of our problems; I need my partner in order
to be happy in life; and, if my partner loved me enough, s/he would
know what I want, need or desire. There are many more myths
surrounding any given primary relationship. When we debunk
these myths, we begin to have realistic expectations. Due to its
ever-changing nature, marriage is always a little hard.  It is
always moving into a new and unfamiliar world where we have
never been before.  Writer, Leonard Bowman, says that when
myths of marriage are out of the way, "...the couple is now ready
to enter into the hurting-healing, rejecting-rejoicing, releasing-
receiving realities of marriage."

-----Learn to listen with your whole being.  Listen to yourself.
Listen to your partner.  Listen to what is spoken and unspoken.
Listen to the feelings inside you and for those inside your
partner. When we truly listen, we increase our awareness and
understanding. Self-awareness and understanding your partner
are the basic ingredients for creating any kind of enjoyable
marriage.  With increased awareness and understanding we
learn what is needed in the relationship.

-----Communicate that understanding.  First, communicate what
you know about yourself.  Then share your understanding of your
partner. Focus on clearly revealing what you understand about
yourself and then check out your understanding of the other.
Effective communication is usually the first casualty in marital
conflicts.

-----Accept your partner for who s/he is at the moment.  You
cannot change who others are nor what they are doing.  If you
fail to accept that fact, you will frustrate yourself in attempting to
accomplish the impossible...namely, changing your partner.
Frustration always results in anger build-up.  Whenever you
become angry with your spouse, check and see if you are
accepting (not necessarily condoning) who your partner is, or
what s/he is doing AT THE MOMENT.

-----Respect.  Respect who you are.  Respect your partner.
Respect is not something you earn.  It is something you offer.
When you respect yourself, you become more self-revealing,
more open with your feelings and thoughts, more confident in
your abilities and skills, and more self-assertive without being
aggressive.

-----Become skilled at living in the present moment with your
partner.  Be quick to forgive both yourself and your partner.
Don't clutter up the present moment with collected resentments
or hurts. Keep the moment open in anticipation of new moments
yet to come. Moments in which you can create the quality of life
and relationships you genuinely desire.

   When we mix all these ingredients in relative proportion to our
own unique personalities, we become the highly-skilled chef at
creating the best outcomes at molding the quality of our marriages
into the creations we most desire.

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
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."  Initial coaching sessions
are 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 and the International University of Professional
Studies. He recently co-authored (with Patrick Williams) the book:
*Total Life Coaching: 50+ Life Lessons, Skills and Techniques for
Enhancing Your Practice*and Your Life!* (W.W. Norton 2005)
available at your local bookstore or on Amazon.com.

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

Start Over

When you've trusted God and walked His way,
When you've felt His hand lead you day by day,
But your steps now take you another way -- Start over.

When you've made your plans and they've gone awry,
When you've tried your best and there's no more try,
When you've failed yourself and you don't know why -- Start over.

When you've told your friends what you plan to do,
When you've trusted them and they didn't come through,
And now you're all alone and it's up to you -- Start over.

When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone,
When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong,
And now your grandchildren have come along -- Start over.

When you've prayed to God so you'll know His will,
When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still,
When you want to stop cause you've had your fill -- Start over.

When you think you're finished and want to quit,
When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit,
When you've tried and tried to get out of it -- Start over.

When the year has been long and successes few,
When December comes and you're feeling blue,
God gives a January just for you -- Start over.

Starting over means "victories won";
Starting over means "a race well run."
Starting over means "God's will done"--
So don't just sit there,....

Woodrow Kroll

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

Feeling Joyful
Meditation by Orin and DaBen

I allow myself to feel good right now.
I feel my soul all around me,
sending me its joy.
I open to receive my soul's joy.

Joy is flowing into me.
Joy is streaming into my cells and atoms.
As joy flows into me I expand.
I feel free.

Joy flows out from me,
touching everyone around me.
My thoughts are positive.
I feel happy.

I think of my life.
I imagine what would be different
in the next few hours
if I expressed my soul's joy.
I now do it.

When I encounter someone
who is less joyful,
I draw in the quality of joy,
I fill myself with joy,
then radiate joy to the other.

I now ask my soul and higher self,
to send me a clear vision
of the next steps of my path.
I ask for greater clarity
about my higher purpose.

I ask myself each hour,
"What am I doing next that
is part of my higher purpose?"

I create my higher purpose
from moment to moment.
As I do, I feel joy,
for joy comes from living in the flow
and creating my higher purpose.

I let go of power struggles.
Whenever I encounter power struggles
or people who are negative,
I connect with my soul
and draw in its joy.
I stay centered in my own energy
and feel my soul's joy
radiating through me.

I expand my potential for joy,
I live in a rhythm of joy.
I radiate joy to others.
I am becoming more joyful
everyday.

As I wake up tomorrow
I connect with my soul's joy
and let it radiate through me
and out to others.

I am a source of joy to others.
My joy lifts others and
makes their burdens easier to carry.
I bring light to everyone around me
through my expression of soul joy.

www.orindaben.com

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

Create Reality

You create your own reality
by thinking the thoughts you think
by believing the beliefs you believe

Do you like your reality?
If so, great!  If not, why not start changing it?
Today.  Do your beliefs about yourself
reflect who you want to be
or are they leftover negative conditioning
from a past long gone?
from rainy-day people's opinions of how you should be?

Take back your opinions about yourself
Take back a positive reality
Submerge into beliefs that shout:
I am human, therefore I am imperfect and that's ok
I am me.  I am who I am meant to be.
I am becoming the me that I want to be...
complete with frizzy gray hair and little child's dreams
I am the best I can be
I make my own reality
I believe in miracles

Love
Stella

©Stella Savoie
© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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

"10 STAGES OF A YOUNG GIRL'S LIFE"

A little girl of one-
Not knowing what she's done.
A little girl of two-
No knowing what to do.
A little girl of three-
Running wild and free.
A little girl of four-
Opening and closing doors.
A little girl of five-
Learning how to survive.
A little girl of six-
Learning how to fix.
A little girl of seven-
Wondering if there's a heaven.
A little girl of eight-
Thinking it's too late.
A little girl of nine-
Smoking pot and drinking wine.
A little girl of ten-
Wondering where she's been.

Antoinette "Toni" Bunch
ta2tni1@...
© 1971

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

You and Me and HP

In You and Me and HP,
each morning is a new beginning,
I find peace, and serenity.
In You and Me and HP,
I find answers to many problems,
and I know I have a life worth living.
In You and Me and HP,
I feel special, unique
and I know I am one of God's children.
In You and Me and HP,
I feel secure,
with a little more strength
to help me live my daily day.

Frank Beresheim
fberesheim@...

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

Every person, all the events of your life are there
because you have drawn them there.
What you choose to do with them is up to you.
Richard Bach

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

Forget everything except what you're
going to do now and do it.
William Durant

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

To do the useful thing,
to say the courageous thing,
to contemplate the beautiful thing:
that is enough for one man's life.
T.S. Eliot

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

There is no ritual you must perform to become spiritual.
There is no prescribed way you must behave to be spiritual.
You are spiritual.  You are a being of Spirit.
It is your essence, your greatest reality.
John-Roger

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

When I ask for patience,
God gives me a traffic jam.

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

There is only one thing you need to know about God,
you are not Him !

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

Listen to your heart often,
God lives there

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

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.
I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.
Mother Teresa

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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,
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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/

Tradition Five Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/tradition05.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
I can't stop using and someone said to me
"Recovery is not going to start working,
until everything else has stopped working"
What did it mean to you when you heard
"KEEP COMING BACK FOR THE FIRST TIME?"
What has become of you as a result of taking that suggestion ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 16
Light is shining on my path today as I face
in the direction of love and goodness.
One step at a time is leading me exactly where I need to be.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Please Listen

When I ask you to listen to me
and you start giving me advice,
you have not done what I asked.

When I ask you to listen to me
and you begin to tell me why
I shouldn't feel that way,
you are trampling on my feelings.

When I ask you to listen to me
and you feel you have to do something
to solve my problem, you  have failed me,
strange as that may seem.

Listen!  All I ask is that you listen.
Don't talk or do-just hear me.

And I can do for myself; I am not helpless.
Maybe discouraged and faltering,
but not helpless.

When you do something for me that I can and
need to do for myself, you contribute to my
fear and inadequacy.

But when you accept as a simple fact
that I feel what I feel,
no matter how irrational,
then I can stop tying to convince you
and get a bout this business of
understanding what's behind
this irrational feeling.

And when that's clear,
the answers are obvious
and I don't need advice.

Irrational feelings make sense
when we understand what's behind them.

Perhaps that's why prayer works,
sometimes, for some people -
because God is mute, and
he doesn't give advice or try to fix things.

God just listens and
lets you work it out for yourself.

So please listen,
and just hear me.

And if you want to talk,
wait a minute for your turn-
and I will listen to you.

Author Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Reborn
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1153

"One argument in religion is about as good as another;
but an experience beats any argument."
www.barefootsworld.net/aasamshoemaker.html

Grace
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/Grace.html

Dr. Bob's Nightmare
www.silkworth.net/aabiography/roberthsmith.html

The Doctor's Nightmare
www.silkworth.net/bbstories/183.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just for Today
September 16                                           Emotional balance

"Emotional balance is one of the first results of meditation, and
our experience bears this out."   Basic Text p.45

   Though each of us defines "emotional balance" a little differently,
all of us must find it. Emotional balance can mean finding and
maintaining a positive outlook on life, regardless of what may be
happening around us. To some, it might mean an understanding
of our emotions that allows us to respond, not react, to our feelings.
It can mean that we experience our feelings as intensely as we
can while also moderating their excessive expression. Emotional
balance comes with practice in prayer and meditation. We get
quiet and share our thoughts and hopes and concerns with the
God of our understanding. Then we listen for guidance, awaiting
the power to act on that direction. Eventually, our skills in
maintaining near-balance get better, and the wild up-and-down
emotional swings we used to experience begin to settle. We
develop an ability to let others feel their feelings; we have no
need to judge them. And we fully embrace our own personal
range of emotions.

Just for today: Through regular prayer and meditation, I will
discover what emotional balance means to me.

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/September.html

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

Toward Emotional Freedom

Since defective relations with other human beings have nearly
always been the immediate cause of our woes, including our
alcoholism, no field of investigation could yield more satisfying
and valuable rewards than this one.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.80

Willingness is a peculiar thing for me in that, over a period of
time, it seems to come, first with awareness, but then with a
feeling of discomfort, making me want to want to take some
action.  As I reflected on taking the Eighth Step, my willingness
to make amends to others came as a desire for forgiveness, of
others and myself.  I felt forgiveness toward others after I became
aware of my part in the difficulties of relationships. I wanted to feel
the peace and serenity described in the Promises.  From working
the first seven Steps, I became aware of whom I had harmed and
that I had been my own worst enemy.  In order to restore my
relationships with my fellow human beings, I knew I would have
to change.  I wanted to learn to live in harmony with myself and
others so that I could also live in emotional freedom.  The
beginning of the end to my isolation - from my fellows and from
God - came when I wrote my Eighth Step list.

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/ September 16th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Today, let us begin a short study of the Twelve Suggested
Steps of A.A.  These Twelve Suggested Steps seem to
embody five principles.  The first step is the membership
requirement step.  The second, third, and eleventh steps
are the spiritual steps of the program.  The fourth, fifth,
sixth, seventh and tenth steps are the personal inventory
steps.  The eighth and ninth steps are the restitution steps.
The twelfth step is the passing on of the program, or helping
others, step.  So the five principles are membership requirement,
spiritual basis, personal inventory, restitution, and helping
others.  Have I made all these steps a part of me?

Meditation for the Day

We seem to live not only in time but also in eternity.  If we
abide with God and He abides with us, we may bring forth
spiritual fruit which will last for eternity.  If we live with God,
our lives can flow as some calm river through the dry land of
earth.  This can cause the trees and flowers of the spiritual
life-love and service-to spring forth and yield abundantly.
Spiritual work may be done for eternity, not just for now.  Even
here on earth we can live as though our real lives were eternal.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may try to make my life like a cool river in a
thirsty land.  I pray that I may give freely to all who ask my
help.

"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
SEPTEMBER 16, 2005

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

Revenge

No matter how long we've been recovering, no matter how solid
our spiritual ground, we may still feel an overwhelming desire at
times to punish, or get even, with another person.

We want revenge.

We want to see the other person hurt the way he or she has hurt
us. We want to see life deal that person just rewards. In fact, we
would like to help life out.

Those are normal feelings, but we do not have to act on them.
These feelings are part of our anger but it's not our job to deal
justice.

We can allow ourselves to feel the anger. It is helpful to go one
step deeper and let ourselves feel the other feelings - the hurt,
the pain, the anguish. But our goal is to release the feelings, and
be finished with them.

We can hold the other person accountable. We can hold the other
person responsible. But it is not our responsibility to be judge and
jury. Actively seeking revenge will not help us. It will block us and
hold us back.

Walk away. Stop playing the game. Unhook. Learn your lesson.
Thank the other person for having taught you something valuable.
And be finished with it. Put it behind, with the lesson intact.

Acceptance helps. So does forgiveness - not the kind that invites
that person to use us again, but a forgiveness that releases the
other person and sets him or her free to walk a separate path, while
releasing our anger and resentments. That sets us free to walk our
own path.

Today, I will be as angry as I need to be, with a goal of finishing
my business with others. Once I have released my hurt and anger,
I will strive for healthy forgiveness - forgiveness with boundaries.
I understand that boundaries, coupled with forgiveness and
compassion, will move me forward.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“When Love Feels Weird” , Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/02/alan-cohen.htm

Carried By Dog
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/July/vissell.htm

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Connecting with Love
by Michael Sky

Why must we have a passion for reality? Why must we love and
desire and be filled with metaphysical ardor? Because these
passions set up in us the momentum for bringing new forms into
being.
-- JEAN HOUSTON, THE POSSIBLE HUMAN


Michael SkyWe live in the age of connection. Through the
wizardry of personal computers and the Internet we can come
into instant, even intimate contact with others throughout the
world, as well as with a huge and growing body of information.
Satellites send pictures of distant planets back to Earth through
light years of empty space, while cellular communication devices
now allow us to link up at all times, in most places. From an early
age we take for granted the invisible connections used by such
wireless gadgets as portable radios, telephones, and remote
controls.

This technology-based experience of connectedness finds
confirmation in many of the life sciences. Holistic medicine
asserts that all parts of the body interconnect and function as
a single system; a change in any one part affects all other parts.
Quantum physicists have demonstrated that invisible links exist
between any two particles of matter, however great their
seeming separation. Similar insights echo in the disciplines of
environmental science, systems theory, computer programming,
and global economics.

Everything connects. We live in a worldwide web, truly, as
every living thing connects to every living thing.

Yet when it comes to a typical relationship between two or more
people, or two or more groups of people, disconnection seems
the prevailing truth. We live as if the body forms an impermeable
boundary, dividing each of us from the rest of the world. We
experience the self as inside the body and everything and
everybody else as outside. At times, we open up and reach
through the body-boundary to genuinely connect with some
other. Mostly we remain separate and apart from others and,
through various forms of intolerant thought, we justify, enforce,
and even celebrate our disconnection.

Part of the problem stems from an inability to explain or even
imagine a medium of connection between people. Our
technological connectors all depend on one form or another of
energy. Pull the plug, take out the battery, sever the wiring, or
shut down the power plant and our computers, phones, satellites,
televisions, radios, and remote control devices immediately stop
working, their connections broken. Energy functions as the one
essential force of technological connection.

Any such medium of connection between people, however, has
proven difficult to scientifically verify. For many the very notion
of invisible forces constitutes an insurmountable problem.
Despite the model that our technologies provide -- vast
quantities of data flashing instantly and invisibly around the
globe -- the suggestion that similar connections exist between
humans -- enabling similar transfers of information -- smacks
of quackery and long-discredited vitalism.

For others, God presents just such an invisible, omniscient, and
omnipresent (if ultimately unfathomable and scientifically
unverifiable) force that connects all people. Yet God obviously
means different things to different people and, for too many, God
remains abstract, distant and apart from humanity. Defined and
experienced as such, God not only fails to serve as a medium of
connection, He, She, or It actually becomes a justification for
decidedly disconnected behavior, as our long history of religion-
based wars and intolerance demonstrates.

Still, many cultures have long had experience with an invisible
force that connects humans. They have given it many names --
including num, chi, prana, mana, animal magnetism, life-energy,
and the soul's substance -- and they all describe a similar
vibratory force that moves through the body in regular currents
and emanates beyond the body in radiant fields. Allowing this
energy to flow more freely through the body brings great
benefits to our physical health and general wellbeing.

Just as energy moves within us as the motive force and raw
material for effective response to life's constant changing, so
energy extends beyond the body in radiant fields (called auras)
that connect us to the world, or to specific others, and that vary in
size, intensity, and feeling according to our ever-changing
perceptions and intentions. For a strong and healthy individual
and for most babies, the energy fields extend vigorously from the
body, filling entire rooms and beyond, while providing vital links
to the living world. The energy "boils over" and flows out into
meaningful connection with our world. The larger and more vital
our energy fields, the more energy-connected we feel, and the
more empowered we become to meet life's challenges.

These fields all grow out of and expand from in-flowing
energy-in-motion. Thus, the more vigorously we flow within, the
larger and more vital our radiant fields. Yet while we may
experience our internal energy-in-motion as positive one moment
and negative the next, we mostly feel our out flowing energy as a
positive (though not always easy) force. As a rule, the expansion
of our vital energy occurs as a positive, life-affirming, and uplifting
event.

Exceptions to this rule do exist. Powerful and out of control desires,
such as lust and greed, will send waves of clutching energy toward
the object of desire. Extreme hatred and anger can explode
outward in malevolent waves. Disciplined practitioners of the
"black arts" can learn to extend their energy fields with purely evil
intent. Certain political and religious leaders, such as Adolf Hitler
or Jim Jones, have used their charisma -- their "personal
magnetism" -- to manipulate large numbers of followers with
energy-based mass influence.

Yet such negative expansions of life force tend toward self-
depletion and self-destruction. Like plants growing from
poisoned soil, vital energy radiating from a toxic, chronically
suppressed being will poison all that it touches, beginning with
the mind and body of the offending individual. Clearly, such
people can inflict great suffering in the world with their
psychoenergetic powers. But they practice a form of
self-immolation as they must ever dwell within and eventually
choke on their own toxic radiation.

While any negative expansions of vital energy invariably
bring us to self-deplete and self-destruct, positive
expansions of energy bring the very opposite results:
they make us stronger, healthier, more energized and alive.
Curiosity, for instance, sends energy tendrils out to ask and
inquire of things, to touch and taste the world; the more
curious we feel, the more we learn, and the greater our
curiosity becomes. The protective concern that parents feel
for their children extends like strong energy arms that --
despite the countless worries children inspire -- never
grow tired of reaching to surround and protect. Deeply
heartfelt dreams start waves of energy pulsing through
manifest reality; the more committed our dream, the more
our dream-energy expands, and the more likely our
chances of successful creation.

Any positive expansion of vital energy has the potential to
sustain itself indefinitely, while sustaining the self at the most
basic levels. When we expand our energy with positive intent
we step into an infinite river of living spirit. The more we give
outward, the more energy arises within and the more
empowered we become to go on giving. No experience
demonstrates this better than love.

Love emanates from within as moving and outward expanding
energy. When we love any other -- person, animal, plant, place,
or thing -- we extend our self, as fields of living energy, to touch,
to envelop, to enter into, to couple with the other. We feel the
outward-connecting movement of our energy as love.

Love enhances flow, so when we love we reap precious
blessings for ourselves. Our bodies function better on all
levels. Our natural healing processes can accelerate, causing
the spontaneous remission of the most difficult of diseases.
Love-inspired minds become clearer, lighter, and positively
directed. Because love enhances flow, when we love all of
our emotions come easier and we use our energy-in-motion well.

Love begins in the center of the chest -- the psycho-emotional
"heart" -- and radiates outward, sending beams of love-energy
in all directions, as from an inner star. When we love we glow
with a sparkling light, sometimes visible to others, and we move
and act within this halo or aura of love-energy. For this reason
we can accurately speak of being in love. Love permeates and
surrounds us like a luminous womb or cocoon, protecting and
nurturing and encouraging life.

For all of its benefits to the lover, love always seeks a beloved. Love
must extend outward into meaningful connection with others, must
reach to bring others "in love." Love must touch, must caress, must
feed and nurture, must uplift and inspire. True love flows without
discrimination or conditions. Love-energy radiates through all of
the self-made boundaries -- the body's armor, the mind's prejudices
-- and causes, however temporarily, the blessed experience of true
oneness. For those who sustain such love the boundaries forever
dissolve, allowing the continuing experience of love to grow ever
stronger, to spread to others, to become the common currency of all
relationships.

Love makes things whole. Love flows as masculine energy:
extending vigorously, entering into others, filling and inspiring.
Love flows as feminine energy: reaching to caress, surrounding
and enfolding others, protecting and nurturing. Love takes our
divided and disparate selves, victims of incessant human
conflict, and makes us whole people, wholly alive.

Two or more people flowing in love experience the very best
aspects of being human. Connected via love-energy they may
move as one, may breathe as one, may dream and create as
one. When lovers touch, their hands and fingers fill with the most
healing energy in the universe. Lovers' thoughts and feelings
flow easily from one to the other through love-energy threads,
enabling compassion, empathy, and telepathy. And when true
lovers make love, their union evokes the most exquisite of
pleasures, effects the most profound of healings, and may
even create a brand-new, love-inspired human being.

Love ever subsists as the primary matrix out of which all living
relationship happens. Any relationship succeeds or fails to the
degree that love flows or fails to flow. Without love energy --
extending and connecting -- we live as solitary individuals,
profoundly alone in the universe and essentially unrelated to
all people, including family and friends.

Yet such lack of love describes the daily lives of most men and
women. "Why?" we must ask. Why fail to love when its absence
hurts so much? Why not love when loving gives so much?
How do we take something so fundamental to human existence
and make it so difficult, so scary, so utterly impossible? Love is
the most sublime of human experiences: think of young lovers
dancing on air; think of any parent gazing upon a sleeping child;
think of one's feelings upon the death of an old family pet. How
does something so great get twisted into the all-too-common
feelings of betrayal, intolerance, avoidance, hatred, and fear?

For all its power, love cannot flow through an individual riddled
with and crippled by chronic suppression. Every act of emotional
suppression contracts our inflowing emotional energy and thus
diminishes our experience of energy-expanding love. The more
we condition our children to emotional suppression, the less
love-able they become. The more we, as adults, sustain our
personal patterns of suppression, the less we can feel love,
the less we can teach love to our children, and the less likely
they will be to teach love to their children. And so it happens
that most people come to experience love as rare and difficult,
rather than omnipresent and easy.

It helps to think of your emotional energy as a flowing river,
circulating through all parts of your body and then gushing
out beyond the body -- as love -- and drenching others. Your
whole emotional experience arises from the one flowing river
of energy. Suppress any part of the river and all of your emotions --
inward flowing and outward expanding -- must suffer. Suppress
any feelings of sadness and your capacity for love diminishes.
Suppress any feelings of anger and your capacity for love
diminishes. Suppress any emotion -- positive or negative,
easy or difficult -- and your whole emotional experience, including
and especially your capacity for love, diminishes.

Yet while damming up any part of your emotional river has a
suppressing effect on the whole river, freeing up any part of
the river has the opposite effect. Any time you move from
suppression to flow it increases the circulation of emotional
energy throughout all parts of yourself. Moreover, as philosophers
and poets have been telling us for ages, outward expansion of
your emotional energy -- as through the feelings of compassion,
empathy, curiosity, and love -- causes the most direct and
efficacious movement to system wide emotional flow.

Further good news: We can learn to purposefully and intentionally
practice love. Love must become more than something that just
happens to us, if we get lucky, or that we fall into and out of
according
to some unfathomable whimsy. We can and must learn to actively
make love: to cause love-energy to stir and swell and flow out into
meaningful connection with others; to gratefully open to and receive
love whenever it comes our way; and to create with others a world
in which such conscious loving is the sole abiding reality.
This article was excerpted from:

The Power of Emotion
by Michael Sky.

Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Bear & Co. (Inner
Tradiotions).
http://www.innertraditions.com

MICHAEL SKY, breath work teacher, certified polarity therapist, and
fire walking instructor, is also the author of Dancing with Fire, Sexual
Peace, and Breathing: Expanding Your Power and Energy. Michael
has been leading human potential seminars for twenty-five years,
including more than 200 fire walks. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Visit his website at http://www.thinkingpeace.com

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

Power of the Healing Mind

What was broken can be mended
What was loose can be tightened
What was lost can be regained
If you wish to dream
If you find yourself yearning to become more:
Aware            Contained        Creative
Loved             Happy            Autonomous
Conscious      Decisive         Fun & Playful
Free                Useful            Relaxed
Peaceful          Purposeful      Attentive

It won't be easy ~ but these adjectives can be your reality
The first step is to know these states are lacking in you
The next step, be it little or big, is to DO something about it...
Don't curl up and settle for less

Align your thoughts with your dreams and goals
Get informed ~ what is your passion?
Get committed with positive purpose to your journey
Find people who will help
Do the action that you fear
Trust yourself to know what you need for your journey
Do all of the above every day

And know this:
you may expect powerful and wondrous results
And the time and effort will definitely be worth it!

Love
Stella
© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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

The Wind

The wind is his whisper telling us how to be,
The rain is his cry that our hearts will be free,
His sun shining down on the dark road in sight,
His moon beaming hope that we’ll do what is right,
He gives us the sea to reflect who we are,
And then just for fun he’ll twinkle a star.
He is all around us if we just take the time,
to open our heart, our soul and our mind.

Written By
Wayne Rock

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

Keep It Simple

Keep it simple don't complicate
If you made it here it is not to late
I was once beat just like you
Here are the things I had to do
King alcohol was my higher power
I rarely had a good hour
At the end I was hopeless and lost
Tired of low living with a high cost
Keep it simple and start right here
Get a sponsor share your fear
First you surrender to win
You have lots of work before you begin
You'll soon learn humility
As you begin to break free
You'll have to search and do an inventory
Soon it will seem like your life story
Admit to yourself, God
And then your fellow man
We start to break free
We learn to understand
We turn to God for a helping hand
Get rid of your garbage
Then change your way
Keep it simple
Keep it in today
Make a list of those you have harmed
Make amends and change your way
You will find peace in that day
In serenity and peace
That God gives to us all
We make our way so we do not fall

Daniel M Corkery
7/10/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer/

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

"Life is like a tapestry.
The bottom faces the earth and the top faces heavenward.
God can see the beauty of the work He is doing
and the picture as it is completed.
All that we on earth can see are the knots and loops on the back side.
When we get to heaven, we can then look down on the tapestry
and see it all complete and it will be very beautiful.
It takes faith in God to be able to live with the knots down here."

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

"You have noticed that everything an Indian does is in a circle, and
that
is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and
everything
tries to be round...  The sky is round, and I have heard the earth is
round
like a ball, and so are all the stars.  The wind, in its greatest power,
whirls.  Birds make their nests in circles, for theirs is the same
religion
as ours...

Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come
back again to where they were.  The life of a man is a circle from
childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves."

Black Elk 1863-1950
Oglala Sioux Shaman

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

Make me sweet again,
Fragrant and fresh and wild,
And thankful for any small event.
Rumi

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

In order to live free and happily, you must sacrifice boredom.
It is not always an easy sacrifice.
Richard Bach

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

We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go,
we take a little of each other everywhere.
Tim McGraw

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

"Recognize joy when it arrives in the plain brown
wrappings of everyday life."
   Judith Viorst

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

God's will : You can't do his will, your way.

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

God's will, not mine, be done.

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

I can't, God can, I think I will let Him?
(Steps 1-3, short form)

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

If you want to make God laugh,
tell him YOUR plans for the day.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
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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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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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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tradition Four Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/tradition04.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
I can't stop using and someone said to me
"Recovery is not going to start working,
until everything else has stopped working"
What did it mean to you when you heard
"KEEP COMING BACK FOR THE FIRST TIME?"
What has become of you as a result of taking that suggestion ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 15
Today I'm willing to take responsibility for my own life.
I am willing to grow up and let go of my parents.
I am filled with the sense of my own power
and I choose not to give it away.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

12 Steps Of Insanity

1.  We admitted we were powerless over nothing. We could
	 manage our lives perfectly and we could manage those of
	 anyone else that would allow it.

2.  Came to believe that there was no power greater than
	 ourselves, and the rest of the world was insane.

3.  Made a decision to have our loved ones and friends turn
	 their wills and their lives over to our care.

4.  Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of everyone
	 we knew.

5.  Admitted to the whole world at large the exact nature of their
	 wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to make others straighten up and do right.

7.  Demanded others to either "shape up or ship out."

8.  Made a list of anyone who had ever harmed us and became
	 willing to go to any lengths to get even with them all.

9.  Got direct revenge on such people whenever possible except
	 when to do so would cost us our own lives or, at the very least,
	 a jail sentence.

10. Continued to take inventory of others, and when they were
	 wrong, promptly and repeatedly told them about it.

11.  Sought through nagging to improve our relations with others
	 as we couldn't understand them at all, asking only that they
	 knuckle under and do things our way.

12.  Having had a complete physical, emotional and spiritual
	 breakdown as a result of these steps, we tried to blame it
	 on others, and to get sympathy and pity in all our affairs.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Program People
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1148

I've Never Quit Being Active by Clarence Snyder
A.A. Grapevine, November 1999
www.barefootsworld.net/aasnyder30.html

God's Garden
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/Godsgarden.html

In AA’s First Five Years
Lois W., wife of AA’s co-founder, Bill W.,
recalls the time in AA when there were few members and no Big Book.
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/loiswilson_recalls.html

Dr. Bob's Last Major Talk
Detroit, Michigan, December 1948 -transcribed from tape.
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/drbob1948.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 15                                     Filling the emptiness

"...we think that if we can just get enough food, enough sex, or
enough money, we'll be satisfied and everything will be alright."
Basic Text p.77

   In our addiction, we could never get enough drugs, or money,
or sex, or anything else. Even too much was never enough!
There was a spiritual emptiness inside us. Though we tried as
hard as we could to fill that emptiness ourselves, we never
succeeded. In the end, we realized that we lacked the power
to fill it; it would take a Power greater than ourselves to do that.

   So we stopped using, and we stopped trying to fill the emptiness
in our gut with things. We turned to our Higher Power, asking for
its care, strength, and direction. We surrendered and made way
for that Power to begin the process of filling our inner void. We
stopped grabbing things and started receiving the free gift of love
our Higher Power had for us. Slowly, our inner emptiness was
being filled.

   Now that we've been given our Higher Power's gift of love,
what do we do with it? If we clasp that gift tightly to ourselves,
we will smother it. We must remember that love grows only
when it is shared. We can only keep this gift by freely giving
it away. The world of addiction is a world of taking and being
taken; the world of recovery is a world of giving and being
given. In which world do we choose to live?

Just for today: I choose to live in the fullness of recovery. I will
celebrate my conscious contact with the God of my
understanding by freely sharing with others that which has been
freely shared with me.

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/September.html

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

We Just Try

My stability came out of trying to give, not out of demanding that I
receive.
THE BEST OF BILL, p. 46-47

As long as I try, with all my heart and soul, to pass along to others
what has been passed along to me, and do not demand anything
in return, life is good to me. Before entering this program of
Alcoholics Anonymous I was never able to give without demanding
something in return. Little did I know that, once I began to give freely
of myself, I would begin to receive, without ever expecting or
demanding anything at all. What I receive today is the gift of
"stability", as Bill did; stability in my A.A. program; within myself;
but most of all, in my relationship with my Higher Power, whom
I choose to call 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/ September 15th

A.A. Thought for the Day

"We all realize that we know only a little.  God will constantly
disclose more to all of us.  Ask Him in your morning meditations
what you can do today for the person who is still sick.  The
answers will come, if your own house is in order.  See to it
that your relationship with God is right and great events will
come to pass for you and countless others.  Give freely of what
you find in A.A. But obviously, you cannot transmit something
that you haven't got.  So make a life study of A.A."  Am I always
looking for ways of presenting the AA. program?

Meditation for the Day

"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."
Confidence means to have faith in something.  We could
not live without confidence in others.  When you have
confidence in God's grace, you can face whatever comes.
When you have confidence in God's love, you can be serene
and at peace.  You can rest in the faith that God will take
care of you.  Try to rest in God's presence until His
life-power flows through you.  Be still and in that stillness
the still, small Voice will come.  It speaks in quietness to the
human mind that is attuned to its influence.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may find strength today in quietness.  I pray that
I may be content today that God will take care of me.

"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
SEPTEMBER 15, 2005

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

Getting Through Hard Times

      We are sturdy beings. But in many ways, we are fragile. We
can accept change and loss, but this comes at our own pace
and in our own way. And only God and we can determine the
timing.    --Codependent No More

Hard times, stressful times, are not all there is to life, but
they are part of life, growth, and moving forward.

What we do with hard times, or hard energy, is our choice.

We can use the energy of hard times to work out, and work
through, our issues. We can use it to fine-tune our skills and
our spirituality. Or we can go through these situations suffering,
storing up bitterness, and refusing to grow or change.

Hard times can motivate and mold us to bring out our best.
We can use these times to move forward and upward to higher
levels of living, loving, and growth.

The choice is ours. Will we let ourselves feel? Will we take a
spiritual approach, including gratitude, toward the event? Will
we question life and our Higher Power by asking what we're
supposed to be learning and doing? Or will we use the incident
to prove old, negative beliefs? Will we say, "Nothing good ever
happens to me... I'm just a victim... People can't be trusted...
Life isn't worth living"?

We do not always require hard energy, or stress, to motivate
us to grow and change. We do not have to create stress, seek
it, or attract it. But if it's there, we can learn to channel it into
growth and use it for achieving what's good in life.

God, let my hard times be healing times.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Can Love Really Make the World Go Around?
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/July/cyberweave.htm

First Class Expectations , Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/01/alan-cohen.htm

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Beliefs Are Not Facts
by Rich Rahn

"We see what we believe
rather than believe what we see.
                           -- Alan Watts


"If what you believe is actually true,
you don't need to believe it.
                                   -- Ron Smothermon

What are beliefs really?

Beliefs are opinions, assumptions, prejudices, judgments, ideas,
and attitudes through which everything you experience in life is
filtered.

They're the psychological tools we use to interface with the world;
that limited warehouse of stored knowledge we use to analyze,
comprehend, categorize and interpret any given situation or event.
They are the lenses through which we see the world.

Most beliefs are inherited

Many of your beliefs were probably inherited from your parents,
grandparents, teachers, bosses, spouses -- whomever. And you've
deduced a bunch of them from books, the media, magazines,
movies -- whatever.

Your beliefs are based on information that was available when you
formed them. Some of your beliefs are nearly as old as you. And
beliefs you inherited from your parents were probably inherited
from their parents, who in turn inherited them their parents and so
on. There's no telling how old some of your beliefs are -- beliefs
as old as the information they were based on. (We're not talking
about tradition here, we are talking about beliefs -- we need
tradition in our lives.)

Beliefs label your world

Beliefs dictate our experience whether we realize it or not. We
automatically notice things we're expecting to see, because we're
looking for them. In this way, the world largely conforms to our
beliefs about it. The outer world is a reflection of our inner world.
If you believe, for instance, that people are inherently bad, then
you'll pay more attention to people doing bad things.

As you observe life, reality becomes one way -- your way. Your
observations form a loop and reinforce your beliefs about the
world. You'll look at the world and say, "yup, just like I thought!"
Beliefs keep you in agreement with yourself.

Maintaining your beliefs feels safe mostly because they're
familiar to you. They may feel safe, but in reality beliefs can be
dangerous. On the pretense of helping you, they may be severely
limiting. Though beliefs are supposed to define your world, they
can often confine your world. They narrowly shape what and how
you experience life. Sticking stubbornly to your beliefs is not a
virtue if they're harming you. It's like driving your car with the
brakes
on.

You are responsible for your beliefs

Every once in a while you need a belief housecleaning. You need
to pull them out, dust them off and take a cold hard look at them.
Ask yourself: "Are my beliefs still working for me? Are they helping
me or hurting me?" Common sense dictates we should evaluate
our beliefs based on how they affect us and those around us.

Do you really want your mind possessed by static beliefs based on
out-of-date or false information? Beliefs that limit your thinking and
keep you from expanding your understanding of the ever-changing
world around you? Beliefs that keep you from true fulfillment and
personal development?

The world is constantly changing. It's a fact. However, to move
forward - to evolve - you have to realize that beliefs are not facts.
Your beliefs don't even necessarily reflect the truth. In fact, most of
the time they don't. You may know what you believe, but believing
is not the same as knowing.

But know this: Beliefs are not facts. Beliefs are just beliefs.

This article was excerpted with permission from the book
Evolve Yourself, by Rich Rahn, published by Duh! Books,
Bloomfield Hills, MI. duhbooks@...

Rich Rahn's personal search for meaning has taken him to Spain,
Florida, Cape Hatteras, California, a thousand miles off the coast of
Mexico on a tuna boat, through hundreds of  books, and eventually
home to Michigan. But his real journey was his inner search. In his
book Evolve Yourself, Rich introduces the reader to what he's
discovered about life the the pursuit of happiness.

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

Signature

Whether you have a waiting heart
or a fulfilled soul
or anything else in between
Whether you travel straightforward
into the mystical
or seek insight in the ordinary fabric
of your life

You are blessed with awareness of the Importance
of Things and that is the stuff that make up:
Serenity
Growth
Understanding
and Love
These are precious treasures
Hold them gently and give them away
at every opportunity
Let them be your signature upon
the parchment of time
By this, you will be well remembered

Love
Stella
© Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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

The Giving
Virginia Santoro

" The highest expression of Love in our lives
comes at those times that we're giving.
Seeing the pleasure of the one who receives...
more than doubles in your heart, as the giver.

What can I give?  Have you asked that before?
Maybe you think you're too weak or too poor.
If your heart has been broken, perhaps you're
too scared to love.
Whatever your reasons, they're really not good enough.

You shortchange yourself from
the best that life can afford...
To hold back from the giving,
Leaves you stuck all the more.

Give all that you can.  Give without measure.
You are guaranteed to receive life's greatest pleasure.
The joy that you add to someone else's cup,
Finds your own running over, lifting you up."

Virjinia
(Copyright 2000)
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

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

It Took From Me

Addiction took from me
My best years
Left me standing
With a hundred fears
Lower and lower
I went down
All that knew me
Did not want me around
I could never do just one
More more I was never done
Years and years passed me by
I never stopped to question why
Now all I could do was go and cop
Then I hit bottom and could not stop
Sobriety did not come easy to me
No matter what I tried I just
I could not break free
Round and round my life
Went down the drain
My addiction was deep
Inside of my brain
I found a sponsor to help me
Work the program of recovery
Step by step I learned
How to live free
Now in today
Gods grace
Helps me
To live a life
That is
Now free

Daniel M Corkery
1/10/2003
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

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

Twelve Suggested Points of AA Tradition
by Bill W.
A.A. Grapevine, April 1946
[Bill's first General Presentation of the Traditions to the Groups]

Nobody invented Alcoholics Anonymous. It grew. Trial and error
has produced a rich experience. Little by little we have been
adopting the lessons of that experience, first as policy and then
as Tradition. That process still goes on and we hope it never stops.
Should we ever harden too much, the letter might crush the spirit.
We could victimize ourselves by petty rules and prohibitions; we
could imagine that we had said the last word. We might even be
asking alcoholics to accept our rigid ideas or stay away. We never
stifle progress like that!

Yet the lessons of our experience count for a great deal -- a very
great deal, we are each convinced. The first written record of AA
experience was the book "Alcoholics Anonymous." It was
addressed to the heart of our foremost problem -- release from
the alcohol obsession. It contained personal experiences of
drinking and recovery and a statement of those divine but
ancient principles, which have brought us a miraculous
regeneration. Since publication of "Alcoholics Anonymous" in
1939 we have grown from 100 to 24,000 members. Seven years
have passed; seven years, of vast experience with our next
greatest undertaking -- the problem of living and working together.
This is today our main concern. If we can succeed in this adventure
-- and keep succeeding -- then, and only then, will our future be
secure.

Since personal calamity holds us in bondage no more, our most
challenging concern has become the future of Alcoholics
Anonymous; how to preserve among us AAs such a powerful
unity that neither weakness of persons not the strain and strife
of these troubled times can harm our common cause. We know
that Alcoholics Anonymous must continue to live. Else, save few
exceptions, we and our fellow alcoholics throughout the world
will surely resume the hopeless journey to oblivion.

Almost any AA can tell you what our group problems are.
Fundamentally they have to do with our relations, one with the
other, and with the world outside. They involve relations of the
AA to the group, the relation of the group to Alcoholics
Anonymous as a whole, and the place of Alcoholics Anonymous
in that troubled sea called modern society, where all of
humankind must presently shipwreck or find haven. Terribly
relevant is the problem of our basic structure and our attitude
toward those ever pressing questions of leadership, money, and
authority. The future way well depend on how we feel and act
about things that are controversial and how we regard our
public relations. Our final destiny will surely hang upon what
we presently decide to do with these danger-fraught issues!

Now comes the crux of our discussion. It is this: Have we yet
acquired sufficient experience to state clear-cut policies on
these, our chief concerns? Can we now declare general
principles which could grow into vital Traditions -- Traditions
sustained in the heart of each AA by his own deep conviction
and by the common consent of his fellows? That is the question.
Though full answers to all our perplexities may never be found,
I'm sure we have come at least to a vantage point whence we
can discern the main outlines of a body of Tradition; which, God
willing, can stand as an effective guard against all the ravages
of time and circumstance.

Acting upon the persistent urge of old AA friends, and upon the
conviction that general agreement and consent between our
members is now possible, I shall venture to place in words these
suggestions for an Alcoholics Anonymous Tradition of Relations --
Twelve Points to Assure Our Future.

Our AA experience has taught us that:

1. Each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is but a small part of
a great whole. AA must continue to live or most of us will surely
die. Hence our common welfare comes first. But individual welfare
follows close afterward.

2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority --
a loving God as he may express himself in our group conscience.

3. Our membership ought to include all who suffer alcoholism.
Hence we may refuse none who wish to recover. Nor ought AA
membership ever depend upon money or conformity. Any two
or three alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call
themselves an AA group.

4. With respect to its own affairs, each AA group should be
responsible to no other authority than its own conscience. But
when its plans concern the welfare of neighboring groups also,
those groups ought to be consulted. And no group, regional
committee, or individual should ever take any action that might
greatly affect AA as a whole without conferring with the trustees
of the Alcoholic Foundation [now the General Service Board].
On such issues our common welfare is paramount.

5. Each Alcoholics Anonymous group ought to be a spiritual
entity having but one primary purpose -- that of carrying its
message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

6. Problems of money, property and authority may easily divert
us from our primary spiritual aim. We think, therefore, that any
considerable property of genuine use to AA should be separately
incorporated and managed, thus dividing the material from the
spiritual. An AA group, as such, should never go into business.
Secondary aids to AA such as clubs or hospitals which require
much property or administration, ought to be so set apart that, if
necessary, they can be freely discarded by the groups. The
management of these special facilities should be the sole
responsibility of those people, whether AAs or not, who financially
support them. For our clubs, we prefer AA managers. But hospitals,
as well as other places of recuperation, ought to be well outside
AA -- and medically supervised. An AA group may cooperate with
anyone, but should bind itself to no one.

7. The AA groups themselves ought to be fully supported by the
voluntary contributions of their own members. We think that each
group should soon achieve this ideal; that any public solicitation
of funds using the name of Alcoholics Anonymous is highly
dangerous; that acceptance of large gifts from any source or
of contributions carrying any obligation whatever is usually
unwise. Then, too, we view with much concern those AA
treasuries which continue, beyond prudent reserves, to
accumulate funds for  no stated AA purpose. Experience has
often warned us that nothing can so surely destroy our spiritual
heritage as futile disputes over property, money, and authority.

8. Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever non-professional.
We define professionalism as the occupation of counseling
alcoholics for fee or hire. But we may employ alcoholics where
they are going to perform those full-time services for which we
might otherwise have to engage nonalcoholics. Such special
services may be well recompensed. But personal Twelfth Step
work is never to be paid for.

9. Each AA group needs the least possible organization. Rotating
leadership is usually the best. The small group may elect its
secretary, the larger group its rotating committee, and the groups
of a large metropolitan area their central committee, which often
employs a full time secretary. The trustees of the Alcoholic
Foundation are, in effect, our general service committee. They are
the custodians of our AA Tradition and the receivers of voluntary
AA contributions by which they maintain AA general Headquarters
and our general secretary at New York. They are authorized by
the groups to handle our overall public relations and they
guarantee the integrity of our principal publication, the AA
Grapevine. All such representatives are to be guided in the
spirit of service, for true leaders in AA are but trusted and
experienced servants of the whole. They derive no real authority
from their titles. Universal respect is the key to their usefulness.

10. No AA group or members should ever, in such a way as to
implicate AA, express any opinion on outside controversial
issues -- particularly those of politics, alcohol reform or sectarian
religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups oppose no one.
Concerning such matters they can express no views whatever.

11. Our relations with the outside world should be characterized
by modesty and anonymity. We think AA ought to avoid
sensational advertising. Our public relations should be guided by
the principle of attraction rather than promotion. There is never
need to praise ourselves. We feel it better to let our friends
recommend us.

12. And finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the
principle of anonymity has an immense spiritual significance.
It reminds us that we are to place principles before
personalities; that we are actually to practice a truly humble
modesty. This to the end that our great blessings may never
   spoil us; that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation
of him who presides over us all.

May it be urged that while these principles have been stated
in rather positive language they are still only suggestions for
our future. We of Alcoholics Anonymous have never
enthusiastically responded to any assumption of personal
authority. Perhaps it is well for AA that this is true. So I offer
these suggestions neither as one man's dictum nor as a creed
of any kind, but rather as a first attempt to portray that group
ideal toward which we have assuredly been led by a Higher
Power these ten years past.

Bill W.

P.S. To help free discussion I would like to amplify the Twelve
Points of Tradition in future Grapevine pieces.

The A.A. Grapevine, April, 1946

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

Healing in its fullest sense requires looking into our heart
and expanding our awareness of who we are.
Mitchell Gaynor, Oncologist

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

The game of life is not so much in holding a good hand
as playing a poor hand well.
H. T. Leslie

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

If you want congenial companionship,
if you want to be loved,
you must first think thoughts of love and good-will.
Emmet Fox

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

Success is a journey, not a destination.
Ben Sweetlan

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

Prayer is where we talk to God,
stake claim to His thought forms,
and honor His power to heal us.
Marianne Williamson

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

At first we thought the 'God thing' was a crutch.
IT turned out to be stilts.

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

God has three answers to everything-
yes, no, and not right now
I have something better in store for you.

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

God is doing for us what we can not do for ourselves.

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

God is upstairs in church on Sunday morning,
but at every night he's downstairs in our meetings.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
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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
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has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
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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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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tradition Three Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/tradition03.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Someone told me bring the body and the mind will follow
and to move a muscle change a thought"
What do they mean?
What are the top 5 tools you use in your recovery ?
Which is the one you use the most often ?
Which one is the most difficult for you to use ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 14
I am most grateful for the guidance
I am receiving in my recovery.
The more I open myself up
to admitting I can't do it alone,
the more I realize help is always there.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Why Did This Happen to Me ?

Why did this happen to me, how did it go so far?
It was only supposed to be harmless fun,
But instead you placed me behind bars!
How could you make me choose when push came to shove?
I mistook your feeling and thought that you cared.
Instead you cased me pain that I almost couldn't bare.
You had me believe when we met that it was till death do us part,
but all you did was take my family, my life and numbed my heart.
You almost took my life, because I was blind,
Then I met someone who invested in me
but because of you I saw her as my enemy.
She sat up on a bench and stared down at me
she said "I see something in you that can be saved."
On that fateful day I thought what could she see,
there's nothing worth saving in me,
little did I know the road had been paved!
I was sent to a 12 step program which taught me
what a liar you were, when you said that you loved me
then took my loved ones away.
You knew I had no self esteem and came like an
elusive butterfly with such allure.
You abused me, tried to kill me and kept recovery at bay.
Today, I know how to keep you away, with sayings like
"One day at a time", "Keep it simple", "Easy does it,"
and "I can't but we can."
Recovery and I have been together 7 1/2 years
and we've worked hard.  I'm it's biggest fan.
I have my family, my friends, my home and
my life which I refuse to give up.
I hear you sometimes when the going gets tough,
You whisper come back I'll get rid of the pain,
You Liar, You hater, You destroyer of life!!!
Do you think I've forgotten all you've taken from me?
Do me a favor addiction go away,
there's a cure for your sickness and guess what?

RECOVERY IS FREE!!!!!
Today the Judge who invested in me, is my mentor,
my best friend, my Guardian Angel you See.
She was sent by my Higher Power to watch over me.
Thank You Justice Connie M. Callahan,
for being who you are.

Written by Hellen Perez
Pereztootsie@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Playing with Life
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1146

THE STEPS OF A.A. - AN INTERPRETATION
by Clarence H. Snyder, January 1972
http://www.barefootsworld.net/aastepsinterpret.html

Bill Wilson Bio
www.time.com/time/time100/heroes/profile/wilson01.html

Bill W: Brooklyn's Most-Quoted Humanitarian
www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagePkey=670

The History of Alcoholics Anonymous
In The Beginning
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/inthebeginning.html

The History of Alcoholics Anonymous
Why Study A.A. History?
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/study_aahistory.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 14                                      Secrets are
reservations

"Eventually we are shown that we must get honest, or we will
use again."  Basic Text p.82

   Everyone has secrets, right? Some of us have little secrets, items
that would cause only minor embarrassment if found out. Some of
us have big secrets, whole areas of our lives cloaked in thick,
murky darkness. Big secrets may represent a more obvious,
immediate danger to our recovery.But the little secrets do their
own kind of damage, the more insidious perhaps because we
think they're "harmless!'

   Big or little, our secrets represent spiritual territory we are
unwilling
to surrender to the principles of recovery. The longer we reserve
pieces of our lives to be ruled by self-will and the more vigorously
we defend our "right" to hold onto them, the more damage we do.
Gradually, the unsurrendered territories of our lives tend to expand,
taking more and more ground.

   Whether the secrets in our lives are big or little, sooner or later
they
bring us to the same place. We must choose-either we surrender
everything to our program, or we will lose our recovery.

Just for today: I want the kind of recovery that comes from total
surrender to the program. Today I will talk with my sponsor and
disclose my secrets, big or small.

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/September.html

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

A Frame of Reference

Referring to our list [inventory] again. Putting out of our minds
the wrongs others had done, we resolutely looked for our own
mistakes.  Where had we been selfish, dishonest, self-seeking
and frightened?
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 67

There is a wonderful freedom in not needing constant approval
from colleagues at work or from the people I love.  I wish I had know
about this Step before, because once I developed a frame of
reference, I felt able to do the next right thing, knowing that the
action
fit the situation and this it was the correct thing to do.

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/ September 14th

A.A. Thought for the Day

"How does A.A. grow?  Some of us sell A.A. as we go about.
Little clusters of twos and threes and fives keep springing
up in different communities, through contact with the larger
centers.  Those of us who travel drop in at other groups as
often as we can.  This practice enables us to lend a hand to
new groups which are springing up all over the land.  New
groups are being started each month.  A.A. is even spreading
outside the United States and is slowly becoming world-wide.
Thus we grow."  Am I doing all I can to spread A.A. wherever
I go?

Meditation for the Day

"Lord, we believe. Help Thou our unbelief."  This cry of the
human heart is an expression of human frailty.  It signifies
the soul's sincere desire for progress.  As a person feels
the existence of God and His power, that person believes
in Him more and more.  At the same time, a person is more
conscious of his falling short of absolute trust in God.  The
soul's progress is an increasing belief, then a cry for more
faith, a plea to conquer all unbelief, all lack of trust.  We can
believe that that cry is heard by God and that prayer is
answered in due time.  And so our faith grows, little by little,
day by day.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that with more power in my life will come more faith.  I
pray that I may come to trust God more each day.

"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
SEPTEMBER 14

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

What's Good for Me?

When we are soul searching, be it for the smaller or larger
decisions we face during the day, we can learn to ask, is this good
for me?... Is this what I really want?... Is this what I need?...Does
this direction feel right for me?...or am I succumbing to the control
and influence that I sometimes allow others to have over me?

It is not unhealthy selfishness to question if something is good
for us. That is an old way of thinking. To ask if something is good
for us is a healthy behavior, not to be ashamed of, and will probably
work out in  the other person's best interests too.

We shall not wander down a selfish path of self-indulgence by
asking if a thing is good for us. We shall not stray from God's
intended plan, God's highest good, by asking if a thing is good
for us. By asking ourselves this simple question, we participate
in directing our life toward the highest good and purpose; we
own our power to hold ourselves in self-esteem.

Today, I will begin acting in my best interests. I will do this with the
understanding that, on occasion, my choices will not please everyone
around me. I will do this with the understanding that asking if a thing
is good for me will ultimately help me take true responsibility for
my life
and my choices.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Mistake Salad, Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/July/cohen.htm

Dreams
www.thundercloud.net/acpressions/dreams1.htm

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Anger: Love It, Then Leave It
by Colin C. Tipping

As human beings, we are blessed with the capability to feel our
emotions. In fact, some say the only reason we have chosen this
human experience arises from the fact that this is the only planet
carrying the vibration of emotional energy, and we have come
here precisely to experience it. Consequently, when we do not
allow ourselves to experience the full range of emotions and
suppress them instead, our souls create situations in which we
literally are forced to feel them. (Haven't you noticed that people
often are given opportunities to feel intense emotions just after
having prayed for spiritual growth?)

This means that the whole point of creating an upset may simply
lie in our soul's desire to provide an opportunity for us to feel a
suppressed emotion. That being the case, simply allowing
ourselves to have the feeling might allow the energy to move
through us and the so-called problem to disappear immediately.

However, not all situations are dissolved that easily. When we try
coping with a deep-seated issue and a remembrance of what seems
an unforgivable transgression, such as sexual abuse, rape or
physical abuse, it takes more than just experiencing our
emotions to get to the point where we feel unconditional love
for that person. Feeling the emotion fully is just the first step in
faking it until we make it and definitely cannot be bypassed.

I am not saying that the emotional work will not benefit from
insight gained through a shift in perception that might have
occurred before the emotions were felt and expressed. It certainly
will. However, the converse does not hold true; the perceptual
shift required for Radical Forgiveness will not happen if the
underlying repressed feelings are not released first.

Invariably, when we feel the desire to forgive someone or
something, we have at some time felt anger toward them or it.
Anger actually exists as a secondary emotion. Beneath anger
lies a primary emotional pain, such as hurt pride, shame,
frustration, sadness, terror, or fear. Anger represents energy
in motion emanating from the suppression of that pain. Not
allowing one's anger to flow can be likened to trying to cap a
volcano. One day it will blow! Stage one and two in the Radical
Forgiveness process asks us to get in touch with not only the
anger, but the underlying emotion as well. This means feeling it --
not talking about it, not analyzing it, not labeling it, but
experiencing
it!

Love Your Anger

All too often when people talk about letting go of anger or
releasing anger, they really mean trying to get rid of it. They
   judge it as wrong and undesirable -- even frightening. They do
not want to feel it so they just talk about it and try to process it
intellectually, but that does not work. Trying to process emotion
through talking about it is just another way to resist feeling it.
That's
why most talk therapies don't work. What you resist persists. Since
anger represents energy in motion, resisting it just keeps it stuck
within us -- until the volcano erupts. Releasing anger actually
means freeing the stuck energy of held emotions by allowing
them to move freely through the body as feeling.

Doing some kind of anger work helps us experience this emotion
purposely and with control.

Anger Work Moves Energy

What we call anger work is not really about anger. It is simply the
process of getting energy stuck in the body moving again. It might
be more appropriately called energy release work. Whatever we
call it, the process can be as simple as screaming into a cushion
(so as not to alarm neighbors), yelling in the car, beating cushions,
chopping wood, or doing some other explosive physical activity.
Combining physical activity with the use of the voice seems to
provide the key to successful energy release work. All too often
we block the energy of emotion in the throat, whether that be anger,
sadness, guilt or whatever else, so vocal expression should always
be a part of the process. We should go into it, not with the idea of
trying to rid ourselves of the feeling, but with the intention of
feeling
the intensity of it moving through our body -- without thought or
judgment. If we truly can surrender to the emotions, we will feel more
alive than we have felt in a long while, and we will find that the
energy has dissipated.

If Anger Is Scary

For many of us, the thought of bringing up anger may be too scary
even to contemplate, especially if terror lies underneath the anger.
The person who did these terrible things to us may still exert a strong
influence on our subconscious mind. Under these circumstances, it
would not be advisable to do anger work alone. Instead, we should
work with someone who knows how to support us while we feel both
the anger and the terror -- someone with whom we feel safe and
who has experience in helping people move through intense emotion.
A counselor or psychotherapist of some kind would be a good choice.
   I also recommend doing Satori Breathwork with a skilled practitioner.
This provides a way to release emotion.

Anger Addiction Warning

A note of caution needs to be sounded here. It becomes all too
easy to get addicted to anger. Anger feeds on itself and easily
becomes resentment. Resentment relishes going over and over
an old hurt, constantly revisiting the pain associated with it and
venting the resultant anger in some form. It becomes a powerful
addiction in and of itself.

We must realize that anger that persists serves no useful purpose.
Consequently, once the energy of anger has been allowed to flow
as feeling, we should use the energy to create a positive outcome.
Maybe we need to set a boundary or a condition on future interactions
with the person around whom our anger revolves. Perhaps we can
make a decision of some kind, such as to be willing to feel compassion
for the person or to forgive the person. Only when used as the catalyst
for positive change, self-empowerment or forgiveness will we prevent
the anger from becoming an addictive cycle.

This article is excerpted from Radical Forgiveness, Making Room for
the Miracle, 2nd Edition, ©2002, by Colin C. Tipping. Reprinted with
permission of the publisher, Global 13 Publications.
www.radicalforgiveness.com

About the Author
Colin Tipping is an award winning author, international speaker and
workshop leader. Educated at London University, he is the Founder/
Director
of the Institute for RADICAL Forgiveness Therapy and Coaching, Inc.,
and founder of the International Center for Reconciliation and
Meditation
Through Radical Forgiveness, Inc, a non-profit corporation.

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

Without going out of your door
you can know all things on earth.
Without looking out of your window
you can know the ways of heaven
The farther one travels
the less one knows

Arrive without traveling
See all without looking
Do all without doing

Stop leaving
and you will arrive
Stop searching
and you will see
Stop running away
and you will be found

Tao Te Tjing

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

Inspiration

Tell me, what inspires you?
What cajoles the spiritual nerve-endings of your soul
and makes you want to live there forever?
What forms a welcome home feeling
and the smell of something sweet in the oven
all rolled into one?

What lifts you up to a new level of awareness?
Sharpens your senses so that clarity has a feeling?
Holds you close in your heart
where the word 'belong' is etched in spun gold?
What meshes your world, makes the being in it all worthwhile?
It's worth pondering.

Love
Stella
© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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

"Past the seeker as he prayed
came the crippled
and the beggar
and the beaten.
And seeing them...  he cried,
'Great God, how is it that a loving
creator can see such things and
yet do nothing about them?'...
God said,
'I did do something, I made you."
Sufi Teaching

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

My  Higher Power

I've opened my heart ~ and given my will
The earth's moving fast and I'm standing still
It's the end of the day
And I know that you've heard
Every single thought every silent word
Too late to contemplate
What I might have done better
I lift my eyes up to the sky.

I pray to you my Higher Power
I pray to you my Higher Power.

My life came undone ~ each day more unclear
Like a train off the tracks
Life a broken mirror
But now you're my hope
My shelter in a raging storm
And holding me close with your open arms
For me you'll always be my inspiration
You are the fire in my soul.

I pray to you my Higher Power
I pray to you my Higher Power
The day is through ~ I'm praying to you.

Words & music by Ben Karlstrom. Copyright
Geri’s story and Music
www.geri.net/eatingdisorders.htm

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

The only person who cannot be helped is that person who blames others.
Carl Rogers

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

The first step toward change is acceptance.
Once you accept yourself, you open the door to change.
That's all you have to do.
Change is not something you do,
it's something you allow.
Will Garcia

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

As you create expectations of people or situations,
as you create opinions of what should
or should not be taking place with yourself and others,
you create your dilemmas.
John-Roger

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

Courage...is nothing less than the power to overcome
danger, misfortune, fear, injustice,
while continuing to affirm inwardly
that life with all its sorrows is good;
that everything is meaningful even if in a sense
beyond our understanding;
and that there is always tomorrow.
Dorothy Thompson

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

If you view all the things that happen to you,
both good and bad, as opportunities,
then you operate out of a higher level of consciousness.
Les Brown

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

Today is a gift; that's why it's called the present.

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

Those who fail to remember,
are doomed to repeat.

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

Forgiveness of others is a gift to yourself.

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

If you have one hand in the fellowship
and one hand in God,
you can't pick-up today.

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

Gratitude makes a BIG difference in the Journey...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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/

Tradition Two Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/tradition02.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Someone told me bring the body and the mind will follow
and to move a muscle change a thought"
What do they mean?
What are the top 5 tools you use in your recovery ?
Which is the one you use the most often ?
Which one is the most difficult for you to use ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 13
Today I'm taking all the steps
that I can for my recovery.
My Higher Power is giving me
all the guidance I need,
and I am full of joy and gratitude
that I am growing and healing 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Second Chance

I've been granted a second chance at life;
One filled with hope and little strife.
I got down on my knees one day,
Asked to be forgiven for my prior way.
God said "sure take my hand."
I'll show you love, and yes I understand.
I said "but God" and He nodded and showed me a smile;
You will plant my seed for you are my child.
Children of God need not to fret
I have forgiven your sins and I do forget.
Just tell the truth everywhere you go
I'll be with you and yes I'll know
Now you have a job and work to do
If I needed someone else I would not have chosen you.
I spared you from addiction you see,
To help others to find me.
I'll lead you to those you can help out
By changing their confusion and doubt.
Tell them to come to me and drop their drugs
Tell them I'll fill their lives  with hugs.
I spared you Daniel
Cause you can reach so many
That's plain to see,
Then you will know this is your destiny.

Daniel
©8/27/2000
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our Journey
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1140

The First Edition Big Book Stories
www.barefootsworld.net/origbbstories.html#clarence

Homegroup
www.na.org/naway/en/July06/en-naway0607-sect9.htm

Ron Wood: The Rolling Stones' hard partying days are in the past
www.therockradio.com/2006/08/ron-wood-rolling-stones-hard-partying.html

Free Recovery E-Mail Cards
www.123greetings.com/birthday/sobriety_birthday

free Recovery Coin
www.recoveryusa.net/Freecoin.html

12 Step Graphics
www.d21c.com/kiddlehopper/12stepgraphicspage1.html
www.d21c.com/kiddlehopper/12stepgraphicspage2.html

  From Within
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/FromWithin.html

Recovery Times
www.recoverytimes.com/index.html

Nurses In Recovery
www.brucienne.com/nir/

Wilson Burwell Letters
www.silkworth.net/wilson_burwell/wilson_burwell.html

The Healer
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/billwilson.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 13                                        Something different

"We had to have something different, and we thought we had
found it in drugs."    Basic Text p.13

    Many of us have always felt different from other people. We know
we're not unique in feeling that way; we hear many addicts share the
same thing. We searched all our lives for something to make us all
right, to fix that "different" place inside us, to make us whole and
acceptable. Drugs seemed to fill that need.

    When we were high, at least we no longer felt the emptiness or the
need. There was one drawback: The drugs, which were our solution,
quickly became our problem.

    Once we gave up the drugs, the sense of emptiness returned. At first
we felt despair because we didn't have any solution of our own to that
miserable longing. But we were willing to take direction and began to
work the steps. As we did, we found what we'd been looking for, that
"something different" Today, we believe that our lifelong yearning was
primarily for knowledge of a Higher Power; the "something different"
we needed was a relationship with a loving God. The steps tell us how
to begin that relationship.

Just for today: My Higher Power is the "something different' that's
always been missing in my life I will use the steps to restore that
missing ingredient to my spirit.

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/September.html

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

Getting Well

Very deep, sometimes quite forgotten, damaging emotional conflicts
persist
below the level of consciousness.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 79-80

Only through positive action can I remove the remains of guilt and shame
brought on by alcohol.  Through my misadventures when I drank, my
friends
would say, "Why are you doing this?  You're only hurting yourself."
Little
did I know how true were those words.  Although I harmed others, some
of my
behavior caused grave wounds to my soul.  Step Eight provides me with
a way
of forgiving  myself.  I alleviate much of the hidden damage when I
make my
list of those I have hurt.  In making amends, I free myself of burdens,
thus contributing to my healing.

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/ September 13th

"No one is too discredited, nor has sunk too low, to be
welcomed cordially into A.A., if he or she means business.
Social distinctions, petty rivalries and jealousies are
laughed out of countenance. Being wrecked in the same
vessel, being restored and united under one God, with
hearts and minds attuned to the welfare of others, the
things which matter so much to some people no longer
signify much to us. In A.A., we have true democracy and
true brotherhood." Has A.A. taught me to be truly democratic?

Meditation for the Day

When you call on God in prayer to help you overcome weakness,
sorrow, pain, discord, and conflict, God never fails in some
way to answer the appeal. When you are in need of strength
for yourself or for the help of some other person, call on God
in prayer. The power you need will come simply, naturally, and
forcefully. Pray to God not only when you need help, but also
just to commune with Him. The spirit of prayer can alter an
atmosphere from one of discord to one of reconciliation. It will
raise the quality of thought and word and bring order out of chaos.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may bring peace where there is discord.
I pray that I may bring conciliation where there is conflict.

"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
SEPTEMBER 13, 2005

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

Times of Reprogramming

Recovery is not all-tiresome, unrewarded work. There are
times of joy and rest, times when we comfortably practice
what we have learned. There are times of change, times
when we struggle to learn something new or overcome a
particular problem.

These are the times when what we've been practicing in
recovery begins to show in our life. These times of change
are intense, but purposeful.

There are also times when, at a deep level, we are being
"reprogrammed." We start letting go of beliefs and behaviors.
We may feel frightened or confused during these times. Our
old behaviors or patterns may not have worked for us, but
they were comfortable and familiar.

During these times we may feel vulnerable, lonely, and needy
- like we are on a journey without a road map or a flashlight,
and we feel as if no one has traveled this ground before.

We may not understand what is being worked out in us. We may
not know where or if we are being led.

We are being led. We are not alone. Our Higher Power is
working His finest and best to bring true change in us. Others
have traveled this road to. We will be led to someone who can
help us, someone who can provide the markers we need.

We are being prepared for receiving as much joy and love as
our heart can hold.

Recovery is a healing process. We can trust it, even when we
don't understand it. We are right where we need to be in this
process; we're going through exactly what we need to experience.
And where we're going is better than any place we've been.

Today, God, help me believe that the changes I'm going through
are for the good. Help me believe that the road I'm traveling will
lead to a place of light, love, and joy.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lightening Life's Load
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/July/feature7.htm

“The Ending Doesn't Matter”, Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2001/12/alan-cohen.htm

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

One Father's Story:
The Baseball Game


At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled
children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech
that would never be forgotten. After extolling the school and
its dedicated staff, he offered a question.

"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything
nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay cannot
learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things
as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my
son?"

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. "I believe, that when a child like Shay
comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature
presents itself, and it comes, in the way other people treat that
child."

Then he told the following story:

Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys
Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll
let me play?" Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not
want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also
understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give
him a much-needed sense of belonging.

Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked
if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and,
getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, "We're
losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he
can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth
inning."

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few
runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning,
Shay put on a glove and played in the outfield. Even though no hits
came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and
on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him
from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning
run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. At
this juncture, would the boys let Shay bat and give away their
chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was
all but impossible cause Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat
properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay
stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved in a few steps to lob
the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The
pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly
towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and
hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The pitcher
picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the
ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that
would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher took
the ball and turned and threw the ball on a high arc to right field,
far beyond the reach of the first baseman.

Everyone started yelling," Shay, run to first! Run to first!"
Never in his life had Shay ever made it to first base. He
scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled; everyone
yelled, "Run to second, run to second!"  By the time Shay
rounded first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could
have thrown the ball to the second baseman for the tag, but he
understood the pitcher's intentions and intentionally threw the
ball high and far over the third baseman's head. Shay ran toward
second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the
bases toward home.

Shay reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to him,
turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to
third!" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams were
screaming, "Shay, run home!" Shay ran to home, stepped on to
the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the "grand slam"
and won the game for his team.

"That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down
his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true
love and humanity into this world."

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

Permission

What happens when you hold possibility
in your hand, as a gift to your life?
All of a sudden tomorrow is not as gloomy as anticipated
Find in new hesitant ideas the thrill of anticipation
Thus, your soul will give birth to some sweet clear passions...
Open your mind to what may be, can be, will be!
See all you will become/accomplish in Wild Card mode
Call it giving yourself permission
A Carte Blanche to the open-ended rest of your Life
And don't forget to have fun!

Love
Stella
© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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

A Gift to the Universe - July 10, 2005

God said:
Remember that you are a gift to the universe.  When you know
this,  you will live it.  Every word from your lips, every deed will
come from the Heart of God.  Whatever you say and do, you will
uplift the universe.

You are not on Earth to show the world its misdeeds.  You are
not here to point fingers.  You are not here to yell out and call,
"Fire." All in the relative world will burn itself out.  All except love
that is.

Never mind what everyone else is doing.  What are you doing?
What are you saying?  Where do your thoughts lead you?  And
where do your thoughts lead others?

Consider the world one of those office chairs that you can pump up
or down. For the world, there is only one direction for you to pump it
in, and that is up.  You are not to lower the chair of the world nor are
you to leave it where you found it.  You are to raise it higher.  With
every thought you are lifting it, or you are not.

There is no debate about this.  You are meant to get the coals out
of the fire, not to chastise them.

If identifying problems were the cure to them, problems would have
vanished from the Earth long ago.  Since they have not disappeared,
it is incumbent upon you to take another track.

Everyone is climbing the ladder to Heaven.  Whatever ladder they
are on, it is their ladder.  You do not help them reach their awareness
of Heaven by knocking down the ladder they are on.  It might be
better to climb beside them.  In fact, you are all climbing the same
ladder.  Only the details are different.  Some are decorated
differently.  But decoration and details do not matter much.
It is the heart that matters.

You do not increase love in the world by slowing down any heart.
If you want, take breath away with inspiration.  Of course, breath
isn't taken away.  Inspiration makes for deeper breaths.  Yes,
breathe deeply of the love that is being restored to your own
heart.  Fill the gaps in your own heart, beloveds, and you serve
the universe well.

Renew the world.  Reinstate it.  Ennoble it.  Be merciful unto it.
If all are My children, then they are your children as well.  In fact,
more than that, they are you.  Everyone on Earth part of the body
of love, and so each person is the heart of the matter, is of great
consequence, and is thus due your love.

Not that your love is a debt.  Or, if it is a debt, it is a debt you owe
yourself.  Love is a flowing river that must not be stemmed, not
by sticks nor stones, and not by your opinions.  Opinions are a
dime a dozen.  Anyone can bandy opinions about.  Now try love.
Never mind your opinions.  They are irrelevant.

When it comes to love, put your opinions aside.  You are to let the
love in your heart out.  Matters not to whom or when or why or where.
It matters now everywhere to everyone.  You are a sun on Earth who
is to radiate love in every direction.  You are not to pick and choose.
Love is not a house you are buying where location matters.  Love
belongs everywhere, and it belongs now.

Do not be stingy with love.  It is all you have to give.  There is
nothing
else.  If the love in your heart has grown fallow, then stir it now.
Stir
it and send it on My behalf so that I may receive it and know that it
came from you.

HeavenlettersT Copyright@ 2005

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

I celebrate myself, and sing myself, and what I assume, you shall
assume. -- Walt Whitman

Some of us may think Walt Whitman must have been terribly
conceited to have written words like that. But he wasn't. He
knew himself well, and accepted himself, even his darker side.
He could laugh at himself and celebrate his humanness.

And because he loved and accepted himself just as he was, others
could do the same. That's difficult to understand sometimes, but it's
true: no one else is going to love and accept us until we come to love
and accept ourselves.

We teach others how to treat us by the way we treat ourselves, so
perhaps it makes sense to apply a variation of the Golden Rule:
"Do unto ourselves as we would have others do unto us."

Hazelden Foundation

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

12 Ways To Destroy The Fellowship
             (Courtesy of the Chinook NA Web Site)

12. Don’t attend meetings or belong to a home group.

11. Never say anything in meetings, wait until you are outside.

10. Sit in the back and have side conversations with your friends.

9. Find fault in all officers, committees and other volunteers.

8. Vote to do everything and then go home and do nothing.

7. Get all you can, but never give back anything in return.

6. Never serve as an officer or on a committee.

5. Let the basket pass you by, without contributing.

4. Talk about co-operation, but never act cooperatively.

3. When asked to help, always reply that you haven’t the time or
      say you have time and not show up.

2. Never do any more than you have to.

1. Always complain about the mess others are making of our fellowship
     and their service efforts and tell everyone how much better you
     could do it.

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

Can a home builder proceed efficiently
without interfacing with the architect?
The head can run off on its own
without understanding the heart's real plans.
If the head receives its directions from the heart
and they work together harmoniously,
you will put your house in order.
The Hidden Power of the Heart, Sara Paddison

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

A guilty conscience needs no accuser.

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

Things turn out best for the people
who make the best of the way things turn out.

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

Ask a question and you're a fool for three minutes;
do not ask a question and you're a fool for the rest of your life.
Chinese Proverb

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

A guilty conscience needs no accuser.

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

Ask a question and you're a fool for three minutes;
do not ask a question and you're a fool for the rest of your life.
Chinese Proverb

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

Fear is what keeps you from God's plan for you.

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

Fear knocked on the door.
Faith answered;
there was no one there.

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

If you want to feel better right away,
ask God to help you be of service.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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
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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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tradition One Cartoon
www.recoverycartoons.com/tradition01.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Someone told me bring the body and the mind will follow
and to move a muscle change a thought"
What do they mean?
What are the top 5 tools you use in your recovery ?
Which is the one you use the most often ?
Which one is the most difficult for you to use ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sept. 12
Each step I take today
makes me feel better and better.
Today I know that I have all that I need to do
exactly what must be done
and go exactly where I need to go.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My Prayers Are Changing

Before I got here, my prayer was "God... give me."

Then I finally admitted my powerlessness and unmanageability,
and it became "God... help me."

Now I am so humbly grateful, it is "God... use me."

I will never be able to repay the debt I owe to the Fellowship --
the loving, understanding instrument of God.
But I will try, in a joint effort with God,
for the rest of my sober days,
in this gift of new life which I've been given.

In Love and Service -- Michael

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Not Me !!!
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1138

EnergizedForLife
www.EnergizedForLife.com/pages/EFL.html

Spiritual Experiences
by Bill Wilson
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/spiritual_experiences.html

In Remembrance of "Ebby"
by Bill Wilson
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/remembrance_ebby.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 12                                     New horizons

"My life is well-rounded and I am becoming a more comfortable
version of myself, not the neurotic, boring person that I thought
I'd be without drugs."   Basic Text p.262

   Is there really life without drugs? Newcomers are sure that they are
destined to lead a humdrum existence once they quit using. That fear
is far from reality.

   Narcotics Anonymous opens the door to a new way of life for our
members.The only thing we lose in NA is our slavery to drugs. We
gain a host of new friends, time to pursue hobbies, the ability to be
stably employed, even the capacity to pursue an education if we so
desire. We are able to start projects and see them through to
completion. We can go to a dance and feel comfortable, even if we
have two left feet. We start to budget money to travel, even if it's
only
with a tent to a nearby campsite. In recovery, we find out what
interests us and pursue new pastimes. We dare to dream.

   Life is certainly different when we have the rooms of Narcotics
Anonymous to return to. Through the love we find in NA, we begin to
believe in ourselves. Equipped with this belief, we venture forth into
the world to discover new horizons. Many times, the world is a better
place because an NA member has been there.

Just for today: I can live a well-rounded, comfortable life-a life
I never dreamt existed. Recovery has opened new horizons to me
and equipped me to explore them.

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/September.html

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

Righting The Harm

In many instances we shall find that though the harm done others
has not been great, the emotional harm we have done ourselves
has.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 79

Have you ever thought that the harm you did a business associate,
or perhaps a family member, was so slight that it really didn't
deserve an apology because they probably wouldn't remember
it anyway?  If that person, and the wrong done to him, keeps
coming to mind, time and again, causing an uneasy or perhaps
guilty feeling, then I put that person's name at the top of my "amends
list", and become willing to make a sincere apology, knowing I will
feel calm and relaxed about that person once this very important
part of my recovery is accomplished.

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/ September 12th

A.A. Thought for the Day

"What draws newcomers to A.A. and gives them hope?  They
hear the stories of men and women whose experiences tally
with their own.  The expressions on the faces of the women,
that undefinable something in the eyes of the men, the stimulating
atmosphere of the A.A. clubroom, conspire to let them know
that there is haven at last.  The very practical approach to
their problems, the absence of intolerance of any kind, the
informality, the genuine democracy, the uncanny understanding
that these people in A.A. have is irresistible."  Have I found a
real haven in A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

"If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light."
The eye of the soul is the will.  If your will is to do the will of
God, to serve Him with your life, to serve Him by helping others,
then truly shall your whole body be full of light.  The important
thing is to strive to attune your will to the will of God, a single
eye to God's purpose, desiring nothing less than that His
purposes be fulfilled.  Try to seek in all things the advance of
His kingdom, seek the spiritual values of honesty and purity,
unselfishness and love, and earnestly desire spiritual growth.
Then your life will emerge from the darkness of futility into
the light of victory.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that my eye may be single.  I pray that my life may be
lived in the light of the best that I know.

"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
SEPTEMBER 12, 2005

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

Healing

We should learn not to grow impatient with the slow
healing process of time. We should discipline ourselves
to recognize that there are many steps to be taken along
the highway leading from sorrow to renewed serenity...
We should anticipate these stages in our emotional
convalescence: unbearable pain, poignant grief, empty
days, resistance to consolation, disinterestedness in life,
gradually giving way . . . to the new weaving of a pattern
of action and the acceptance of the irresistible challenge of life.
--Joshua Loth Liebman

Recovery is a process. It is a gradual process, a healing process,
and a spiritual process - a journey rather than a destination.

Just as codependency takes on a life of its own and is progressive,
so recovery progresses. One thing leads to another and things -
as well as us - get better.

We can relax, do our part, and let the rest happen.

Today, I will trust this process and this journey that I have
undertaken.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

meditationroom
www.lime.com/meditation_room

Art of Soulful Romance
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/July/feature6.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Teens To Change the World
by Neale Donald Walsch

The events that occurred in the United States on September 11, 2001,
have made it desperately obvious that our world must be changed,
or soon there may be no world to change at all. Yet despite the
horrible events of that terrible day, I come here to tell you that this
can be a more loving, peaceful world. Yours can be a more joyful
experience. Ours can be a more fruitful life.

Millions of people around the globe, shocked at what happened
on that September day, are now more motivated than ever to alter
the way we live our lives on this planet. Yet, how can that be done?
I believe I know of at least one very good way. Look to see, now,
what it is you wish to experience -- in your own life, and in the
world -- and then see if there is any way for you to be the source of
that.

A central teaching of Conversations with God is: What you wish
to experience, provide for another. So, if you wish to experience
greater peace, love, and understanding, seek to provide greater
peace, love, and understanding to all those whose lives you
touch. If you wish to know that you are safe, cause another to know
that he or she is safe. If you wish to better understand seemingly
incomprehensible things, help others to better understand. If you
wish to heal your own sadness or anger, seek to heal the
sadness or anger of another.

I remember a young person asking, "Why do I always have to be
the one to start?" I am reminded here of the wonderful soul-
searching inquiry of the Jewish tradition: If not now, when?
If not me, who?

It is you, it is our young people, who can bring us the change that
can lead us away from the kind of insanities displayed on
September 11, 2001. You can set the course for tomorrow, today.

There is much we can all do, but there is one thing we cannot do. We
cannot continue to cocreate our lives together on this planet as we
have in the past. You already know this. Most young people do.
You've been telling the world this for years, in everything from
protests to poems to songs. Some of you are angry because you
have not been heard. And right now, at this critical turning point
in humanity's history, anger may not be inappropriate. It may, in
fact, be a blessing. If you use your anger to pinpoint, not where
the blame falls, but where the cause lies, you can lead the way
to healing.

To me the cause seems obvious. We are living in a world that
operates on deep misunderstandings about life and how it is.
Most humans have not learned the most basic lessons. Most
humans have not remembered the most basic truths. Most
have not understood the most basic spiritual wisdom. In short,
most humans have not been listening to God, and because
they have not, they watch themselves do ungodly things.

The message of Conversations with God is simple: We are all
one. This is the message that the human race has largely
ignored. Our separation mentality has underscored all of our
human creations, and because our religions, our political
structures, our economic systems, our educational institutions,
and our whole approach to life have been based on the idea
that we are separate from each other, we have inflicted all
manner of injury upon each other. This injury has caused other
injury, for like begets like, and negativity only breeds negativity.

Now the problem has reached planet-threatening proportions --
and we should make no mistake about that. The human race
has the power to annihilate itself. We can end life as we know
it on this planet in one afternoon.

This is the first time in human history that we are able to say this.
Before, we could destroy a village, or a city, or even a nation,
but never the entire world in one day. Now, we can. And so I am
asking all young people everywhere to focus your attention on
the questions that such power places before you.

I hope that you will answer them from a spiritual perspective,
not a political perspective, and not an economic perspective,
from which they have been answered in the past.

I hope that you will have your own conversation with God, for
only the grandest wisdom and the grandest truth can address
the greatest problems, and we are now facing the greatest
problems and the greatest challenges in the history of our species.

If you want what beauty there is in this world -- and there is so
much of it -- to be experienced by your children and your children's
children, I believe that you will have to become spiritual activists
right here, right now. You must choose to be at cause in the matter.
That is the challenge that is placed before every thinking person
today, young and old alike. But it is the young people who have
the verve and the vigor, and the energy and the real motivation to
meet this challenge. For the world of tomorrow will be the world
that you experience -- and the world that you will create.

I am asking you: Please, please, don't recreate the world as you
see it today.

Please, be no more cynical about life, if ever you were. Please,
be no longer disinterested in life, if ever you were. Please, let not
one more day pass without your active involvement, right now,
right where you are, in your homes, in your schools, in your
communities, and in your world, in the movement to bring greater
unity, understanding, harmony, and love to the human experience.

Become activists in helping others to change, at last, the age-old
beliefs that have created the cruel, selfish, unkind, and inhuman
behaviors you see all around you. Become one of The Changers,
no longer content with simply talking about what's not working, but
choosing now to join in creating what will work. ReCreation, our
nonprofit foundation, is forming an international alliance of young
people making this choice. If you wish to connect with others
around the globe who are joining together in activities and
programs that could be world-altering, or are interested in bringing
a local chapter to your community, please contact us today at:

The Changers c/o The ReCreation Foundation PMB #1150 -
1257 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520. Telephone: 541-201-0019.
On the World Wide Web at thechangers.org e-mail address:
thechangers@...

Now let me say good-bye to you, my young friends. I hope the
conversation here has served you well, and will bring you to a
greater willingness to live from your inner wisdom and your
inner truth every day of your life. The world of tomorrow is yours.
Create it as the best world there ever was. I send you love.

This article is excerpted from Conversation with God for Teens, ©2001,
by Neale Donald Walsch. Reprinted with permission of the publisher,
Hampton Roads Publishing. http://www.hrpub.com


About the Author
Neale Donald Walsch is the author of numerous books, including
Conversations with God, Books 1, 2, and 3; Friendship with God;
and Communion with God; all of which have been New York Times
bestsellers. Book 1 occupied that list for more than two and a half
years. Walsch lives with his wife, Nancy, in Ashland, Oregon.
Together they operate ReCreation, a nonprofit organization
whose goal is to help people reclaim their true selves. His most
recent work involves an outreach to the world's teen population,
including specifically produced teen retreats and this book.

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

The King's Highway

   Once a king had a great highway built for the members of his
kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the
public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many as
desired to participate. Their challenge was to see who could travel
the highway the best.

   On the day of the contest the people came. Some of them had fine
chariots, some had fine clothing, fine hairdos, or great food. Some
young men came in their track clothes and ran along the highway.
People traveled the highway all day, but each one, when he arrived
at the end, complained to the king that there was a large pile of
rocks and debris left on the road at one spot and this got in their
way and hindered their travel.

   At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed the finish line
warily and walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he
addressed the king with great respect and handed him a bag of gold.
he explained, "I stopped along the way to clear a pile of rocks and
debris that was blocking the road. This bag of gold was under it
all. I want you to return it to its rightful owner."

   The king replied, "You are the rightful owner."

   The traveler replied, "Oh no, this is not mine. I've never known
such money."

   "Oh yes," said the king, "you've earned this gold, for you won my
contest. He who travels the road best is he who makes the road
smoother for those who will follow."

Author Unknown

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

Fall

Fall into something
As long as it’s safe, it doesn’t matter what
let the abandon take you totally
with no restrictions
Fall into surrender
the first step towards
the exquisite experience
of letting Passion flood into your life

Shake the bars
Loosen the cell doors
Open the shutters
Who might you be?
If for once you were free?

Children surrender to everything
Their feelings
Their surroundings
Their dreams
In the moment they just fall
into curiosity
letting it be

Be the child inside
the passionate being
you just might fall in love
all over again
for the very first time

© 2002 Stella Raymonde Savoie-Johnson


With Love & Blessings
Stella
stellaraymonde@...

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

Surface Salvations

I drown most of the time
in my own insecurities
struggling to the surface
gasping for air
grasping for a helping hand
only to snatch mine back
at the last instant
for fear that my hand is dirty
my nails still full of the skin
of the last thing I'd let go
sometimes though
my hand is too slow
and a loving grasp slips round my fingers
pulling me up into the light
the soothing welcome air
where I know that I am cared for
and for that moment
I'm ok

with love, johnh ‘01
johnh94@...

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

Dear Scott
I hope this is the sort of "poetry" you are asking for,
I carry this well worn, very tattered , very very
special letter with me always, either in my pocket,
my bag , but most importantly in my heart!
Wanted to share this with the group. Sad, but true.
That's the way it was for my young children.

A Letter From My Daughter

Why me?
Why her?
Why us? Why?

This will never pass, I will never forget.
that day when my dad told me
My heart and pain first meet.

Someone I love more than life itself
will never be herself again.
Shes gone from this world
I was only age ten.

Stashes I would find around the house, should I tell my dad?
or be as quiet as a mouse?

I felt like hiding away and never coming out.
I'd cry every day and night
from my eyes water would spout

This isn't my mother
Where could she be?
Will she ever return?
Does she miss me?

Alcohol changed her life and mine
"she can't control her actions"
"she has a disease"
She drank, I cried, it was just my reaction.

Ever since I was three and my brother only one
My lovely mother was a drunk
She couldn't care for her baby son.

I love her with all my heart
She is my best friend.
Thank you A.A.
My heart you did mend.

My mum is back.
I haven't see her for 11years
12 months sober to-morrow.
I shed no more tears.

14/01/2001.

Thanks for sharing this with me
love and God bless
Diane ..."still sober & smiling ODAAT"
dianeburns58@...

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

This is my simple religion.
There is no need for temples;
no need for complicated philosophy.
Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.
Dalai Lama

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

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart
and can sing it back to you
when you have forgotten the words.
unknown

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

God Won't Be Looking For Your Medals,
Degrees Or Diplomas --
He'll Be Looking For Your Scars.

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

True friendship is like sound health;
the value of it is seldom known until it be lost.
Charles Caleb Colton

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

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking
we used when we created them.
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

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

F.E.A.R. is False Evidence Appearing Real.

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

To overcome F.E.A.R. means to Face Everything And Recover.

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

Faith can't be taught; it can only be caught.

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

Faith was the first medicine known to man .

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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,
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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:
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Step 12 Humor
www.recoverycartoons.com/step12.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Someone told me bring the body and the mind will follow
and to move a muscle change a thought"
What do they mean?
What are the top 5 tools you use in your recovery ?
Which is the one you use the most often ?
Which one is the most difficult for you to use ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 11
I am letting go of all that is
holding me back from spiritual progress today.
My path is becoming easier
as I open myself up to faith and trust.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“One”

As the soot and dirt and ash rained down,
      We became one color.
As we carried each other down the stairs of the burning building
      We became one class.
As we lit candles of waiting and hope
   We became one generation.
As the firefighters and police officers fought their way into the
inferno,
   We became one gender.
As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength,
   We became one faith.
As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement,
   We spoke one language.
As we gave our blood in lines a mile long,
   We became one body.
As we mourned together the great loss
   We became one family.
As we cried tears of grief and loss
   We became one soul.
As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of heroes
   We become one people.

We are
      One color
      One class
      One generation
      One gender
      One faith
      One language
      One body
      One family
      One soul
      One people

We are     The Power of One.
We are     United.
We are     The World.

written by ~ Cheryl Sawyer
Cheryl Sawyer is professor of school counseling at the
University of Houston, Clear Lake.
She is co-director of the Greater Houston Area Writing Project, Texas.
www.writingproject.org/pub/nwpr/voice/2003no2/sawyer.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Newcomers Gratitude
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1136

1944 A.A. Sponsorship Pamphlet
www.barefootsworld.net/aasponsorship1944.html

Picture This
www.na.org/naway/en/July06/en-naway0607-sect8.htm

Patience
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/DoYouNeedAMiracle.html

12 Step Work Books
www.12stepworkbook.org/index.html>

free 12 Step worksheet software
www.12step.org/

Leadership in AA: Ever a Vital Need
by Bill Wilson
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/leadershipaa.html

The Dilemma of No Faith
by Bill Wilson
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/billw_041961.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 11                                        Bend with the wind

"We learn to become flexible.. As new things are revealed,
we feel renewed."   Basic Text p.98

   "Flexibility" was not a part of the vocabulary we used in our using
days. We'd become obsessed with the raw pleasure of our drugs
and hardened to all the softer, subtler, more infinitely varied
pleasures of the world around us. Our disease had turned life
itself into a constant threat of jails, institutions, and death, a
threat
against which we hardened ourselves all the more. In the end we
became brittle. With the merest breath of life's wind we crumbled
at last, broken, defeated, with no choice but to surrender.

But the beautiful irony of recovery is that, in our surrender, we
found the flexibility we had lost in our addiction, the very lack of
which had defeated us. We regained the ability to bend in life's
breeze without breaking. When the wind blew, we felt its loving
caress against our skin, where once we would have hardened
ourselves as if against the onrush of a storm.

   The winds of life blow new airs our way each moment, and with
them new fragrances, new pleasures, varied, subtly different. As
we bend with life's wind, we feel and hear and touch and smell
and taste all it has to offer us. And as new winds blow, we feel
renewed.

Just for today: Higher Power, help me bend with life's wind and
glory in its passing. Free me from rigidity.

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/September.html

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

I Had Dropped Out

We might next ask ourselves what we mean when we say that we
have "harmed" other people.  What kinds of "harm" do people do
one another, anyway?  To define the word "harm" in a practical
way, we might call it the result of instincts in collision, which cause
physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual damage to people.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 80

I had been to Eighth Step meetings, always thinking, "I really
haven't harmed many people, mostly myself." But the time came
when I wrote my list out and it was not as short as I thought it would
be. I either liked you, disliked you, or needed something  from you -
it was that simple. People hadn't done what I wanted them to do and
intimate relationships were out of hand because of my partners'
unreasonable demands. Were these "sins of omission"?  Because
of my drinking, I had "dropped out" - never sending cards, returning
calls, being there for other people, or taking part in their lives.
What a
grace it has been to look at these relationships, to make my
inventories in quiet, alone with the God of my understanding, and
to go forth daily, with a willingness to be honest and forthright in my
relationships.

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/ September 11th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Continuing the answers to the question of how a person can
live without liquor and be happy, we say: "You will be bound to
the other A.A.s with new and wonderful ties, for you and they
will escape disaster together and all will commence shoulder
to shoulder the common journey to a better and more
satisfactory life.  You will know what it means to give of yourself
that others may survive and rediscover life.  You will become
happy, respected, and useful once more.  Since these things
have happened to us, they can happen to you."  Have these
things happened to me?

Meditation for the Day

God manifests Himself in human lives as strength to overcome
evil and power to resist temptation.  The grace of God is that
power which enables a human being to change from a useless,
hopeless individual to a useful, normal person.  God also
manifests Himself as love-love for other people, compassion
for their problems, and a real willingness to help them.  The
grace of God also manifests itself as peace of mind and serenity
of character.  We can have plenty of power, love, and serenity in
our lives if we are willing to ask God for these things each day.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may see God's grace in the strength I receive,
the love I know, and the peace I have.  I pray that I may be
grateful for the things I have received through the grace of 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
SEPTEMBER 11

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

Conflict and Detachment

In a relationship, there are those wonderful times when things go
smoothly for both people, and neither person needs to focus too
heavily on the concept of detachment. But there are those
challenging times when one person is in crisis or changing - and
we need to detach.

Then there are stressful cycles when both people in a relationship
are in the midst of dealing with intense issues. Both are needy and
neither has anything to give.

These are times when detachment and taking care of ourselves
are difficult.

It is helpful, in these moments, to identify the problem. Both people
are in the midst of dealing and healing. Neither has much to give,
at least at the moment. And both are feeling particularly needy.

That is the problem.

What's the solution?

There may not be a perfect solution. Detachment is still the key,
but that can be difficult when we need support ourselves. In fact,
the other person may be asking for support rather than offering it.

We can still work toward detachment. We can still work through
our feelings. We can accept this as a temporary cycle in the
relationship, and stop looking to the other person for something he
or she cannot give at the moment.

We can stop expecting ourselves to give at the moment as well.

Communication helps. Identifying the problem and talking about
it without blame or shame is a start. Figuring out alternative support
systems, or ways to get our needs met, helps.

We are still responsible for taking care of ourselves - even when we
are in the best of relationships. We can reasonably expect conflicts
of need and the clashing of issues to occur in the most loving,
healthy relationships.

It is one of the cycles of love, friendship, and family.

If it is a healthy relationship, the crisis will not go on endlessly. We
will regain our balance. The other person will too. We can stop
making ourselves so crazy by looking for the other person to be
balanced when he or she isn't.

Talk things out. Work things out. Keep our expectations of other
people, our relationships, and ourselves healthy and reasonable.

A good relationship will be able to sustain and survive low points.
Sometimes we need them, so we can both grow and learn separately.

Sometimes, people who are usually there for us cannot be there for
us. We can find another way to take care of ourselves.

Today, I will remember that my best relationships have low points.
If the low point is the norm, I may want to consider the desirability of
the relationship. If the low point is a temporary cycle, I will practice
understanding for myself and the other person. God, help me
remember that the help and support I want and need does not come
in the form of only one person. Help me be open to healthy options for
taking care of myself, if any normal support system is not available.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Day's Difference (9/11/01)
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2001/11/day.htm

Finding the Blessing in the Challenge
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/July/feature5.htm

Remembering 9/11/01
www.legacy.com/LegacyTribute/Sept11.asp

We Will Not Be Moved 9/11 website
www.geocities.com/weewisdoms/nbm.html

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

What has changed?

The buildings are still torn asunder,
	 though the rubble’s been cleared away.
The emptiness still echoes with the screams of witnesses,
	 and those that fell on that sad day.

Apprehension is still very much alive, though familiar,
	 it’s like carrying a pocket of sand;
Barely noticeable, out of sight, but then some seeps out,
	 and we’re made aware all over again.

Have our hearts changed?
Have our souls’ eyes been opened to the suffering everywhere?
Have our habits changed?
Have we finally learned to listen with our spirits and care?

Do we still cherish the laughter of our little ones,
	 hold them closer and tight to our chest?
Have we learned to pray peace for everyone,
	 ask for the ending of all unrest?

Bitterness will not heal these wounds,
	 anger only opens more sores.
Healing begins when hearts are attuned,
	 when cooperation helps ride out the storm.

Feel deeply the loss, the pain of the past;
	 let your tears join the millions of others.
This planet we’re on is like a big, round bed,
	 all in it are our sisters and brothers.

We all grieve those that have gone on before us,
	 feel the emptiness they’ve left behind.
Their absence a constant reminder,
	 of a world set on actions unkind.

Let their loss be a testament to all of us left,
	 a commitment for a brighter tomorrow.
Work together so that all our children can know
	 a world without suffering or sorrow.

We have so many resources available to us,
	 the most sacred of these are our hearts.
Join together as one, share a vision of hope,
	 and together we’ll make a new start.

May the pain of our past make us that more committed to end the
suffering of our children. We can change this world into a kinder
place, through our words, deeds, and the never ending attempt
to understand, forgive, and rise above. Let love be our mainstay,
not fear. Let care be our watchword, not contempt. Let unison be
our creed, not division. There are far too many losses on all sides,
where there shouldn’t be sides to begin with. May tomorrow be
brighter because of the actions we take today.
With love,
John H
johnh94@...
9-11-03

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

I Am Forever Changed
~ Virjinja ~

Speechless and numb as I watched on TV,
the horror unfolding ~ I could hardly bear to see.
I was thinking that this is what hell is like...
helpless, with all hope of being saved snuffed out.

Like Hiroshima and Nagasaki generations before,
except this happened here on American shores...
I now understand how inhumane we can be
to each other for reasons incomprehensible to me.

A year has passed, though for me it feels like yesterday.
Innocent faces flash behind now-lifeless names.
Families torn apart, people rocked to their core...
'"Where is God?" they ask. '"Why didn't He do more?"

Is there anyone who can dismiss what happened that day?
We've all been effected in life-changing ways.
Though my heart was broken and deeply hurt in times past,
what happened to me that surreal day will forever last.

Keen awareness says that I am forever changed.
I see this world of ours will never be the same.
If before, I naively denied that evil exists,
today I'm certain it's a force to be reckoned with.

I affirm in my heart, my mind and my soul,
the infinite goodness of God I uphold.
Moving upward and onward in these questionable times...
calls for ever-strengthening faith and determination of mind.

How I am changed is more than obvious to me.
More loving and compassionate is how I choose to be.
This heart of mine is convicted, and walks very close to God.
It does not seek revenge,  nor choose to do harm.

Although I was loving and giving before,
compassion now runs deeper ~ I see where I can do more.
I begin every day with a prayer and a plan.
When I see pain in someone's eyes...
unhesitatingly, I extend my hand.

My heart has been changed ~ I feel differently now.
What once was important is but a faded shadow.
More than ever before, I declare unequivocally...
only the power of God's Love brings us to peace.

"Where," you ask, "do we begin?"
Right here, brother and sister ~ it starts within.

(Copyright 2002 ~ Virginia Santoro ~ All Rights Reserved)
Morning Musings...
is a nondenominational, daily inspirational newsletter,
delivered to its subscribers Monday thru Friday,
and a single Weekender edition.
It is born of the meditations and experiences of the author.
Its purpose is to honor God in all expressions, and to
offer healing, compassion, peace and love to the reader.
Your comments appreciated and warmly received...:)

To Subscribe, Unsubscribe or Send Email, write to:
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings


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

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
© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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

This Miracle of Life ©

We are formed,
each moment anew.
Every breath, every instance,
every vision before our eyes
molds and melds with our souls,
adding to our consciousness--
our awareness of this miracle
called life.
Let us be awakened to the reverence
of this wondrous procedure taking place.
Allow our [soul] to revel in the excitement
of inclusiveness, embracing the mysteries
and pure pleasure of being alive.
The pain of our past, the sorrows we‚ve known,
help us to empathize with the troubles of others
and make the joys in our lives that much brighter,
magnifying our gratitude and appreciation,
our awareness of this miracle
called life.

John Hathaway 2002
johnh94@...

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

The Art of Listening

We may have
spoken many times,
but I may not
have heard you.
Possibly I wasn't ready
to hear what
you were saying
or I heard you
but couldn't really hear
you speak.
It is almost like
I was at one end of a tunnel
and you at another
and the air between us
was an obscured haze.
All at once,
it seemed,
the density
has lifted
and
I thought

I heard you say.......

Written by Frank
fberesheim@...

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

Life is not a "brief candle." It is a splendid torch that I want to make
burn as brightly as possible before handing on to future generations.
George Bernard Shaw

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

Pray to God, but keep rowing to the shore.
   Russian Proverb

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

There is no shame in not knowing;
the shame lies in not finding out.
Russian Proverb

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

Appreciation is a powerful tool to shift perspective.
Finding something to appreciate during a difficult situation
quickly moves the perspective to the big picture from the little
picture.
  From Chaos to Coherence, Doc Childre and Bruce Cryer

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

Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want,
but the realization of how much you already have.

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

only difference between stumbling blocks
and stepping stones is how we use them

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

Expectation is premeditated resentment.

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

F.A.I.T.H. = Fabulous Adventure In Trusting Him.

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

Those who fail to remember,
are doomed to repeat.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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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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:
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/







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Step 11 Humor
www.recoverycartoons.com/step11.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Someone told me bring the body and the mind will follow
and to move a muscle change a thought"
What do they mean?
What are the top 5 tools you use in your recovery ?
Which is the one you use the most often ?
Which one is the most difficult for you to use ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September  10
Peace is flowing through me everywhere today,
pouring all over my mind and my body...
releasing all my tensions and anxiety...
emptying me of all my negativity and fear....
I am being filled with peace and love and serenity.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chains

  From the bondage of our addiction
to the bonding of our hearts
we're all, in many ways, the same.
Devastation, fears,
isolation's hurts—
all links that had bound us
in our addiction's chains.
Now those links have been broken—
rejoined with seams of hope;
attached to fellow addicts
linking our lives, our hearts, our souls.
The sorrow of our past
makes our bonds grow that much stronger
our joy is so much greater when it's shared.
Our road ahead is clearing,
our future's looking brighter;
One day at a time
we're learning how to care.

written by John
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Listen
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1134

The Four Absolutes, by Clarence Snyder
www.barefootsworld.net/aaogfourabsolutes.html

N.A. Way "Did you know?"
www.na.org/naway/en/July06/en-naway0607-sect4.htm

Diamonds In The Snow
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/DiamondsInTheSnow.html

Bill W.'s Talk to the Manhattan Group
New York City, N.Y., 1955
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/manhattan_group_1955.html

The Next Frontier: Emotional Sobriety
by Bill Wilson
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/emotionalsobriety.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 10                  More powerful than words

"We learn that a simple, loving hug can make all the difference
in the world"   Basic Text p.88

Perhaps there have been times in our recovery when we were
close to someone who was in great pain. We struggled with the
question, "What can I do to make them feel better?" We felt
anxious and inadequate to relieve their suffering. We wished
we had more experience to share. We didn't know what to say.

But sometimes life deals wounds that can't be eased by even
the most heartfelt words. Words can never express all we mean
when our deepest feelings of compassion are involved. Language
is inadequate to reach a wounded soul, as only the touch of a
loving Higher Power can heal an injury to the spirit.

When those we love are grieving, simply being present is perhaps
the most compassionate contribution we can offer. We can rest
assured that a loving Higher Power is working hard at healing the
spirit; our only responsibility is to be there. Our presence, a loving
hug, and a sympathetic ear will surely express the depth of our
feelings, and do more to reach the heart of a human being in pain
than mere words ever could.

Just for today: I will offer my presence, a hug, and a sympathetic
ear to someone I love.

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/September.html

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

Didn't We Hurt Anybody?

Some of us, though, tripped over a very different snag. We clung
to the claim that when drinking we never hurt anybody but ourselves.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 79

This Step seemed so simple. I identified several people whom I had
harmed, but they were no longer available. Still, I was uneasy about
the Step and avoided conversations dealing with it. In time I learned
to investigate those Steps and areas of my life which made me
uncomfortable. My search revealed my parents who had been
deeply hurt by my isolation from them; my employer, who worried
about my absences, my memory lapses, my temper; and the friends
I had shunned, without explanation. As I faced the reality of the harm
I had done, Step Eight took on new meaning.  I am no longer
uncomfortable and I feel clean and light.

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/ September 10th

Here are answers to the question of how a person can live
without liquor and be happy "The things we put in place of
drinking are more than substitutes for it. One is the fellowship
of Alcoholics Anonymous.  In this company, you find release
from care, boredom, and worry. Your imagination will be fired.
Life will mean something at last. The most satisfactory years
of your existence lie ahead. Among other A.A.'s you win make
lifelong friends.  You will be bound to them with new and
wonderful ties."  Does life mean something to me now?

Meditation for the Day

Do you want the full and complete satisfaction that you find
in serving God and all the satisfactions of the world also?  It
is not easy to serve both God and the world.  It is difficult to
claim the rewards of both.  If you work for God, you will still
have great rewards in the world.  But you must be prepared
to sometimes stand apart from the world.  You cannot always
turn to the world and expect all the rewards that life has to
offer.  If you are trying sincerely to serve God, you will have
other and greater rewards than the world has to offer.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may not expect too much from the world.  I pray
that I may also be content with the rewards that come from
serving 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
SEPTEMBER 10

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

Self-approval

Most of us want to be liked. We want other people to think of us
as nice, friendly, kind, and loving. Most of us want the approval
of others.

Since childhood, some of us have been trying to get approval,
trying to get people to like us and think highly of us. We may be
afraid people will leave us if they disapprove of our actions. We
may look for approval from people who have none to give. We
may not know that we're lovable now and can learn to approve
of ourselves.

In order to live happily, to live consistently with the way our Higher
Power wants us to live, and to tap into a way of life that is in harmony
with the universe, we need to let go of our extreme need for approval.
These unmet needs for approval and love from our past give others
control over us today. These needs can prevent us from acting in our
best interest and being true to ourselves.

We can approve of ourselves. In the end, that's the only approval
that counts.

Today, I will let go of my need for approval and my need to be liked.
I will replace them with a need to like and approve of myself. I will
enjoy the surprise I find when I do this. The people who count,
including myself, will respect me when I am true to 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spiritual Warrior
www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=33

Ask the Right Questions and Have the Best Summer of Your Life
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/July/feature4.htm

“Faithkeepers” ,Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2001/11/alan-cohen.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

ONE NATION UNDER LOVE
By Paddy Orr

Caught unaware within the quiet confines of everyday movement
A darkness exploded into this country's reality
Bringing with it unmistakable horror
Whose very existence stopped the life's breath of ordinary day.
America watched in disbelief as the destruction of concrete and steel
Crumbled into the annihilation of self assurance.
A true horror imploded our very existence
Into a silence that impacted our words
As we search for meaning through the unbelievable
That was once vibrant spirit.
A busy whirl of life force has been replaced by an unbearable pain.
America weeps at the atrocity that is possible from humanity
Lacking the recognition of Divine love within.


Through her tears love's resolve begins to blossom,
Barely recognizable at first,
A pin point of Light within a darkened room,
But moving toward God's loving deluge for His creation.
Behind the pain America's strength is growing,
Awaiting its turn to heal,
Dissipating the darkened, anguish despair slowly
As each tear of love becomes a small beacon.
A quiet determination fuels inner resolve as movement begins again,
Love's power moving into the results of a mad man's fury.
So, from crippled knee we blossom into full stance
Caressing each other's tears,
Remembering our Divinity,
While locked in full united embrace of the indelible power
Formed by freedom's creation,
Freedom's birthright,
Freedom's light.

Through our anguish of remembering what was,
We see the true colors of love
Found in the individual souls of ourselves,
Light's true consciousness bringing forth a renewed life.
A different order based on love has beginning possibilities
As we look for the strength to see the Divinity in those
Who do not choose to live from righteousness.
Our Divine beacon within guides the way through this darkened path
That new options may be found among love's potential.

America's might lies not within the confines of steel structures
Towering above life's busy thoroughfares,
But lies instead within the blood of each citizen
Shared for another's life.
Our strength is found within the steadfastness of our support
for each other As we hold our collective hands,
Moving through the rubble into love's possibilities.
Our power lies within the melting pot of colors,
A plethora of differences united into one freedom resolve.

Our humanity is found in the courage of those who demonstrate
their love, By moving through hate's destruction,
Hope overpowering danger,
Assistance overcoming apathy.
Quiet resolve burns in the faces of citizens whose Light shines brightly
Beckoning others to move into the Sacredness of soul's love,
A Divine authenticity of self
Collected together into a nation.
With the realization that love overcomes evil,
We each now have the choice to move into our Divinity,
Claiming our right to Highest Power
That evil may destruct into oblivion,
A rightful state of nothingness hate so justly deserves.

The United States was founded as "One Nation Under God."
Since God is love,
Then America has as its basic tenant
A foundation based on love.
One Nation Under Love.
May love fuel our righteous resolve.
Therein lies our true dominion.

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

Carl's Garden

Carl was a quiet man.  He didn't talk much.  He would always
greet you with a big smile and a firm handshake.  Even after
living in our neighborhood for over 50 years, no one could
really say they knew him very well.

Before his retirement, he took the bus to work each morning.
The lone sight of him walking down the street often worried us.
He had a slight limp from a bullet wound received in WWII.
Watching him, we worried that although he had survived WWII,
he may not make it through our changing uptown neighborhood
with its ever-increasing random violence, gangs, and drug
activity.

When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers
for caring for the gardens behind the minister's residence, he
responded in his characteristically unassuming manner.  Without
fanfare, he just signed up.

He was well into his 87th year when the very thing we had always
feared finally happened.

He was just finishing his watering for the day when three gang
members approached him.  Ignoring their attempt to intimidate
him, he simply asked, "Would you like a drink from the hose?"

The tallest and toughest-looking of the three said, "Yeah, sure",
with a malevolent little smile.  As Carl offered the hose to him, the
other two grabbed Carl's arm, throwing him down.  As the hose
snaked crazily over the ground, dousing everything in its way, Carl's
assailants stole his retirement watch and his wallet, and then fled.
Carl tried to get himself up, but he had been thrown down on his bad
leg.

He lay there trying to gather himself as the minister came running to
help him.  Although the minister had witnessed the attack from his
window, he couldn't get there fast enough to stop it.  "Carl, are you
okay?  Are you hurt?" the minister kept asking as he helped Carl to
his feet.  Carl just passed a hand over his brow and sighed, shaking
his head.

"Just some punk kids.  I hope they'll wise-up someday." His wet
clothes clung to his slight frame as he bent to pick up the hose.  He
adjusted the nozzle again and started to water.

Confused and a little concerned, the minister asked, "Carl, what are
you doing?"

"I've got to finish my watering.  It's been very dry lately", came the
calm reply.  Satisfying himself that Carl really was all right, the
minister could only marvel.  Carl was a man from a different time
and place.

A few weeks later the three returned.  Just as before their threat
was unchallenged.  Carl again offered them a drink from his hose.

This time they didn't rob him.  They wrenched the hose from his
hand and drenched him head to foot in the icy water.  When they
had finished their humiliation of him, they sauntered off down the
street, throwing catcalls and curses, falling over one another
laughing at the hilarity of what they had just done. Carl just watched
them.  Then he turned toward the warmth giving sun, picked up his
hose, and went on with his watering.

The summer was quickly fading into fall.  Carl was doing some
tilling when he was startled by the sudden approach of someone
behind him. He stumbled and fell into some evergreen branches.
As he struggled to regain his footing, he turned to see the tall
leader of his summer tormentors reaching down for him.  He
braced himself for the expected attack.  "Don't worry old man, I'm
not gonna hurt you this time." The young man spoke softly, still
offering the tattooed and scarred hand to Carl.

As he helped Carl get up, the man pulled a crumpled bag from his
pocket and handed it to Carl.

"What's this?" Carl asked.

"It's your stuff," the man explained.  "It's your stuff back.  Even the
money in your wallet."

"I don't understand," Carl said.  "Why would you help me now?"

The man shifted his feet, seeming embarrassed and ill at ease.
"I learned something from you", he said.  "I ran with that gang and
hurt people like you.  We picked you because you were old and
we knew we could do it.

But every time we came and did something to you, instead of
yelling and fighting back, you tried to give us a drink.  You didn't
hate us for hating you.  You kept showing love against our hate."
He stopped for a moment. "I couldn't sleep after we stole your
stuff, so here it is back." He paused for another awkward moment,
not knowing what more there was to say.

"That bag's my way of saying thanks for straightening me out, I
guess."

And with that, he walked off down the street.

Carl looked down at the sack in his hands and gingerly opened it.

He took out his retirement watch and put it back on his wrist.
Opening his wallet, he checked for his wedding photo.  He gazed
for a moment at the young bride that still smiled back at him from
all those years ago.

He died one cold day after Christmas that winter.  Many people
attended his funeral in spite of the weather.  In particular the
minister noticed a tall young man that he didn't know sitting
quietly in a distant corner of the church.  The minister spoke of
Carl's garden as a lesson in life.  In a voice made thick with
unshed tears, he said, "Do your best and make your garden as
beautiful as you can.  We will never forget Carl and his garden."

The following spring another flyer went up.  It read: "Person
needed to care for Carl's garden." The flyer went unnoticed
by the busy parishioners until one day when a knock was
heard at the minister's office door.  Opening the door, the minister
saw a pair of scarred and tattooed hands holding the flyer.
"I believe this is my job, if you'll have me," the young man said.

The minister recognized him as the same young man who had
returned the stolen watch and wallet to Carl.  He knew that Carl's
kindness had turned this man's life around.  As the minister
handed him the keys to the garden shed, he said, "Yes, go take
care of Carl's garden and honor him."

The man went to work and, over the next several years, he tended
the flowers and vegetables just as Carl had done.  In that time, he
went to college, got married, and became a prominent member
of the community.

But he never forgot his promise to Carl's memory and kept the
garden as beautiful as he thought Carl would have kept it.

One day he approached the new minister and told him that he
couldn't care for the garden any longer.  He explained with a shy
and happy smile, "My wife just had a baby boy last night, and she's
bringing him home on Saturday."

"Well, congratulations!" said the minister, as he was handed the
garden shed keys.  "That's wonderful!  What's the baby's name?"

"Carl," he replied.

Author Unknown

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

What You Know

There's a certain level of consciousness
that intrudes upon our awareness on occasion
and lets us in on our own little secrets
that we'd like to hide from ourselves
Things that we know "au fond"
at the bottom, deep down,
it's a knowing of things as they really are

But for whatever survivalist reasons
we choose not to listen to this knowing
We'd rather justify, excuse, rationalize
and ignore what our intuition/gut feeling
is trying to tell us

Perhaps the job we hold is not as fulfilling
as we think it is
Perhaps there's a yearning to go see some countryside
Perhaps the friend's uncomfortable silences are
hiding something important
Or is it a book that cries out to be written
Or even an apology that needs to be spoken
so some conflict can be righted

The perhaps' of our knowing
won't go away
By bringing them to full awareness
We clear out this blockage of emotions
and allow the flow of our life the truthfulness we deserve
It's ok to know what you know

Love
Stella

© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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

Little Sir Echo

A son and his father were walking on the mountains.
Suddenly, his son falls, hurts himself and screams:
"AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in
the mountain:
"AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
Curious, he yells:
"Who are you?"
He receives the answer:
"Who are you?"
Angered at the response, he screams:
"Coward!"
He receives the answer:
"Coward!"
He looks to his father and asks:
"What's going on?"
The father smiles and says:
"My son, pay attention."
And then he screams to the mountain:
"I admire you!"
The voice answers:
"I admire you!"
Again the man screams:
"You are a champion!"
The voice answers:
"You are a champion!"
The boy is surprised, but does not understand.
Then the father explains:
"People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE. It gives you back
everything you say or do.

Our life is simply a reflection of our actions. If you want more
love in the world, create more love in your heart.

If you want more competence in your team, improve your
competence. This relationship applies to everything, in all
aspects of life;

Life will give you back everything you have given to it."

YOUR LIFE IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. IT'S A REFLECTION OF YOU!

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

I Send This Wish

I send this wish
To each person I know
I pray you take your time
As you live life on the go

May you take time
To smell the flowers in your day
I pray God keeps you safe
As you make your way

I wish you the best
As you move along
I pray you find your peace
In each and every song

May God keep you safe
As you go through your day
I pray you find beauty
All along the way

I pray God keeps
You in His loving hands
I pray as you interact
That everyone understands

I write this poem to you
To brighten up your whole day
I pray you walk with God
As you make your way

Daniel M Corkery
8/15/2003
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

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

To have striven, to have made an effort,
to have been true to certain ideals -
this alone is worth the struggle.
We are here to add what we can to,
not to get what we can from, life.
Sir William Osler

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

Your own words are the bricks and mortar of the dreams you want to
realize.
Your words are the greatest power you have.
The words you choose and the use establish the life you experience.
Sonia Croquette

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

Dig deep into the soil of your giving.
No matter what we think we've accomplished,
we have only scratched the surface of our own generosity.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

Be careful what you set your heart upon -
for it will surely be yours.
James Baldwin

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

When a friend asks, there is no tomorrow.
Italian Proverb

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

Ego is our separation from God and others.

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

Enabler: The only thing I can do to help my loved one
is to let him help himself.

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

Esteem: If you stop treating yourself poorly,
it will become unacceptable for others to do so.

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

Esteem: My net worth is not myself worth.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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/







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Step 10 Humor
www.recoverycartoons.com/step10.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Someone told me bring the body and the mind will follow
and to move a muscle change a thought"
What do they mean?
What are the top 5 tools you use in your recovery ?
Which is the one you use the most often ?
Which one is the most difficult for you to use ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 9
It feels so comfortable
when I trust my own truth.
It is both powerful and peaceful
to know that we are all at choice.
Each and everyone of us is being led
on a path to peace and love.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Clean For Today

Clean for today.  Sane, for at least tonight.
I thank you, God, for N.A., behind me in the fight.
Finding I don't have to use, because I've such strong allies.
Thank you, God, for these friendly doors, and for opening my eyes.
I'm still a babe in my recovery, taking my first unsteady steps.
Thank God for providing these loving arms to catch me if I slip.
The friendly smiles, the encouraging words, the acceptance that I feel.
The care and love in all the eyes make me know that this is real.
I didn't have to pick up last night; I haven't used, so far, today.
For that I thank my new-found friends,
and I thank God, for our N.A.

written by John
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lighting Your Way
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1132

Learning to Fly , By Sybil C.
The First Woman in A.A. West of the Mississippi
Grapevine February 1992
www.barefootsworld.net/aalearningtofly.html

What My Sponsee Means to Me
www.na.org/naway/en/July06/en-naway0607-sect3.htm

Daily Miracles
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/DailyMiracles.html

The Slugger’s Path .... Recovery Simplified
www.sluggerspath.com

One Step At A Time
www.osat.org

A Fragment of History, By Bill W.
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/history_fragment.html

How the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" came about
Bill W. speaking in Fort Worth, Texas -1954
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/bigbookpublish.html

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

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
www.serenityquest.org/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 9                                                    Feet
of clay

"One of the biggest stumbling blocks to recovery seems to be
placing unrealistic expectations on... others."   Basic Text p.78

   Many of us come into Narcotics Anonymous feeling pretty poorly
about ourselves. By comparison, the recovering addicts we meet
at meetings may seem almost superhumanly serene. These wise,
loving people have many months, even years of living in accordance
with spiritual principles, giving of themselves to others without
expecting anything back. We trust them, allowing them to love us
until we can love ourselves We expect them to make everything
alright again.

   Then the glow of early recovery begins to fade, and we start to
see the human side of our NA friends and sponsor. Perhaps a
fellow member of our home group stands us up for a coffee date,
or we see two oldtimers bickering at a committee meeting, or we
realize our sponsor has a defect of character or two. We're crushed,
disillusioned-these recovering addicts aren't perfect after all! How
can we possibly trust them anymore?

   Somewhere between "the heroes of recovery" and "the lousy
NA bums" lies the truth: Our fellow addicts are neither completely
bad nor completely good. After all, if they were perfect, they
wouldn't need this program. Our friends and sponsor are ordinary
recovering addicts, just like we are. We can relate to their ordinary
recovery experience and use it in our own program.

Just for today: My friends and my sponsor are human, just like
me-and I trust their experience all the more for that.

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/September.html

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

Repairing The Damage

We attempt to sweep away the debris which has accumulated out
of our effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves.  If we
haven't the will to do this, we ask until it comes. Remember it was
agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over
alcohol.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76

Making a list of people I had harmed was not a particularly difficult
thing to do. They had showed up in my Fourth Step inventory:  people
towards whom I had resentments, real or imagined, and whom I had
hurt by acts of retaliation. For my recovery to be thorough, I believed
it was not important for those who had legitimately harmed me to
make amends to me. What is important in my relationship with God
is that I stand before Him, knowing I have done what I can to repair
the damage I have done.

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/ September 9th

A.A. Thought for the Day

When alcoholics are offered a life of sobriety by following
the A.A. program, they will look at the prospect of living
without alcohol and they will ask.  "Am I to be consigned to a
life where I shall be stupid, boring and glum, like some of the
righteous people I see?  I know I must get along without
liquor, but how can I?  Have you a sufficient substitute?" Have
I found a more than sufficient substitute for drinking?

Meditation for the Day

In God's strength you conquer life.  Your conquering power is
the grace of God.  There can be no complete failure with God.
Do you want to make the best of life?  Then live as near as
possible to God, the Master and Giver of all life. Your reward
for depending on God's strength will be sure. Sometimes the
reward will be renewed power to face life, sometimes wrong
thinking overcome, sometimes people brought to a new way of
living.  Whatever success comes will not be all your own doing,
but largely the working out of the grace of God.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may try to rely more fully on the grace of God.
I pray that I may live a victorious 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
SEPTEMBER 09

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

Perspective

Too often, we try to gain a clear perspective before it is time.

That will make us crazy.

We do not always know why things are happening the way they
are. We do not always know how a particular relationship will work
out. We do not always understand the source of our feelings, why
we've been led down a particular path, what is being worked out in
us, what we are learning, why we needed to recycle, why we had
to wait, why we needed to go through a time of discipline, or why
a door closed. How our present circumstances will work into the
larger scheme of events is not always clear to us. That is how it
needs to be.

Perspective will come in retrospect.

We could strain for hours today for the meaning of something that
may come in an instant next year.

Let it go. We can let go of our need to figure things out, to feel in
control.

Now is the time to be. To feel. To go through it. To allow things to
happen. To learn. To let whatever is being worked out in us take
its course.

In hindsight, we will know. It will become clear. For today, being is
enough. We have been told that all things shall work out for good
in our life. We can trust that to happen, even if we cannot see the
place today's events will hold in the larger picture.

Today, I will let things happen without trying to figure everything
out. If clarity is not available to me today, I will trust it to come
later,
in retrospect. I will put simple trust in the truth that all is well,
events
are unfolding as they should, and all will work out for good in my
life - better than I can imagine.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Peace Through Meditation Is Possible
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/July/feature2.htm

“In-Your-Face Productions”, Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/1999/09/alan.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

I love you as you are, as you seek to find your own special way
to relate to the world. I honour your choices to learn in the way
you feel is right for you.

I know it is important that you are the person you want to be and
not someone that I or others think you 'should' be. I realise that I
cannot know what is best for you, although perhaps sometimes
I think I do. I have not been where you have been, viewing life
from the angle you have. I do not know what you have chosen
to learn, how you have chosen to learn it, with whom or in what
time period. I have not walked life looking through your eyes, so
how can I know what you need.

I allow you to be in the world without a thought or word of
judgement from me about the deeds you undertake. I see no
error in the things you say and do. In this place where I am, I see
that there are many ways to perceive and experience the different
facets of our world. I allow without reservation the choices you
make in each moment. I make no judgement of this, for if I would
deny your right to your evolution, then I would deny that right for
myself and all others.

To those who would choose a way I cannot walk, whilst I may
not choose to add my power and my energy to this way, I will
never deny you the gift of love that God has bestowed within
me, for all creation. As I love you, so I shall be loved. As I sow,
so shall I reap.

I allow you the universal right of free will to walk your own path,
creating steps or to sit awhile if that is what is right for you. I will
make no judgement that these steps are large or small, nor
light or heavy or that they lead up or down, for this is just my
viewpoint. I may see you do nothing and judge it to be unworthy
and yet it may be that you bring great healing as you stand
blessed by the Light of God. I cannot always see the higher
picture of Divine order.

For it is the inalienable right of all life to choose their own
evolution and with great love I acknowledge your right to
determine your future. In humility I bow to the realisation that
the way I see as best for me does not have to mean it is also
right for you. I know that you are led as I am, following the
inner excitement to know your own path.

I know that the many races, religions, customs, nationalities
and beliefs within our world, bring us great richness and allow
us the benefit and teachings of such diverseness. I know we
each learn in our own unique way in order to bring that love
and wisdom back to the whole. I know that if there were only
one way to do something, there would need only be one person.

I will not only love you if you behave in a way I think you should
or believe in those things I believe in. I understand you are truly
my brother and my sister, though you may have been born in a
different place and believe in another God than I.

The love I feel is for all of God's world. I know that every living
thing is a part of God and I feel a love deep within for every
person, animal, tree and flower, every bird, insect, river and
ocean and for all the creatures in all the world.

I live my life in loving service, being the best me I can, becoming
wiser in the perfection of Divine truth, becoming happier in the
joy of unconditional love.

written by Sandy Stevenson

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

Something to Look Forward To

What if for today I gave myself
Three or four delightful meaningful things
to look forward to?
Events of my own creative invention
that delight me:

~ Lighting a candle and some incense, taking 20 minutes
to relax, pause and reflect
~ Mixing up a smoothie and sitting outside to drink it
~ Collecting or buying myself a bouquet of fresh flowers
~ Taking time for myself: a short walk where the green of
trees and the blue of sky may speak to me
~ Digging out an old favourite CD, or cassette, and listening,
really listening to it

Space them throughout the next few hours
Take time to savour them
Let them be Today's Delights

Love
Stella

© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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

September 9, 2002

Solitude: A good place to visit, but a poor place to stay.
- Josh Billings

One trait shared by sex addicts is that we don't like
to ask for help. We often sit in our Twelve Step meetings telling
each other how hard it is to ask for help, and it sometimes seems
we spend a lot of energy talking about it, but not asking for help.
Since many of us grew up with messages of isolation and shame
being constantly reinforced, help can seem like a luxury reserved
for other people. We think we don‚t deserve it. We think we should
be able to handle everything. We fail to realize we need help
because we‚re used to living in crisis. We tell ourselves our
concerns and problems aren't important enough to bother other
people with. Then, when life gets complicated, we blame
ourselves for feeling overwhelmed and unable to act.  But we do
deserve help. We deserve all the help we want and need, whether
it's a ride home when our car wont start or a friends arm to hold us
when we're crying. We're worth the time, effort, and concern of others
not because we‚re different, but because we're the same.

Today, I will take the risk of asking
for help, if help is what I need

ANSWERS IN THE HEART
Daily Meditations for men & women recovering from sex addiction
Hazelden Education Materials
Copyright 1989, P. Williamson and S. Kiser

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

A 9th Step Vow

Looking at my past now
regrets more than a few
harmed myself and others
while blind, diseased and cruel

No mistake too great to be erased
with God's recovery plan
living new found freedom
outgrown little boy blue, today a man

To give all to my God within
reservations? now none to grow
confident of my one more chance
to receive what we both know

Love abounds inside our hearts
mistakes weren't really made
just learning how to prep the way
to receive for all we've paid

Wanting just to watch paint dry
the simple things so dear
ready at long last to give
and live without any fear

It's not too late for miracles
God's will to now be heard
I give amends for all to know
I give my solemn word

All's been said, much left undone
no hurdles or harm so great
that Love can't clear away the walls
sans self will, its never to late

Whatever God now has in store
I know my parts been done
All harms erased that have been traced
Weight lifted, now free, no longer needing to run

AJ  1 / 3 / 97
aj4how@...

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

Two Lives

We are fortunate to live two lives
One full of resentments, anger and strife
Then we get to have life in recovery
No longer chained we are free
Freedom is here for the taking
Our dilemma was of our own making
We were our own worst enemy
Then God led us to recovery
Now we just live in today
Now we trudge our way
With gratitude we live
Happy to share
Happy to give
It feels so good
To live free
God has His hand
On both you and me
Daniel M Corkery
DMCDREAMER1@...
6/18/2002
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer/

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

To exist is to change;
to change is to mature;
to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.
Henri Bergson

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

Heaven is within us.
It has nothing ultimately to do with thoughts of someone else,
and everything to do with what we choose to think
- not just about one person, but about all people.
Marianne Williamson

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

The man who treasures his friends is
usually solid gold himself.
Marjorie Holmes ~ US writer "Love and Laughter," 1967

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

"One can never consent to creep when one has the impulse to soar."
Helen Keller

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

In the kingdom of hope there is no winter.
Russian Proverb

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

When in doubt, act as if.

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

Nothing is so bad,
that a using won't make it worse.

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

My worst day clean was better
than my best day using.

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

E.G.O.  = Easing God 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

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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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 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/

Step 9 Humor
www.recoverycartoons.com/step09.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
"Someone told me bring the body and the mind will follow
and to move a muscle change a thought"
What do they mean?
What are the top 5 tools you use in your recovery ?
Which is the one you use the most often ?
Which one is the most difficult for you to use ?

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 8
I am exactly where I'm supposed to be today.
Everything about this day, this place, this moment is perfect.
Everything about me is perfect 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Who Am I ???

I am your constant companion;
I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am completely at your command.
Half the things you do might just as well turn over to me
and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.

I am easily managed -
you must merely be firm with me.
Show me exactly how you want something done
and after a few lessons, I will do it automatically.
I am the servant of all great people;
and alas, of all failures as well.
Those who are great,
I have made great.
Those who are failures,
I have made failures.

I am not a machine,
though I work with all the precision of a machine
plus the intelligence of a human.
You may run me for a profit or run me for ruin -
it makes no difference to me.

Take me,
train me,
be firm with me,
and I will place the world at your feet.
Be easy with me,
and I will destroy you.

Who am I?

I am HABIT.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Learn To Write In The Sand
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1129

Sybil C., The First Woman in A.A. West of the Mississippi
www.barefootsworld.net/aasybilc.html

N.A. Moments from WSC 2006
www.na.org/naway/en/July06/en-naway0607-sect2.htm

12 Step Links
www.beliefnet.com/index/index_31949.html

Bill W. Speaks of Pearl Harbor
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/billw_yale1945.html

Bill W.'s Talk in Cleveland, Ohio, 1950
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/bill_cleveland1950.html

Confidence
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/Confidence.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/60.html

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

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

Just For Today
September 8
Rebellion

"We need not lose faith when we become rebellious"
Basic Text p.34

Many of us have lived our entire lives in revolt. Our initial response
to any type of direction is often negative. Automatic rejection of
authority seems to be a troubling character defect for many addicts.

A thorough self-examination can show us how we react to the world
around us. We can ask ourselves if our rebellion against people,
places, and institutions is justified. If we keep writing long enough,
we can usually get past what others did and uncover our own part in
our affairs. We find that what others did to us was not as important as
how we responded to the situations we found ourselves in.

Regular inventory allows us to examine the patterns in our reactions
to life and see if we are prone to chronic rebelliousness. Sometimes
we will find that, while we may usually go along with what is
suggested to us rather than risk rejection, we secretly harbor
resentments against authority. If left to themselves, these resentments
can lead us away from our program of recovery.

The inventory process allows us to uncover, evaluate, and alter our
rebellious patterns. We can't change the world by taking an inventory,
but we can change the way we react to it.

Just for today: I want freedom from the turmoil of rebelliousness.
Before I act, I will inventory myself and think about my true values.

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/September.html

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

A Clean Sweep

. . .and third, having thus cleared away the debris of the past,  we
consider how, with our newfound knowledge of ourselves, we
may develop the best possible relations with every human being
we know.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 77

As I faced the Eighth Step, everything that was required for
successful completion of the previous seven Steps came
together:  courage, honesty, sincerity, willingness and thoroughness.
I could not muster the strength required for this task at the
beginning, which is why this Step reads "Became willing. . ."

I needed to develop the courage to begin, the honesty to see
where I was wrong, a sincere desire to set things right,
thoroughness in making a list, and willingness to take the risks
required for true humility. With the help of my Higher Power in
developing these virtues, I completed this Step and continued to
move forward in my quest for spiritual growth.

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/ September 8th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Another of the mottoes of A.A. is "But for the Grace of God."
Once we have fully accepted the program we become humble
about our achievement.  We do not take too much credit for
our sobriety.  When we see another suffering alcoholic in the
throes of alcoholism, we say to ourselves: "But for the grace
of God, there go I." We do not forget the kind of people we
were.  We remember those we left behind us.  And we are
very grateful to the grace of God which has given us another
chance.  Am I truly grateful for the grace of God?

Meditation for the Day

A consciousness of God's presence as One who loves you
makes all life different.  The consciousness of God's love
promotes the opening of your whole being to God.  It brings
wonderful relief from the cares and worries of our daily
lives.  Relief brings peace and peace brings contentment.
Try to walk in God's love.  You will have that peace which
passes all understanding and a contentment that no one can
take from you.  Feel sure of God's unfailing love and care for
you and for all His children.  There is freedom and serenity in
those who walk in God's love, held safe in His loving care.

Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may walk in God's love.  I pray that, as I go, I
may feel the spring of God's power in my steps and the joy
of His love in my heart.

"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
SEPTEMBER 08

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

Stopping Our Pain

      Some of my feelings have been stored so long they have freezer
burn.    --Beyond Codependency

There are many sources of pain in our life. Those of us recovering
from adult children and codependency issues frequently have a
cesspool of unresolved pain from the past. We have feelings,
sometimes from early childhood to the present, that either hurt too
much to feel or that we had no support and permission to deal with.

There are other inevitable sources of pain in our life too. There is the
sadness and grief that comes when we experience change, even
good change, as we let go of one part of our life, and begin our
   journey into the new.

There is pain in recovery, as we begin allowing ourselves to feel
while dropping our protective shield of denial.

There is the pain that leads and guides us into better choices for
our future.

We have many choices about how to stop this pain. We may have
experimented with different options. Compulsive and addictive
behaviors stop pain - temporarily. We may have used alcohol, other
drugs, relationships, or sex to stop our pain.

We may talk compulsively or compulsively focus on other people
and their needs as a way to avoid or stop our pain.

We may use religion to avoid our feelings.

We may resort to denial of how we are feeling to stop our pain.

We may stay so busy that we don't have time to feel. We may
use money, exercise, or food to stop our pain.

We have many choices. To survive, we may have used some of
these options, only to find that these were Band Aids - temporary
pain relievers that did not solve the problem. They did not really
stop our pain; they postponed it.

In recovery, there is a better choice about how we may stop pain.
We can face it and feel it. When we are ready, with our Higher
Power's help, we can summon the courage to feel the pain, let it
go, and let the pain move forward - into a new decision, a better life.

We can stop the behaviors we are doing that cause pain, if that's
appropriate. We can make a decision to remove ourselves from
situations that cause repeated, similar pain. We can learn the lesson
our pain is trying to teach us.

If we are being pelted by pain, there is a lesson. Trust that idea.
Something is being worked out in us. The answer will not come
from addictive or other compulsive behaviors; we will receive the
answer when we feel our feelings.

It takes courage to be willing to stand still and feel what we must
feel. Sometimes, we have what seems like endless layers of pain
inside us. Pain hurts. Grief hurts. Sadness hurts. It does not feel
good. But neither does denying what is already there; neither does
living a lifetime with old and new pockets of pain packed, stored,
and stacked within.

It will only hurt for a while, no longer than necessary, to heal us.
We can trust that if we must feel pain, it is part of healing, and it is
good. We can become willing to surrender to and accept the
inevitable painful feelings that are a good part of recovery.

Go with the flow, even when the flow takes us through
uncomfortable feelings. Release, freedom, healing, and good
feelings are on the other side.

Today, I am open and willing to feel what I need to feel. I am willing
to stop my compulsive behaviors. I am willing to let go of my denial.
I am willing to feel what I need to feel to be healed, healthy, and
whole.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Blue Ribbon for Love
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/September/vissell.htm

Light In The Streets
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/July/feature1.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

I'm Enough
   by: Alan Cohen

"The truth about you is so lofty that nothing unworthy of God
is worthy of you" ...A Course In Miracles

   While shopping one day, I met a woman whom I found very
attractive.  Before I left her store, I told her, "I think your
very pretty."  Her response took me by surprise.  Quickly she
answered, "I'm a twin."

    As I walked  away, I tried to understand why she would say
that, I believe she was unable to receive the compliment fully.
By pointing out that she had a twin, she was, in effect saying,
"yes, but there are actually two of me, so I do not have to own
the full responsibility of being pretty."

    Many of us have difficulty accepting compliments because
we subconsciously believe that we are not worthy of them.
A compliment triggers our discomfort of believing that if the
complimenters knew the truth about us, they would find the
contrary.  We do not recognize that the person who compliments
us is closer to the truth than we are.

   There are many ways in which we deflect love when it's offered.
We say no to money when it's available, and we sabotage jobs.
We deal similarly with relationships, running from quality people,
acting in ways that we know will make them leave, or settling for
less than we want and deserve.  In sexuality, we may stop
ourselves from receiving real pleasure or experiencing orgasm
because we fear feeling vulnerable or being overwhelmed by the
energy of the love. Then, we go on living at half-steam and wonder
why we are not happy.

    We can cultivate our capacity to receive and enjoy love.  Practice
letting compliments in.  Instead of firing off a polite "Thank you,"
take a breath and a moment to let the gift seep in; this will energize
you and bless the giver.  When offered money or support, gratefully
accept.  In relationships and sexuality, don't settle for half-
fulfillment;
cultivate being filled with the gifts your partner brings.  Then we can
all be wholly beautiful and lovable, no matter how many of us there
are. Honor God and yourself, by letting the love in."

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

Speak

Holding conversations with yourself
is not easy
when you keep yourself busy
in order not to listen

Your mind has a way of sitting you down sometimes
so that you have no choice

Are your thoughts so truthful
that you have to run away from them to stay sane
or is it that the sanity awaits just around the corner
once you do stop, take a look, and listen
to what you've had to say for a long time?

You never know what you'll hear
If only you'll lend an ear

Love
Stella
© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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


HELP ME

God please help me
To understand and see
Teach me your gentle ways
Yes brighten up my cloudy days
God storms will come and storms go
Show me the paths please let me know
God help me out today
Teach me God your way
Stuck and cannot see light
As I battle this in side fight
God I know I have been wrong
Teach me God your precious song
Show me God which way I am to travel
Help me to take apart my life and unravel
The twisted thoughts that live in side
Help me God not to run and hide
I will now trust to you
All I say
All that I do
Help me today
Show me the way
If you led I will follow
No longer in self pity
Will I sulk an wallow
Help me God
Thanks

Daniel M Corkery
8/27/2003
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

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

THE A's WITHIN A.A.

A        Simple phone conversation.
A        Saving minute or two.
A        Time to consider what we might do.
A        Story or joke shared for all.
A        Cry or question WHY?
A        Reaching out for hope.
A        Time to be there to help someone cope.
A        Peace with ourselves.
A        Oneness with others.
A        Guiding Higher Power to control the desire to stray.
A        Fellowship which helps us stay.

            This is AA.

By Peter Tennyson D.O.S. 5/31/96 - Babylon "Off Main
Street Group" & TOWER GROUP WTC "Always and Forever"
ptennyso@...


This was written the Sunday before my 90th day, when I chose to
go to a meeting rather than drink.

I heard a speaker at the Good Samaritan Hospital Sunday Sobriety Group
"Carl" and his Louie the Limp Story and I knew then
that I was an Alcoholic who need AA to stay sober,

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

I think I've found it

"Community ~ Somewhere there are people
to whom we can speak with passion
without having the words catch in our throats.
Somewhere a circle of hands will open to receive us,
eyes will light up as we enter, voices will celebrate
with us whenever we come into our own power.
Community means strength that joins our strength
to do the work that needs to be done.
Arms to hold us when we falter.
A circle of healing.
A circle of friends.
Someplace where we can be free."
(Starhawk)

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

Spiritual Insight

Every thought we think
Is like a flower in life's garden,
And not the permanent possession of anyone.
Let our thoughts then
Be fragrant and beautiful,
Not rank and ugly,
That the memory we have behind us
Be felt as a blessing on this earth.
Omar Khayyam

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

Do you willingly devote a portion of your life
to something bigger than yourself?
Do you give time, talent, and money?
There is a difference between supporting a community and investing in
it.
Through service, you can make a life-changing difference,
not only for others, but yourself.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

When you cease to make a contribution you begin to die.
Eleanor Roosevelt

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

Try not to become a person of success, but rather a person of value.
Albert Einstein

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

And God said love me, love them, and love it,
and don't forget to love yourself.
Anna (Mister God, This Is Anna by Fynn)

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

Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do,
something to love, and something to hope for.
   Joseph Addison (essayist, poet, statesman)

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

When you dance with a gorilla,
it's the gorilla who decides when to stop.

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

Decisions: When you don't know what to do...
don't do anything.

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

It's a cinch by the inch;
it's hard by the yard.

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

We can disagree without being disagreeable.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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/







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Step 8 Humor
www.recoverycartoons.com/step08.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 September the 9th month, PLEASE share on the 9th step
If you haven’t done the 9th step with your sponsor
Please share on Forgiveness, Selflessness, Humility and Honesty...

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 7
Today I'm getting all the guidance
I need to take care of myself.
I need not keep pushing beyond my limitations.
I am learning to listen to my body and my mind,
and rest when I get the message.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Regina
A Messenger An Example and a Message

She was a gift to me.
So loving. So strong.
Brought me a program of choices,
To last my life long.

She held my hand & dried my tears.
Applauded my poems & calmed my fears.
Allowed me to feel with the love she’d lend.
Counselor, Sister, and finally, Friend.

  From where came her darkness, so vast & cold?
  From where came that Devil, insidious, bold?
Oh focus now Woman! Fight it! Fend!
It’s taking you away again.

The needles & the rest arrived.
That madness & the pain inside.
The secrets, dirty, dark, & deep.
The lonely nights. The sick drugged sleep.

Today she woke inside a jail.
No hope. No phone. No love. No bail.

Iris F
ifox@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It Begins and Ends With Me "Prayer"
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1127

Can We Conquer ALCOHOLISM?
by Marty Mann,
Executive Director, National Committee For Education on Alcoholism
Author of "Women Suffer Too" in the 2nd and 3rd Editions of the Big Book
www.barefootsworld.net/aaconquer.html

The Spirit of Narcotics Anonymous
www.nawol.org/2006_The%20Spirit%20of%20NA.htm

Comforting Thoughts
www.geocities.com/marisa1953us/ComfortingThoughts.html

In Remembrance of "Ebby"
www.silkworth.net/grapevine/remembrance_ebby.html

The Legacy of Recovery
www.silkworth.net/grapevine/legacy_recovery.html

Spirituality Links
www.beliefnet.com/index/index_210.html#rec

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
September 7                                   Resentment and forgiveness

"Where there has been wrong, the program teaches us the
spirit of forgiveness."  Basic Text p.12

   In NA, we begin to interact with the world around us. We no
longer live in isolation. But freedom from isolation has its price:

   The more we interact with people, the more often we'll find
someone stepping on our toes. And such are the circumstances
in which resentments are often born.

   Resentments, justified or not, are dangerous to our ongoing
recovery. The longer we harbor resentments, the more bitter
they become, eventually poisoning us. To stay clean, we must
find the capacity to let go of our resentments, the capacity to
forgive. We first develop this capacity in working Steps Eight
and Nine, and we keep it alive by regularly taking the Tenth
Step. Sometimes when we are unwilling to forgive, it helps to
remember that we, too, may someday require another person's
forgiveness. Haven't we all, at one time or another, done
something that we deeply regretted? And aren't we healed
in some measure when others accept our sincere amends?

   An attitude of forgiveness is a little easier to develop when
we remember that we are all doing the very best we can. And
someday we, too, will need forgiveness.

Just for today: I will let go of my resentments. Today, if I am
wronged, I will practice forgiveness, knowing that I need
forgiveness myself. pg. 261

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/September.html

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

A Look Backward

First, we take a look backward and try to discover where we
have been at fault; next we make a vigorous attempt to repair
the damage we have done; .
. .
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 77

As a traveler on a fresh and exciting A.A. journey of recovery,
I experienced a newfound peace of mind and the horizon
appeared clear and bright, rather than obscure and dim.
Reviewing my life to discover where I had been at fault
seemed to be such an arduous and dangerous task.  It was
painful to pause and look backward.  I was afraid I might
stumble!  Couldn't I put the past out of  my mind and just live
in my new golden present?  I realized that those in the past
whom I had harmed stood between me and my desire to
continue my movement toward serenity.  I had to ask for
courage to face those persons from my life who still lived in
my conscience, to recognize and deal with the guilt that their
presence produced  in me.  I had to look at the damage I had
done, and become willing to make amends.  Only then could
my journey of the spirit resume.

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/ September 7th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Another of the mottoes of A.A. is "Easy Does It."  This means
that we just go along in A.A. doing the best we can and not
getting steamed up over problems that arise in A.A. or outside
of it.  We alcoholics are emotional people and we have gone to
excess in almost everything we have done.  We have not been
moderate in many things.  We have not known how to relax.
Faith in a Higher Power can help us to learn to take it easy.
We are not running the world.  I am only one among many.
We are resolved to live normal, regular lives.  From our A.A.
experience we learn that "easy does it."  Have I Learned to
take it easy?

Meditation for the Day

"The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the
everlasting arms."  Sheltering arms express the loving
protection of God's spirit.  Human beings, in their troubles
and difficulties, need nothing so much as a refuge, a place
to relax where they can lay down their burdens and get
relief from cares.  Say to yourself: "God is my refuge."
Say it until its truth sinks into your very soul.  Say it until
you know it and are sure of it.  Nothing can seriously upset
you or make you afraid, if God is truly your refuge.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may go each day to God as a refuge until fear
goes and peace and security come.  I pray that I may feel
deeply secure in the Haven of His 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
SEPTEMBER 07

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

Powerless over Others

Stop making excuses for other people.

Stop making excuses for ourselves.

While it is our goal to develop compassion and achieve
forgiveness, acceptance, and love, it is also our goal to
accept reality and hold people accountable for their behavior.
We can also hold ourselves accountable for our own behavior
and, at the same time, have compassion and understanding
for ourselves.

When we claim powerlessness, we are not claiming irresponsibility.
We have no power to control others, what they do, what they
did, or what they might do. We're stating that we are willing
to end an ineffective life based on willpower and control. And
we're beginning a spiritual, mental, and emotional journey in
which we take responsibility for ourselves.

We are not victims. We are not helpless. Accepting powerlessness
when that is appropriate enables us to begin owning our true
power to take care of ourselves.

Today, I will avoid making excuses for my own or someone
else's behavior. I will let consequences and responsibility fall
where they belong.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Passion & Prayer, Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2000/09/alan.htm

Every Day Matters, The Spark
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/September/Everyday%
20Matters.html

Go For It
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/July/opinion.htm

“Sleeping For World Peace”, Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/1999/08/alan.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Whose REALITY Is It Anyway?
by Douglas Davis

I am so tired of hearing The weekend is over and tomorrow
it's back to reality! and You've lost touch with reality! or Get
Real! What exactly is reality and whose reality are we talking
about? I have also often heard: Wait until you get out into
the REAL WORLD! Where exactly are you when you aren't
in the real world? Are you in a false place? A world of non-
reality? Additionally there's the old, It won't be so easy when
you get out there! Prepare yourself for a merciless, cold, cruel
world. When you do get there, you will have to struggle and
deal with a lot of negative people and situations. Is that a set
up or what?

We are told what is and what is not "real" and what to expect
and how to fit in.

I saw a bumper sticker not too long ago that said "Question
reality". I agree. I think reality should be questioned and
challenged and maybe even done away with. Usually, when
someone tells you that you must "get back to reality", they are
talking about their own reality. People project their own belief
systems on others all the time and, if you're not careful, you
might start to think like them. I suppose most people believe
that there is one reality and that they have no choice but to
exist in it. Who decided what reality was to be when things
first got started? If you haven't already, I strongly suggest that
you begin to examine, right away, in whose reality you are
living. Are you following your own reality, or that of society, your
parents, some institution, or that of someone you knew 10 years
ago? What is real for you? Can you do anything to change
your reality, assuming you'd want to?

Just What Is Real?

Have you ever stopped to think that "reality" is, to so many
people, what is usually synonymous with a job or a task that
is unpleasant? Why is that? Who decided that reality should
be a necessary evil or just plain not fun? Does this mean
when you are having fun that you are doing something that's
not real? I think that we are all much closer to real reality
when we are having fun and feeling passionate and alive.
Being quiet, centered, feeling joy, doing nothing all day...
now THAT'S my idea of reality!

How much does "reality" dictate to you what you must do?
Must you struggle and work hard at something you don't
enjoy in order to pay the bills? Also, do you believe reality
dictates that we all have to do things we don't like? Is this
   just the way it is, or is there something that can be done
about it? Who decided these things?

And now for a little dose of reality! Many of you know by now
that you are the creator of your own reality, even the bad stuff.
The thing is, you can't start doing anything about your reality
until you know this and accept it. Taking responsibility for your
life is the first step in getting yourself out from under the clutches
of the old belief system.

The next step is to look at yourself. It is the way you see yourself
that determines how you view the world around you. In other
words, your outer reality is a reflection of your inner reality,
your inner thoughts and beliefs. Therefore, your "real world"
will be negative only if you perceive aspects of yourself as
negative. Change how you perceive yourself and you change
your reality.

If you believe you are a limited being, undeserving, and a
victim with very little choice in life, then that is exactly what
your reality will be. If you choose to believe that you are
susceptible to colds, the flu, and all sorts of other common
maladies every time there's a change in the weather, then
that, too, will be your reality. If, however, you believe you are
a limitless, multidimensional person and that abundance,
prosperity, and radiant good health are yours for the taking,
then that is the reality you will manifest.

You empower yourself when you realize that you can create
your own reality. The fact is, your life does not have to be
cold and cruel. You simply do not have to accept what
someone tells you is real. If you think you have to struggle
to pay the bills, you may want to take a look at the possibility
that your possessions are enslaving you. How many things
do you feel you MUST have? How much could you let go in
order to be freer? Or, what could you do to increase your
income that would allow you to keep all of your possessions
and acquire even more? Think about this. If you are in a
relationship that no longer serves you, then why do you remain
in it? Could it be you think you have no other choice and
"reality" dictates that you must stay there? If you do not like
your present reality, then go within and ask your Higher Self
what part of you is thinking negatively and why.

What Were You Taught?

Much of what we believe about the nature of reality and
ourselves is determined by what is taught to us. We are told
what is and what is not "real" and what to expect and how to
fit in. This is done so that the vast majority of us do not make
the full connection with our true spiritual selves. Therefore,
control and power are maintained and the status quo goes
unchallenged.

The "real world', as it has been traditionally defined, is an
illusion. Our challenge is to realize this and then to discover
our own. Consider how much you may have bought into the
program and, when you are ready, start creating your new
reality and don't look back.

About The Author:
Douglas Davis holds a master's degree in education and
is the founder and director of the Personal Empowerment
Institute which offers courses in metaphysics, life purpose and
self-empowerment. Courses are available by mail. Douglas can
be reached at: P.O. Box 1071, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223.

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

Enough

My blessings overwhelm me
Why am I afraid of stepping out further
onto the fruitful branch?
Am I not content with what I have?
Is it not enough?

When I was small I was never enough
I never had enough
or was good enough
Those dissatisfactions came from outside disapprovals

Now I am big and I surely have enough
But it's my turn to step out into the light
for the "not enough" is not dissatisfactions
It's the natural evolution of growth stages
that follow each other
that need expression in my own personal world
It's the next step along the journey
of becoming who I already am

When I was small I was good enough ~
it's just that no one ever told me
I was being who I needed to be at the time

And I am 'enough' for today
as I embrace the realization that who I am is changing
for there is always a new me waiting
around the next dream, to be fulfilled in the next day
along my journey

To go on further into who I am to be
I have to be where I already am

Love
Stella
© 2001 Stella Raymonde Savoie
stellaraymonde@...

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

Be Fruitful
~Virginia~

"Being fruitful is always an inside job.
It has little to do with what goes on outside.

If you don't start your planting
with a heart clean and clear,
You'll soon find that your crop
yields up just what you fear.

You can till the soil, fertilize all you will.
Your very best intentions will only bear nil.

A wise man once told me something
profound and so true...
If you have bad relations,
abundance is surely blocked from you.

When your heart is so occupied
with feelings of pain,
Could there be any room
for life and growth to sustain?

If to be fruitful in all ways
is the desire of your life,
Think for a moment about all of your strife.

Consider the value of changing your view,
as the fruits of your labor
yield a cornucopia of good for you."
(Copyright 2000)

written by ~ Virginia Santoro
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

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

September 7, 2002

      You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every
   experience in which you really stop to look fear in
   the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I lived
   through this horror. I can take the next thing that
   comes along"         - Eleanor Roosevelt


One of the miracles of recovery from sexual addiction is that
it gives us courage in the face of life‚s darker realities. We
can help others face addiction, depression, or illness because
we've been there too. We've gone through so much, and
we've come out on the other side. We understand the fear.

What a tremendous gift that can be to others, especially for
those who come into recovery after us. Our presence, our
support, our unconditional love, our nonjudgmental attitude
are often just what another suffering addict needs. Our
experiences as practicing sex addicts have given us
understanding and wisdom. We have the perspective to be
practical and realistic when necessary. We have the empathy
to be compassionate. We have the strength and clarity to
keep our boundaries in the face of another‚s addiction. Our
courage is our recovery in action, and for that we can be
grateful.
    I can go through difficulties so that I can be helped,
   And so that I can later help someone else.

ANSWERS IN THE HEART
Daily Meditations for men & women recovering from sex addiction
Hazelden Education Materials
Copyright 1989, P. Williamson and S. Kiser

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

The Beauty Within

Beauty lies within us
no matter how far from the truth that seems
even at our darkest moments
if we take that second to look
we can see the wondrous vision
of our Higher Power shining
from within our spirit's glen
there are gardens and glades
of knowledge and awareness
boundless love and unspoken dreams
that we can meander through
picking flowers of consciousness
blossoms of awakening
cat-tails of hopes and goals
we can lay beside brooks of compassion
trickling through our hearts
gaze at skies of new opportunities
alive with joyous clouds, bursting
with the sunlight of a brand new life
glory shafts dancing over us
illuminating all of the beauty
within and around our spirits today.
Today, I will open my eyes
and see all of the beauty and wonder
this new life holds, both around me
and especially within me.
Today I will be thankful, and grow.

Much love, light, and awareness,
johnh94@...
09-04-02

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

"A Room Of Love"

Garbled words of prayers, heard grumbling in the night,
The false reflection from my mirror, is a frightening sight.
I chance to take another look, he sure looks a lot like me.

Despair sets in as I weep for help, but no one is around,
Forsaken now by all my friends, I pass out on the ground.
I beg and plead " help me God " as I fumble for a beer,
If your so real like they say, why is it you don’t hear?

Another night trapped by day, the ground begins to spin,
Just trying to struggle along, is a race I wont win.
A good-hearted man spoke to me, let me be your friend,
Tender words he whispered low, this need not be the end.

He stayed with me by my side, through the countless days,
Cared for me and suggested, I should try to change my ways.
With unsteady hands I got cleaned up, we were going out.
To a room of love where I found out,what I was all about.
" And in these rooms I learned to listen, no longer need I fear,
finally I knew where I was going, with my friend so very near.
Step by Step I'll walk the walk, for a friend did bring me home,
For the miracles of these rooms of love, I need no longer be Alone………

Written by ~ Les
AAWhiteCloud@...

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

"If you're able to be yourself, then you have no competition.
All you have to do is get closer and closer to that essence."
Barbara Cook

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

Our minds used to make comments on everything that
happened. It was always judging, commenting, criticizing,
approving, deciding whether something was right or wrong,
good or bad, too big or too small, too this or too that.  I was
so busy comparing what was to what I thought it should be
or wanted it to be that I did not have time to enjoy the moment.

Today I'm learning to stop judging and comparing so I can be
with what is.  I am learning to accept what is without the struggle
of trying to decide whether it is right or wrong.

written for "Time for Joy" © Ruth Fishel

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

"One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses
the only strength which can overcome adversity."
   Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)

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

There is no need to run outside for better seeing,
nor to peer from a window.
Rather abide at the center of your being;
for the more you leave it, the less you learn.
Search your heart and see if he is wise who takes each turn:
The way to do is to be.
Lao-Tsu

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

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am,
then I can change.
Carl Rogers

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

Fear is the mother of all character defects.

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

Coincidences are God's way of staying anonymous.

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

Integrity is telling myself the truth.
And honesty is telling the truth to other people.
Spencer Johnson

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

Are you comparing your insides
to someone else's outsides?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Identify, Don't Compare*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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.
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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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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. ~ cleandate 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...

         ==  ==      "we are each of us angels
    <^\()/\()/^>       with but one wing,
        \/  \/  \/       and can only fly by
         /  \/  \        embracing each other"
         `""``""`

Scott’s Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

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

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

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




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Step 7 Humor
www.recoverycartoons.com/step07.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 September the 9th month, PLEASE share on the 9th step
If you haven’t done the 9th step with your sponsor
Please share on Forgiveness, Selflessness, Humility and Honesty...

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sept.  6
Today I'm listening to my self-talk with a
non-judgemental ear.
It is okay to make mistakes today.
I'm giving myself positive messages
with permission to accept both my victories and defeats.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Steps to Freedom

Behind my prison wall I emerge
Feelings and emotions start to surge
I don’t like what I feel
And no longer can use to conceal
Full of panic I try to run
But to no avail I know I’m all done
There is nothing left to fill the hole
So tell me now what is the goal
A voice says that God has sent me a guide
No longer do I need to run and hide
My whole life I’ve searched for relief
And now I have a touch of belief
It tells me to take her hand that it’s okay
She’ll listen to what I have to say
They are already open, those inner doors
It’s the only way to settle my scores
Slowly she’ll walk with me into my past
I am told it’s wise not to go too fast
She’ll help me uncover the guilt, shame and blame
And finally extinguish the raging flame
No longer will I be at war
I’ll have the courage to say “No more”
I’m told to go into the heart and into the soul
Then I’ll see my part and my role
In order to have peace
I need to finally release
Then maybe, just maybe I’ll be free
To be the person I was meant to be
The person who is really me

Kelly
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I Pray For My Friends
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1120

Marty Mann After Twenty-Nine Years
Author of "Women Suffer Too"
in the 2nd and 3rd Editions of the Big Book
www.barefootsworld.net/aamartym29.html

N.A.W.O.L. Traditions War: a pathway to peace
Chapter 19: Pathway to Peace
www.nawol.org/twpp20pathwaytopeace.html

Comfort
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/Comfort.html

Bill W.'s letter to Dr. C. G. Jung
www.silkworth.net/grapevine/bwtocgjung.html

Dr. C. G. Jung's reply to Bill W.'s letter
www.silkworth.net/grapevine/cgjungtobw.html

See the Still Water, Take ONE Minute For Yourself
www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/5681/stillwater/water.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
September 6                                  Regular Meeting Attendance

"We have learned from our group experience that those who keep
coming to our meetings regularly stay clean." Basic Text p.9

The NA program gives us a new pattern of living. One of the basic
elementsof that new pattern is regular meeting attendance. For the
newcomer, living clean is a brand new experience. All that once was
familiar is changed. The old people, places, and things that served as
props on the stage of our lives are gone. New stresses appear, no
longer masked or deadened by drugs. That's why we often suggest
that newcomers attend a meeting every day. No matter what comes
up, no matter how crazy the day gets, we know that our daily meeting
awaits us. There, we can renew contact with other recovering addicts,
people who know what we're going through because they've been
through it themselves. No day needs to go by without the relief we
get only from such fellowship.

As we mature in recovery, we get the same kinds of benefits from
regular meeting attendance. Regardless of how long we've been
clean, we never stop being addicts. True, we probably won't
immediately start using mass quantities of drugs if we miss our
meetings for a few days. But the more regularly we attend NA meetings,
the more we reinforce our identity as recovering addicts. And each
meeting helps put us that much further from becoming using addicts
again.

Just for today: I will make a commitment to include regular meeting
attendance as a part of my new pattern of living. pg. 260

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/September.html

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

Removing "The Ground Grass"

The moral inventory is a cool examination of the damages that
occurred to us during life and a sincere effort to look at them in a
true perspective.  This has the effect of taking the ground glass
out of us, the emotional substance that still cuts and inhibits.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 140

My Eighth Step list used to drag me into a whirlpool of resentment.
After four years of sobriety, I was blocked by denial connected with
an ongoing abusive relationship.  The argument between fear and
pride eased as the words of the Step moved from my head to my heart.
For the first time in years I opened my box of paints and poured out an
honest rage, an explosion of reds and blacks and yellows.  As I looked
at the drawing, tears of joy and relief flowed down my cheeks.  In my
disease, I had given up my art, a self-inflicted punishment far greater
than any imposed from outside.  In my recovery, I learned that the pain
of my defects is the very substance God uses to cleanse my character
and to set me free.

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/ September 6th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Another of the mottoes of A.A. is "Live and Let Live."  This,
of course, means tolerance of people who think differently than
we do, whether they are in A.A. or outside of A.A.  We cannot
afford the luxury of being intolerant or critical of other people.
We do not try to impose our wills on those who differ from us.
We are not "holier than thou."  We do not have all the answers.
We are not better than other good people.  We live the best way
we can and we allow others to do likewise.  Am I willing to live
and let live?

Meditation for the Day

"And this is life eternal, that we may know Thee, the only true
God."  Learning to know God as best you can draws the eternal
life nearer to you.  Freed from some of the limitations of
humanity, you can grow in the things that are eternal.  You can
strive for what is real and of eternal value.  The more you try
to live in the consciousness of the unseen world, the gentler will
be your passing into it when the time comes for you to go.  This
life on earth should be largely a preparation for the eternal life
to come,

Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may live each day as though it were my last.  I pray
that I may live my life as though it were everlasting.

"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
SEPTEMBER 06

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

The Good in Step Ten

Step Ten says: "Continued to take personal inventory and when
we were wrong promptly admitted it." It does not suggest that we
ignore what is right in our life. It says we continue to take a personal
inventory and keep a focus on ourselves.

When we take an inventory, we will want to look for many things. We
can search out feelings that need our attention. We can look for low
self-esteem creeping back in. We can look for old ways of thinking,
feeling, and behaving. We can look for mistakes that need correcting.

But a critical part of our inventory can focus on what we're doing right
and on all that is good around us.

Part of our codependency is an obsessive focus on what's wrong and
what we might be doing wrong - real or imagined. In recovery we're
learning to focus on what's right.

Look fearlessly, with a loving, positive eye. What did you do right
today?] Did you behave differently today than you would have a year
ago? Did you reach out to someone and allow yourself to be
vulnerable? You can compliment yourself for that.

Did you have a bad day but dealt effectively with it? Did you practice
gratitude or acceptance? Did you take a risk, own your power, or set
a boundary? Did you take responsibility for yourself in a way that you
might not have before?

Did you take time for prayer or meditation? Did you trust God? Did
you let someone do something for you?

Even on our worst days, we can find one thing we did right. We can
find something to feel hopeful about. We can find something to look
forward to. We can focus realistically on visions of what can be.

God, help me let go of my need to stay immersed in negativity. I can
change the energy in my environment and myself from negative to
positive. I will affirm the good until it sinks in and feels real. I
will also
strive to find one quality that I like about someone else who's
important to me, and I will take the risk of telling him or her that.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Communicating From The Heart
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2000/09/heart.htm

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

Words of Wisdom and Affirmation, Louise Hay
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/September/hay.htm

“Fair Or Powerful?”, Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/1999/07/alan.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Wounded To Grow

By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.

When Life seems to pound on us, we often ask, Why me?"  It is
a question no one ever seems to answer.  There is the biblical
story of Job, who asked that question of God, and even God
didn't provide him with a satisfactory answer.

Life is hard when we get up each day and feel like we are
stepping into a boxing ring.  We have multiple opponents: the
challenges of daily life.  Not only are we confronted with the
external challenges of relating to other people and tasks.
We are also met with the inner battles of fear, insecurity, anger,
self-doubt, jealousy, envy, greed, etc.

The other day, I found the following story about Saint Teresa of
Avila.  She was described as "full of life, with a quick tongue,
mischievous spirit, and ready wit."  One stormy night she found
herself in an old cart, holding the reins of two old oxen, as she
bumped over a muddy road in Spain.  Lightning flashed and
thunder roared; in a panic, the startled ox sped up, and the wheel
of the wagon caught in a deep hole, throwing Teresa off the cart,
where she landed head first in the mud.

"Teresa knew that she was supposed to thank God for everything,
but this wasn't going to be easy.  Just then she heard the voice of
God say, 'Teresa, be not dismayed, but only strengthened...I offer
this only to my most faithful friends.'

"Teresa, with her face scraped and covered with mud, thought
about this message for a moment, then looked up and replied,
'Perhaps that's why you have so few.'"

Life seems to comfort those who are upset and upset those who
are comfortable.  Sometimes, "out of nowhere" Life lands a punch
that slams us into the ropes or knocks us to the canvas.  Such
punches come in forms of a betrayal of a trusted friend, a financial
crisis, a death of a loved one, a divorce, a sudden illness or injury,
or simply the cumulative effects of daily stressors.

Such stresses can shock us, disorient us and they always wound
us in some way.  When we are wounded, we ask, "Why me?" "Why
now?"

Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions.  When we are
broadsided by circumstance, wounded by Life, maybe we need to
ask, "What do I do now? Do I stay down or do I stand up?" The instant
we are wounded, we can't do anything to make it not happen.  All we
can do is decide how we plan on responding.  And if we aren't dead,
killed by the wound, we have the opportunity to choose how we are
going to respond...stay down or get up.

Choosing to stand up after a severe fall requires great courage and
endurance.  But hard knocks also provide opportunities that simply
don't come around when life is comfortable.  Fortunately, tragedies
can serve as an opening to change, to grow, to strengthen us and to
learn.  Children with cancer are often transformed into wise old sages
in bodies of young children.  They often teach us by example and
even in words, how to really live as well as how to move through
dying.

When battered and beaten, we often open up, drop our guard,
and stop our usual rigid habits.  We become vulnerable to
learning again.  Like every seed, we need to break open in order
to grow.  The sperm punctures the ova.  Both are wounded and
destroyed.  Both are transformed into an entirely new life.

When we have been wounded by Life, we become vulnerable to
new life, new learning.  We are transformed into "beginners" again.
Like the parachute; the mind and heart work best when open.
Becoming a beginner at living again, we remain open to new
discovery and develop new talents and skills at managing our
lives.

So when Life hits us hard, perhaps the best way to choose to
respond is to be open to what we can learn or develop from the
experience.Then we might be able to say honestly what Sandra
Knell once wrote..."I'm looking forward to looking back on all
this."  Perhaps the most satisfactory answer to the question, "Why
me?" is "Why not me?"  May Life continue to transform us into
those human beings we were meant to be.

About the Author:
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@....

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

Retiring Carpenter

      An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-
contractor of his plans to leave the house building business
and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended
family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire.
They could get by.

   The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked
if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The
carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart
was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and
used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his
career. When the carpenter finished his work and the builder
came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door
key to the carpenter.

   "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you." What a shock! What
a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house,
he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the
home he had built none too well.

   So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting
rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At
important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with
a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we
are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized that
we would have done it differently. Think of yourself as the
carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail,
place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you
will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day
deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity.

The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project."

   Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your
attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the
result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.

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

Enlightenment

Come through the gates of my garden
Enlightenment says
Come without fear and attend keenly to my space
Let joys and tears flow, alike as they are here
Where discovery and growth walk hand in hand
I will show you wonders for your soul
Music that soothes
Words that make dance the strings of your heart
I will guide your quest for inner workings and answers

The Universe is a portal into the depths of questions
Come let me be the torch-bearer
beyond the darkness of oblivion and ignorance
Listen to the invitation of your heart
where Enlightenment lives

love,
Stella
© 2002 Stella Raymonde Savoie-Johnson
stellaraymonde@...

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

Just Let Go

I'm not the person I was before,
I think I walked through Heaven's door,
So different than I used to be,
It feels so good to just be free.

I used to be so all alone,
I had no place to call a home,
I drank all day, I couldn't quit,
No aim in life, I'd lost my grit.

And yet I was feeling a lot like you,
I wanted to get away from me, too.
No place to go, nowhere to hide,
With all this misery deep inside.

There wasn't any fanfare then,
This beautiful day my life began.
All those years I couldn't see
That I loved God and He loved me.

This peaceful life I live today,
So grateful now, I've found a way,
To live my life and learn to grow,
To simply pray and just let go.

Sharlett Hunt
9/4/03
Sharlette863@...

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

Ending is Beginning

Walking out the door of life
I find myself in a void
nothing moves
no color no sound

I wander forever it seems
but I have no measure of time
I wonder
Will this be my death?

The silence bothers me
and I begin to yell
I want to go home!
I want to live!

My decision made
I struggle anew
to find my new path
and new ways to play

I know I can make it
I just have to try
I can't go back out there
I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!!

written by Ester M 5-2-2001

I am a current "wet drunk" who has spent some time in the program.
I need some e+s+h from someone who has come in and out of the door
before--mostly on how to manage to come back in the doors and take
it seriously this time--I was clean and sober for 13 month last time-
I have only been drinking for 4 months this time, but for some reason,
I just cant seem to get back on track. Any help would be greatly
appreciated!!!
DesertMitchells@...

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

Our lives improve only when we take chances -
and the first and most difficult risk
we can take is to be honest with ourselves.
Walter Anderson

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

He who is not courageous enough to take
risks will accomplish nothing in life.
Muhammad Ali

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

There is no such emotion as anger.
Anger is a learned response to the real emotion of fear.
Fear of not getting what we want
or losing what we already have.

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

If you want to change your life - change your mind.

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

The superior man is modest in his speech,
but excels in his actions.
Confucius

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

Change is inevitable,
Growth is optional

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

If nothing changes,
nothing changes.

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

If you fail to change the person
you were when you came in,
that person will take you back out.

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

Character is how we act
when we think no one is watching.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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
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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:
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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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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Step 6 Humor
www.recoverycartoons.com/step06.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 September the 9th month, PLEASE share on the 9th step
If you haven’t done the 9th step with your sponsor
Please share on Forgiveness, Selflessness, Humility and Honesty...

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 5
I am a terrific human being,
I deserve wonderful things to happen to me...
and they are.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ninth Step Share

When I crawled to the rooms,
beaten down and afraid,
I wanted immediate forgiveness
for the mess I had made.
I ran around, almost proudly,
to everyone I knew,
telling of my addiction,
and what it made me do.
For this was a reason,
an explanation, you see,
for why I had lived
in such insanity.
To my surprise I was met
with anger by some,
who didn't care that addiction
was behind all my wrongs.
To them this was just another,
in a long line of excuses;
me, caught, trying to find
someone else to accuse.
Also, I'd confessed
to some sins still unknown,
causing more harm than healing,
another chance I had blown.
I finally realized
why the Steps are in line
and why I couldn't jump
from Step One to Step Nine.
An amend is much more
than saying, "sorry" once more.
It's a change in my character,
so I'm not the same as before.
I had to come to believe,
give up my will and my life
if I was ever to end
all this ongoing strife.
I had to list all my secrets
face them with God and a friend,
and work on those defects
before I could make an amend!

A little rough, but wanted to share on the topic!
I think most of us, when we come into recovery,
want to work steps one, nine, and twelve!
(I surrender, I'm sorry, and I'll help!) I'm glad I finally
got a sponsor and some humility and patience, and was able to work
the steps in order, so that my life has become a living amend!
I love all of you and my life today, and all the opportunities for
growth that walking this path offers me! You are all miracles, and I
want to thank you for being such a strong part of my life!
As Scott says, we are all Angels with just one wing. . .
thank you for lifting me up today!
John H
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Higher Power
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1113

Marty Mann and the Evolution of Alcoholics Anonymous
Author of "Women Suffer Too"
in the 2nd and 3rd Editions of the Big Book
www.barefootsworld.net/aamartymann.html

N.A.W.O.L. Traditions War: a pathway to peace
Chapter 19: Traditions War Memorial
www.nawol.org/twpp19traditionswarmemorial.html

Burden
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/Burden.html

My Chosen Path
www.serenitygarden.net/index31.htm

Walls
www.serenitygarden.net/index17.htm

This Matter of Fear ,  by Bill W.
www.silkworth.net/grapevine/matter_fear.html

Spiritual Experiences ,  by Bill W.
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/spiritual_experiences.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
September 5                                      Not hopelessly bad

"We find that we suffer from a disease, not a moral dilemma. We
were critically ill, not hopelessly bad." Basic Text p.16

   For many of us, Narcotics Anonymous was the answer to a personal
puzzle of long standing. Why did we always feel alone, even in a crowd,
we wondered? Why did we do so many crazy, self-destructive things?
Why did we feel so badly about ourselves so much of the time? And
how had our lives gotten so messed up? We thought we were hopelessly
bad, or perhaps hopelessly insane.

   Given that, it was a great relief to learn we suffered from a disease.
Addiction-that was the source of our problems. A disease, we realized,
could be treated. And when we treat our disease, we can begin to
recover.

   Today, when we see symptoms of our disease resurfacing in our lives,
we need not despair. After all, it's a treatable disease we have, not a
moral dilemma. We can be grateful we can recover from the disease of
addiction through the application of the Twelve Steps of NA.

Just for today: I am grateful that I have a treatable disease, not
a moral dilemma. I will continue applying the treatment for the
disease of addiction by practicing the NA program. pg. 259

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/September.html

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

Redoubling Our Efforts

To a degree, he has already done this when taking moral
inventory, but now the time has come when he ought to
redouble his efforts to see how many people he has hurt,
and in what ways.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 77

As I continue to grow in sobriety, I become more aware of
myself as a person of worth.  In the process, I am better able
to see others as persons, and with this comes the realization
that these were people whom I had hurt in my drinking days.
I didn't just lie, I lied about Tom.  I didn't just cheat, I cheated
Joe.
What were seemingly impersonal acts, were really personal
affronts, because it was people - people of worth - whom I had
harmed.  I need to do something about the people I have hurt so
that I may enjoy a peaceful sobriety.

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/ September 5th

A.A. Thought for the Day

One of the mottoes of A.A. is "First Things First."  This means
that we should always keep in mind that alcohol is our number
one problem.  We must never let any other problem, whether
of family, business, friends, or anything else, take precedence
in our minds over our alcoholic problem.  As we go along in A.A.,
we learn to recognize the things that may upset us emotionally.
When we find ourselves getting upset over something, we must
realize that it's a luxury we alcoholics can't afford.  Anything
that makes us forget our number-one problem is dangerous to
us.  Am I keeping sobriety in first place in my mind?

Meditation for the Day

Spiritual progress is the law of your being.  Try to see around
you more and more of beauty and truth, knowledge and power.
Today try to be stronger, braver, more loving as a result of
what you did yesterday.  This law of spiritual progress gives
meaning and purpose to your life.  Always expect better things
ahead.  You can accomplish much good through the strength
of God's spirit in you.  Never be too discouraged.  The world
is sure to get better, in spite of setbacks of war, hate, and
greed.  Be part of the cure of the world's ills, rather than part
of the disease.

Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may keep progressing in the better life.  I pray
that I may be a part of the forces for good in the world.

"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
TUESDAY , SEPTEMBER 05, 2006

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

Step Ten

      Continued to take personal inventory and when we were
wrong promptly admitted it.
      --Step Ten of Al Anon

Once we have worked our way to this Step, we can maintain
and increase our self-esteem by regularly working Step Ten.

This Step incorporates the process we have gone through in
Steps Four through Nine. We do not work this Step to punish
ourselves or to hold ourselves under a constantly critical and
demeaning microscope. We do it to maintain self-esteem and
harmony in our relationship with others and ourselves. We do
it to stay on track.

When an issue or problem emerges and needs our attention,
identify it and openly discuss it with at least one safe person
and God. Accept it. Become willing to let go of it. Ask God to
take it from us. Have a change of heart by the willingness to
make whatever amend is called for - to do what is necessary
to take care of ourselves. Take an appropriate action to resolve
the matter. Then let go of the guilt and shame.

This is a simple formula for taking care of ourselves. This is how
we change. This is how we become changed. This is the process
for healing and health. This is the process for achieving
self-responsibility and self esteem.

The next time we do something that bothers us, the next time we
feel off track or off course, we don't have to waste our time or
energy feeling ashamed. We can take a Tenth Step. Let the
process happen. And move on with our life.

God, help me make this Step and other Steps a habitual way of
responding to life and my issues. Help me know that I am free to
live, to allow myself to fully experiment with and experience life.
If I get off course, or if an issue arises that demands my attention,
help me deal with it by using the Tenth Step.

©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 Second Most Important Quality in a Relationship
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/September/vissell.htm

The Divine Payroll
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/September/Cohen.html

What You’re Worth
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/September/cohen.htm

The Sweetest Dessert
www.inlightimes.com/archives/1999/06/sweetest.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Awakening With The Enemy
by Mark Dillof

"Life is a hospital in which all of the patients are continually
trying to change beds."   -- Baudelaire

When we are alone we might feel tormented by the emptiness
of our existence. We are saddened by life's loneliness, and are
driven by an emotional hunger. We feel unreal. We suspect
that something is missing from life, and we believe that our
hunger will be satisfied by inviting another person into our life,
so we enter into a relationship.

How ironic existence is! We are no longer lonely, but now we
are plagued by disagreements, beset by responsibilities. As if
this isn't enough, we must deal with our spouse's family. The
gods have played a joke on us. The negative dimension of our
life, which we experience as suffering, is equivalent to what it
was prior to the relationship, even though our present problems
are different from our former ones.

The effort to eradicate our difficulties merely serves to change
the nature of them. This phenomenon operates in all dimensions
of human existence, not just in relationships. If we are anxious,
we seek a secure life. If we are secure, we are soon bored.
Without funds, we feel the sting of poverty, but if we get rich,
we suspect that people like us only for our money.

This phenomenon has been noted by thinkers throughout the
ages. In ancient Greece, Epictetus inquired: "What is it about
life that there is always something missing?" Mark Twain
observed: "Life is one damn thing after another." The German
philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer said there is a void in each
of us which must be filled with suffering. Solving one problem
thus causes a new one to take its place. Sometimes a big
problem will be replaced
by several small ones.

We call this phenomenon, in which the negative dimension of
life is present both before and after we make changes, the
Conservation of Suffering. We use the word "conservation"
because physicists use the phrase, "conservation of energy,
or of matter" to indicate that matter or energy can be neither
created nor destroyed. Only the form of energy or matter
changes. The same is true of suffering.

Erotic love appears as an antidote to the lack that we experience
about our life. It promises to end our suffering. It fails to do so, but
serves as a catalyst to transform our suffering into new forms.
Similarly, in changing from one romantic attachment to another,
our suffering is transformed. For example, a man's wife may be a
serious, mature woman, but then he finds himself bored by her.
He divorces her and marries an immature, irresponsible "baby"
who cannot even balance the checkbook. Feeling burdened by
her, he sees that the nature of his suffering has changed, but the
quantity of his suffering has remained constant.

We see how the negative undergoes transmutation, yet is
conserved. By grasping this principle, we are not deceived into
thinking that a new type of relationship will free us from suffering.
When we turn away from the hope deriving from superficial change,
our lives can be transformed.

What is the origin of this dreadful -- but monstrously elegant and
divinely comical -- Conservation of Suffering phenomenon? Its
origin is our ignorance that the criteria of what it means to be --
physical existence, recognition, infinitude, and identity -- are
antinomic. (An antinomy is a contradiction that cannot be resolved
by dropping any of the terms and, therefore, cannot be avoided.)
Our ignorance gives us hope and drives us to seek new variations
of the same solution, the same contradictory answer to the question
of how to be. We wander for years through life's maze of false
solutions, until our time finally runs out. This has been the fate of
countless people. We are deluding ourselves if we think that, in
spite of maintaining our ignorance, we shall be an exception.

The only way to escape from the maze is to uncover, not only
the special characteristics of our own particular answer, but
the hidden question to which our life is an answer. Seeing the
antinomic nature of what we seek releases us from the
conservation of suffering. This release is akin to awakening
from a long dream.

Waking up Together

"Life is a dream." - Calderon de Ca Barca

The togetherness that we desire in a relationship is founded on
"sleeping together". The phrase is appropriate because the couple
sinks into an unconscious "dance" or interaction. "Dreaming
together" more accurately describes this interaction. Before long,
our sleep is disturbed as the dream that initially seemed appealing
becomes increasingly darkened by shadows. The relationship is
not working. Conflicts have emerged.

When we first analyze relationship conflicts, it seems that if each
person would try to be more reasonable, the problems could be
solved. However, even if people try valiantly to solve their problems,
negativities inevitably persist. It is like fighting a hydra-headed
monster: cutting off one head causes new ones to appear in its
place. Similarly, solving one problem invariably causes new
problems  to appear. We are dealing with something more
formidable than we had initially imagined.

If our analysis penetrates to the core of our conflict, we see that
it is not fundamentally due to clashing personalities. It has a more
universal origin -- the contradictions, or antinomies, inherent in the
masculine and feminine visions of life. Some writers on the
subject of relationship problems would seem to agree with what
we are stating, up to a point. They recommend that we understand
how the opposite sex feels and thinks, but then they suggest that by
doing so we can accommodate our partner's needs. Obviously, if
this popular advice really worked the incidence of broken hearts
and broken homes would show signs of decreasing, but the divorce
rate keeps rising; the war of the sexes rages on just as fiercely as
ever.

Accommodation fails to take into account the antinomic nature of
the effort to be, the contradictions of the masculine and feminine
visions of life. Even if we give our partner exactly what he or she
claims to want, at any given time, our partner will now be
dissatisfied for opposite reasons. This is because we are beings
with antinomic desires; consequently we want opposite things --
for example, to be given direction, but also to be treated as
independent and we demand both from our partner at the same
time.

Perceiving the impossible leads to disenchantment, but this step
is requisite for awakening. It is possible for two people to awaken
together. Doing so, they will be infinitely closer than when they
merely slept together.

We have much more to say about "waking up" but we must add
a caveat. To wake up requires more than intellectual knowledge.
Abstract knowledge that our efforts are impossible is insufficient
to rouse us from sleep. The antinomy must be experienced in our
bones. This requires insight into our own experience and that of
other people. Then perhaps lightning will flash, the heart will
perceive its own inner landscape, and we shall be free.

Notes:
1. Erotic love is love based on lack. It is what makes opposites
attract, since we love what we lack. This is the type of love that
people refer to when they speak of falling in love or of romance.
Common parlance mistakenly takes "erotic" to mean sexual.

2. The word "being" is a synonym for "real". When we use the
phrase "to be", italicized in this fashion, it is an abbreviation of
to be real or to be a real self.

This article is excerpted from the book Awakening with the Enemy:
The Origin and End of Male/Female Conflict, © 2000, by Mark Dillof.
Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Philosophy Clinic Press.
www.thephilosophyclinic.com

About The Author:
Mark Dillof, M.A., founded The Philosophy Clinic which offers
counseling to people in search of deeper questions. It also offers
workshops and retreats on a variety of mind-expanding topics.
Workshops focus on illuminating the profound meaning of everyday
interests and activities in such areas as relationships, career and
work, and eating for full-fillment. For more information about Mark
Dillof's counseling and The Philosophy Clinic's workshops go to the
website: www.thephilosophyclinic.com  or e-mail Mark at:
mdillof@...

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

Cycling

We all have inner cycles
Of holding on and letting go
Of becoming
Of leaving behind
Of being found and being lost
Of being renewed and finding joy again,
re-joicing
Our society teaches us that only
striving for perfection, always
being on the mark, present, complete
is acceptable

But Nature and Life teach us otherwise
Our inner living knows otherwise
It is a wise knowing
Become willing to listen to your cycles
Be they up or down, in or out, they are
a wholesome part of what it means to be you

Listening, you will feel the cycling and
recycling
And you’ll understand:
it is neither good nor bad
It just is

I embrace the rhythm of my cycles
I listen and become present
Grounded and safe

love,
Stella
© 2002 Stella Raymonde Savoie-Johnson
   stellaraymonde@...

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

Simple

What a concept to have in my life.
The small pleasures of gazing in fascination
at the mornings dew on leaves of autumn tress.
To feel awe as of a child as the colors change.
Deep green to similar of fresh honey, so true,
I wonder where the bees are.
Shades of red to pink atop the yet green,
as if clutching for the warmth of summer days.
Days now lost to the snap of a fall chill,
the winters crispness
becoming closer with each passing sunset.
The sunsets the now arrive
so soon after it's own majestic rise.
Changing seasons outside as my own join is unison.
The twinkle of evening stars
can now be witnessed in hazel brown eyes.
As the leaves dance is step with fall winds,
I feel the lightness of my own.
A joy gently tugs the corners of pink lips,
welcoming Gods' changes.

10-18-02
Kathy M.
soberspirit4k@...

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

The Great God Crack Cocaine

Last night I sat in ICU
And watched you while you breathed,
And I thanked a Loving God,
For each shallow breath.

I watched the mindless monitor,
Record your beating heart,
And I thanked a Loving God,
For its every beat.

We, who love you, watch you worship,
The Great God Crack Cocaine.

We, who love you, watch you struggle,
And we feel your pain.

We, who love you, pray,
But to a Loving God.....
Not the Great God Crack Cocaine.

Is this the answer to our prayers?
That you would almost die?
Will you renounce your false god?
And pray to Him who gives you life?

We, who love you dearly,
Can only watch and pray.

By Laurel Lybbert
llybbert@...
August 15, 2004
On August 14th my 23 year old granddaughter overdosed on crack.
As I drove home from the hospital, this poem wrote itself in my mind.
I am grateful to say that, as of today, she is clean.
Pray with us that she will stay that way.
Thank you,
Laurel

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

"DON'T"

When I look like attitude on two legs-
When my mouth spews vulgar obscenities
    or just vulgar-
When my eyes shy away from yours
    or my eyes appear to be fighting back the tears-
Don't turn your back on me, stay away
    or leave me alone-
Don't take no for an answer
    or bark at me-
Keep approaching me till I brake.

I need your caring arms.
I need your endless ears.
I need your warm heart.
I need your simple wisdom-
Till I find my own.

Antoinette Bunch  'ta2tni1'
ta2tni1@...
©  04.19.99

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

God, I offer myself to Thee--
to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self,
that I may better do Thy will.
Take away my difficulties,
that victory over them may bear witness
to those I would help of Thy Power,
Thy Love, and Thy way of life.
May I do Thy will always!

3rd step prayer, ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS©

Dear God,
Take my will and my life,
Guide me in my recovery,
And show me how to live.

3rd Step Prayer Narcotics Anonymous ©

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

Whoever you are, there is some younger person who thinks you are
perfect.
There is some work that will never be done if you don't do it.
There is someone who would
miss you if you were gone.
There is a place that you alone can fill.
Jacob M. Braude

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

Everything around us can teach us.  The difficult
thing is, often we prefer being the teacher to being
the student.  But we can only really become the
teacher as we learn, gain experience, and then
demonstrate what we have learned.

The greatest teachers teach by example.

- John-Roger
(From: Spiritual Warrior, The Art of Spiritual Living)

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

Undertake something that is difficult;
it will do you good.
Unless you try to do something beyond
what you have already mastered, you will never grow.
Ronald Osborn

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

My spiritual beliefs support me,
and help me be all that I can be.
Louise Hay

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

If you have God in one hand
and the fellowship in the other hand,
you have no hands to pick-up today.

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

If you want to stop feeling the way you are feeling,
then you have to stop doing what you are doing.

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

Life begins right outside your comfort zone.

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

Put down the weapons,
pick up the tools.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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/

Step 5 Humor
www.recoverycartoons.com/step05.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 September the 9th month, PLEASE share on the 9th step
If you haven’t done the 9th step with your sponsor
Please share on Forgiveness, Selflessness, Humility and Honesty...

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sept. 4
I have all the strength that I need today
to accept the realities of my life.
I am on a path of learning and growth and healing.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This is a Great H & I Story, from a sponsee,
of a women that carries the message into a prison.
I had asked my sponsee in prison
(she writes the Jenna-fur column) to write an article
on what service work means to her. I just received
it yesterday and must have read it 10 times.
This has been one of the greatest gifts of my recovery.

For Your willingness;
You asked, "What can I do?"
you saw a need and filled the gap
in hopes it would make a difference.
You did make a difference.
For your acceptance;
You saw us at our worse
and though we weren't the
most ideal bunch, you saw
through our rocky exteriors.
You accepted us any way.
For sharing your story;
You shared some of the most
difficult times of your life
with us in hopes we‚d see
the similarities. By your sharing
You freed us to share our stories.
For listening to us;
You encouraged us to express
our feelings, fears and concerns,
giving us some relief.
As we spoke, we grew
You allowed us to hear ourselves.
For teaching us;
What it takes to be whole again,
about the Steps, about sponsors,
Traditions and service work, about trial
and errors and especially about forgiveness.
You told us the truth.
For giving us back some self esteem;
telling us it does count and
we do matter. You helped us
find our esteem through your
selfless esteem.
You extended your hand.
For giving us hope;
and something to strive for
by your example. We hope
that someday we will have
What you do.
You gave us a reason to believe.
For giving us our dreams back;
Letting us know we are all special
people with special gifts to
share, and for giving us an
opportunity to shine. By doing that
You allowed us to feel worthy.
You‚re Higher Power Shines Through You.
  From all the women
whose lives you touched
at the Pinellas County Jail
We love you and
You did make a difference.

Pam L.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Growth Patterns
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1111

For Men Only?, Anonymous, Grapevine – June 1960
www.barefootsworld.net/aaformenonlygvjune1960.html

N.A.W.O.L. Traditions War: a pathway to peace
Chapter 18: Political Correctness
www.nawol.org/twpp18politicalcorrectness.html

Broken Heart
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/BrokenHeart.html

Woman in the Glass
www.geocities.com/temperwolf/woman.html

The Shape of Things to Come,  by Bill W.
www.silkworth.net/grapevine/thingstocome.html

The Dilemma of No Faith ,  by Bill W.
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/billw_041961.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
September 4                                            Cluttered spirits

"We try to remember that when we make amends we are doing it
for ourselves." Basic Text p.40

    As long as we still owe amends, our spirits are cluttered with things
we don't need. We're carrying the extra load of an apology owed, a
resentment held, or unexpressed remorse. It's like having a messy
house. We could leave so we don't have to see the mess, or maybe
just step over the piles of debris and pretend they aren't there. But
ignoring the disorder won't make it disappear. In the end, the dirty
dishes, the crumb-filled carpet, and the overflowing wastebaskets
are still there, waiting to be cleaned up.

    A cluttered spirit is just as hard to live with as a messy home. We
always seem to be tripping over yesterday's leavings. Every time
we turn around and try to go somewhere, there is something blocking
our path. The more we neglect our responsibility to make amends,
the more cluttered our spirits become. And we can't even hire
someone to clean up. We have to do the work ourselves.

    We gain a deep sense of satisfaction from making our own amends.
Just as we would feel after we've cleaned our homes and have time
to enjoy a bit of sunshine through sparkling windows, so will our
spirits
rejoice at our freedom to truly enjoy our recovery. And once the big
mess is cleaned up, all we have to do is pick up after ourselves as we
go along.

Just for today: I will clear away what's cluttering my spirit by
making the amends I owe.  pg. 258

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/September.html

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

". . .Of All Persons We Had Harmed"

"...and became willing to make amends to them all."
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 77

    One of the key words in the Eighth Step is the word all.  I am
not free to select a few names for the list and to disregard others.
It is a list of all persons I have harmed.  I can see  immediately
that this Step entails forgiveness because if I'm not willing to
forgive someone, there is little chance I will place his name on
the list.  Before I placed the first name on my list, I said a little
prayer: "I forgive anyone and everyone who has ever harmed
me at any time and under any circumstances."

    It is well for me to contemplate a small, but very significant,
two-letter word every time the Lord's Prayer is said. The word is as.
I ask, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those  who
trespass against us."  In this case, as means, "in the same
manner."  I am asking to be forgiven in the same manner that I
forgive others. As I say this portion of the prayer, if I am
harboring hatred or resentment, I am inviting more resentment,
when I should be calling on the spirit of forgiveness.

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/ September 4th

A.A. Thought for the Day

"We must be careful never to show intolerance or hatred of
drinking as an institution.  Experience shows that such an
attitude is not helpful to anyone.  We are not fanatics or
intolerant of people who can drink normally.  Prospects are
relieved when they find we are not witch burners.  Temperate
drinking is okay, but we alcoholics can't get away with it.  And
no alcoholic likes to be told about alcohol by anyone who hates
it.  We shall be of little use if our attitude is one of bitterness
or hostility."  Do I have tolerance for those who can drink
normally?

Meditation for the Day

Do not become encumbered by petty annoyances.  Never
respond to emotional upsets by emotional upset.  Try to keep
calm in all circumstances.  Try not to fight back.  Call on the
grace of God to calm you when you feel like retaliating.  Look
to God for the inner strength to drop those resentments that
drag you down.  If you are burdened by annoyances, you will
lose your inward peace and the spirit of God will be shut out.
Try to keep peaceful within.

Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may do the things that make for peace.  I pray
that I may have a mission of conciliation.

"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
SEPTEMBER 04, 2005

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

Finding Direction

I used to spend so much time reacting and responding to everyone
else that my life had no direction. Other people's lives, problems,
and wants set the course for my life. Once I realized it was okay
for me to think about and identify what I wanted, remarkable things
began to take place in my life.
--Anonymous

We each have a life to live, one that has purpose and meaning.
We can help our Higher Power give direction and purpose to our
life by setting goals.

We can set goals annually, monthly, or daily in times of crisis.
Goals create direction and pace; goals help us achieve a
manageable life that is directed in the course we choose for
ourselves.

We can help give our lives direction by setting goals.

Today, I will pay attention to setting a course of action for my
life, rather than letting others control my life and 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Not Rich Enough to be Poor, Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/September/Cohen.html

Light Obliterates Dark: Please Participate on September 21st
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/September/Opinion%
20_Guy_Spiro.html

Light Prevails: A 6:00 PM Solution to Humanity’s Problems
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/September/opinion.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

What Do You Want To Create?

People say "I want peace" - "I want freedom". And.? In my view
the only way to have freedom or peace is to create them in our
own heart. How to do this? First of all through awareness that
you can and secondly through constant practice.

A respected teacher once observed that most people go through
life as if sitting in the back seat of a car. They have no control
over where the car is going and therefore feel powerless and
victimized. The object of mind, body, spirit work is to climb into
to the drivers seat and to realize that you can take direction of
your own life.

How to start? Let's start with your body. If you don't feel healthy
then you have no foundation to build upon. Western medicine
views the human body as a collection of separate parts. You
have a problem in you ear, for example - you're given something
to help you ear.  In tradition Chinese medicine (and other systems
of energetic medicine) the body is seen as a whole system. The
problem with your ear is a sign that something is out of balance
in your system. If you deal with the imbalance - which may be
caused by any number of factors, from diet, to environment,
to stress or emotions, you will not only solve the problem in
your ear but also prevent other problems from developing. All
ill health is a sign that something in your life is out of balance.
If you maintain the balance then your physical body will stay in
good health.

As the medical intuitive and author, Caroline Myss, PhD., says
in her book "Anatomy of the Spirit, "Biography becomes biology."
Each thought and emotion affects our physical body in subtle ways.
Acupuncture, energetic healing, hands-on therapy, spiritual
healing and self-development work all aim to identify the root
cause of blockages and deal with them resulting in a healthier,
whole person.

Let's now consider your mind. The first thing to do is to open it!
We may not always be able to control the circumstances of our
lives. We live in a global society and the workings of people far
away from us can affect our lives. What better example than
here in Cyprus, a divided island, with thousands of people
forced to move from their homes, their lives so greatly disrupted.
The actions of people close to us, our family our colleagues at
work, our friends also affect us, as our actions affect them.
Although some things can occur in our lives that we don't like it,
is vital to realize and remember that we do have control over how
we perceive a situation and respond to it. By developing our mind,
body and spirit balance - by claiming the drivers seat, as it were,
we learn to respond rather than simply react as we grow as
individuals and gain true freedom and peace. It is not always an
easy task - that's why we have teachers, therapists, practices
such as Tai Chi and Yoga that help us to calm our "monkey
mind" - the tapes that often run in our head that keep us from
experiencing the deep silence that allows true intuition and insight.
In a society that glorifies outward show of power and materialism,
that fosters fear as a way of controlling people, it is great task to
conquer our own anger and fear and develop compassion and
forgiveness. But it's worth it! In the daily process of developing
these qualities changes begin to happen. You will draw helpful
people to you and yourself be of help to others.

What is "spirit" and how do we develop it. I understand spirit as
the spark of life that, paradoxically, makes us unique as well as
connects us to all other life. In a way, it is the balance itself that
we strive to achieve. We live in a fascinating time where
science is finally catching up with ancient spiritual metaphysical
teachings. Through the expanding knowledge of quantum
physics science is "proving" that all life is one - that
everything in fact affects everything else. This is why it is
important work to create peace in your own heart. By doing
so you affect all creation - no mean feat - with the by-product
of being healthy and happy yourself. It's hard work  - letting go
of our treasured beliefs, our limitations and the norms of a sad
society. But the hardest part is the decision to start. Once you take
the first step, once you make the decision to sit in the driver's seat -
doors of opportunity open up - teachers appear - friends
and colleagues are there to help you - and to learn from you as
well.

Francesca Pinoni, January 2002

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

SAND OR STONE?

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert.
In a specific point of the journey, they had an argument, and
one friend slapped the other one in the face.

The one, who got slapped, was hurt, but without anything to
say, he wrote in the sand: "TODAY, MY BEST FRIEND
SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE".

They kept on walking, until they found an oasis, where they
decided to take a bath. The one who got slapped and hurt
started drowning, and the other friend saved him. When he
recovered from the fright, he wrote on a stone:
"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE".

The friend who saved and slapped his best friend, asked him,
"Why, after I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now you
write on a stone?"

The other friend, smiling, replied, "When a friend hurts us,
we should write it down in the sand, where the winds of
forgiveness are in charge of erasing it away, and when
something great happens, we should engrave it in the stone
of the memory of the heart, where no wind can erase it"

Author Unknown

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

Detachment with Love' Gains New Meaning
   By Rosemary Hartman

One of the great gifts of the recovery movement is the concept
of detachment with love. Originally conceived as a way to
relate to an alcoholic family member, detachment with love is
actually a tool that we can apply with anyone.

    Al-Anon, a mutual-help group for people with alcoholic friends
or family members, pioneered the idea of detachment with love.
A core principle of Al-Anon is that alcoholics cannot learn from
their mistakes if they are overprotected.

    That word "overprotected" has many meanings. For example,
it means calling in sick for your husband if he is too drunk to
show up for work.  Overprotecting also means telling children
that mommy didn't show up for the school play because she had
to work late, when the truth is that she was at a bar until midnight.

    We used to call such actions "enabling," because they enabled
alcoholics to continue drinking. Today we use the word "adapting,"
which is less blaming. Originally, detachment with love was a call
for family members to stop adapting. But as Al-Anon grew, people
misunderstood detachment with love as a way to scare alcoholics
into changing. Such as, "If you don't go to treatment, I'll leave you!"
Such threats were a gamble that fear could force an alcoholic into
seeking help.

    For years the concept of detachment with love got stuck there. In
fact, people still call Hazelden and ask, " If the person I love
continues to drink or use other drugs, should I leave?"

My response is to ask family members to consider a deeper
meaning of detachment with love. This meaning centers on new
questions: What are your needs beyond the needs of the alcoholic
or addict? How can you take care of yourself even if the person
you love chooses not to get help?

    Detachment with love means caring enough about others to
allow them to learn from their mistakes. It also means being
responsible for our own welfare and making decisions without
ulterior motives-the desire to control others. Ultimately we are
powerless to control others anyway. Most family members of a
chemically dependent person have been trying to change that
person for a long time, and it hasn't worked. We are involved
with other people but we don't control them. We simply can't
stop people from doing things if they choose to continue.

Understood this way, detachment with love plants the seeds
of recovery. When we refuse to take responsibility for other
people's alcohol or drug use, we allow them to face the natural
consequences of their behavior.

    If a child asks why mommy missed the school play, we do
not have to lie. Instead, we can say, "I don't know why she
wasn't here. You'll have to ask her."

Perhaps the essence of detachment with love is responding
with choice rather than reacting with anxiety.

      When we threaten to leave someone, we're usually tuned
in to someone else's feelings. We operate on raw emotion. We
say things for shock value. Our words arise from blind reaction,
not thoughtful choice.

Detachment with love offers another option -- responding to
others based on thought rather than anxiety.

      For instance, as parents we set limits for our children even
when this angers them. We choose what we think is best over
the long term, looking past the children's immediate emotional
reaction. In this sense, detachment with love can apply whenever
we have an emotional attachment to someone-family or friend,
addicted or sober. The key is to stop being responsible for others
and be responsible to them-and to ourselves.

Rosemary Hartman is the supervisor of the Family Program
for Hazelden Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in
Center City, Minn., that provides chemical dependency
information and recovery services.

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

Spiritual Principles

If I'm true  to myself and speak the truth
Being HONEST in all my affairs.
God will guide me to a peace within
By alleviating all my cares.
HOPE gives me strength for the challenges ahead
To live a better way.
For I see by examples from those all around
That it’s only just for today.
With FAITH, I believe my Higher Power
Will guide me in truth and love,
So I can stay grounded a day at a time
Always led by God up above.
God gives me the COURAGE to face my life
No matter how great the fear.
For he never gives me more than I can handle
I have principles to which I adhere.
I strive for INTEGRITY with the help of God
And adapting the steps of AA.
To be an honest and virtuous soul
Some days I need only pray.
I'm WILLING to change with the help of God
Though I may experience pain.
For I know my resistance will make things worse
And then there will be no gain.
I have a willingness to obtain some HUMILITY
That extremely elusive trait.
Which comes from progress and not perfection
Which only God can create.
Peace yields serenity I achieve by  attitude
By striving towards BROTHERLY LOVE.
As I work on forgiveness for myself and others
And praying to God above.
As I go though life I cause complications
For I like doing things my own way.
So DISCIPLINE'S a must with God as my guide
To prevent me from going astray.
I PERSEVERE one day at a time
Learning from my mistakes.
While righting the wrongs as there often are
I often need double takes.
My SPIRITUALITY continues to grow
Because of God in my life.
By devotion to prayer on a daily basis
I can minimize all the strife.
SERVICE is my journey in giving to others
What so bountifully’s been graced upon me.
Therefore I'm blessed with God and AA
Which leads me to peace and serenity

SUSAN F. ADER  JUNE 2000
dolph3@...

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

Perseverance is the ability to follow through on an idea
long after the mood has passed.

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

What moves us through each day?
Do we avoid the bad or consciously seek the good?
Beginning now, we can affirm:
"Rather than being driven by pain, I will be pulled by a vision.
Instead of being caught up in busyness,
I stop to acknowledge God's Presence.
If I'm paralyzed by procrastination,
may I soon be propelled forward by a rush of
gratitude."
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear
of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water,
and the great heron feeds,
I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their
lives with forethought of grief.
Wendell Berry

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

We can only give away to others what we have inside ourselves.
Dr. Wayne Dyer

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

Don't let yesterday use up too much of today.
Native American Proverb

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

We may be of different colors, cultures, and speak different languages.
But we are all infused with the spark of God's dignity.
Be a carrier of the flame:
Honor that spark in yourself
and look for the light in others.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

The elevator to Recovery is out of order.
You'll have to use the Steps.......one step at a time.

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

When someone's pushing your buttons,
hit the "MUTE" on your remote.

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

Take care of your body.
If you don't, where else are you going to live?

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

A suggestion is a subtle command.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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/

Step 4 Humor
www.recoverycartoons.com/step04.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 September the 9th month, PLEASE share on the 9th step
If you haven’t done the 9th step with your sponsor
Please share on Forgiveness, Selflessness, Humility and Honesty...

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 3
Today I will experience each moment to the fullest.
I will do all have to do to let go of everything that is
blocking me from being fully alive in this moment.
Each moment is unique, within itself and
the less I carry with me from the previous moment,
the freer I am to experience the joy of the now.
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 Wrong With Me?

There is a demon inside of you,
That makes you wander without a clue.
It loves to try and hide,
but all it does is waits inside.
When you think it has gone away,
it's ready and waiting for it's prey.
It doesn't care if you're young or old,
this awful thing is mighty bold.
Whether we are up or down,
this evil thing is always around.
Sometimes we think we're ok,
that's when it loves to play.
Every time we get a fix,
it will show you all it's tricks.
If we don't really care or even try,
it will gladly help you to die.
You think it's your lover and your friend,
all it will do is show you the end.
If you give up and decide to leave,
all your family will grieve.
When you get inside your head,
that is when it wants you dead.
If your program shows some slack,
be assured it will be back.
Many people have this affliction,
it's called the disease of addiction.

written by Chip ©3/9/99
ClnChip@...

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

H.I.V. Anonymous
www.hivanonymous.com


HIV Anonymous is a fellowship of persons who have found that living with
a potentially terminal illness is a major challenge.  We are
individuals who
meet regularly as a group, assisting one another in this new way of
life.

We have no outside affiliations. Our past is kept in confidence
within the
group.  We don’t thrive on our past, but concentrate on what we want for
today and our future.

For many of us, the realization of our present condition left us feeling
dejected and depressed. We could no longer live life to its fullest.  We
became disoriented, and our peace of mind was displaced by
uncontrollable
emotions.

We have learned from our group experience that those who come to our
meetings on a regular basis, and work the program with diligence,
are those who experience spiritual transformation.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LOVE is POWERFUL*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Growing Roots
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1108

Sylvia K. - Chicago, Illinois
"The Keys of the Kingdom"
(p. 304 in 2nd and 3rd editions.) Pioneers of A.A.
www.barefootsworld.net/aasylviak.html

N.A.W.O.L. Traditions War: a pathway to peace
Chapter 17: Twelve Concepts
www.nawol.org/twpp17%20twelve%20concepts.html

A Jar Of Rocks
www.storybin.com/sponsor/sponsor119.shtml

Leadership in AA: Ever a Vital Need,  by Bill W.
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/leadershipaa.html

Freedom Under God: The Choice is Ours,  by Bill W.
www.silkworth.net/grapevine/freedom.html

Broken Dreams
www.geocities.com/angeldee.geo/BrokenDreams.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
September 3                      Humility expressed by anonymity

"Humility is a by-product that allows us to grow and develop in an
atmosphere of freedom and removes the fear of becoming known
by our employers, families, or friends as addicts."
Basic Text p.72-23

   Many of us may not have understood the idea that 'anonymity is
the spiritual foundation of all our traditions" We wondered how this
could be. What does anonymity have to do with our spiritual life?

   The answer is, plenty! By guarding and cherishing our anonymity,
we earn spiritual rewards beyond comprehension. There is great
virtue in doing something nice for someone and not telling anyone
about it. By the same token, resisting the impulse to proudly announce
our membership in NA to the world-in effect, asking everyone to
acknowledge how wonderful we are-makes us value our recovery all
the more.

   Recovery is a gift that we've received from a Power greater than
ourselves. Boasting about our recovery, as if it were our own doing,
leads to prideful feelings and grandiosity. But keeping our anonymity
leads to humility and feelings of gratitude. Recovery is its own reward;
public acclaim can't make it any more valuable than it already is.

Just for today: Recovery is its own reward; I don't need to have
mine approved of publicly. I will maintain and cherish my anonymity.
pg. 257

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/September.html

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

"Made a List. . ."

Made a list of all persons we had harmed,. . .
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 77

When I approached the Eighth Step, I wondered how I could list
all the things that I have done to other people since there were
so many people, and some of them weren't alive anymore. Some of
the hurts I inflicted weren't bad, but they really bothered me. The
main thing to see in this Step was to become willing to do whatever
I had to do to make these amends to the best of my ability at that
particular time. Where there is a will, there's a way, so if I want to
feel better, I need to unload the guilt feelings I have. A peaceful
mind has no room for feelings of guilt. With the help of my Higher
Power, if I am honest with myself, I can cleanse my mind of these
feelings.

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/ September 3rd

A.A. Thought for the Day

"Offer new prospects friendship and fellowship.  Tell them that
if they want to get well you will do anything to help.  Burn the idea
into the consciousness of new prospects that they can get well,
regardless of anyone else.  Job or no job, spouse or no spouse,
they cannot stop drinking as long as they place dependence on
other people ahead of dependence on God.  Let no alcoholic say
they cannot recover unless they have their family back. This
just isn't so.  Their recovery is not dependent upon other people.
It is dependent on their own relationship to God."  Can I
recognize all excuses made by a prospect?

Meditation for the Day

The spiritual life depends upon the Unseen.  To live the spiritual
life, you must believe in the Unseen.  Try not to lose the
consciousness of God's spirit in you and in others.  As a child in
its mother's arms, stay sheltered in the understanding and love
of God.  God will relieve you of the weight of worry and care,
misery and depression, want and woe, faintness and heartache,
if you will let Him.  Lift up your eyes from earth's troubles and
view the glory of the unseen God.  Each day try to see more good
in people, more of the Unseen in the seen.

Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may rest and abide in the presence of the unseen
God.  I pray that I may leave my burdens in His 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
SEPTEMBER 03

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

Word Power

      I know I'm controlling, but so is my husband. Possibly more
controlling than I am. Each time I set out to leave him, each time
I started to walk away, he knew exactly what to say to pull me back
in. And he knew I'd respond. He knew how to say exactly what I
needed to hear to keep me where he wanted me. He knew what
he was doing, and he knew what I would do. I know, because after
we began recovering, he told me so.
      --Anonymous

Some of us are so vulnerable to words.

A well timed "I love you." A chosen moment for "I'm sorry." An
excuse delivered in the right tone of voice. A pat on the head. A
dozen roses. A kiss. A greeting card. A few words that promise
love  that has yet to be delivered can spin us into denial.
Sometimes, it can keep us denying that we are being lied to,
mistreated, or abused.

There are those who deliberately set out to sway us, to control
and manipulate us through cheap talk! They know, they fully
understand our vulnerability to a few well-timed words! Break
through your naivete. They know what they're doing. They
understand their impact on us!

We do not have to give such power to words, even though the
words may be just what we want and need to hear, even though
they sound so good, even though the words seem to stop the pain.

Sooner or later, we will come to realize that if behavior doesn't
match a person's words, we are allowing ourselves to be
controlled, manipulated, and deceived. Sooner or later, we will
come to realize that talk is cheap, unless the person's behavior
matches it.

We can come to demand congruency in the behavior and the
words of those around us. We can learn to not be manipulated,
or swayed, by cheap talk.

We cannot control what others do, but we can choose our own
behaviors and our own course of action. We do not have to let
cheap, well-timed talk control us--even if the words we hear are
exactly what we want to hear to stop our pain.

Today, I will let go of my vulnerability to words. God, help me
trust myself to know the truth, even when I am being deceived.
Help me cherish those relationships where there is congruity.
Help me believe I deserve congruity and truth in the behavior
and the words of those I care about.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spirituality in Substance III:
An Anthroposophic View of Iron
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/September/feature2.html

Meditating Peace
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/September/feature2.html

Real Relationships
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/September/feature3.html

“Who Knows” , Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/1999/05/who.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Helping Out
by Jerry Minchinton

Although most of us don't mind doing favors now and then, hardly
anyone wants to make a career of it. Unhappily, some people have no
qualms about inconveniencing others if doing so helps them achieve
their goals. People like this need no encouragement to try to make us
their personal servants. Once they've zeroed in on us, we may be
asked to do almost anything: provide transportation, repair plumbing,
groom a dog, run errands, make a loan, or perform thousands of other
unwelcome activities. When we have exhausted our largely ineffective
stock of delaying tactics and feel we have no choice but to give in
to their requests, we do it sullenly, resenting those we feel unable
to refuse and despising ourselves for our weakness. Although helping
these people may give us some pleasure initially, our good feelings
vanish when we finally realize we are being used.
WHAT TO DO

Just what are our obligations when others seek our help? Obviously,
there is no "one-size-fits-all" answer. While it would be unwise to
thoughtlessly agree to do whatever others ask, it would be unkind and
unfeeling to automatically refuse their requests.

What shall we do then, the next time we're asked for a favor and are
uncertain whether to grant it? Here are some guidelines to make our
decisions much easier:

      Assess the relative importance of what you're asked to do. While
some people ask for assistance only when matters are serious, others
have no qualms about wasting our time on trivia. It is simpler,
therefore, to learn to categorize another's request for help as
either a need or a want. Once we've made this distinction, we may
agree to drive across town to pick up someone's medication, but we
won't play chauffeur for someone searching for a lampshade in exactly
the right shade of pink. When we are clear on the differences between
needs and wants, we are less likely to let others' persuasiveness
triumph over our common sense.

      Put your own needs first. Those who told us it was selfish to
put our personal welfare before others' may have believed they were
giving us sound advice, but unless they were trying to prepare us for
sainthood, they were not. Although self-sacrifice sounds noble, it is
impractical and potentially disastrous. Since we can't rely on others
to look out for us, we must do it ourselves, which means making our
personal requirements our highest priority. Only when we can
adequately provide for our own needs will we be in a position to help
those who can't. It is good to remember that although we may not be
the most important person in the world, we are the most important
person in our world.

      Don't help people who are able to help themselves. There is an
ocean of difference between those who genuinely require help and
those who could handle matters themselves but prefer not to. When we
help people who don't need it, we encourage their dependency and let
them believe they can avoid responsibility for their lives.

      Although we may face objections when we refuse to help the able,
in the long run everyone comes out ahead when people learn to take
care of themselves. Keep in mind that sometimes not helping people is
a greater favor than coming to their aid.

      Stop being nice when you don't feel like it. We are not
obligated to do things for people merely because they ask us. If we
are asked to do something we'd rather not, we are free to say no. Not
only will this increase our self-respect, it will increase others'
respect for us.

      When we have trouble refusing, we are easily victimized and are
often looked on with contempt. If we do not say "Yes" every time we
are asked, people will be more appreciative of our help when we give it.

      Pay no attention to your popularity rating. Some of us are
afraid to be firm or assertive because we think others will dislike
us or become angry, and, of course, it is possible they will. But
those who resent our standing up for ourselves aren't the kind of
people who will be our friends, anyway. They are only interested in
our welfare to the extent that it affects their own. Trying to please
others won't make us well-liked -- just overworked and under-
appreciated.

      Don't solve problems people have created for themselves. When
someone's life seems to consist of a series of disasters, it's often
because he creates problems for himself through lack of planning or
lack of concern for consequences. Unfortunately, people who are in
the habit of creating problems rarely want our advice, just our
assistance. Helping those with self-created problems is usually a
waste of time and effort because unless people are allowed to
experience the effects of their actions, they have little reason to
change them.

      Don't help people who can help you in return, but don't. If past
favors remain unreturned, we have no obligation to perform any more.
One-way streets are for traffic, not human relationships. And don't
naively assume that sooner or later the person asking will guiltily
realize he's already asked too much and apologetically cease his
requests. Chances that this optimistic scenario will ever take place
are more than a million to one. Those who continually ask favors of
us and fail to repay them don't think of us as a fellow human being
but as a somewhat useful object, like an umbrella or a toaster.

      Treat your family members like people. Some of us have been
afflicted with relatives who believe that their kinship entitles them
to behave inconsiderately and unreasonably. Respond to them as you
would to any non-family member. Close relationships should be a
source of love and happiness, not an excuse for exploitation. It is
helpful to remind ourselves that family members are human beings
first and relatives second, and we should judge their requests on
their merits, not their location on the family tree. It is true blood
is thicker than water, but it's also considerably more expensive.

      Avoid compromising your ethics or principles. At one time or
another most of us have been asked to lie or falsify information for
another person and have felt uncomfortable at the idea of doing it.
This kind of request puts us in an awkward position; we don't want to
anger the person making it, but neither do we want to do something
that is contrary to our principles. Be clear about this: no one has
the right to ask us to compromise our ideals, values, conscience, or
reputation. Those who do are thinking only of themselves.

      Set a realistic limit to your giving. "Give till it hurts" is
poor advice, whether it pertains to our time, money, or energy. If we
deprive ourselves of necessities in order to give to others, we are
likely to become resentful toward those we help when we realize our
gifts are prompted by guilt rather than generosity. A better and more
realistic motto would be, "Give as long as you enjoy it, and stop
when it causes you pain." If we establish limits before a favor is
asked of us, we will be in a much better position to say "No" when we
should.

Essentially, there are three things we can do to protect ourselves
from unreasonable requests.

First, become familiar with the ideas listed above.

Second, learn to apply them to requests others make of us (and maybe
even to requests we make of others). By taking these two steps, we
will acquire the mental clarity needed to eliminate many irritating
and inconvenient activities from our lives and gain the courage to
refuse unreasonable demands.

Third, we must learn to appreciate our value as a human being and
increase our self-esteem and self-respect. When we are conscious of
our true worth, we will automatically be a staunch advocate for our
own rights.

While it is great to be able to give help to others when they
genuinely need it, where do we draw the line? Does being
compassionate mean we must bend over backward when others ask us to
or that we must assist in solving everyone's problems or gratifying
their desires? Definitely not. When helping others causes problems
for us, it is time for a careful review of ourselves and our objectives.

Life is infinitely more pleasant when we possess the ability to
comfortably refuse unreasonable or inconvenient requests. If we'd
like to refuse obligations that aren't really ours and want to avoid
feeling angry and resentful when people don't respect our needs, we
must keep one important fact in mind:

          If we don't acknowledge and respect ourselves and our needs,
neither will anyone else.

Important Ideas to Consider:

      *It's up to me to look out for my own interests.


      * My first obligation is to myself and my well-being.

      * Sometimes I may do people a favor by not doing as they ask. My
needs and requirements deserve the highest priority.

      *Other people are probably thinking about what is best for them,
not best for me.

Questions To Ask Yourself:

      *If I don't look out for myself, who will look out for me? Is my
attitude toward helping others realistic?

      *Do I help others when it would be better for them to operate on
their own?

      *Do I ask people for help when I don't actually need it?

      *Do I often feel resentful because I let people talk me into
doing things I dislike?

      *Do I knowingly allow people to take advantage of me because I
don't know how to refuse?

      *Do I ever let fear of someone's anger or dislike persuade me to
do as they ask, even when I know I shouldn't?

Experiments

1) Practice saying "No." Say it aloud, say it in your mind, and say
it to yourself in the mirror. Mentally recreate past situations where
you should have said no but didn't, and imagine repeating the
situation, but firmly and finally saying no. Remember that, in
declining to do things you don't want to do, you're being truthful
and honest and increasing your self-respect.

2) Make a list of five or six phrases that are polite but nonetheless
clearly and truthfully state that you decline to do what is being
asked of you. Say these phrases over and over each day until you feel
thoroughly comfortable saying them. Begin with something such as,
"I'm afraid I've made other plans," or "I'm sorry, but it won't be
convenient to do that."

3) Establish your personal standards for essential and non-essential
requests. (It may be a good idea to put this list on paper so you can
review it at intervals, if necessary) Here are some questions that
can help you make up your mind.

      • Is the situation an actual emergency?

      • Would the one asking me be willing to repay me in some manner
if he or she were able?

      • Will helping cost me money or time I can't afford to spend?

      • Is my assistance being asked for a "need" or a "want"?

      • Am I being asked to do something those asking can do themselves?

      • Will helping be an inconvenience for me?

      • Is it something I genuinely dislike doing?

      • Am I being asked to help someone solve a self-created problem?

      • Will doing what I'm being asked to do violate any of my
personal rules for living?

This article is excerpted from Wising Up: How To Stop Making Such A
Mess of Your Life, © 1999, by Jerry Minchinton. Reprinted with
permission of the publisher, Arnford House, Vanzant, MO, USA.

Jerry Minchinton has read extensively about self-esteem, motivation,
and Eastern philosophies and religions. He combines the insight he's
gained from these studies with practical business experience to shed
light on some age-old problems of human behavior. He is the author of
Maximum Self-Esteem: The Handbook For Reclaiming Your Sense of Self-
Worth, and 52 Things You Can Do To Raise Your Self-Esteem. He can be
reached at arnford@....

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

Gardeners of the Soul

Because we are self-choosing beings, and the law of Spirit always
operates, it is our responsibility to provide the right environment to
cultivate our blessings, our experiences, and our lives.  We are the
gardeners of our soul in the field where we plant, tend, and harvest.

To maintain a healthy, productive field, work with reliable tools
such as prayer and meditation.  Take time daily to center in Spirit,
acknowledging your true, divine nature and union with all life.
Tend your field with affirmations of truth, realizing your bounty is
here and now.  Furnish the necessary nutrients, such as
gratefulness and honor, for a fertile foundation.  Plant your seeds
with purpose, knowing with complete confidence that whatever
you place in the Creative Medium of Spirit produces the intended
result.  And do not forget to mulch!  Acceptance and conviction are
best to keep out weeds of doubt and fear.  Most of all, remember to
give your field love, for love is law and makes everything complete.
If you do these things, then truly your blessings are multiplied,
your experiences are beautiful, and your life is fruitful.

AFFIRM
Today, I take time to tend my soul.  Knowing that I will reap what I
sow, I joyously plant seeds of happiness, love, peace, and prosperity.
I am grateful for the bountiful blessings in my life now.

by Pamela K. Simpson, RScP

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

Willing Spirit

I live with a willing spirit
to drink deep from creation
trusting in clouds and sprigs of wintergreen
not faltering in the undergrowth
of my forest
not straying from the integrity
of my spiritual dreams

I let my exterior life display
what my inner world espouses
I drink deep from the
Spring of refreshment
my dream source
I am safe in the arms of promise
and abundance

I am a willing participant
in the larger picture
of my dream's fulfillment

When my dreams speak
I listen
When the universe sends gifts
I accept

Love
Stella
Stella Raymonde ©
stellaraymonde@...

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

How to Stop Self-Judgment
We all judge ourselves. This is our ego at work.

We can disempower our self judgments by simply recognizing our
energy being sucked out of us... as our thoughts permeate our
beautiful bodies. Our bodies are a gift designed to communicate
with us physically. Our bodies will tell us when we are judgmental
of ourselves.

Even when someone else judges us, it's not their words that may
harm us but rather it's our ego creating an illusive truth from
another's
opinion.

To recognize a loss of power, try this: Stand up straight... lean
forward... feel yourself FIGHT to move back to your center. Now
stand straight... lean backward... feel yourself FIGHT to move
back to your center.

This is your power at work... you naturally move to your center.
You are bringing yourself home. When you have a disempowering
thought, simply notice... "Heh... there is something tugging at me.
I'm off balance."

It really doesn't matter what it is that took your power. You don't
have to figure it out. You don't have to fix it. You don't have to do
anything with it. Simply move back to your natural state... your self...
your center. You will know you are home because it feels neutral...
there is nothing pulling at you. You are free. To do this choose one
of the following:

A loving thought
An accepting thought
A forgiving thought
or you may just observe and laugh at your crazy egoic mind
either way... you will move to your center... to yourself... and you
will be free.

If you find yourself with an illness, your body is no longer talking but
rather "screaming" about being off balance. Ask yourself... "What
am I continuously thinking about myself that is creating this?"

This thought form will be one that plays out in your mind over and
over again... to the point where you have actually made yourself
sick. Distinguish the repetitive thought, return to your center, and
restore your power with one of the conscious alternatives listed
above.

Look forward to Healing.

By Tina Olivero

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

A Fool No More

I'd lived a life of using
of hip and fatal cool
the people pleasing jester
was everybody's fool

Never more the wiser
unlucky so I thought
blinded by denial
continuing as I fought

One day the veil lifted
my heart It now was free
to hit another bottom
as God led me to see

Could not be any other way
had to feel the pain and moan
experience the teacher
my story I now own

Did it have to be that way?
on yes it surely did
freedom rings new meaning
now grateful for all I've lived

Living in solutions
no longer by myself
treating self and others
in the now of Love, not for later on a shelf

To live a life in God
the trips I always talked
possibilities a reality
lessons learned, the talk now walked

Thanks to all my teachers
on my path this brand new day
when someone says I'm different
I know its happening the 12 step way

All will be well, all ways  -
AJ  1/3/97
aj4how@...

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

There is a thought in your mind right now. The longer you hold
on to it, the more you dwell upon it, the more life you give to that
thought. Give it enough life, and it will become real. So make
sure the thought is indeed a great one.
Ralph Marston
www.Greatday.com

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

Life is not fair -- and that can be very good for you.
Al Siebert, Ph.D.

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

Many people are either unwilling
or unable to suffer the pain of giving up
the outgrown which needs to be forsaken.
Consequently they cling, often forever,
to their old patterns of thinking and behaving,
thus failing to negotiate any crisis,
to truly grow up and to experience
the joyful sense of rebirth
that accompanies the successful transition into greater maturity.
M. Scott Peck

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

Both poverty and riches are the offspring of thought.
Napoleon Hill

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

My bottom is where I put my shovel down.

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

The longer I'm in the program,
the lower my bottom seems to get.

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

Program bumper-stickers
belong on the dashboard, not the bumper.

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

May you be blessed with a slow recovery.

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

BE a LIGHT for someone TODAY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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/

Step 3 Humor
www.recoverycartoons.com/step03.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 September the 9th month, PLEASE share on the 9th step
If you haven’t done the 9th step with your sponsor
Please share on Forgiveness, Selflessness, Humility and Honesty...

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September 2
All my needs are being met
easily and effortlessly today.
I simply turn them over to
my Higher Power and do the footwork.
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 Company You Keep

It was early one September
'Bout as near as I remember
I was walkin down the lane
in tipsy pride.

Not a syllable did I utter
As I lay down in the gutter
and a pig came up and lay
down by my side

Not a soul was we disturbin'
As we lay there by the curbin'
Til I heard this high-tone
lady stop and say

"You can tell someone who boozes,
by the company he chooses."
and the pig got up and
slowly walked away.

Harry M.
Decafpls@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Free Yourself
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1105

Sober For Thirty Years
by Jim Burwellm , A.A. Grapevine, November 1999
www.barefootsworld.net/aaburwell30.html

N.A.W.O.L. Traditions War: a pathway to peace
Chapter 16: The Vocal Minority
www.nawol.org/twpp16%20the%20vocal%20minority.html

Blessings to You
www.geocities.com/marisa1953us/BlessingsToYou.html

Slogans and Meanings
www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/6794/alanoninf.html

The Next Frontier: Emotional Sobriety,  by Bill W.
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/emotionalsobriety.html

Problems Other Than Alcohol:
What Can Be Done About Them?,  by Bill W.
www.silkworth.net/grapevine/other_problems.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
September 2                                             Higher Powered

"Daily practice of our Twelve Step program enables us to
change from what we were to people guided by a Higher Power"
Basic Text p.83

Who have we been, and who have we become? There are a
couple of ways to answer this question. One is very simple:

We came to Narcotics Anonymous as addicts, our addiction
killing us. In NA, we've been freed from our obsession with
drugs and our compulsion to use. And our lives have changed.

But that's only the tip of the iceberg. Who have we really been?
In the past, we were people without power or direction. We felt like
we had no purpose, no reason for living. Our lives didn't make any
more sense to us than they did to our families, our friends, or our
neighbors.

Who are we really becoming? Today, we are not merely clean
addicts, but people with a sense of direction, a purpose, and a
Power greater than ourselves. Through daily practice of the Twelve
Steps, we've begun to understand how our addiction warped our
feelings, motivations, and behavior. Gradually, the destructive force
of our disease has been replaced by the life-giving force of our
Higher Power.

Recovery means more than cleaning up-it means powering up.
We have done more than shed some bad habits; we are becoming
new people, guided by a Higher Power.

   for today: The guidance I need to become a new person is ready
at hand. Today, I will draw further away from my old and closer to
my Higher Power.. pg. 256

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/September.html

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

A "Design for Living"

We in our turn, sought the same escape with all the desperation
of drowning men.  What seemed at first a flimsy reed, has proved
to be the loving and powerful hand of God.  A new life has been
given us or, if you prefer, "a design for living" that really works.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 28

I try each day to raise my heart and hands in thanks to God for
showing me a "design for living" that really works through our
beautiful Fellowship.  But what, exactly, is this "design for  living"
that "really works"?   For me, it is the practice of the Twelve Steps
to the best of my ability, the continued awareness of a God who
loves me unconditionally, and the hope that, in each new day,
there is a purpose for my being.  I am truly, truly  blessed in the
Fellowship.

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/ September 2nd

A.A. Thought for the Day

"Outline the program of action to new prospects, explaining
how you made a self-appraisal, how you straightened out your
past, and why you are now endeavoring to help them.  It is
important for them to realize that your attempt to pass this
on to them plays a vital part in your own recovery.  The more
hopeless they feel, the better.  They will be more likely to
follow your suggestions.  Tell them about the fellowship of
A.A. and if they show interest, lend them a copy of the Big
Book."  Can I tell the A.A. story to another alcoholic?

Meditation for the Day

You should try to stand aside and let God work through you.
You should try not to block Him off by your own efforts, or
prevent His spirit working through you.  God desires your
obedient service and your loyalty to the ideals of the new
life you are seeking.  If you are loyal to God, He will give you
protection against mistakes.  His spirit will plan for you
and secure for you a sufficiency of all spiritual help.  You
will have true victory and ml success, if you will put yourself
in the background and let God work through you.

Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may not interfere with the working of God's
spirit in me and through me.  I pray that I may give it full rein.

"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
SEPTEMBER 02

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

Detaching with Love with Children

      It's one thing to let go of my husband and let him suffer the
consequences. But how do I let go of my children? Isn't it different
with children? Don't we have responsibilities as parents?
      --Al Anon member

We do have different responsibilities to our children than to other
adults. We are financially responsible for our children; we are
responsible for providing for their material and physical needs.

Our children need to be taught how to help themselves - from
tying their shoes to making social plans. They need our love and
guidance. They need consistent enforcement of boundaries, once
we've established limits. They need a supportive, nurturing
environment in which to grow. They need help learning values.

But we are not responsible for controlling our children. Contrary to
popular belief, controlling doesn't work. Discipline and nurturing
do - if combined. Shame and guilt interfere with our children's
learning and our parenting. We need to respond to our children in
a responsible way and hold them accountable for their actions at
an age appropriate level. We need only do our best.

We can let our children have their own process of living; we can
have our own process. And, we can take care of ourselves during
that process. Seek balance. Seek wisdom, Seek not to have control,
but to own our power as people who are parents.

Today, God, help me find an appropriate balance of responsibility
to my children. Help me parent through nurturing and discipline,
instead of control.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

EMFs in   Chicago   :
Human Consequences of Urban Technology
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/September/feature1.html

A Woman’s Intuition
www.inlightimes.com/archives/1999/09/intuition.htm

Jump-Start Your Intuition
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/september/feature1.html

The Best Friend Within
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2003/August/vissell.htm

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

The Proper Plate
by Alan Cohen

      WHEN REV. ROGER TEEL, MINISTER OF THE MILE HI
CHURCH of Religious Science in Denver, was a shy and
awkward-feeling high school senior, his father encouraged him
to take a date to the senior prom. Roger’s dad even offered to
underwrite a corsage for a young lady and dinner at a fine
restaurant. Nervously, young Roger asked one of his classmates
to the prom, and to his happy surprise, she accepted.

Finally the big night came and Roger picked up the girl at her
home. She looked ravishing! He took one look at her bare
shoulders graced by a spaghetti-strap dress, and his knees grew
weak. Somehow Roger maintained his decorum and the two
drove to the restaurant, staring straight ahead, speaking hardly
a word. Apparently the girl was as nervous as he was!

At the restaurant, the young lady ordered scallops and Roger
ordered a steak. When the entrées arrived, Roger, still feeling
uptight, reached to cut his steak, and something horrible
happened: his knife slipped and the steak flew off the plate,
right past his