Happy New Year
I hope that your year ahead is filled with good health,
abundant blessing and lots of love.
Sincerely,
Scott




Treatment
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/fav2003/treatment2.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
"My sponsor told me to begin this New Year by taking my inventory
of relationships, attitudes and behaviors, to see if there is anything
that is no longer working for me that I choose to let go of.
Is there anything that you are going to let go of?
What is it that is no longer appropriate for you?"

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

January 1
Today I am on my spiritual path to recovery.
A NEW YEAR!
AND A HAPPY, PEACEFUL AND JOYOUS ONE FOR EVERYONE!
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

Free

hanging on with all my might
to an ever-unraveling thread
struggling through another night
with these demons in my head
I can't cope, my mind's tore down
my heart's been massacred
jumping up with every sound
I have or haven't heard
and I long for the light of freedom
I crave that saving ray of peace
let me know my new life has begun
assure me my soul's been released
and I will follow your path,
let your steps be my guide
and finally this storm I have
will be loosed from inside
serenity will be my call
others I will aid
I will strive to surrender all
I will take on your last name
for we are all one family
joined by the bonding of our hearts
this hope shared with you and me
will help others gain a brand new start
thank you God, for all your blessings
all the joy and all the lessons
all that you have opened inside me
I will give my all today
to your will and to NA
for without them I wouldn't be free
I'm free.
with love, written without editing, just letting the
spirit guide my fingers.

written by ~ johnh94
johnh94@...
"Courage is the power to let go of the familiar."
--Raymond Linquist

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

Comes A Dawn
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=518

The Smiths
www.barefootsworld.net/the_smiths.html

NA at the American Correctional Association Winter Conference
N.A. Way Magazine 6/1998
www.na.org/naway/en/naway4-e-4.htm#ACA

What's Your Grade?
www.josephtlair.com/rec101files/grade.htm

"Relationships" January 1
www.relationshipweb.com/odat/jan/jan1.htm

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
January 1                                                  Vigilance

"We keep what we have only with vigilance..."    Basic Text, p. 57

   How do we remain vigilant about our recovery? First, by realizing
that we have a disease we will always have. No matter how long
we've been clean, no matter how much better our lives have become,
no matter what the extent of our spiritual healing, we are still
addicts.
Our disease waits patiently, ready to spring the trap if we give it the
opportunity.

   Vigilance is a daily accomplishment. We strive to be constantly alert
and ready to deal with signs of trouble. Not that we should live in
irrational fear that something horrible will possess us if we drop our
guard for an instant; we just take normal precautions. Daily prayer,
regular meeting attendance, and choosing not to compromise
spiritual principles for the easier way are acts of vigilance. We take
inventory as necessary, share with others whenever we are asked,
and carefully nurture our recovery. Above all, we stay aware.

   We have a daily reprieve from our addiction as long as we remain
vigilant. Each day, we carry the principles of recovery into all we do,
and each night, we thank our Higher Power for another day clean.

Just for today: I will be vigilant, doing everything necessary to guard
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/January.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

Service

Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them
help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up
about you, to have a host of friends -- this is an experience you must
not miss . . . Frequent contact with newcomers and with each other is
the bright spot of our lives.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 89

It is through service that the greatest rewards are to be found.  But to
be in a position of offering true, useful and effective service to
others,
I must first work on myself.  This means that I have to abandon myself
to God, admitting my faults and clearing away the wreckage of my
past.  Work on myself has taught me how to find the necessary peace
and serenity to successfully merge inspiration and experience.  I have
learned how to be, in the truest sense, an open channel of sobriety.

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

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

Service

Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help
others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about
you,
to have a host of friends -- this is an experience you must not
miss . . .
Frequent contact with newcomers and with each other is the bright spot
of
our lives.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 89

It is through service that the greatest rewards are to be found.  But
to be
in a position of offering true, useful and effective service to
others, I
must first work on myself.  This means that I have to abandon myself to
God, admitting my faults and clearing away the wreckage of my past.
Work
on myself has taught me how to find the necessary peace and serenity to
successfully merge inspiration and experience.  I have learned how to
be,
in the truest sense, an open channel of sobriety.

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

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

Today's Thought
JANUARY 01

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

The New Year

Make New Year's goals. Dig within, and discover what you
would like to have happen in your life this year. This helps
you do your part. It is an affirmation that you're interested in
fully living life in the year to come.

Goals give us direction. They put a powerful force into play
on a universal, conscious, and subconscious level.

Goals give our life direction.

What would you like to have happen in your life this year?
What would you like to do, to accomplish? What good would
you like to attract into your life? What particular areas of
growth would you like to have happen to you? What blocks,
or character defects, would you like to have removed?

What would you like to attain? Little things and big things?
Where would you like to go? What would you like to have
happen in friendship and love? What would you like to have
happen in your family life?

Remember, we aren't controlling others with our goals - we
are trying to give direction to our life.

What problems would you like to see solved? What decisions
would you like to make? What would you like to happen in
your career?

What would you like to see happen inside and around you?

Write it down. Take a piece of paper, a few hours of your time,
and write it all down - as an affirmation of you, your life, and
your ability to choose. Then let it go.

Certainly, things happen that are out of our control. Sometimes,
these events are pleasant surprises; sometimes, they are of
another nature. But they are all part of the chapter that will be
this year in our life and will lead us forward in the story.

The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting
to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.

Today, I will remember that there is a powerful force motivated
by writing dawn goals. I will do that now, for the year to come,
and regularly as needed. I will do it not to control but to do my
part in living 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Overcoming Life's Obstacles
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/January/feature5.html

Our Homes As Extensions Of Our "Selves"
www.inlightimes.com/archives/1999/01/homes.htm

The Pharaoh Chewed Juicy Fruit
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/January/cohen.htm

   Links to The Soul at Work
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_first.htm#work

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv


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

Happy New Year!
by Marie T. Russell

Although the difference between Dec. 31st and January 1st
is only one day, our psyche measures it as a major milestone
in our existence. It is good to have a fresh start on January 1st...
this gives us the needed motivation to release our previous
beliefs and behaviors. The energy of a new year is very
reassuring and helps us "turn the page" on what we no longer
desire.

Just as businesses take inventory at the beginning or end of a
year, so, too, can we. When we take time to inventory our life,
we reconnect with who and what we are. By reflecting this
way, it helps us to rediscover our life's goals and aspirations.
When you look at your goals and dreams, are you on track?
Are you meeting the goals you set? For example, you may
have a goal of being healthy and dynamic - yet, in practice,
you primarily watch TV and munch on fried and oily potato
chips. There appears to be a dichotomy between desire and
practice. Taking an impartial look at our lives can be very
useful. I ask you not to judge or criticize yourself - simply
observe.

This year, I am focusing on attaining peace - both within myself
and with others around me. Remember, we are the creators of
the reality around us. By focusing on peace, first within ourselves,
next with everyone we meet, be they family, friends, or people
on the street, the world will begin resonating to the same
frequency. Additionally, we need to make peace with the
statesmen/women of this planet. If we spend time bemoaning
the state of the world, criticizing the behavior of our politicians,
and becoming angry at the defilement of Mother Earth, we
cannot be at peace. Of major importance is the fact that we are
not contributing to the solution. Our angry thoughts simply add
fuel to the fire!

By saying this, I do not mean to suggest we bow down and allow
things to continue as they are. No! We need to take the necessary
steps to redirect the leadership on this planet - yet we must do it
from an inner state of peace, knowing that change is essential for
the healing and continuation of life on this planet. We must
participate and make changes, but not from anger, not from despair,
not from impatience and judgment. We must understand that
everyone has been doing what they felt they needed to do. Our
role is to help others understand that there is a better, more
peaceful, loving, and healing way. It is the way of the peaceful
warrior. We do not lay down and let others trod over us and
damage our beloved planet and its inhabitants. Neither do we
participate in the "game" of violence and arrogance. If we adopt
the same behavior as the aggressors, we have become one of
them.

We should constantly question our motives and direction. Are we
moving towards harmony and peace for all? Are we focusing on
wanting a resolution where everyone's highest good is being
considered? Are we living from the "me against them" perspective
or from a knowledge that everyone is important in the grand
scheme of things? We must focus on peaceful resolutions,
always looking for the "highest" path, the path of love and
where the Highest Good of all emerges a "winner".

Living and working with others can be a very enlightening
experience when we realize that everyone is us - at some stage
of our evolution. The person we admire may be where we are
headed, whereas, the one we judge and criticize may be where
we are, or where we have been - or perhaps they are portraying
someone from our past and we get to relive similar situations
and interactions so that we can heal our own behavior. The
lesson is to learn to heal - to deal with all situations in peace
and objectivity, always looking for the highest good for all
concerned.

It's a new year! It's a new day! It's a new moment! Every moment
is another opportunity to raise our vibrations and thus contribute
to raising the vibration of the planet and all of its inhabitants. As
every one of us renounces fear and resentments, we are helping
others up another step in the ladder of life. We are not separate.
Each of our actions, thoughts, and desires resonate in the
Universe to be "picked up" by others.

Now is the time to make sure that we contribute to the upliftment
of humanity. We are all in this together. Let's join forces (the forces
of love and peace) and create a better world. We are the leaders
of the transition. We are the ones who can make a difference - by
our individual actions, thoughts, and visions, and by our collective
actions, thoughts, and visions.

Love is the key, and you are the gatekeeper who holds the key -
love for ourselves, for our neighbors, for those better off or worse
off than we, for everyone.

Open the door of your heart and let the Light & Love shine to
yourself, to others, and through you and all. Happy New Year!

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://www.innerself.com

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

A Thought For The New Year

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter
without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did
promise strength for the day, comfort for your
tears, and a light to shine your way.

Disappointments are like road humps, they
slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth
road afterwards. Don't stay on the humps too
long. Move on!

When you feel down because you didn't get
what you want, just sit tight and be happy,
because God has something better
to give you.

When something happens to you, good or bad
consider what it means. There's a purpose to
life's events, to teach you how to laugh more
or not to cry too hard.

You can't make someone love you, all you can
do is be someone who can be loved, the rest
is up to the person to realize your worth.

What the heart gives away is never gone. It is
kept in the hearts of others.

Remember that great love and great achievements
involve great risks.

Secure a special place in your heart.  A certain
place only you can enter. For there will come a
time when you need to find yourself and only your
heart will show you the way.

The measure of love is when you love without
measure.

In life there are very rare chances that you'll meet
the person you love and loves you in return. So
once you have it don't ever let go, the chance might
never come your way again.

It's better to lose your pride to the one you love,
than to lose the one you love because of pride.

We spend so much time looking for the right
person to love or finding fault with those we
already love, when instead we should be
perfecting the love we give.

When you truly care for someone, you don't
look for faults, and you overlook excuses.

Five rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

God doesn't CALL the QUALIFIED,
He QUALIFIES the CALLED.
"There's no attainment, if there is no goal."

BE DIVINE

Author Unknown

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

To leave the old with a burst of song;
To recall the right and forgive the wrong;
To forget the things that bind you fast
To the vain regrets of the year that's past;
To have the strength to let go your hold
Of the not worth while of the days grown old;
To dare go forth with a purpose true,
To the unknown task of the year that's new;
To help your brother along the road,
To do his work and lift his load;
To add your gift to the world's good cheer,
Is to have and to give a Happy New Year.

Author Unknown

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

Resign Yourself

Resign yourself to be happy,
For that is what you deserve.

Resign yourself to serve,
For that is why you are here.

Resign yourself to forgive,
For there is nothing to judge in Truth.

Resign yourself to love,
For that is what you are,
That is all there is,
That is "All that Is"

John and Rev. Ananda McIntosh
1998 - 2001© Copyright - Teach Only Love

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

Resign Yourself

Resign yourself to be happy,
For that is what you deserve.

Resign yourself to serve,
For that is why you are here.

Resign yourself to forgive,
For there is nothing to judge in Truth.

Resign yourself to love,
For that is what you are,
That is all there is,
That is "All that Is"

John and Rev. Ananda McIntosh
1998 - 2001© Copyright - Teach Only Love

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

On the Anniversary of Your Rebirth
This poem was written in celebration of a friend's
two years of sobriety in March of 1997.

You are one of the few
who has dared to step outside
comforting illusions --
No more masks or hiding,
no more lies --
choosing to live as a real person
in a real world.

You have shown a bravery by your actions
that belongs only to heroes,
turning your back on familiar havens
to embrace the unknown,
daring to trust
when trust appears impossible,
throwing away all crutches and props
when you have felt least able to stand.

Unlike others, you confront yourself,
acknowledging the shadow side of who we all are,
rejoicing in the good and accepting flaws,
choosing with each day the better path,
aware of the true fragility and danger of each hour
from which most others hide,
unable to accept uncertainty and doubt.

When we, too, face the truths from which
we have so carefully shielded ourselves,
as someday we all must do,
we'll look to you, respected elder sister,
to see the model by which to shape
our own bravery and our path,
daring, like you,
to live a life of true courage.

Copyright ©1997, by Elizabeth Bennefeld. All rights reserved.
willow@...

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

Letter from God

Effective Immediately,
please be aware that there are changes YOU need
to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be
completed in order that I may fulfill My promises
to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in
this life. I apologize for any inconvenience,
but after all that I am doing, this seems very
little to ask of you. Please, follow
these 10 guidelines

1. QUIT WORRYING: Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit
and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here
to take all your burdens and carry them for you?
Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little
thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it
on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY
to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care
of the problem. I can't help you until you turn
it over to Me. And although My to-do-list
is long, I am after all... God. I can take care
of anything you put into My hands. In fact,
if the truth were ever really known, I take
care of a lot of things for you that you never
even realize.

3. TRUST ME:
Once you've given your burdens to Me,
quit trying to take them back. Trust in
Me. Have the faith that I will take care of
all your needs, your problems and your trials.
Problems with the kids? Put them on My list.
Problem with finances? Put it on My list.
Problems with your emotional roller coaster?
For My sake, put it on My list. I want to
help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE:
Don't wake up one morning and say,
"Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think
I can handle it from here." Why do you think
you are feeling stronger now? It's simple.
You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking
care of them. I also renew your strength
and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these
problems back,
you will be right back where you started?
Leave them with Me and forget about
them. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME:
I want you to forget a lot of things.
Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting because
you know I'm in control. But there's one
thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't
forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU!
I want to hear your voice. I want you to
include Me in on the things going on in your life.
I want to hear you talk about your friends
and family. Prayer is simply you having
a conversation with Me. I want to be your
dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH:
I see a lot of things from up here that you
can't see from where you are. Have faith in
Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me;
you wouldn't want the view from My eyes.
I will continue to care for you, watch over you,
and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me.
Although I have a much bigger task than you,
it seems as if you have so much trouble just
doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE:
You were taught to share when you were
only two years old. When did you forget?
That rule still applies. Share with those who are
less fortunate than you. Share your joy with
those who need encouragement. Share your
laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share
your tears with those
who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith
with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT:
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime
you could have so many diverse experiences.
You grow from a child to an adult, have children,
change jobs many times, learn many trades,
travel to so many places, meet thousands
of people, and experience so much. How can
you be so impatient then when it takes Me
a little longer than you expect to handle
something on My to-do-list? Trust in My
timing, for My timing is perfect. Just
because I created the entire universe in
only six days, everyone thinks I should
always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND:
Be kind to others, for I love them just
as much as I love you. They may not dress
like you, or talk like you, or live the same way
you do, but I still love you all. Please try
to get along, for My sake. I created each
of you different in some way. It would be
too boring if you were all identical.
Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF:
As much as I love you, how can you not
love yourself? You were created by me for
one reason only -- to be loved, and to love
in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me.
Love your neighbors. But also love yourself.
It makes My heart ache when I see you
so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to
me.
Don't ever forget......

Touch someone with your love.
Rather than focus upon the thorns of life,
smell the roses and count your blessings!

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

Cherish your vision; Cherish your ideals;
Cherish the music that stirs in your heart,
the beauty that forms in your mind,
the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts.
If you remain true to them, your world will at last be built.
James Allen

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

Start living now.
Stop saving the good china for that special occasion.
Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes.
Every day you are alive is a special occasion.
Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

Children are happy because they don't yet have a file
in their minds called "All the Things That Could Go Wrong."
They don't have a mind-set that puts
"Things to Fear" before "Things to Love."
Unless we can be like little children,
we can't enter into the kingdom of heaven;
unless we can be like little children, we can't be happy.
Children are happy because they don't have all the facts yet.
Marianne Williamson, Illuminata

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

Evil, (ignorance) is like a shadow-it has no real substance of its own,
it is simply a lack of light.
You cannot cause a shadow to disappear by trying to fight it,
stomp on it, by railing against it,
or any other form of emotional or physical resistance.
In order to cause a shadow to disappear,
you must shine light on it.
Shakti Gawain

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

A true sponsor is a person who knows
the words to the song in your heart
and is able to sing them back to you
when you have forgotten those words.

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

The quality of your recovery is proportional
to the quality of your surrender.

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

Being an addict does not give me permission
to act out on my defects of character.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

Adult Children of Alcoholics
http://www.AdultChildren.org

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

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.dhh12s.com/

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
http://www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
http://www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
http://www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
http://www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
http://www.crystalmeth.org

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

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
http://www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
http://www.depressedanon.com

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

Eating Disorders Anonymous
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
http://www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
http://www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
http://www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
http://www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
http://www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
http://www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
http://www.earthgroupna.org

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
http://www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
http://www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
http://www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
http://www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
http://www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
http://www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
http://www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
http://www.spenders.org/home.html

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
http://www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
http://www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

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

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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



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

(((12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit Family))) a BIG hug to you all.
As this year comes to a close,
may we take a step back and be grateful for what is.
May we be courageous and willing to take the next step
so that God can put the path beneath our feet.
I hope that your New Year ahead is FILLED with the BRIGHTNESS of Love,
the WARMTH of Family and Friends,
the AWARENESS of Blessings and Miracles
and another year of Good Health to you ALL.
Be careful, Be safe and ENJOY yourself,
Stay in the Light
and
Keep Stepping,
In loving service,
Scott

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*It's Just Another Day*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Treatment
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/fav2003/treatment.html

An alcoholic was walking along the beach when he saw a bottle.
He stopped and rubbed it and a genie popped out.
"You have 3 wishes" said the genie.
The alcoholic said, "I'll take a bottle that is never empty."
Whamo he has a bottle that is never empty and starts to drink.
The genie taps him on the shoulder and says,
"and what are your other two wishes?"
"Oh," says the alcoholic, "I'll have two more like this one."

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

Earth Group NA Marathon
New Years 2008-2009
"Stepping Into The  New Year"

Come and join us for 18 hours of non stop recovery
and fellowship at Earth Group NA where we will again
bring in a New Year together with addicts from
around the world.
It all begins on December 31st at 6PM EST
through 12PM EST January 1st
The direct link to our meetings is
http://client0. sigmachat. com/sc.pl? id=114117.

Come and join us and share your experience, strength
and hope with other addicts on one of the most
difficult nights of the year to stay clean.
If you have any questions you may write to
chat@earthgroupna. org and webservant@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Marathon Meetings ROCK!!!*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


(((Family))) a BIG hug to you ALL
The topic of "What are the 3 things that I am
most grateful for and why" is very appropriate and of good timing
for the New Year.

As others have stated on the twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit group postings
that narrowing down to 3 things is a challenge.

First and foremost, I am grateful to God for EVERYTHING.
The good, the bad and the indifferent are all meaningful,
and have gotten me to where I am today.
I am grateful to God for the gifts, blessings and miracles
of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Secondly, I am grateful for the Program and Fellowship,
which encompasses relationships, sponsorship,
steps, service and the gifts of recovery.

Third, I am grateful for my family.
In Narcotics Anonymous, I was introduced to a new concept of
family and spiritual principles to live by.
I have been blessed to learn to live the program,
I am blessed to have a wonderful family.
My mom will be coming over this afternoon for to share some
time with my 2 boys, then we will have dinner,
a sleep over and some brunch tomorrow.
I am so BLESSED!!!
It blows my mind to think about where I was 20 years ago.
God is good.

I hope that you all have a safe New Year,
In loving service,
Scott


The weekly meeting topic is:
What are the 3 things that I am
most grateful for and why?

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 31
Today I know that I am at choice.
Today I have all the willingness...
all the energy and all the guidance to continue
to choose the path of peace and love and joy.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

The Fix

I came to my first 12 Step Meeting to learn to fix
My daughter. I was sure that in this group mix
I would learn the right words to make her quit
Using drugs and alcohol. My live was in a pit
Of despair. I would scheme, manipulate or lie
Nothing was off limits, I knew she would die
And I felt it was up to me to find a speedy cure
I was dishonest but thought my motive was pure.
I did not learn how to control her habit that night
But what I did hear turned me toward the light.
The first step told me I was powerless over her use
A :”power greater than ourselves” could dispel the ruse
That I had any control at all over her drugs of choice
I had to care for me. Even more I had to still my voice
Of nagging and complaining. I had to turn my will
Over to the care of my Higher Power. But I had my fill
Of church as I knew it. I was asked “Do you believe
There’s a power greater than you?  Will you leave
Your ego behind and depend on Him?” I didn’t see
The answer that first night. The talk was about me.
“Keep coming back” I heard. Leaving the meeting
I felt confused and alone, but I had caught a fleeting
Glimpse of serenity that shown on faces of the group.
My options were limited, I was on a dead-end loop.
I didn’t understand at first, but with time I learned the way
To seek my Higher Power not just at church but day by day.
I learned her salvation would not come from me playing God
But would come from her HP who knew the path she trod
And loved her, even more than I could ever express
Because He created her and He knew of her distress.
With time I found a family who is closer than blood kin
In my 12 step group members who welcomed me to join in.
The fix I had first sought was to control my addict loved one
The fix I found was far greater, forgiveness for what I’d done.

Carol Thomas
Gillygumdrop@...
12/29/05

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

Colors
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=714

THE WILSON HOUSE, which is the Birthplace of Bill W
www.wilsonhouse.org

On diversity
N.A. Way Magazine 6/1998
www.na.org/naway/en/naway4-e-4.htm

Grapevine Articles
www.silkworth.net/grapevine/grapevine_articles.html

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

One Day At A Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9iIq3Tm44A

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

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksa.htm

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

Just For Today
December 31                                           Being of Service

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

We're in recovery now. Through living the program, we've
attained some stability in our lives. Our faith in a Higher
Power has grown. Our individual spiritual awakening is
progressing comfortably. So now what? Do we simply sit
still and enjoy? Of course not. We find a way to be of
service.

We tend to think of service only in terms of committee
service or holding a position at some level, but service goes
far beyond this understanding. In fact, we can find
opportunities to be of service in nearly every area of our lives.
Our jobs are a form of service to our communities, no matter
what our occupation. The work we do in our homes serves
our families. Perhaps we do volunteer work in our
communities.

What a difference our service efforts make! If we doubt this,
we can just imagine what the world would be like if no one
bothered to be of service to others. Our work serves humanity.
The message we carry goes beyond the rooms of recovery,
affecting everything we do.

Just for today: I will look for opportunities to be of service in
everything I do.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/January.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/


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

True Ambition

True ambition is not what we thought is was. True ambition is the
deep desire to live usefully and walk humbly under the grace of
God.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 124-125

During my drinking years, my one and only concern was to have
my fellow man think highly of me.  My ambition in everything I did
was to have the power to be at the top.  My inner self kept telling
me something else but I couldn't accept it.  I didn't even allow
myself to realize that I wore a mask continually.  Finally, when
the mask came off and I cried out to the only God I could conceive,
the Fellowship of A.A., my group and the Twelve Steps were there.
I learned how to change resentments into acceptance, fear into
hope and anger into love.  I have learned also, through loving
without undo expectations, through sharing my concerns and
caring for my fellow man, that each day can be joyous and
fruitful.  I begin and end my day with thanks to God, who has
so generously shed His grace on me.

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

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

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden / December 31st

A.A. Thought for the Day

I shall be loyal in my attendance, generous in my
giving, kind in my criticism, creative in my suggestions,
loving in my attitudes.  I shall give A.A. my interest,
my enthusiasm, my devotion, and most of all, myself.
The Lord's Prayer has become part of my A.A. thoughts
for each day: "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed
be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done, on
earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who
trespass against us.  Lead us not to temptation, but
deliver us from evil."  Have I given myself?

Meditation for the Day

As we look back over the year just gone, it has been
a good year to the extent that we have put good
thoughts, good words, and good deeds into it.  None of
what we have thought, said, or done need be wasted.
Both the good and the bad experiences can be profited
by.  In a sense, the past is not entirely gone.  The result
of it, for good or evil, is with us at the present moment.
We can only learn by experience and none of our
experience is completely wasted.  We can humbly
think God for the good things of the year that has gone.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may carry good things into the year ahead.
I pray that I may carry on with faith, with prayer, and
with hope.

"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
DECEMBER 31

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

Affirming the Good

      Fun becomes fun, love becomes love, life becomes worth living.
And we become grateful.
      --Beyond Codependency

Wait, and expect good things - for yourself and your loved ones.

When you wonder what is coming, tell yourself the best is coming,
the very best life and love have to offer, the best God and His
universe have to send. Then open your hands to receive it. Claim
it, and it is yours.

See the best in your mind; envision what it will look like, what it will
feel like. Focus, until you can see it clearly. Let your whole being,
body and soul, enter into and hold onto the image for a moment.

Then, let it go. Come back into today, the present moment. Do not
obsess. Do not become fearful. Become excited. Live today fully,
expressing gratitude for all you have been, all you are, and all you
will become.

Wait, and expect good things.

Today, when I think abut the year ahead, I will focus on the good that
is coming.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Make A Difference A Day
www.inlightimes.com/archives/1998/12/difference.htm

What You Think Of Me Is None Of My Business
www.inlightimes.com/archives/1999/12/hess.htm

Nothing Short Of Passion, by Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/1998/12/passion.htm

The Healing Power of Relationship
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/January/vissell.htm

Links to Finding Joy &  Happiness
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_first.htm#joy

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

New Years Prayers

God grant us this year a wider view
So we see other' faults through the eyes of You.
Teach us to judge not with hasty tongue,
Neither the adult...nor the young,

Give us patience and grace to endure
And a stronger faith so we feel secure,
And instead of remembering, help us forget
The irritations that caused us to fret

Freely forgiving for some offense
And finding each day a rich recompense
In offering a friendly, helping hand
And trying in all ways to understand

That all of us whoever we are
Are trying to reach an unreachable star..
For the great and small...the good and bad,
The young and old...the sad and glad

Are asking today, "Is life worth living?"
And the answer is only in loving and giving..
For only love can make us kind
And kindness of heart brings peace of mind,

And by giving love we can start this year
To lift the clouds of hate and fear.

Author Unknown

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

REFLECTIONS--A LIST OF YEAR-END QUESTIONS
© David Batchelor

In order to embrace the new, we must release the old. An
important part of preparing for the New Year is to review the
past year--to release it--and to learn from it.

To go where we wish to go and be whom we wish to be, we
need to know where we are and who we are. An honest self-
analysis is always helpful to gain clarity. As we end the year,
the decade, the century and the millennium, it seems
particularly fitting to devote some time to reflecting on the year
past and where we find ourselves as the new year dawns.

The following questions should stimulate your thinking for this
process. I hope that you take time out of your busy schedule
this holiday season to ponder where you are and where
you've been. Enter into discussions with people you care
about. Write out your thoughts and feelings. Do some
journaling. Consider writing a letter--an end-of the-year-
epistle to yourself. It could be profound to write it and valuable
to read it in the years ahead.

Reflect upon what you did, how you felt, what you liked, what
you didn't and what you learned. Try to look at yourself and your
experience with as much objectivity as you can-much like a
biographer would.

Here are some suggestions to get you started in mulling over the
past year-perhaps the last decade. Feel free to add your own.

1. Am I where I want to be? (if not, what's stopping me?)

2. What did I achieve? A list of my wins and achievements.

3. What would I have done differently? Why?

4. Was I busy doing or being? (Be comes before do and have.
After all we were created to be human BEings not human DOings)

5. What were the most significant events of the year past? List the
top three.

6. What did I do right? What do I feel especially good about?
What was my greatest contribution?

7. What were the fun things I did? What were the not-so-fun?

8. What were my biggest challenges/roadblocks/difficulties?

9. How am I different this year than last?

10. For what am I particularly grateful and why?

Another Suggestion:
Consider listing all the things in your life of which
you'd like to let go--anything you no longer want. Give thanks
for what they've brought you in terms of learning and usefulness
and then burn the list. It's a symbolic gesture to help you release
the old and be open to the new.

The next step is to list what you DO want-experiences, knowledge,
material things, relationships, healings, whatever.

In doing this, you'll be using the principle of vacuum-releasing
what you don't want and embracing what you do.

I'm confident that anything you can do to make this year-end more
dramatic in terms of your own personal and spiritual growth will
be valuable.

Make it a great New Year by ending this one well.

About the Author:
David Batchelor has written numerous articles focusing on
Tips, Strategies, Tools and how-to's for creating the Ultimate Home
Based Business.

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

Is the Grass Really Greener on the Other Side of the Fence?
by Joseph Bailey

When we are unhappy, we often quite naturally begin to
fantasize about how our troubles would end "if only". If only
I could move to the country and avoid the hassle of city life...
If only I could quit my job and do something simpler, like be
a forest ranger in a national park... If only I could leave this
marriage, which isn't working out, and find someone who
really understands me...

Unfortunately, all too often we quit that stressful job or leave
that unhappy marriage, only to find ourselves in a similar or
worse situation. Why is this?

Looking for external solutions to our psychological problems
doesn't work. In other words, if we don't change our thinking,
we will bring that thinking right along with us to the next job
or the next marriage or the new house in the country. Our
experience of life is the creation of our own thinking >
perception > emotion > behavior. This doesn't mean that
people should never change jobs or careers, move to a
better location, or even find a new significant other. It simply
means that nothing changes on the outside if nothing
changes on the inside, where your experience is created --
your mind.

Doug came to me for help with several problems. He was
stressed beyond his limit. He was unable to sleep at night,
hated the industry he was in and the people he worked with,
had angry outbursts at work, and couldn't maintain a significant
relationship. To Doug, it appeared that he was in the wrong
job and living in the wrong state and that his problems were
all a result of those factors. In the past ten years he'd taken
five new jobs, moved to four new homes, and failed in
numerous relationships.

Doug would often fantasize about moving to Colorado, getting
a job at a ski resort, and simplifying his hectic life. He was
making great money where he was, but the stress wasn't
worth it to him, and he knew he wasn't getting any younger.
He sought me out because he wanted to make sure he wasn't
going to regret his decision later.

"Everybody around here is always pushing my buttons", Doug
said. "They have no respect for my time, my priorities, or my
responsibilities, yet they want me to respect theirs. Well, I tell
you, they can take this job and do you know what with it!"
This was Doug's typical complaint. But as he began to
understand the principles described in this book (The Speed
Trap), his view of his job and other people gradually began to
change.

The Fork in the Road

One day, Doug realized he'd had it with his supervisor.
One more demand like that and I'll show him. I'll quit,
Doug grumbled to himself.

Sure enough, his supervisor asked him to cancel his other
plans and fly to Florida the next day; this was an emergency.

"I'm sick and tired of your demands! What do you take me
for -- a fool?" With that, Doug stormed out of his supervisor's
office and out to the parking lot. He sped out of the driveway,
and within two blocks a police officer pulled him over and
began writing out a ticket for going 50 in a 35-MPH zone.

As Doug sat in his car, it dawned on him that he was totally
out of control and definitely in an unhealthy way of thinking.
Once again, he had made an impulsive, reactive decision
while in a rage. All of his musings about leaving the job
seemed to build up to this point. What have I done? he asked
himself. Is this really what I want, or am I overreacting?
Suddenly, it became absolutely clear to him that he had been
"temporarily insane" and had acted on that insane thinking.

When the officer handed him the ticket, Doug thanked him for
the wake-up call. Puzzled, the officer walked away wondering
why anyone would be thanking him for a ticket.

Doug suddenly realized that this was just one of numerous
occasions in which he had set himself up for having a major
emotional reaction by thinking that "they" were ruining his life.
It became clear to him that he was taking everything personally
and that it was his thinking that was giving him his emotional
reaction. A flood of memories and insights washed over him,
and he saw this pattern throughout his whole life, with his
family, his bosses, his girlfriends, other jobs. It was always
"their fault", and his only recourse was to get away from those
negative influences. That had appeared to be his only option
this time once again -- up to the moment he got the speeding
ticket.

Doug went back to the office and apologized to his boss.
   "I'm really sorry I reacted to you the way I did. I was way
out of line. I'll be in Florida tomorrow." With that accomplished,
Doug actually began to feel good about the trip and even
decided to throw in his golf dubs and take the weekend off
for some R & R. Man, I'm so lucky to have a job that will get
me out of the cold winter and off to Florida, he thought, as he
went whistling out the door.

On the plane back from Florida, Doug felt a warm glow of
grateful feelings as he realized how much he actually loved his
job, especially now that he realized where the power over his
anger and his happiness truly resided. Boy, am I glad I didn't
quit. That was a close one. I wonder in how many other areas
of my life I've been doing the same thing, Doug mused. I guess
the grass only looked greener because I needed a new pair
of glasses!

This article is excerpted from the book "The Speed Trap" by
Joseph Bailey, ?1999. Reprinted with permission of the
publisher, HarperSanFrancisco, an imprint of Harper Collins, Inc.

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

Teach Me

Teach me, God, so that I might know
The way to change and the way to grow.
Give me the words to ask You how
To handle the here and live in the now.

Tempt me not with the valleys of death,
Give me freedom from fear in every breath.
And though mistakes I make in my daily life,
Deliver me from aiding strife.

Understand me, God, as I am now
And show me the furrows I need to plow.
To reach my goal as a ripening food,
So I might feed others all that is good.

Fill me with energy known as the Power,
Until I come to rest at the midnight hour.

from the book: Twelve Step Prayer Book - Second Edition

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

The Blessing of Closure

I will know peace with . . . I take the time to experience
the blessing of closure.

All great events cast a shadow before them,
and so many of us get caught up in the shadow. How?
We move on to something new without closure.
We jump into something new before
we understand the old.
We think that we can start a new relationship
when we are still angry about the old relationship.
We think we can find a new, better-paying job
when we are still upset about how we were treated on the old job.
You cannot move forward into something bigger, better, brighter
than what you had until you clear your feeling about the old thing was,
what you learned and what you are taking with you.
Without closure, the bad stuff you had before is going to follow you.

A shadow is cast by a coming event.
The shadow is not the event itself.
Some shadows are dark.
They may frighten you.
They also obscure your vision.
Other shadows are bright, so bright in fact
that they blind you to what is really going on.
A bright shadow may lead you out of the darkness
but may not provide you with a clear vision
of where you are headed.
When you attempt to leave where you are without closure,
you will undoubtedly get lost in some kind of shadow.
A shadow in your mind. A shadow on your heart.
The only way to ensure that you are standing squarely
in a new event and not the shadow is to make the effort
to understand what you are leaving, why you are leaving,
what you have learned and how you plan to make the next event different.

Until today, you may have been compelled to move
on without forethought or closure.
Just for today, be still! Make no decisions.
Give yourself some down time.
When you feel ready to move forward,
ask God to show you where and how
to move into an eventful new beginning.

Today I am devoted to bringing closure to those
experiences that could propel me into a shadow!
Iyanla Vanzant
  From - "Until Today!"

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

The Blessing of Closure

I will know peace with . . . I take the time to experience
the blessing of closure.

All great events cast a shadow before them,
and so many of us get caught up in the shadow. How?
We move on to something new without closure.
We jump into something new before
we understand the old.
We think that we can start a new relationship
when we are still angry about the old relationship.
We think we can find a new, better-paying job
when we are still upset about how we were treated on the old job.
You cannot move forward into something bigger, better, brighter
than what you had until you clear your feeling about the old thing was,
what you learned and what you are taking with you.
Without closure, the bad stuff you had before is going to follow you.

A shadow is cast by a coming event.
The shadow is not the event itself.
Some shadows are dark.
They may frighten you.
They also obscure your vision.
Other shadows are bright, so bright in fact
that they blind you to what is really going on.
A bright shadow may lead you out of the darkness
but may not provide you with a clear vision
of where you are headed.
When you attempt to leave where you are without closure,
you will undoubtedly get lost in some kind of shadow.
A shadow in your mind. A shadow on your heart.
The only way to ensure that you are standing squarely
in a new event and not the shadow is to make the effort
to understand what you are leaving, why you are leaving,
what you have learned and how you plan to make the next event different.

Until today, you may have been compelled to move
on without forethought or closure.
Just for today, be still! Make no decisions.
Give yourself some down time.
When you feel ready to move forward,
ask God to show you where and how
to move into an eventful new beginning.

Today I am devoted to bringing closure to those
experiences that could propel me into a shadow!
Iyanla Vanzant
  From - "Until Today!"

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

Our awesome responsibility to ourselves, to our children, and to
the future is to create ourselves in the image of goodness,
because the future depends on the nobility of our imaginings.
-- Barbara Grizzuti Harrison

The world we live in depends on the responsible contributions
each of us makes. And this world is just as good as are the many
talents we commit ourselves to developing and offering. None of
us is without obligation to offer our best to our family, friends, or
strangers, if our hope is to live in a good world. The world can
only be as good as each of us makes it.

Individually and collectively our power to mold the outer
circumstances of our lives is profound. Our personal responses
to one another and our reactions to events that touch us combine
with the actions of others to create a changed environment that
affects us. No action, no thought goes unnoticed, unfelt, in this
interdependent system of humanity. We share this
universe. We are the force behind all that the universe offers.

Whether I acknowledge the depth of my contribution is irrelevant.
It is still profound and making an impact every moment and
eternally.

from the book: The Promise of a New Day by Karen Casey &
Martha Vanceburg

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

You will find as you look back upon your life
that the moments when you have really lived,
are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of Love.

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

The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing
would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.
Mahatma Gandhi

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

The purpose of our lives is to give birth to the best which is within
us.
Marianne Williamson

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

WILLING = When I Live Life I Need God

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

YET = You’re Eligible Too

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

   YET = You’ll End-up There

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

ISM = Incredibly Short Memory

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

Adult Children of Alcoholics
http://www.AdultChildren.org

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

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.dhh12s.com/

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
http://www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
http://www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
http://www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
http://www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
http://www.crystalmeth.org

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

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
http://www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
http://www.depressedanon.com

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

Eating Disorders Anonymous
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
http://www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
http://www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
http://www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
http://www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
http://www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
http://www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
http://www.earthgroupna.org

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
http://www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
http://www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
http://www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
http://www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
http://www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
http://www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
http://www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
http://www.spenders.org/home.html

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
http://www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
http://www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
are included:

To unsubscribe to to this list send an Email message to the group
that you belong to
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or
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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



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

Research 2
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/fav2003/research2.html

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

Earth Group NA Marathon
New Years 2008-2009
"Stepping Into The  New Year"

Come and join us for 18 hours of non stop recovery
and fellowship at Earth Group NA where we will again
bring in a New Year together with addicts from
around the world.
It all begins on December 31st at 6PM EST
through 12PM EST January 1st
The direct link to our meetings is
http://client0. sigmachat. com/sc.pl? id=114117.

Come and join us and share your experience, strength
and hope with other addicts on one of the most
difficult nights of the year to stay clean.
If you have any questions you may write to
chat@earthgroupna. org and webservant@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Marathon Meetings ROCK!!!*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What are the 3 things that I am
most grateful for and why?

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 30
It feels so good to help other people
and to know that I have something to give them.
It feels so good to have turned my own life around
so that it can benefit others.
(Author's note: Please know that we all have so much to give.
The world really needs us recovering folks now.
We have been given an extraordinary gift of a way of life
second to none, and as we continue to grow spiritually,
we do make a difference in the world.)
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

A B C's of Recovery

Remember Your A B C's

A) Attitude of gratitude

B) Be as enthusiastic about your recovery as you were about your using

C) Change is a process, not an event

D) Don't quit 5 minutes before the miracle happens

E) Easy does it

F) Fear is absence of faith

G) God's will, not mine, be done

H) Honesty, Open-mindedness, and Willingness

I) Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results

J) Just for today

K) Keep coming back

L) Live the Program on a daily basis

M) More will be revealed

N) NA can survive without us but we cannot survive without NA

O) One day at a time

P) Pass the message, not the disease

Q) Quitting is easy; it's staying stopped that's hard

R) Resentments reserve a place in our recovery for relapse

S) Sponsors: have one - use one - be one

T) Today is all you have

U) Use the Steps, the elevator is broken

V) Value spiritual principles such as surrender, humility, and service

W) We have a disease: progressive, incurable and fatal

X) Xamine our actions, our reactions, and our motives

Y) You're right where you're supposed to be

Z) Zero in on the winners and stick with them

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

Climbing To The Top
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=537

Stepping Stones The Historic Home of Bill and Lois Wilson
http://www.steppingstones.org

A home group’s experience with public information
N.A. Way Magazine 1/1998
www.na.org/naway/en/naway2-e.htm#facilities

REFLECTIONS--A LIST OF YEAR-END QUESTIONS
www.ksinclair.com/Article455.htm

Reflections - A Top Ten List of Year-End Questions
www.positivepath.net/ideasMA17.asp

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
December 30                              Action and Prayer

"... growth is not the result of wishing but of action and prayer"
Basic Text, pp.35-36

   Sometimes it seems as if our recovery is growing much too slowly.
We struggle with the steps; we wrestle with the same problems;
we labor under the same uncomfortable feelings day after day. We
wish that recovery would move a little faster so we could find some
comfort!

   Wishing doesn't work in recovery; this isn't a program of magic. If
wishes cured addiction, we all would have been well long ago!
What does give us relief in recovery is action and prayer.

   Narcotics Anonymous has worked for so many addicts because it
is a carefully designed program of action and prayer. The actions we
undertake in each of the steps bring more and more recovery to each
area of our lives. And prayer keeps us connected to our Higher Power.
Together, action and prayer keep us well-grounded in recovery.

Just for today: My recovery is too precious to just wish about it.
Today is a good day for action and prayer.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/January.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

When The Chips are Down

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 human  protection and care.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 116

It has been my experience that, when all human resources appear to
have failed, there is always One who will never desert me.  Moreover,
He is always there to share my joy, to steer me down the right path,
and to confide in when no one else will do.  While my well-being and
happiness can be added to, or diminished, by  human efforts, only
God can provide the loving nourishment upon which I depend for my
daily spiritual health.

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 /December 30th

A.A. Thought for the Day

To the extent that I fail in my responsibilities,
A.A. fails.  To the extent that I succeed, A.A.
succeeds.  Every failure of mine will set back
A.A. work to that extent.  Every success of mine
will put A.A. ahead to that extent.  I shall not
wait to be drafted for service to others, but
I shall volunteer.  I shall accept every opportunity
to work for A.A. as a challenge, and I shall do
my best to accept every challenge and perform
my task as best I can.  Will I accept every
challenge gladly?

Meditation for the Day

People are failures in the deepest sense when they
seek to live without God's sustaining power.  Many
people try to be self-sufficient and seek selfish
pleasure and find that it does not work too well.
No matter how much material wealth they acquire,
no matter how much fame and material power, the
time of disillusionment and futility usually comes.
Death is ahead, and they cannot take any material
thing with them when they go.  What does it matter
if I have gained the whole world, but lost my own soul?

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I will not come empty to the end of my life.
I pray that I may so live that I will not be afraid to die.

"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
DECEMBER 30

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

Laying the Foundation

The groundwork has been laid.

Do you not see that?

Don't you understand that all you have gone through was for
a purpose?

There was a reason, a good reason, for the waiting, the struggle,
the pain, and finally the release.

You have been prepared. The same way a builder must first
tear down and dig out the old to make way for the new, your
Higher Power has been cleaning out the foundation in your life.

Have you ever watched a builder at construction? When he
begins his work, it looks worse than before he began. What is
old and decayed must be removed. What is insufficient or too
weak to support the new structure must be removed, replaced,
or reinforced. No builder who cares about his or her work
would put a new surface over an insufficient support system.
The foundation would give way. It would not last.

If the finished product is to be what is desired, the work must
be done thoroughly from the bottom up. As the work progresses,
it often appears to be an upheaval. Often, it does not seem to
make sense. It may appear to be wasted time and effort,
because we cannot see the final product yet.

But it is so important that the foundation be laid properly if the
fun work, the finishing touches, is to be all that we want it to be.

This long, hard time in your life has been for laying of groundwork.
It was not without purpose, although at times the purpose may not
have been evident or apparent.

Now, the foundation has been laid. The structure is solid.

Now, it is time for the finishing touches, the completion.

It is time to move the furniture in and enjoy the fruits of the labor.

Congratulations. You have had the patience to endure the hard
parts. You have trusted, surrendered, and allowed your Higher
Power and the Universe to heal and prepare you.

Now, you shall enjoy the good that has been planned.

Now, you shall see the purpose.

Now, it shall all come together and make sense.

Enjoy.

Today, I will surrender to the laying of the foundation - the
groundwork  - in my life. If it is time to enjoy the placement of
the finishing touches, I will surrender to that, and enjoy that
too. I will remember to be grateful for a Higher Power that is
a Master Builder and only has my best interests in mind,
creating and constructing my life. I will be grateful for my
Higher Power's care and attention to details in laying the
foundation - even though I become impatient at times. I will
stand in awe at the beauty of God's finished product.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Developing A Reflective Life In The Midst Of Turmoil
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2000/12/reflective-life.htm

Don't Follow Me, by Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2000/12/alan.htm

Slaves To Technology
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2000/12/hess.htm

Put "Click-to-Donate" Sites on your New Year's Resolution List
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/January/cyberweave.htm

Links to Art & Creativity
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_first.htm#creativity

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

The Invitation

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for,
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love,
for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon.
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow,
if you have been opened by life's betrayals or
have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own,
without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own,
if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you
to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be
careful, be realistic, or to remember the limitations of being
human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you're telling me is true.
I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to
yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not
betray your own soul.

I want to know if you can be faithless
and therefore be trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty
even when it's not pretty, every day,
and if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine,
and still stand on the edge of a lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes"!

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much
money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the
night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone,
and do what needs to be done for the children.

It doesn't interest me who you are, how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have
studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when
all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself,
and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

© Oriah Mountain Dreamer,
from the book The Invitation
published by Harper San Francisco, 1999

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

Being Human is Awful
by Barbara J. Semple

For a long time, I hated being human. I used to hate being
stereotyped into any category, even being human, because
humanity has done so many bad things since it moved out of
"the gardens." Talk about carrying inappropriate patterns about
being in community or group.

Hating being human can definitely have a detrimental effect
on my physical existence. Blaming my family of origin and
never wanting to be in a family or group again is totally
understandable when all one knows is the dark side of life.
I hated the whole idea that someone, my family, my environment,
humanity, had a hold on me and shaped my life to be just
another human in a rat race like everyone else. My life fitted
perfectly into what I call the "crab box theory." Let me explain.

When a fisherman is catching crabs, he usually puts them in a
box as he catches them. When he throws the first crab he
catches in the box, the crab fights and uses all of its might to
free himself from the box. A second and third crab (or more) are
caught and thrown into the box. Immediately, all crabs fight to
pull each other down, so nobody gets out of the box. That was
the pull or power of my immediate human group experience.
Yes, I had issues around intimacy and being in groups with
other humans. I am grateful for my conscious movement beyond
the "crab box effect" of some people on my life.

One note about my movement beyond the "crab box effect." I
could not have tackled such movement and the patterns or
conditions of it until I had gained some sense of self separate
from my family and friends. My sense of independent self
accelerated when I moved 1200 miles away to Colorado. It
took about 11 years in Colorado before I was able to begin
handling ever-deeper "holding" patterns, and even longer
before I felt the courage to "test" myself in community
relationships again.

Soul will say that darkness, sickness, abuse and such
"disturbances in the Force" of my life are doorways to the
light. Besides, Soul knew the plan from the beginning. In my
conscious soul workout, the disturbances in my "Force," the
effects or results of my patterns and cycles of abuse from
childhood, negativity or whatever, my challenged immune
system, my rifts with family members, are all red flag
opportunities for me to operate from the higher perspective
of Soul.

Taking responsibility for myself as a spiritual being having a
physical experience transforms the whole human experience
thing. Again, the cumulative results of retraining myself differently
take time. I am still sometimes uncomfortable with the bad things
some humans do. God bless them. They present another
opportunity for me to forgive and love. Previously wounded
ones, people suffering with illnesses, people who are healthy
and know they are more than physical, who choose the "High
Road," are causing humanity to evolve differently. Humanity is
in a global soul movement to a higher perspective of humanity.

The characteristics of being human are changing. I have seen
it in myself. As I cause myself to think, feel and act from a higher
perspective, I become more than human. I lift myself to a higher
nature of being. By witnessing my own "upliftment" of myself
from my former lowly, sinning state of being, to a refined, spiritual
state, I feel a very strong sense that my conscious emotions have
an effect on my genetics. I have no scientific proof for this strong
sense. I am not a scientist. It just feels natural that the genetic
material of humans would change with the introduction of a new
factor, love and respect over generations, since humanity evolves
as a species and adapts and changes physiologically. For
example, human ancestors had hair all over their bodies and
now we don't. Didn't something change genetically?

By working within the laws of cause and effect, I now pass on
what I know, how I think, feel and act as a spiritual being having
a physical experience, as does everyone else experiencing
conscious soul movement. Being human becomes a highly
refined way of being, worthy of the highest honors of the
heavenly realms

This article is excerpted from Soul Aerobics Conscious
Movement of a Soul into Wholeness, ©2000, by Barbara J. Semple.
Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Blue Topaz Publishing.
www.bluetopazpublishing.com

About the Author:
Barbara Semple has been a practitioner of Jin Shin Jyutsu®,
a gentle Oriental healing art, for ten years. She enjoys Zen painting,
and is also the author of Personal Power Cardsä , flashcards for
emotional wellness. Barbara spent 20 years working in corporate
and marketing communications until switching her focus to the
holistic  healing arts.

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

Spirit Of Love

   Henry Drummond has said, "The moments when you have
really lived are the moments when you have done things in
the spirit of love."

    Here is a story (possibly apocryphal, but powerful nevertheless)
about a man who acted in the spirit of love and what he
consequently learned.

    The story comes from Zig Ziglar's book, See You At The Top
(Pelican Publishing Co., 1982). He tells about an old man who
stood on a Virginia riverbank many years ago. He was waiting
to cross the river and, since it was bitterly cold and there were
no bridges, he would have to "catch a ride" to the other side.
After a lengthy wait he spotted a group of horsemen approaching.
He let the first one pass, then the second, third, fourth and fifth.
One rider remained. As he drew abreast, the old man looked
him in the eye and said, "Sir, would you give me a ride across
the river?"

    The rider immediately replied, "Certainly." Once across the
river, the old man slid to the ground. "Sir," the rider said
before leaving. "I could not help but notice that you permitted
all the other men to pass without asking for a ride. Then, when I
drew abreast, you immediately asked me to carry you across. I
am curious as to why you didn't ask them and you did ask me."

    The old man quietly responded, "I looked into their eyes and
could see no love and knew in my own heart it would be useless
to ask for a ride. But when I looked into your eyes, I saw
compassion, love and the willingness to help. I knew you would
be glad to give me a ride across the river."

    The rider was touched. "I'm grateful for what you are saying," he
said. "I appreciate it very much." With that, Thomas Jefferson
turned and rode off to the White House.

    Ziglar reminds us that our eyes are the windows of our souls.
Then he asks a pointed question: "If you had been the last rider,
would the old man have asked you for a ride?"

    A good question! For it is said that others will know us by our
love. Some will see it in the things we do and some in the things
we say. And a few perceptive souls, like the old man, may catch a
glimmer of a loving and generous spirit in the expression of kind
eyes.

However it shows, may you be known by your love.

  From TOUCHING MOMENTS, by Steve Goodier

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

Worth Waiting For

Each new dawn the plate of life is full
With much emptiness disguised as good
Alluring in oh so many ways
A fleeting taste of sweetness for the day
Soon disillusionment sets in
With disappointment your closest friend
Now we start asking how and why
Our choices fall short of what soul requires
Wisdom teaches well as time goes on
That patience yields the greatest of rewards
No benefit from siren songs to be derived
Save they divert us from our heart's desire.
Every time we settle for less
We deny our right to have the best.
Pray to understand that for you there is much more
To know that the best is worth waiting for.


Virginia Santoro
(Copyright 2001 - All Rights Reserved)
MorningMusings@...

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

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.
-- The Serenity Prayer

One of life's paradoxes is that in order to change an unwanted
situation, we must first accept it the way it is. If you wish to move
forward in your life, first make peace with what you are presently
experiencing.

John was working at a job that he had ceased to enjoy and could
not wait to leave. Yet despite his extensive job search, he was
unable to find new employment. Realizing that you can't leave
a situation without spiritual injury unless you leave it lovingly,
John decided to make peace with his job and to bless the people
in it. This change of attitude freed him to move on to new
employment.

Accepting people as they are is also transformational. For years,
a man tried to get his elderly mother to stop complaining. One
day he gave up trying to change her and accepted her faults.
This experience of unconditional love opened her heart to the
point where she stopped condemning herself and others.

If there is some area of your life that you are seeking to change,
first practice acceptance. By acknowledging where you are and
giving thanks for the good that you have received, you will release
an energy that will transform you and your present circumstances.

from the book: Listening to Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch

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

Everything you need or want has a way of showing
up as soon as you're ready for it.

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

None of us can decide not to be in a relationship.
Try not being in relationship with your breath!
Life is about relationship.
We're going to be in relationship anyway so our task is
to learn how to experience a deeper, more profound meaning
in the relationships that we are in,
the greatest of which is our relationship with God.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

When we long for life without difficulties,
remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds
and diamonds are made under pressure.
Peter Marshall

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

Shoot for the moon.
Even if you miss it you will land among the stars.
Les Brown

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

STAR = Start Talking About Recovery

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

TIME = Things I Must Earn

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

TRUST = Try Relying Upon  Steps Today

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

SPONSOR =
Service Person Offering Newcomers Suggestions On Recovery

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

Keep GRATITUDE
Up front !!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

Adult Children of Alcoholics
http://www.AdultChildren.org

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

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.dhh12s.com/

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
http://www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
http://www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
http://www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
http://www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
http://www.crystalmeth.org

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

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
http://www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
http://www.depressedanon.com

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

Eating Disorders Anonymous
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
http://www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
http://www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
http://www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
http://www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
http://www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
http://www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
http://www.earthgroupna.org

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
http://www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
http://www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
http://www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
http://www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
http://www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
http://www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
http://www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
http://www.spenders.org/home.html

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
http://www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
http://www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

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

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http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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



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

Research
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/fav2003/research.html

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

Earth Group NA Marathon
New Years 2008-2009
"Stepping Into The  New Year"

Come and join us for 18 hours of non stop recovery
and fellowship at Earth Group NA where we will again
bring in a New Year together with addicts from
around the world.
It all begins on December 31st at 6PM EST
through 12PM EST January 1st
The direct link to our meetings is
http://client0. sigmachat. com/sc.pl? id=114117.

Come and join us and share your experience, strength
and hope with other addicts on one of the most
difficult nights of the year to stay clean.
If you have any questions you may write to
chat@earthgroupna. org and webservant@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Marathon Meetings ROCK!!!*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What are the 3 things that I am
most grateful for and why?

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 29
Through prayer and meditation God guides me
to the appropriate people for guidance
in the important decisions I must make in my life.
I trust my answers to be there when the time is right.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

Harmony of Life

A butterfly flutters from flower to flower,
He stops for a moment, or maybe an hour,
I pause for just a little while,
This never fails to make me smile.

A tiny gator swims slowly toward shore,
Looking for minnows, not anything more.
So happy inside his watery castle,
Just enjoying his life without any hassle.

A little squirrel scurries, with nuts in his mouth,
He seems not to care that he lives in the south,
He's storing for winter, though only he knows where,
He seems so ambitious, I'll try not to stare.

The birds of the morning, oh how they do sing!
It gives me awareness of what God's love brings,
This harmony of life that's so freely given,
There's all this and more that makes life worth living.

Sharlett Hunt ©
12/19/03
Sharlette863@...

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

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

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

Choose Your Words Well
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1083

Stepping Stones
www.barefootsworld.net/aasteppingstones.html

Convention corner
N.A. Way Magazine 1/1998
www.na.org/naway/en/naway2-e.htm#wcna27

Love Stands
www.wisehearts2.com/stand/stand.html

Living In The Want
www.wisehearts.angelcities.com/LW.htm

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 29                                 Through Others' Eyes

"When someone points out a shortcoming, our first reaction may be
defensive....[But] if we truly want to be free, we will take a good
look at input from fellow addicts."       Basic Text p.35

   At some point in our recovery, we come to the awkward realization that
the way we see ourselves is not necessarily the way others do. We are
probably neither as bad, as good, as beautiful, or as ugly as we think
we
are-but we are too close to ourselves to really tell for sure. That's
where
our friends in the program come in, caring enough to share with us what
they see when they look in our direction. They tell us the good things
about ourselves we might not know-and they tell us the hard things, too,
that we might not be able to see.

   We may react defensively to such "help"-and, in some cases, justly so.
However, even malicious remarks about our supposed shortcomings
can shed light on aspects of our recovery that we cannot see ourselves.
Wherever a useful insight comes from, for whatever reason it is offered,
we cannot afford to discount it.

   We don't need to wait for others to spontaneously offer their insight.
When we spend time with our sponsor or other NA members we trust,
we can make the first move and ask them to tell us what they see about
particular areas of our lives to which we are blind. We want a broader
vision of our life than just our own; we can have that vision by seeing
ourselves through the eyes of others.

Just for today: I seek to see myself as I truly am. I will listen to
what others say about me, and see myself through their eyes.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/January.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/


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

A New State of Consciousness

He has been granted a gift which amounts to a new state of
consciousness and being.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p 107

Many of us in A.A. puzzle over what is a spiritual awakening.  I
tended to
look for a miracle, something dramatic and earth shattering.  But what
usually happens is that a sense of well-being, a feeling of peace,
transforms us into a new level of awareness.  That's what happened to
me.  My insanity and inner turmoil disappeared and I entered into a new
dimension of hope, love and peace.  I think the degree to which I
continue
to experience this new dimension is in direct proportion to the
sincerity,
depth and devotion with which I practice the Twelve Steps of A.A.

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 / December 29th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Participating in the privileges of the movement, I shall
share in the responsibilities, taking it upon myself to
carry my fair share of the load, not grudgingly but
joyfully.  I am deeply grateful for the privileges I enjoy
because of my membership in this great movement.
They put an obligation upon me which I will not shirk.
I will gladly carry my fair share of the burdens.
Because of the joy of doing them, they will no longer
be burdens, but opportunities.  Will I accept every
opportunity gladly?

Meditation for the Day

Work and prayer are the two forces that are gradually
making a better world.  We must work for the
betterment of ourselves and other people.  Faith
without works is dead.  But all work with people should
be based on prayer.  If we say a little prayer before
we speak or try to help, it win make us more effective.
Prayer is the force behind the work.  Prayer is based
on faith that God is working with us and through us.
We can believe that nothing is impossible in human
relationships, if we depend on the help of God.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that my life may be balanced between prayer
and work.  I pray that I may not work without prayer
or pray without work.

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

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

Today's Thought
DECEMBER 29

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

Moving On

      Learn the art of acceptance. It's a lot of grief.
      --Codependent No More

Sometimes, as part of taking care of ourselves, it becomes time
to end certain relationships. Sometimes, it comes time to change
the parameters of a particular relationship.

This is true in love, in friendships, with family, and on the job.

Endings and changes in relationships are not easy. But often,
they are necessary.

Sometimes, we linger in relationships that are dead, out of fear
of being alone or to postpone the inevitable grieving process
that accompanies endings. Sometimes, we need to linger for a
while, to prepare ourselves, to get strong and ready enough to
handle the change.

If that is what we are doing, we can be gentle with ourselves.
It is better to wait until that moment when it feels solid, clear,
and consistent to act.

We will know. We will know. We can trust ourselves.

Knowing that a relationship is changing or is about to end is a
difficult place to be in, especially when it is not yet time to act
but we know the time is drawing near. It can be awkward and
uncomfortable, as the lesson draws to a close. We may become
impatient to put closure on it, but not yet feel empowered to do
that. That's okay. The time is not yet right. Something important
is still happening. When the time is right, we can trust that it will
happen. We will receive the power and the ability to do what we
need to do.

Ending relationships or changing the boundaries of a particular
relationship is not easy. It requires courage and faith. It requires
a willingness on our part to take care of ourselves and,
sometimes, to stand-alone for a while.

Let go of fear. Understand that change is an important part of
recovery. Love yourself enough to do what you need to do to
take care of yourself, and find enough confidence to believe
that you will love again.

We are never starting over. In recovery, we are moving forward
in a perfectly planned progression of lessons. We will find
ourselves with certain people - in love, family, friendships, and
work - when we need to be with them. When the lesson has been
mastered, we will move on. We will find ourselves in a new place,
learning new lessons, with new people.

No, the lessons are not all painful. We will arrive at that place
where we can learn, not from pain, but from joy and love.

Our needs will get met.

Today, I will accept where I am in my relationships, even if that
place is awkward and uncomfortable. If I am in the midst of endings,
I will face and accept my grief. God, help me trust that the path I am
on has been perfectly and lovingly planned for me. Help me believe
that my relationships are teaching me important lessons. Help me
accept and be grateful for middles, endings, and new beginnings.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Smile...Someone May Be Watching!
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2001/12/smile.htm

Thoughts To Ponder
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2001/12/thoughts-to-ponder.htm

Faith --The Power to Move Mountains
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/January/feature6.htm

Links to Healing
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_second.htm#healing

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

  From Should to Would
by Alan Cohen

    My eight-year-old neighbor Mark keeps me on my toes.
Mark asks lots of questions, which I am sometimes tempted
to dismiss as childish. But when I think about them, I usually
discover a profound lesson.

    The other day Mark asked me for a ride to the local grocery
store so he could buy some popcorn (he would live on popcorn
if his mother let him). I told Mark I could drive him there, but
since I was going on into town, he would have to walk back, a
short hike he often takes. Then Mark asked me, "What do you
think? Should I go with you?" "Whatever you like, Mark," I told
him. "It's up to you." "But what do you think I should do?" he
asked again.

    I thought about it for a moment, and I realized there was no
"should" about it. My opinion of what he should do was irrelevant.
His decision depended entirely on what he felt like doing.

    "Do whatever you would like," I told him. "If you want to go, I'll
be happy to drive you. If you don't feel like going, you can stay
home and play video games or whatever you like. It's up to you."

    This process went on for a few more rounds, until I was ready
to leave. Then Mark announced, "Okay, I'll go!" and he jumped
into the car with me.

    After I dropped Mark off, I realized he was mirroring a part of
myself that tries to find out what I should do, when there is no
"should" about it --only a "would." Sometimes when I am faced
with a decision, I try to figure out how the various options fit into
God's plan for my destiny. But God's plan for my destiny is
happiness; if something would truly make me happy, behold
God's plan for my destiny. Instead of asking some remote God
who lives on a distant cloud what I should do, I need simply
ask the God within me what to do. God's radio frequency is pure
joy. What I should do is what I would do.

    The world is full of "shoulds" dictated by external sources.
Religion, society, family, and peers have all kinds of ideas
about who you should be and what you should do. But no one
outside you can know your personal path as well as you.
Some of their "shoulds" match your "woulds" and some of
them don't. Many people fall back on the seeming security
of paths prescribed by external voices. Yet a small number
of independent souls, probably such as you, find aliveness
more attractive than convention. Convention means
"convenient". It is convenient to take the well-trod route,
for no one questions or challenges you. Yet those who
take orders from outside sources do so at the dear cost of
their passion and individual expression -- a terrible tradeoff,
to be sure.

    The highest morality is personal integrity. You are in integrity
when your external acts match your inner knowing. When you
forsake your truth to please others, you fall out of integrity. Robert
Louis Stevenson boldly declared, "To know what you prefer
instead of humbly saying 'Amen' to what the world tells that you
ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive." And nothing is
more important than keeping your soul alive.

    In the film Tin Cup, Kevin Costner's character proclaims, "When
the defining moment comes along, you define the moment or the
moment defines you." We have been led to believe that life
determines who we are, when at very moment we determine
what our life is. Your decisions are honorable because they are
yours.

    More and more I see and hear people using cell phones in
public. Sometimes when I stand in line at an airport I hear
several people within arm's reach chatting away on their cell
phones. Cell phones ring nearly everywhere I go in public. I find
it interesting that each person's cell phone has a distinctive ring.
If everyone's phone had the same ring, no one in a crowd would
know whether or not to answer their phone.

    Your soul's calling also has a distinct tone. But you have to know
what it is before you can answer it. The more you live by external
shoulds, the farther you drift from the great love affair with your
own spirit. The more you trust in your soul's calling and hearken
unto it, the more you live in a consciousness of profound love. As
a Chasidic sage nobly stated, "Everyone should carefully observe
which way his heart draws him, and then choose that way with all
his strength."

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

One Bag

   There once was a rich man who was near death.  He was
very grieved because he had worked so hard for his money
and he wanted to be able to take it with him to heaven.  So
he began to pray that he might be able to take some of his
wealth with him.

   An angel hears his plea and appears to him.  "Sorry, but you
can't take your wealth with you."  The man implores the
angel to speak to God to see if He might bend the rules.

   The man continues to pray that his wealth could follow him.
The angel reappears and informs the man that God has
decided to allow him to take one suitcase with him.
Overjoyed, the man gathers his largest suitcase and fills it
with pure gold bars and places it beside his bed.

   Soon afterward the man dies and shows up at the Gates of
Heaven to greet St. Peter.  St. Peter seeing the suitcase
says, "Hold on, you can't bring that in here!"

   But the man explains to St. Peter that he has permission
and asks him to verify his story with the Lord.  Sure enough,
St. Peter checks and comes back saying, "You're right.  You
are allowed one carry-on bag, but I'm supposed to check its
contents before letting it through."

   St. Peter opens the suitcase to inspect the worldly items
that the man found too precious to leave behind and
exclaims, "You brought pavement?!!!"

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

For the Holidays...some AA history...

Between noon of Wednesday, December 24, 1952 and
midnight of Thursday, January 1st, 1953, some 120,000
members of AA will have seen their dreams of a dry
holiday and their hopes of a sane New Year's come safely
true.

The first Christmas for AA was the depression year of 1935.
There were three old timers to mark it ... hardly a dozen
newcomers to share it with them. In Akron, Dr. Bob and
Bill D. were going on their second six months. Four recruits
had from four months to two months. in New York, Bill W.
had thirteen months since his last drink, seven months since
his historic trip to Akron and the start of AA.

In Akron, the six gathered with their families at Dr. Bob's.
There was no ceremony ... no exchange of presents. The
Twelve Steps had not yet been formulated. The Big Book was
only a vague stirring that would not even be in manuscript
until three more Christmases had been achieved. But there was
joy that this most dangerous of times for the alcoholic had
arrived ... and twenty-four hours by twenty-four hours was
being mastered.

"There was thanks," remembers one of the two who survives
that first Akron Christmas, "that we had come this far.
However, I am certain that there was still considerable fear
and trembling ... not fear that this new way would not work,
but doubt and uncertainty that we would be able to hold on to it.

Bill W. recalls only a quiet day in New York that Yule of
1935 where there were very few involved. Five years later,
there was a place in New York for an AA Christmas party ...
the first AA clubhouse. And about the 24th Street Club
there hangs a real Santa Claus story!

Or rather, it is a Saint Nicholas story. Just one hundred years
before, in 1840, the building was erected at Number
334 1/2 West 24th Street ... the property of a family named
Moore who were large landowners in Manhattan Island's
Chelsea section. And driving across the snow-covered lawn,
Dr. Clement Clarke Moore began to compose (some say just
as his sled runners touched what is now the meeting room of
AA's first clubhouse!) his immortal gift to children of all ages ...
" 'Twas the night before Christmas." (Grapevine, December, 1952).

© Copyright, AA Grapevine, Inc., 1952


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

Keeping it simple

Keep it simple. What seems complex in our minds may not be complex in
reality. We may not really be in the mess we think we are in. Serenity
is
available today if we accept today as it is, setting aside both
yesterday
and tomorrow. If we do what we need to do today, we will be in harmony
and
at peace.

What we need to be doing out there is right here, right now; it is as
close
as our spouse, children, job, and fellows in recovery.

Am I keeping it simple?

Higher Power, help me let go of everything
that interferes with simply doing
what I need to be doing right now.

I will simplify my life today by tending to
what is mine to do, right here, right now.

from the book: Day by Day - Second Edition by Anonymous

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

Attitude

I used to have an attitude
So mean and so crude
I did not understand
Being loving and kind
I always figured
I was out of my mind
If you looked into my eyes
No one was home
You would soon realize
My attitude was resentment and spite
If I did not know you
I wanted to fight
Why drink if you can't get drunk
My attitude was doomed to be sunk
Today I have an attitude of gratitude
I found freedom
In the 12 step room
They helped relieve
My paranoia and gloom
Today I do my best
To give it away
That's the secret
Of keeping it today
I've been freed in body and mind
Now I'm caring and kind
Freed from drugs and alcohol
Today I hear a higher call
Sitting at the tables
With twelve step people
It's my church without the steeple
With a cup of coffee in my hand
Today I'm a recovering man
I've killed my old attitude
I thank God
I'm no longer rude

Daniel M Corkery
10/24/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer/

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

Never make your home in a place.
Make a home for yourself inside your own head.
You'll find what you need to furnish it -
memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things.
That way it will go with you wherever you journey.
Tad Williams

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

Better bend than break.
Scottish Proverb

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

Be absolutely clear about who you are and what you stand for.
Refuse to compromise.
Brian Tracy

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

When you do not know what to do,
relax and tell yourself that other portions of yourself do know;
they will take over. Give yourself some rest.
Remind yourself that in many ways
you are a very successful person as you are.
Success does not necessarily involve great intellect
or great position or great wealth;
it has to do with inner integrity.
Remember that.
Seth Speaks, The Eternal Validity of the Soul

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

PRAY = Put Recovery Around You

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

Rationalize = Rational Lies

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

RELAPSE = Recovery Exists Life And Program Seem Empty

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

SOLUTION =
Saving Our Lives Using The Inventories Of Needed Steps

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

Relapse IS NOT a requirement
BUT
It IS a reality ! ! !

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

Adult Children of Alcoholics
http://www.AdultChildren.org

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

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.dhh12s.com/

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
http://www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
http://www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
http://www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
http://www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
http://www.crystalmeth.org

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

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
http://www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
http://www.depressedanon.com

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

Eating Disorders Anonymous
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
http://www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
http://www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
http://www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
http://www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
http://www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
http://www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
http://www.earthgroupna.org

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
http://www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
http://www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
http://www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
http://www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
http://www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
http://www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
http://www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
http://www.spenders.org/home.html

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
http://www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
http://www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me 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
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http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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



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

Therapy
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/fav2003/therapy.html

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

Earth Group NA Marathon
New Years 2008-2009
"Stepping Into The  New Year"

Come and join us for 18 hours of non stop recovery
and fellowship at Earth Group NA where we will again
bring in a New Year together with addicts from
around the world.
It all begins on December 31st at 6PM EST
through 12PM EST January 1st
The direct link to our meetings is
http://client0. sigmachat. com/sc.pl? id=114117.

Come and join us and share your experience, strength
and hope with other addicts on one of the most
difficult nights of the year to stay clean.
If you have any questions you may write to
chat@earthgroupna. org and webservant@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Marathon Meetings ROCK!!!*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What are the 3 things that I am
most grateful for and why?

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 28
Today I am slowing down my pace.
I do not have to accomplish the entire world in this day.
It is one day.  Today I have time to stop and smell the flowers.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

Hope

T'was a Sunday night when I entered the room
A voice came across with a terrific boom,
At the end of the table he spoke with concern
To every member, who was there to learn

He spoke of convictions and his firm belief
When I began to relate with a sense of relief
With a smile so friendly, I watched with awe
We listened intently one and all

Hard to believe he came from skid row
This well dressed man who spoke to us now
I wanted so badly the things that he had
The peace and serenity as I felt so bad

I could listen for hours to the stories he told
I felt such love, convinced I was sold
Wanting the love he so obviously earned
I waited in line till it came my turn

He said "friend you too can be free
If you want what we have come back every week,
This was a promise, their affection and love
they filled me with hope, showed
Me God above;

Today we are one the group and I
We have love for each other, and
Hope in our eyes.

written by 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Childrens Artwork
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=454

The Wilsons
www.barefootsworld.net/the_wilsons.html

H&I— the agony and the ecstasy
N.A. Way Magazine 1/1998
www.na.org/naway/en/naway2-e.htm#whatif

12 Step History Reflections
www.aabibliography.com/dickbhtml/historyreflections.html

Sober Santa 2
http://www.joyjam.com/index.php?option=com_puarcade&Itemid=26&fid=&gid=26

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 28
Depression

"We are no longer fighting fear anger guilt, self-pity, or depression."
Basic Text p.26

   As addicts, many of us experience depression from time to time. When
we feel depressed, we may be tempted to isolate ourselves. However, if
we do this, our depression may turn to despair. We can't afford to let
depression lead us back to using.

   Instead, we try to go about the routine of our lives. We make meeting
attendance and contact with our sponsor top priorities. Sharing with
others about our feelings may let us know we aren't the only ones who
have been depressed in recovery. Working with a newcomer can work
wonders for our own state of mind. And, most importantly, prayer and
meditation can help us tap the power we need to survive depression

   We practice acceptance and remember that feelings like depression
will unquestionably pass in time. Rather than struggle with our
feelings,
we accept them and ask for the strength to walk through them.

Just for today: I accept that my feelings of depression won't last
forever. I will talk openly about my feelings with my sponsor or another
person who understands.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/January.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

Into Action

A.A. is more than a set of principles; it is a society of alcoholics in
action.  We must carry the message, else we ourselves can wither and
those who haven't been given the truth may die.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 13

I desperately wanted to live, but if I was to succeed, I had to become
active in our God-given program.  I joined what became my group,
where I opened the hall, made coffee, and cleaned up.  I had been
sober about three months when an old-timer told me I was doing
Twelfth-Step work.  What a satisfying realization that was!  I felt I
was
really accomplishing something.  God had given me a second chance,
A.A. had shown me the way, and these  gifts were not only free -- they
were also priceless!  Now the joy of seeing newcomers grow reminds
me of where I have come from, where I am now, and the limitless
possibilities that lie ahead.  I need to attend meetings because they
recharge my batteries so that I have light when it's needed.  I'm still
a beginner in service work, but already I am receiving more than
I'm giving.  I can't keep it unless I give it away.  I am responsible
when another reaches out for help.  I want to be there -- sober.

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

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

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

A.A. Thought for the Day

A.A. may be human in its organization, but it is divine
in its purpose.  The purpose is to point me toward God
and the good life.  My feet have been set upon the right
path.  I feel it in the depths of my being.  I am going in
the right direction.  The future can be safely left to God.
Whatever the future holds, it cannot be too much for me
to bear.  I have the Divine Power with me to carry me
through everything that may happen.  Am I pointed toward
God and the good life?

Meditation for the Day

Although unseen, the Lord is always near to those who
believe in Him and trust Him and depend on Him for the
strength to meet the challenges of life.  Although veiled
from mortal sight, the Higher Power is always available
to us whenever we humbly ask for it.  The feeling that God
is with us should not depend on any passing mood of ours;
we should try to be always conscious of His power and
love in the background of our lives.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may feel that God is not too far away to
depend on for help.  I pray that I may feel confident
of His readiness to give me the power that I need.

"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
DECEMBER 28

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

Panic

Don't panic!

If panic strikes, we do not have to allow it to control our behaviors.
Behaviors controlled by panic tend to be self-defeating. No matter
what the situation or circumstance, panic is usually not a good
foundation. No matter what the situation or circumstance, we
usually have at least a moment to breathe deeply and restore our
serenity and peace.

We don't have to do more than we can reasonably do - ever! We
don't have to do something we absolutely cannot do or cannot
learn to do!

This program, this healthy way of life we are seeking, is built on a
foundation of peace and quiet confidence - in ourselves, in our
Higher Power, in the recovery process.

Do not panic. That takes us away from the path. Relax. Breathe
deeply. Let peace flow through our body and mind. From this
base, our Source shall supply the necessary resources.

Today, I will treat panic as a separate issue that needs immediate
attention. I will refuse to allow panicky thoughts and feelings to
motivate me. Instead, I will let peace and trust motivate my feelings,
thoughts, and behaviors.

©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 Ending Doesn't Matter, By Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2001/12/alan-cohen.htm

How Big Is Your Tree?
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2001/12/hess.htm

Alternative Medicine: Using Herbs Simply and Safely
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/January/feature5.htm

Links To Meditation
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_second.htm#meditation

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

When You've Sunk To Rock Bottom, Search For Pearls!


At some point in life you will be in over your head.
Although you'll try to tread water, things will close in and
you'll find yourself in a downward spiral, sinking faster and faster.
If it hasn't happened yet, it will.
It's part of the human experience.
What will you do?

When you've sunk to rock-bottom, search for pearls!
When it feels as if you've lost everything,
nothing is in your favor, and you lack the strength to come up for air,
begin to look for your life's pearls.
You may not have money or even a place to live at this point.
Your friends may have disappeared and your family abandoned you.
But in your very worst moment, there is still something of value.
It's possible the only pearl you will find is Hope.
Hope that things change,
Hope life improves,
Hope you will get better.
Now that's an incredibly valuable pearl!

The pearl of Hope is available to anyone in any circumstance.
A car or a house can be repossessed, but not Hope.
It's yours as long as you want it.
There's no credit, debit or interest rate on Hope.
It's not reserved for a limited group of people -
it exists in abundance for every one of us.
As long as you can think, feel, or dream, you can Hope.
If you can Hope, you can motivate yourself to
utilize Hope to accumulate more pearls.

Like the pearl of Faith.
Faith only requires that you believe what you Hope for is possible.
Or if you can't believe it yet, that you will at least
take action on behalf of what you Hope for.
Faith's sparkle and shimmer may occasionally
be overshadowed by shells of fear,
but if you use the pearl of Truth,
the light of Faith will burst forward and out-shine any dark doubts or
fears.

The pearl of Truth is not always easy to authenticate.
Sometimes fear and circumstance try to pass themselves off as Truth.
But if you seek Divine Guidance and ask for Truth to reveal itself,
anything un-true will fade away and you will be lead to the real thing.
With  Truth you will receive direction, take responsibility,
and chart a course that will begin to lift you out of murky waters.

As you harvest the pearls of Hope, Faith, and Truth,
you will often find your own pearl of Authenticity.
Authenticity will help you see yourself for who you really are and the
glorious being you were created to be - regardless of your
circumstances.
In fact the tumultuous currents that you've been fighting may very well
have been necessary to help you discover Authenticity.
When you live according to Authenticity and use Hope, Faith and Truth on
a daily basis, you will rise above whatever you're facing.

Along the way, the pearl of Love will be drawn to you.
It will give your life a richness that will enhance
all the other pearls you've discovered.
With this collection of pearls deep within your soul,
Each day becomes a genuine treasure for you to cherish.

None of us is guaranteed to float above it all
or to never experience drowning in our sorrow, fears or circumstances.
But we are supported by the wisdom of the Universe and a Higher Power
if we are willing to seek it and ask for help.

Remember, when you feel as if you've sunk to
rock-bottom, search for pearls.

© 2000 Jeanette M. Pintar
Sir Froggie's Ponderings, JMP
JMP@...

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

Invite Your Audience Carefully

Invite Your Audience Carefully. Not everyone is healthy enough
to have front row seats in our lives.  There are some people in
your life that need to be loved from a distance.  It's amazing
what you can accomplish when you let go of, or at least minimize,
your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not going
anywhere relationships/friendships.  Observe the relationships
around you... PAY ATTENTION!!! Which ones lift and which ones
lean?  Which ones encourage and  which ones discourage?
Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are
going downhill?  When you leave certain people do you feel
better or worse?  Which ones always have drama or don't really
understand, know, or appreciate you?  The more you seek
quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love, and truth around
you, the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit
in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of
your life. You cannot change the people around you, so change
the people you're around.
Author Unknown

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

10 SIMPLE WAYS TO HONOR YOUR UNIQUENESS

One message we hear from the time we are children is that it is
better to give than receive. It is best to be humble. It is best to
not shine a light on ourselves.

True, and not so true. We also need to recognize that until we
honor ourselves with love and compassion that we will not be
able to give fully to another, or shine the light on another nor
will we truly understand humility. These simply steps will take
you on a path to honoring your uniqueness every day. Use
them as a way to see how you are doing. Celebrate what is
working, and choose to make adjustments where there is
adjustment necessary.

1. Take time for quiet daily. Yes, there is much that needs to
get done. Once you maintain a habit of being quiet either to
contemplate, pray, or meditate, you will be amazed how much
more efficiently you will perform your tasks, duties and projects.

2. Treat yourself with as much care, if not more, than you treat
others. Love and nurture yourself as you love and nurture
those around you OR as you would LIKE to nurture those
around you. Once you master caring for yourself, caring for
others will become effortless and spring from the heart instead
of from duty.

3. Accept compliments from others with grace. Never, ever
disrespect the person you are complimenting by disregarding
or negating their compliment. Instead, accept it as you would a
treasure box or a long awaited gift. Be grateful they can see
something extra special about you!

4. Spend time investing in and cultivating close friendships.
Incorporate friend building activities into your daily routine.
Exercise with a friend, share meals together, keep in touch
with a brief email or 10 minute daily phone call (and time the
call and KEEP the appointment.)

5. Surround yourself with beauty. Honor your home by decorating
as a way to express who you are at your core. If you are bold,
use bold colors and accessories. Light scented candles, listen
to music you love, use soaps that are lathery and smell great.
Go for the multi sensory approach.

6. Give joyfully and receive with open arms. Recognize that
giving and receiving are on the same continuum and not
separate at all! Learning to give completely translates into
receiving more than you could ever plan or expect to receive.
The results take care of themselves.

7. Become a part of a larger community. This may mean a
mastermind group or it may be a circle of friends or a book
discussion group. Connect yourself with people who share your
interests, goals and vision for the world. Synergy will empower
you incredibly when you join in a community where you can
equally give and receive on a very regular basis.

8. Mentor someone simply for the pleasure of observing and
becoming involved in their growth. Invite someone who does
not have the same level as skills as you do along for the ride
with you. Listen to their input and see what you can create
together. Chances are you will learn a lot from them (and
vice versa!) creating both a Win/Win situation as well as
learning about your own strengths and weaknesses in the
process.

9. Live a purposeful, vision, values, cause oriented life.
Recognize and embrace that you are creating your life as a
masterful artist each and every day. You can choose each
day whether you want to simply let life happen each day or
if you want to create it fully. Choose the latter.

10. Love yourself with all your heart, soul, and strength without
attachment to what you are achieving in your life today. Be
compassionate and understanding while also standing firm
in the knowledge that you are both incredibly unique and
incredibly capable.

When you can master this balance, being attached to your
outcomes is not an issue because you will be achieving
outcomes beyond your own imagination. You will be so
magnetic you will wonder where YOU have been all this time!
The answer? You are RIGHT there, ready and waiting to
follow these simple principles. Live with Passion. Today.

(C) 2001 Julie Jordan Scott
www.5passions.com

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

Christmas Gift

Such a gift this life of mine
No longer wasted, no longer blind
I'm living real and living fine
In this gift of life that's mine

Another Christmas Day has passed
It came so slow and went so fast
We thought we'd have such a blast
But like every day it came to pass

The feelings they still hang around
Some are up some are down
Tears and fears and playing the clown
The head is nuts, the senses sound

My God I am so grateful
The time with loved ones - beautiful
Messages from friends - wonder filled
This journey so incredible!

Well done to all the alcoholics and addicts that survived another
holiday season!
Helen M
Innisfail - Far North Queensland, Australia
helenrze.mcculloch@...

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

Today I am so Grateful

Today I am so grateful
I ride on clouds of pink
To know that where I'm going
does not include a drink
to wake up in the morning
and know that I'm all right
my car is in the driveway
slept in My bed last night
no more is life a struggle
no more does pain prevail
with joy the steps now guide me
no lies I have to tell
the peace that fills my being
is what I've always sought
the grace of God abounding
'tis free and can't be bought
this gift of grace God's given
so freely I must give
today I am so grateful
I've found the way to live

Written by: Rebecca B.
rbowlin14@...

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

Were we to apply our dollars intelligently
to the people who take care of children,
we would spend millions of dollars
less on the damage done to our society by wounded adults.
Wounded children become wounded adults,
and wounded adults can destroy a planet.
Marianne Williamson

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

I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.
Native American Proverb

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

It is from within the heart, not just the mind,
that we can know God's will for us.
God speaks to all of us every day and
God's voice is as loud as our willingness to listen.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

Love alone can unite living beings
so as to complete and fulfill them. . .
for it alone joins them
by what is deepest in themselves.

All we need is to imagine
our ability to love developing
until it embraces
the totality of men
and of the earth.
Teilhard de Chardin

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

The soul is the same in all living creatures,
although the body of each is different.
Hippocrates

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

OUR = Openly Using  Recovery

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

PMS = Pain Misery Suffering

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

PRIDE = Personal Recovery Involves Defeating Ego

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

PROGRAM = People Relying On God Relaying A Message

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

Adult Children of Alcoholics
http://www.AdultChildren.org

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

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.dhh12s.com/

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
http://www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
http://www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
http://www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
http://www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
http://www.crystalmeth.org

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

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
http://www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
http://www.depressedanon.com

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

Eating Disorders Anonymous
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
http://www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
http://www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
http://www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
http://www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
http://www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
http://www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
http://www.earthgroupna.org

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
http://www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
http://www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
http://www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
http://www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
http://www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
http://www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
http://www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
http://www.spenders.org/home.html

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
http://www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
http://www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

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

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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



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

Twins
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/twins.html

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

Earth Group NA Marathon
New Years 2008-2009
"Stepping Into The  New Year"

Come and join us for 18 hours of non stop recovery
and fellowship at Earth Group NA where we will again
bring in a New Year together with addicts from
around the world.
It all begins on December 31st at 6PM EST
through 12PM EST January 1st
The direct link to our meetings is
http://client0. sigmachat. com/sc.pl? id=114117.

Come and join us and share your experience, strength
and hope with other addicts on one of the most
difficult nights of the year to stay clean.
If you have any questions you may write to
chat@earthgroupna. org and webservant@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Marathon Meetings ROCK!!!*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What are the 3 things that I am
most grateful for and why?

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 27
Today I am unveiling my layers and layers
of self-doubt and letting them go.
Today I am taking back all the power
I have given to others by discovering
the courage that comes from my own wisdom.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

NOW

I am breathing in
and I am breathing out.
There is no past or future.
There is only now.
I feel my breath filling my entire body
as it goes in.
I feel my entire body relaxing
as it goes out.
I am full
I am empty
There is only this moment.
Thoughts leave me
As I fully focus on my breath.
Fear and anxiety leave me
As I fully focus on my breath.
I feel peace flowing through my entire body
Inside and out.
In and out
As my breath comes in and goes out.
I am at peace
And this is my gift
As I send it out into the world.

© 2002 Ruth Fishel
spirithaven@...

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

Celebrate
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1076

  From a Chicken to an Eagle
www.barefootsworld.net/eagleflight.html

Recovery behind the walls
N.A. Way Magazine 1/1998
www.na.org/naway/en/naway2-e.htm#t-shirts

Al-Anon / Alateen Family Support Is Someone In Your Life Drinking
www.al-anon.org/

Nar-Anon Family Support Is Someone In Your Life Using Drugs
www.nar-anon.org/index.html

  From Your Higher Power
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/FromYourHigherPower.html

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 27                           God Could Restore Us To Sanity

"The process of coming to believe restores us to sanity. The strength
to move into action comes from this belief" Basic Text p.24

Now that we've finally admitted our insanity and seen examples of
it in all its manifestations, we might be tempted to believe that we
are doomed to repeat this behavior for the rest of our lives. Just as we
thought that our active addiction was hopeless and we'd never get clean,
we might now believe that our particular brand of insanity is hopeless.

Not so! We know that we owe our freedom from active addiction to the
grace of a loving God. If our Higher Power can perform such a miracle
as relieving our obsession to use drugs, surely this Power can also
relieve our insanity in all its forms.

If we doubt this, all we have to do is think about the sanity that has
already been restored to our lives. Maybe we've gotten carried away
with our credit cards, but sanity returns when we admit defeat and
cut them all up. Perhaps we've been feeling lonely and want to go
visit our old using buddies. Going to visit our sponsor instead is a
sane act.

The insanity of our addiction recedes into the past as we begin
experiencing moments of sanity in our recovery. Our belief in a
Power greater than ourselves grows as we begin to understand that
even our brand of insanity is nothing in the face of this Power.

Just for today: I thank the God of my understanding for each sane act
in my life, for I know they are indications of my restoration to sanity.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/January.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/


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

In All Our Affairs

. . . we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice
these
principles in all our affairs.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 106

I find that carrying the message of recovery to other alcoholics is easy
because it helps me to stay sober and it provides me with a sense of
well-being about my own recovery. The hard part is practicing these
principles in all my affairs. It is important that I share the
benefits I
receive from A.A., especially at home. Doesn't my family deserve the
same
patience, tolerance and understanding I so readily give to the
alcoholic? When reviewing my day I try to ask, "Did I have a chance to
be
a friend today and miss it?" "Did I have a chance to rise above a nasty
situation and avoid it?" "Did I have a chance to say 'I'm sorry,' and
refuse to?

Just as I ask God for help with my alcoholism each day, I ask for help
in
extending my recovery to include all situations and all people!

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 / December 27th

A.A. Thought for the Day

I am glad to be a part of A.A., of that great fellowship
that is spreading over the United States and all over
the world. I am only one of the many A.A.'s, but I am
one. I am grateful to be living at this time, when I can
help A.A. to grow, when it needs me to put my shoulder
to the wheel and help keep the movement going. I am
glad to be able to be useful, to have a reason for living,
a purpose in life. I want to lose my life in this great cause
and so find it again. Am I grateful to be an A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

These meditations can teach us how to relax. We can be
of service to other people in a small way, at least. And we
can be happy while doing it. We should not worry too much
about people we cannot help. We can make it a habit to
leave the outcome of the things we do to the Higher Power.
We can go along through life doing the best we can, but
without a feeling of urgency or strain. We can enjoy all
the good things and the beauty of life, but at the same
time depend deeply on God.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may give my life to this worthwhile cause.
I pray that I may enjoy the satisfaction that comes from
good work well done.

"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
DECEMBER 27

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

Near the Top

I know you're tired. I know you feel overwhelmed. You may feel
as though this crisis, this problem, this hard time will last forever.

It won't. You are almost through.

You don't just think it has been hard; it has been hard. You have
been tested, tried, and retested on what you have learned.

Your beliefs and your faith have been tried in fire. You have
believed, then doubted, then worked at believing some more.
You have had to have faith even when you could not see or
imagine what you were asked to believe. Others around you
may have tried to convince you not to believe in what you were
hoping you could believe.

You have had opposition. You have not gotten to this place
with total support and joy. You have had to work hard, in spite of
what was happening around you. Sometimes, what motivated
you was anger; sometimes fear.

Things went wrong - more problems occurred than you
anticipated. There were obstacles, frustrations, and annoyances
en route. You did not plan on this being the way it would evolve.
Much of this has been a surprise; some of it has not been at all
what you desired.

Yet, it has been good. Part of you, the deepest part that knows
truth, has sensed this all along, even when your head told you that
things were out of whack and crazy; that there was no plan or
purpose, that God had forgotten you.

So much has happened, and each incident - the most painful,
the most troubling, and the most surprising - has a connection.
You are beginning to see and sense that.

You never dreamt things would happen this way, did you? But
they did. Now you are learning the secret - they were meant to
happen this way, and this way is good, better than what you
expected.

You didn't believe it would take this long, either - did you?
But it did. You have learned patience.

You never thought you could have it, but now you know you do.

You have been led. Many were the moments when you thought
you were forgotten, when you were convinced you had been
abandoned. Now you know you have been guided.

Now things are coming into place. You are almost at the end of
this phase, this difficult portion of the journey. The lesson is
almost complete. You know - the lesson you fought, resisted, and
insisted you could not learn. Yes, that one. You have almost
mastered it.

You have been changed from the inside out. You have been
moved to a different level, a higher level, a better level.

You have been climbing a mountain. It has not been easy, but
mountain climbing is never easy. Now, you are near the top. A
moment longer, and the victory shall be yours.

Steady your shoulders. Breathe deeply. Move forward in
confidence and peace. The time is coming to relish and enjoy
all, which you have fought for. That time is drawing near, finally.

I know you have thought before that the time was drawing near,
only to learn that it wasn't. But now, the reward is coming. You
know that too. You can feel it.

Your struggle has not been in vain. For every struggle on this
journey, there is a climax, a resolution.

Peace, joy, abundant blessings, and reward are yours here on
earth. Enjoy.

There will be more mountains, but now you know how to climb
them. And you have learned the secret of what is at the top.

Today, I will accept where I am and continue pushing forward.
If I am in the midst of a learning experience, I will allow myself to
continue on with the faith that the day of mastery and reward will
come. Help me, God; understand that despite my best efforts to
live in peaceful serenity, there are times of mountain climbing.
Help me stop creating chaos and crisis, and help me
meet the challenges that will move me upward and 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Useful & Fun Tips
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/12/useful-tips.htm

Understanding Addictions
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2001/12/adictions.htm

Am I Enlightened or Crazy?
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/January/feature4.htm

Links to Gratitude & Giving
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_second.htm#gratitude%20giving

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

The "I Can't" Funeral
Chick Moorman

Donna's fourth grade classroom looked like many others I had
seen in the past. The teacher's desk was in front and faced the
students. The bulletin board featured student work. In most
respects it appeared to be a typically traditional elementary
classroom. Yet something seemed different that day I entered
it for the first time.

My job was to make classroom visitations and encourage
implementation of a training program that focused on language
arts ideas that would empower students to feel good about
themselves and take charge of their lives. Donna was one of
the volunteer teachers who participated in this project.

I took an empty seat in the back of the room and watched. All
the students were working on a task, filling a sheet of notebook
paper with thoughts and ideas. The ten-year-old student next to
me was filling her page with "I Can'ts". "I can't kick the soccer
ball past second base." "I can't do long division with more than
three numerals." "I can't get Debbie to like me." Her page was
half full and she showed no signs of letting up. She worked on
with determination and persistence. I walked down the row
glancing at student's papers. Everyone was writing sentences,
describing things they couldn't do.

By this time the activity engaged my curiosity, so I decided to
check with the teacher to see what was going on but I noticed
she too was busy writing. I felt it best not to interrupt. "I can't get
John's mother to come for a teacher conference." "I can't get my
daughter to put gas in the car." "I can't get Alan to use words
instead of fists."

Thwarted in my efforts to determine why students and teacher
were dwelling on the negative instead of writing the more
positive "I Can" statements, I returned to my seat and continued
my observations.

Students wrote for another ten minutes. They were then
instructed to fold the papers in half and bring them to the front.
They placed their "I Can't" statements into an empty shoe box.
Then Donna added hers. She put the lid on the box, tucked it
under her arm and headed out the door and down the hall.

Students followed the teacher. I followed the students. Halfway
down the hallway Donna entered the custodian's room,
rummaged around and came out with a shovel. Shovel in one
hand, shoe box in the other, Donna marched the students out to
the school to the farthest corner of the playground. There they
began to dig. They were going to bury their "I Can'ts"!

The digging took over ten minutes because most of the fourth
graders wanted a turn. The box of "I Can'ts" was placed in a
position at the bottom of the hole and then quickly covered with
dirt. Thirty-one 10 and 11 year-olds stood around the freshly
dug grave site. At this point Donna announced, "Boys and girls,
please join hands and bow your heads." They quickly formed
a circle around the grave, creating a bond with their hands.

They lowered their heads and waited. Donna delivered the
eulogy.

"Friends, we gathered here today to honor the memory of 'I
Can't.' While he was with us here on earth, he touched the lives
of everyone, some more than others. We have provided 'I Can't'
with a final resting place and a headstone that contains his
epitaph. His is survived by his brothers and sisters, 'I Can', 'I Will',
and 'I'm Going to Right Away'. They are not as well known as their
famous relative and are certainly not as strong and powerful yet.
Perhaps some day, with your help, they will make an even bigger
mark on the world. May 'I Can't' rest in peace and may everyone
present pick up their lives and move forward in his absence.
Amen."

As I listened I realized that these students would never forget
this day. Writing "I Can'ts", burying them and hearing the eulogy.
That was a major effort on this part of the teacher. And she wasn't
done yet.

She turned the students around, marched them back into the
classroom and held a wake. They celebrated the passing of
"I Can't" with cookies, popcorn and fruit juices. As part of the
celebration, Donna cut a large tombstone from butcher paper.
She wrote the words "I Can't" at the top and put RIP in the
middle. The date was added at the bottom. The paper tombstone
hung in Donna's classroom for the remainder of the year.

On those rare occasions when a student forgot and said, "I Can't",
Donna simply pointed to the RIP sign. The student then
remembered that "I Can't" was dead and chose to rephrase
the statement. I wasn't one of Donna's students. She was one of
mine. Yet that day I learned an enduring lesson from her as years
later, I still envision that fourth grade class laying to rest, "I
Can't".

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

The Light Bulb Principle
by Margaret Stortz

"I had a table lamp that went through light bulbs at a great rate.
No matter what strength or brand, the bulbs all sputtered and
crackled and burned quickly. It took me a while to catch on, so
after burning out a lot of bulbs, I began to consider the possibility
that there might actually be something wrong with the lamp itself.
Perhaps some part of the housing was loose, or maybe it
needed rewiring.

Doesn't this scenario seem a bit familiar? How many times have
we looked for the magic something or someone that was going
to make everything right - the right job, the right person, the
right location? Many of our favorite love songs are based on
the 'light bulb principle.' We're looking for 'the man that got
away' or 'someone to come along and light up my life.' Many
times the very last thing we are willing to do is see if there are
some changes we need to make. And even when we get some
clues that we're part of the problem, we may still continue to do
what we've always done, hoping for something different.

There are times when we have to get a new sense of ourselves,
a larger consciousness that heals the hurt places in us so that
we can stop going through people and circumstances looking
for the 'right one.' WE'RE the right one, and this is the right time
for us to access the presence of God in us more completely."

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

Blues, Blues, Go Away
by Marie T. Russell

This article was written
in answer to the following question:

"Why am I feeling like this?"

Marie T. Russell The reason you are feeling "down" is that you
are not following your inner truth.

When you don't feel like doing something, it is much better for
you to do what you really feel like doing. This will serve you
much better and keep your energy at a high peak, instead of
letting it drain because you are going against the flow. I know
you understand this.

When you do something with a negative attitude or in a
negative (resentful) frame of mind, you will get the same kind
of results on a energy level. As you sow, so shall you reap.

Learn to listen to and heed the small voice within. When you
sense that you really don't feel like doing something... stop
and ask yourself what you really would like to do at this time.
Then if at all possible... do that which your heart truly desires.
Don't let your mind or reason dictate what you are to do.

Follow the quiet promptings of your heart. The heart knows
best. Have you not been told this before?

Remember to fulfill your heart's desires. Usually these are
not such big things that are impossible to do. Sometimes it is
simply to go outside and smell the roses... The saying does go
"Don't go through life so fast you forget to smell the roses..."

Did you take time to smell the roses today?

Did you stop to chat with a friend?... Or were you too busy...

Did you take time to admire the beautiful perfection of the
blue sky, or the shape of the clouds?

And how about admiring the beauty that you are?

Another reason you do not feel at your utmost level of energy
is the food you eat... You need to keep "alive energy" in your
cells and to do so must put in food which is also alive.

You need to slow down and take the time to prepare your food
lovingly, or have someone else prepare it lovingly, and then
stop and feed your body lovingly.

Take the time to sit down and eat instead of standing and eating
'on the go'. Your body carries you around throughout the day.
It deserves to be treated with respect and love. It deserves some
gratefulness for the work it is doing.

You sometimes only look at the dark side of your being... yes
there is a pimple on your forehead... so what! Did you notice the
healthy glow to your cheeks... or the beautiful smile, or the
vibrant and healthy mane of hair?

Please! Stop and take time to love yourself.

Take time to do things for yourself.

Take time to listen to your heart and follow its guidance.

Don't override the voice that speaks within. It is there to serve you,
to provide you with happiness at all times. When you override its
feelings, it's like hanging up the phone on a friend. You would never
do that would you? Well don't hang up on your inner voice. Its only
desire is to help you attain that state of perfect happiness that you
so desire.

Stop and pay attention.

Look around you.

And listen to the messages that come to you.

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.

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

Hearts Ease

The more the mind seeks
the further the mystery retreats
and goes looking for the heart.

Nothing will ever satisfy the mind
however magnificent.

Give a kingdom of knowledge to the mind
and the mind will want the earth.

Give a little flower to the heart
and the heart will sing and know God,
for it holds in its loving hands
the entirety of creation.

Christi Becker

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

Spread Love

I try to spread love everywhere I go
I feel so blessed because I finally know
The more love we share the more love we get
Gods grace and mercy I will never forget
Spread your wings take off to fly
God will help you to get by
Share positive thoughts
Throughout your day
Wish others the best
All along the way
Always be quick
To give a helping hand
Do your best to understand
The future is here and now
God will show you how
Together we stand
Or divided
We fall
Give it to God
Listen for His call
Spread love to everyone
You will feel better when your day is done
At night you can close your eyes and go to sleep
Remember the seeds you plant are the seeds your reap
Every morning you open your eyes give love away
Stay close to meetings so you don't stray
As you give love away God will send
A whole lot back your way
So I try to spread love
Everywhere I go
Down deep
Inside
I know
Spread love

Daniel M Corkery
10/1/2003
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

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

Do you remember the birthday candles
that come on again after you blow them out?
That's like the light of life that refuses to go out in any of us.
We may think we are in darkness.
It may seem as if our problem or our pain is simply too big to handle.
But these moments of darkness are the time when,
instead of looking at our big problem,
we can look to our big God, and know the light is always here.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

The key to intimacy is the commitment to honesty
and to the radical forgiveness necessary
in order for honesty to be safe.
Marianne Williamson

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

Attempting to place the problem outside of me and
blame others is futile.

When I bring the responsibility back with me,
things are easier to manage because I am starting to
take authority over the situation.
John Morton
(From: The Blessings Already Are)

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

You progress not through improving what has been done,
but reaching toward what has yet to be done."
Kahlil Gibran

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

N.A. = New Attitudes

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

Nowhere/Now Here

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

NUTS = Not Using The Steps

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

N.A. = Never Alone

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

Get a check up
  From the neck up

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

If you dont keep coming,
Your going to keep going

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

Adult Children of Alcoholics
http://www.AdultChildren.org

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

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.dhh12s.com/

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
http://www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
http://www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
http://www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
http://www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
http://www.crystalmeth.org

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

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
http://www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
http://www.depressedanon.com

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

Eating Disorders Anonymous
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
http://www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
http://www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
http://www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
http://www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
http://www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
http://www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
http://www.earthgroupna.org

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
http://www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
http://www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
http://www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
http://www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
http://www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
http://www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
http://www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
http://www.spenders.org/home.html

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
http://www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
http://www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

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

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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



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

To All of those celebrating Happy Kwanzaa
(((Family))) a BIG hug to you ALL
Scott

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Happy Holidays*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

At lunch time, a recovering alcoholic decides to pay a visit to his new
sponsee, who sells hot dogs from a push cart. "Make me one with
everything," says the sponsor.

The sponsee fixes up a hot dog with all the trimmings and hands it to
the
sponsor, who pays with a $20 bill. The vendor puts the bill in the cash
box and closes it.

"Where's my change?" asks the sponsor.

The sponsee responds, "Change must come from within."

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

Earth Group NA Marathon
New Years 2008-2009
"Stepping Into The  New Year"

Come and join us for 18 hours of non stop recovery
and fellowship at Earth Group NA where we will again
bring in a New Year together with addicts from
around the world.
It all begins on December 31st at 6PM EST
through 12PM EST January 1st
The direct link to our meetings is
http://client0. sigmachat. com/sc.pl? id=114117.

Come and join us and share your experience, strength
and hope with other addicts on one of the most
difficult nights of the year to stay clean.
If you have any questions you may write to
chat@earthgroupna. org and webservant@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Marathon Meetings ROCK!!!*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
What are the 3 things that I am
most grateful for and why?

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 26
I live today as I want to remember my life.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

The Dragon Awoke

The earth rumbled and moaned
as the dragon awoke that morning
and in seconds the earth shook

buildings and temples collapsed
the babies began to cry
some died in their cots under bricks

The elders scampered outside into the streets
but without warning, the dragon rose
and lashed her tail into the shores

How great, how fiery her power
she lashed the water, rising thirty feet forming
a wall of water full of force, slamming

Hear the screams, hear the cries
people lashed by the dragon's tail
whipped and sucked into the water

Debris, people and babies undertowed
churned before being spewed out to the beach
lifeless, like seaweed in the dawn of death

For miles, seaweed strewn made of bodies
scattered all over the region where the dragon lashed
where she whipped her tail into the high seas

and then there was silence,
utter silence, no cries
only the rumbling water

many have lost their all
many have lost their purpose in life
many have lost all hope

mothers without babies
babies without mothers
death without purpose nor dignity

We eat the soul food for the spirit
wail at our own pitiful dramas
over the pitifully insignificant things in life

blaming everyone else for our problems
selfish and self centered
proud and heartless

hear ... hear ... do you hear the cries there?
or has addiction deafened you from
hearing the soft cries of pain and grief?

See ... see ....do you see the tears there?
or has addiction blinded you from
seeing the tears of a hungry motherless baby?

Recover, we need to recover
the soul that is lost so it hears
the moving call of the higher power


Anonymous, Indonesia
(to 229,866 who died in the Asian region Tsunami)
   submitted by our friend in this region
Joyce
joydave@...
In remembrance of the Tsunami 12/26/04
In memory of those who passed on

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

Can Miracles Be?
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1021

Everything about Kwanzaa...
www.tike.com/celeb-kw.htm

Kwanzaa Info Center
www.melanet.com/kwanzaa/about_toc.html

Official Kwanzaa Website
www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml

The Man In The Glass
www.barefootsworld.net/manglass.html

Meeting the challenge
N.A. Way Magazine 1/1998
www.na.org/naway/en/naway2-e.htm#Service

The Child Within
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/TheChildWithin.html

Permanence Is Temporary
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/PermanenceIsTemporary.html

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 26                                   Never-Failing Power

"As we learn to trust this Power, we begin to overcome our fear of
life."  Basic Text p.24

   We are people accustomed to placing all our eggs in one basket.
Many of us had one particular drug of choice that was our favorite.
We relied on it to get us through each day and make life bearable.
We were faithful to that drug; in fact, we committed ourselves to it
without reservation. And then it turned on us. We had been
betrayed by the only thing we had ever depended on, and the
betrayal left us floundering.

   Now that we've stumbled into the rooms of recovery, we may be
tempted to rely on another human being to meet our needs. We
may expect this from our sponsor, our lover, or our best friend. But
dependence on human beings is risky. They fall short of perfection.
They may be on vacation, sleeping, or in a bad mood when we need
them.

   Our dependence must rest on a Power greater than ourselves. No
human force can restore our sanity, care for our will and our lives, or
be unconditionally available and loving whenever we are in need.
We place our trust in the God of our understanding, for only that Power
will never fail us.

Just for today: I will place my trust in a Power greater than myself,
for only that Power will never let me down.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/January.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/


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

Serenity

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, . . .
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 106

As I continued to go to meetings and work the Steps, something began to
happen to me.  I felt confused because I wasn't sure what it was that
I was
feeling, and then I realized I was experiencing  serenity.  It was a
good
feeling, but where had it come from?  Then I realized it had come
". . .as
the result of these steps."  The program may not always be easy to
practice, but I had to acknowledge that my serenity had come to me after
working the Steps.  As I work the Steps in everything I do, practicing
these principles in all my affairs, now I find that I am awake to
God,  to
others, and to myself.  The spiritual awakening I have enjoyed as the
result of working the Steps is the awareness that I am no longer alone.

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/ December 26th

A.A. Thought for the Day

I am glad to be a part of A.A., of that great fellowship
that is spreading over the United States and all over
the world.  I am only one of the many A.A.'s, but I am
one.  I am grateful to be living at this time, when I can
help A.A. to grow, when it needs me to put my shoulder
to the wheel and help keep the movement going.  I am
glad to be able to be useful, to have a reason for living,
a purpose in life.  I want to lose my life in this great cause
and so find it again.  Am I grateful to be an A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

These meditations can teach us how to relax.  We can be
of service to other people in a small way, at least.  And we
can be happy while doing it.  We should not worry too much
about people we cannot help.  We can make it a habit to
leave  the outcome of the things we do to the Higher Power.
We can go along through life doing the best we can, but
without a feeling of urgency or strain.  We can enjoy all the
good things and the beauty of life, but at the same time
depend deeply on God.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may give my life to this worthwhile cause.
I pray that I may enjoy the satisfaction that comes from
good work well done.

"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
DECEMBER 26

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

Growth

Just as when we were children and grew out of favorite toys and
clothes, we sometimes grow out of things as adults - people, jobs,
and homes. This can be confusing. We may wonder why someone
or something that was so special and important to us last year
doesn't fit the same way in our life today. We may wonder why
our feelings have changed.

When we were children, we may have tried to fit an outgrown
article of clothing on to our body. Now, as adults, we may go
through a time of trying to force fit attitudes that we have outgrown.
We may need to do this to give ourselves time to realize the truth.
What worked last year, what was so important and special to
us in times past, doesn't work anymore because we've changed.
We've grown.

We can accept this as a valid and important part of recovery.
We can let ourselves go through experimentation and grief as
we struggle to make something fit, trying to figure out if indeed it
no longer fits, and why. We can explore our feelings and
thoughts around what has happened.

Then, we can put last year's toys away and make room for the
new.

Today, I will let last year's toys be what they were: last year's toys.
I will remember them with fondness for the part they played in my
life. Then, I will put them away and make room for the new.

©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 Proper Plate
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/12/alan-cohen.htm

New Dimensions Of Relationship
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/February/vissell.htm

   Links to Finding Inner Peace
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_second.htm#inner%20peace

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Healing from the Asian Tsunamis
by Doreen Virtue

   We've all been deeply affected by the Asian earthquake and
tsunamis. It's human nature to wonder:  "Why did this happen?"
Our ancestors believed that natural disasters were punishing
acts of God or deities.  Yet God, as well as the deities, are
beings of pure love and light. They aren't about punishment
or judgement, because they are ego-less.

We want to know why disasters occur so that we can avoid
them in the future.  The human mind sometimes blames the
victims, so that we can feel safe and invulnerable to the same
sort of disaster.  We obsess about WHY so that we can feel
more in control of our lives.

But wondering about WHY is a waste of time.  Instead, we
need to focus upon:  How can I help now?  Here's what the
angels have told me:

Pray.  We know the power of prayer, and any prayer you offer
is a gift beyond measure. Pray for the people who perished,
that their souls are at peace with their transition into the spirit
world. Pray for the survivors whose lives were changed in an
instant. Pray for the clean-up crews, that they may have strength,
resilience, resources, and the creativity to handle their
monumental tasks.

Donate. Many wonderful organizations have mobilized to the
areas affected by the tsunamis, and they need our financial
support. Save the Children Foundation is providing relief
supplies for children and their families in India, Indonesia,
and Sri Lanka. Save the Children has proven itself in the past
by spending ninety percent of donations on actual program
services, and only nine percent for administrative costs and
fund raising. Www.savethechildren.org

Caretake. Mother Earth grabbed our attention with this disaster,
reminding us that we live upon a powerful but fragile planet.
Let's take extra care to respect the environment by only using
earth-friendly cleaning supplies and toiletries (available at
health food stores and greenmarketplace.com). Donate to
oceana.org to help keep the ocean healthy.

Stay Positive. Worrying about the Asian disaster adds to the
world's negativity. Worry, guilt, and fear won't help the survivors.
Give your negative thoughts and feelings to Heaven, and ask
for help in keeping a positive outlook. And very important:
don't watch, listen to, or read accounts of the Asian situation
(or keep the media to a bare minimum). Incessant media
reports and upsetting photos and videos delay our healing
by keeping the negativity front-and-center. Avoid "Ain't it Awful"
conversations about the situation. Remember: your being
upset doesn't help anyone! But your being at peace helps
everyone.

I firmly believe that the universe is Divinely ordered.  Many
times, I travel during my dreams to classrooms in which I'm
taught profound truths. These lessons are fourth-dimensional,
meaning that they're beyond the space-time restrictions of our
three-dimensional world. When I awaken, I can't remember
many of my soul-travel lessons because they don't make sense
in the third-dimension. But the angels assure me these lessons
are imbedded in my soul and that they make sense to my higher
self, who is unrestricted by time-space dimensions. Many of
you have told me you have similar dream-time experiences.

My point is that the Asian earthquake/tsunamis are beyond
the understanding of our third dimensional thinking.  Sure,
we can create theories such as this is Mother Earth's way of
balancing.  But they're just theories.  If they help you to have
peace about the situation, then the theories are helpful.  But
theories that bring up fear or guilt are a misuse of our power.

The December 26 disaster brought up many memories for
us all. Memories of Atlantis and Lemuria's demise into the
oceans.  Memories from this lifetime of near-drownings or
other brushes with death.  Memories of losing or nearly losing
your life.  This is an opportunity to clear the stored energies
of those memories.  Give them to Heaven, specifically to
God and the Archangel Raziel (who helps us with past-life
memories) and Archangel Jophiel (who helps us to beautify
our thoughts).  Ask Raziel and Jophiel to be like chimney
sweeps, clearing away old cobwebs of prior fears.  This is
an opportunity for you to feel more joy and energy.

The timing of the earthquake and tsunamis is remarkable.
The week before New Years is when we prepare our
resolutions for the coming year.  It's a time to reflect upon our
past year, and to make decisions and intentions about the
year to come.

The Archangel Michael told me that 2005 will be a year of
action for us all.  What have you always wanted to do?
What projects do you think you would like to do someday?
Michael says: "That someday is now.  Now is the time to put
words into action, to stop stalling and delaying your joy and
happiness for the future.  Admit to yourself what you most
deeply desire, and then take any step in that direction.
Allay your fears and insecurities by giving them to me.  I will
open doors for you, and give you all of the courage you require.
Think of the elation you'll feel as you move forward toward the
light of your dreams coming true.

"We require thousands of lightworkers amassing in the
direction of their Heart's True Desire.  Their collective joyful
and light-filled energy is the fuel which will shift the earth in the
direction of true Peace.  Like turning a large speeding vehicle
in a new direction, we need this large push of like-minded
lightworkers.  Your contribution comes in the form of
overcoming any personal procrastination which you've allowed
to rule over your dreams."

The Chinese word for "Crisis" is composed of two words: Danger
and Opportunity.  Let's take the Asian crisis and turn it into a giant
opportunity for World Peace.  Although it may feel dangerous to
make the life changes you know that you need to make, it truly is
an opportunity for us all.  May you be at Peace today and
throughout the New Year.

In Love, Doreen Virtue
With Angel Blessings,
Doreen

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

NATIVE AMERICAN CODE OF ETHICS

1.  Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often. The Great Spirit
      will listen, if you only speak.

2. Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit,
      anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they
will
      find guidance.

3. Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your
      path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk
it with
      you, but no one can walk it for you.

4. Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve
      them the best food, give them the best bed and treat them with
      respect and honor.

5. Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community,
      the wilderness or from a culture. It was not earned nor given. It
is not
      yours.

6. Respect all things that are placed upon this earth - whether it be
      people or plant.

7. Honor other people's thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt
      another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right
to
      personal expression.

8. Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you
      put out into the universe will multiply when it returns to you.

9. All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven.

10. Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice
      optimism.

11. Nature is not FOR us, it is a PART of us. They are part of your
      worldly family.

12. Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and
      water them with wisdom and life's lessons. When they are grown,
      give them space to grow.

13. Avoid hurting the hearts of others. The poison of your pain will
      return to you.

14. Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the test of ones will within
this
      universe.

15. Keep yourself balanced. Your Mental self, Spiritual self,
      Emotional self, and Physical self - all need to be strong, pure and
      healthy. Work out the body to strengthen the mind. Grow rich in
      spirit to cure emotional ails.

16. Make conscious decisions as to who you will be and how you
      will react. Be responsible for your own actions.

17. Respect the privacy and personal space of others. Do not
      touch the personal property of others - especially sacred and
      religious objects. This is forbidden.

18. Be true to yourself first. You cannot nurture and help others if
      you cannot nurture and help yourself first.

19. Respect others religious beliefs. Do not  force your belief on
      others.

20. Share your good fortune with others. Participate in charity.

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

The Promises of Alcoholism and Addiction

1. If we are casual with this phase of our development,
we will be drunk before we are halfway through.

2. We are going to know a new imprisonment and a
new misery.

3. We will relive the past and won't be able to shut the
door on it.

4. We will comprehend the word CONFLICT and we
will know PAIN.

5. No matter how far down the scale we have gone,
we'll sink even lower.

6. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will deepen.

7. We will gain interest in selfish things and lose interest
in our fellows.

8. Self esteem will slip away.

9. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will SUCK.

10. Fear of people, and of economic insecurity will multiply.

11. We will intuitively know how to run from situations which never
     used to bother us.

12. We will suddenly realize that God would never have done to us
     what we are doing to ourselves.

Are these extravagant promises? We think not!
They are being fulfilled among those of us who are still drinking and/or
drugging
--sometimes quickly,  sometimes slowly.

They will ALWAYS materialize, IF WE DRINK FOR THEM.
Guaranteed.

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

KISS

Keep it simple don't complicate
If you made it here it's not to late
I was once beat just like you
Here's what I had to do
With king alcohol as my higher power
I rarely had a good hour
At the end I was hopeless and lost
Low living at a high cost
Keep it simple and start here
Get a sponsor and face your fear
We had to surrender to win
That is the place we all begin
You will soon learn humility
This is a step towards breaking free
You'll need to search and do inventory
Soon enough you'll share your story
To God yourself and man
We break free as we understand
Get rid of your garbage
Change your way
Keep it simple
Today
Make a list
Then make amends
God will show you many new friends
Soon you'll find peace and serenity
As you for once enjoy being free
This way is simple
But not easy
It is the way
To enjoy
Today.

Daniel M Corkery
7/10/2001
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer/

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

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

When I kneel beside my bed
each night before I sleep
All I say is Thank You
for the love You've let me to reap
Thank You for the knowledge
of things I'm able to change
In knowing there is nothing
that I must rearrange
To You my life I've given
to do with as You will
Please always keep me humble
Your bidding to fulfill
To shine Your light toward others
in darkness and despair
Dispelling all their loneliness
To show them that you care
Thank you, Thank You, Thank You
is all I can really say
For keeping this drunk sober
for one more precious day.

Written by: Rebecca Ann
rbowlin14@...

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

To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude
means to take nothing for granted,
but to always seek out and value the kindness
that stands behind the action.
Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course.
Everything originates in a will for the good,
which is directed at you.
Train yourself never to put off the word or action
for the expression of gratitude.
Albert Schweitzer

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

If you walk in the shoes of others you will
come to find that they are too big for you.
However, if you look through the eyes of others you will
find that we are all equal...

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

Dwell not on the past.
Use it to illustrate a point, then leave it behind.
Nothing really matters except what you do now in this instant of time.
  From this moment onwards you can be an entirely different
person, filled with love and understanding, ready with an outstretched
hand, uplifted and positive in every thought and deed.
Eileen Caddy

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

Spirit is saying to you today, "What do you want?
What do you want to create today?"
Imagine that!  And many of us are saying,
"Well, I just want enough to get by."
And that is what we receive.
But if we want a great life, then we must be willing to do what's
required:
We have to ask the universe for it and stand in that still point
of knowing and connection where, "with God, all things are possible."
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid

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

LET GO = Leave Everything To God Okay?

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

LOVE = Living Our Victories Everyday

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

N.A. = Never Again

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

N.A. = Never Alone

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

Adult Children of Alcoholics
http://www.AdultChildren.org

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

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.dhh12s.com/

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
http://www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
http://www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
http://www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
http://www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
http://www.crystalmeth.org

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

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
http://www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
http://www.depressedanon.com

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

Eating Disorders Anonymous
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
http://www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
http://www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
http://www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
http://www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
http://www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
http://www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
http://www.earthgroupna.org

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
http://www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
http://www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
http://www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
http://www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
http://www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
http://www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
http://www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
http://www.spenders.org/home.html

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
http://www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
http://www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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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Putting together these Daily Recovery Emails has been such
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YOUnMEnHP@...

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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
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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. ~ 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
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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]

(((12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit Family))) a BIG hug to you,
May your Holidays and New Year ahead be FILLED with
BRIGHT LIGHT,  LOVE, Healing, Blessings, Miracles, Good Health and
Prosperity.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Stay in the Light,
Scott

English - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Afrikaans - Geseende Kerfees en 'n gelukkige nuwe jaar
Albanian - Gézuar Krishlindjet Vitin e Ri!
Arabic - I'D Miilad Said ous Sana Saida
Armenian - Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Bahasa Malaysia - Selamat Hari Natal
Bohemian - Vesele Vanoce
Brazilian - Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo
Bulgarian - Vasel Koleda; Tchestita nova godina!
Cantonese - Seng Dan Fai Lok, Sang Nian Fai Lok
Creek - Afvcke Nettvcakorakko
Croatian - Sretan Bozic
Czech - Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
Danish - Glædelig Jul og godt nytår
Dutch - Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!
Egyptian - Colo sana wintom tiebeen
Eskimo - Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!
Finnish - Hyvää Joulua or Hauskaa Joulua
Flemish - Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar
French - Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!
Gaelic - Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ur!
German - Froehliche Weihnachten und ein glückliches Neues Jahr!
Greek - Kala Christougenna Kieftihismenos O Kenourios Chronos
Hawaiian - Mele Kalikimaka & Hauoli Makahiki Hou
Hebrew - Mo'adim Lesimkha. Shana Tova
Hindi - Shub Naya Baras
Hungarian - Kellemes Karacsonyiunnepeket & Boldog Új Évet
Icelandic - Gle›ileg Jól og Farsaelt Komandi ár!
Indonesian - Selamat Hari Natal
Iraqi - Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Irish -Nollaig Shona Dhuit
Italian - Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo
Japanese - Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Korean - Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Latin - Natale hilare et Annum Nuovo!
Latvian - Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu!
Luxemburgish - Schéi Krëschtdeeg an e Schéint Néi Joer
Malayalam - Puthuvalsara Aashamsakal
Mandarin - Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
Mongolian - Zul saryn bolon shine ony mend devshuulye
Nepalese - Subha bada din
Norwegian - God Jul og Godt Nyttår
Papiamento - Bon Pasco y un Feliz Aña Nobo
Papua New Guinea - Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela
          yia i go long yu
Polish - Wesolych Swiat i Szczesliwego Nowego Roku.
Portuguese - Boas Festas e um feliz Ano Novo
Punjabi - Nave sal di mubaraka
Romanian - Craciun fericit si un An Nou fericit!
Russian - Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva i s Novim Godom
Samoan - La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Scots Gaelic - Nollaig chridheil huibh
Singhalese - Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Somali - ciid wanaagsan iyo sanad cusub oo fiican.
Slovakian - Vesele Vianoce a stastny novy rok
Slovak - Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovene - Vesele bozicne praznike in srecno novo leto
Spanish - Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo
Swedish - God Jul och Gott Nytt År
Sudanese - Wilujeng Natal Sareng Warsa Enggal
Thai - Suksan Wan Christmas lae Sawadee Pee Mai
Turkish - Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian - Veseloho Vam Rizdva i Shchastlyvoho Novoho Roku!
Vietnamese - Chuc Mung Giang Sinh - Chuc Mung Tan Nien
Welsh - Nadolig LLawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Yiddish - Gute Vaynakhtn un a Gut Nay Yor
Zulu - Sinifesela Ukhisimusi Omuhle Nonyaka Omusha Onempumelelo

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Happy Holidays, Be Safe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Earth Group NA Marathon
New Years 2008-2009
"Stepping Into The  New Year"

Come and join us for 18 hours of non stop recovery
and fellowship at Earth Group NA where we will again
bring in a New Year together with addicts from
around the world.
It all begins on December 31st at 6PM EST
through 12PM EST January 1st
The direct link to our meetings is
http://client0. sigmachat. com/sc.pl? id=114117.

Come and join us and share your experience, strength
and hope with other addicts on one of the most
difficult nights of the year to stay clean.
If you have any questions you may write to
chat@earthgroupna. org and webservant@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Marathon Meetings ROCK!!!*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Holidays
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/classics/holidays.html

Drinking Cartoons
www.offthemarkcartoons.com/search-results/key/drink/

Drug Cartoons
www.offthemarkcartoons.com/search-results/key/drug/

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
I'm new "What plans do I make for the holidays?"
I have NO experience at staying clean for the holidays,
I feel like using now because my life is a wreck
I can't afford to buy gifts for my family.
How do I stay clean?
PLEASE reach back and help me.

(((Family))) a BIG hug to you ALL
I hope that your Holidays and New Year ahead
are FILLED with Warmth, Blessings and the Spirit of Love.
The ONLY plans that I have made for the holidays are
To stay clean no matter what.
By doing this one day at a time with the help of others
I will be able to enjoy time with family and friends
The way I get through the holidays clean is by not using,
making meetings, sticking close to my sponsor and support group.
I check in...because I don't want to check out.
When I came in I heard this was a 3 fold disease
(Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years)
We lose A LOT of people this time of year.
Even thought I used no differently on the holidays
It was just harder to cop drugs
The BEST gifts that I can give my loved ones, family and friends
is to stay clean no matter what.
My first year clean I couldn't afford presents to give
even though I went through feelings of guilt and shame.
That's why I chose this topic,
I just wish more would share on the topics,
guess that's just where you are at.
I gotta give it up, in  order to keep it.
If I don't share it, IM STEALING.
Yeah I could say Im busy with the blessings, life is full
but am I too busy for a 5 minute share????
let me remember where I came from, hmmmmmm  :)
Anyhow I couldn't afford any gifts
BUT my last year using I sold all of the gifts that I bought
and had no gifts.
So at least this year I was clean, and showed up to the family function,
instead of being missing in action.
My first holiday was different,
Im grateful for the people in the rooms who invited me to their homes
Im grateful for the marathon meetings
and the Holiday dances
I am so grateful to be clean today
I am looking forward to a family get together today at my home,
we get together every year for Christmas day and EAT, exchange
presents and watch movies!!!!!
This is my 20th consecutive year being clean for the holidays
My sons are in for a BIG day tomorrow, I am VERY excited
We have celebrated Chanukah during this past week
by lighting the candles at night and then opening presents.
My son, would awake each morning and run over to the
Menorah with candles and say "Chanukah, Chanukah"
wanting to start the tradition in the morning :)
Christmas day is celebrated each year at my sisters
We have a nice brunch followed by gift giving
and then a matinee movie, but this year my sons have been sick :(
I really hope more will share on the topics,
sometimes it gets real frustrating doing the moderating here
and I always realize there are few who reach out to the many who need
it,
If your out there and taking this in,
PLEASE give it up and share with us
the gift is in the giving
There are so many out there who need what you have to give
There are so many who need who you are becoming
This is the season of gifts and miracles
Please share them
every day
not just on the holidays
there a lot of work that needs to be done
Lets get this party started.
Enjoy your holidays,
Be careful,
Be safe
and enjoy yourself
Stay in the Light,
In loving service,
Scott H. from N.Y. ~ cleandate 10/27/88
YOUnMEnHP@...


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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 25
Love fills me and heals me as I open to connect
with the people that God has placed in my life.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

My Christmas List

I made my list for Christmas
Of the things Id like to get,
I could have added more -
Mom would have paid the debt.

I looked it over carefully,
And plainly I could see
How very selfish I had been
To want all that for me.

I tore the list into tiny bits
And started one anew,
This would be for others,
For the things Id give and do.

"Twas then I found true happiness
For Jesus way I met,
Christmas is a giving time
And not a time to get.

written by Mark Kostew
Mark was my BEST friend, may he rest in peace.
He left imprints upon my heart.
HIS SPIRIT MARCHES ON!!!!


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 Night Before Christmas Recovery Style
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1323
http://younmenhp.multiply.com/journal/item/362/The_Night_Before_Christmas_Recove\
ry_Style

My Wish For You This Day!!
www.barefootsworld.net/thisday.html

Let’s live by our own principles
N.A. Way Magazine 1/1998
www.na.org/naway/en/naway2-e.htm#Gift

Play In The Day You're In
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/PlayInTheDayYoureIn.html

Patience
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/Patience.html

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 25             Anonymity and Self-Will

"The drive for personal gain... which brought so much pain in the
past falls by the wayside if we adhere to the principle of anonymity"
Basic Text p.73

The word anonymity itself means namelessness, but there's a
larger principle at work in the anonymity of the NA program: the
principle of selflessness. When we admit our powerlessness to
manage our own lives, we take our first step away from self-will
and our first step toward selflessness. The less we try to run our
lives on self-will, the more we find the power and direction once
so sorely lacking in our lives.

   But the principle of selflessness does a lot more than just make
us feel better-it helps us live better. Our ideas of how the world
should be run begin to lose their importance, and we stop trying
to impose our will on everyone and everything around us. And
when we abandon our "know-it-all" pretensions and start
recognizing the value of other peoples' experience, we start
treating them with respect. The interests of others become as
important to us as our own; we start to think about what's best
for the group, rather than just what's best for us. We start living a
life that's bigger than we are, that's more than just us, our name,
ourselves - we start living the principle of anonymity.

Just for today: God, please free me from self-will. Help me
understand the principle of anonymity; help me to live selflessly.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/January.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/


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

"Suggested" Steps

Our Twelfth Step also says that as a result of practicing all the
Steps, we
have each found something called a spiritual awakening. . . A.A.'s
manner
of making ready to receive this gift lies in the practice of the Twelve
Steps in our program.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 106-107

I remember my sponsor's answer when I told him that the Steps were
"suggested."  He replied that they are "suggested" in the  same way
that,
if you were to jump out of an airplane with a parachute, it is
"suggested"
that you pull the ripcord to save your life.  He pointed out that it was
"suggested" I practice the Twelve Steps, if I wanted to save my life.
So I
try to remember daily that I have a whole program of recovery based on
all
Twelve of the "suggested" Steps.

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 /December 25th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Many alcoholics will be saying today:  "This is a good
Christmas for me."  They will be looking back over
past Christmases which were not like this one.  They
will be thanking God for their sobriety and their
newfound life.  They will be thinking about how their
lives were changed when they came into A.A.  They will
be thinking that perhaps God let them live through all
the hazards of their drinking careers, when they were
perhaps often close to death, in order that they might
be used by Him in the great work of A.A.  Is this a
happy Christmas for me?

Meditation for the Day

The kingdom of heaven is also for the lowly, the sinners,
the repentant.  "And they presented unto Him gifts-gold,
frankincense, and myrrh."  Bring your gifts of gold-your
money and material possessions.  Bring your frankincense
-the consecration of your life to a worthy cause.  Bring your
myrrh-your sympathy and understanding and help.  Lay them
all at the feet of God and let Him have full use of them.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be truly thankful on this Christmas Day.
I pray that I may bring my gifts and lay them on the altar.

"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
DECEMBER 25

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

The Holidays

Sometimes, the holidays are filled with the joy we associate with that
time of year. The season flows. Magic is in the air.

Sometimes, the holidays can be difficult and lonely.

Here are some ideas I've learned through personal experience, and
practice, to help us get through difficult holidays:

Deal with feelings, but try not to dwell unduly on them. Put the
holidays
in perspective: A holiday is one day out of 365. We can get through any
24-hour period.

Get through the day, but we aware that there may be a post holiday
backlash. Sometimes, if we use our survival behaviors to get through
the day, the feelings will catch up to us the next day. Deal with them
too. Get back on track as quickly as possible.

Find and cherish the love that's available, even if it's not exactly
what
we want. Is there someone we can give love to and receive love from?
Recovering friends? Is there a family who would enjoy sharing their
holiday with us? Don't be a martyr; go. There may be those who would
appreciate our offer to share our day with them.

We are not in the minority if we find ourselves experiencing a less
than ideal holiday. How easy, but untrue, to tell ourselves the rest of
the world is experiencing the perfect holiday, and we're alone in
conflict.

We can create our own holiday agenda. Buy yourself a present. Find
someone to whom you can give. Unleash your loving, nurturing self and
give in to the holiday spirit.

Maybe past holidays haven't been terrific. Maybe this year wasn't
terrific. But next year can be better, and the next a little better.
Work toward a better life - one that meets your needs. Before long,
you'll have it.

God, help me enjoy and cherish this holiday. If my situation is less
than ideal, help me take what's good and let go of the rest.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Christmas Season Movie
www.christmasseasonmovie.com

Christmas Love
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2001/12/christmas-love.htm

The Hour Of Power
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/12/hour-of-power.htm

Lightheart , Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/February/cohen.htm

Links to Finding Life Purpose
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_second.htm#life%20purpose

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Sweet Angels, no matter what your faith is, or is not, no matter
where in the world you are, I want you to know, that on Christmas
day, I'll be with you. Behind the eyes of every child, and in the
melody of every song. I'll be the glimmer in the ice crystals, the
rays in the sun, and the stars at night. And with each smile you
see, every hug you receive and every laugh you hear, I'll be there,
reaching out through another, with blessing and tidings, to last
you the year...... not because it's Christmas, but because I love
you, because I've always loved you, and because I always will.
And because this has been true, and will be true, every day of your
life.

Happy Holidays to you Sweet Angels, to your family, and to every
single wonderful, radiant Being in your shimmering, enlightened
sphere.

There comes a time in the evolution of every spiritual being, along
that sometimes dark road that leads to enlightenment, when their
inner yearnings, struggles and frustrations bring them to a truth
that could not have otherwise been achieved. And so, beloved, I
come this holy day with such a truth, though it may hurt eyes that
have been shut too long.

Reaching this milestone was inevitable, for the light that will dawn
hereafter is not only what you have summoned, but what all now
seek. And with your blessings and recognition it will bathe those
who follow in your footsteps and the burden they bear shall be
lessened.

If it's not yet obvious to you, the real reason for this season is you,
Sweet Angel. A more perfect child of the Universe has never lived.
Until now, only a celebration cloaked in myth and mystery could
hint at your sublime heritage and divine destiny. You are life's
prayer of becoming, and its answer. The first light at the dawn of
eternity, drawn from the ether so that the Universe might know its
depths, discover its heights, and frolic in endless seas of blessed
emotion.

A pioneer into illusion, an adventurer into the unknown, and a lifter
of veils. Courageous, heroic and exalted by billions in the unseen.

To give beyond reason. To care beyond hope. To love without limit.
To reach, stretch, and dream in spite of your fears. These are the
hallmarks of divinity - traits of the immortal - your badges of honor,
and your ticket home.

This is the time of year we celebrate who you are.

Merry Christmas,
The Universe
serenity@...

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

Do what you will with another person;
But never put them out of your heart.
--The Dalai Lama

One of the most moving examples of the opening of a hardened
heart is the story of Scrooge in Dickens' A Christmas Carol. At an
early age, Scrooge concluded that the world was a hard and cruel
place. Making the accumulation of money his primary goal, he
closed himself off from his fellow human beings. Although he
attained worldly riches, he was spiritually desolate.

Then, on Christmas Eve, he was graced with the opportunity to
make a new choice to open his heart to life. His physical wealth
began to have a purpose. After his conversion, he paid for the
operation that healed Tiny Tim and contributed to numerous
charities throughout London.

I tell this story because there is a Scrooge in every one of us. In
some area of life, you and I have hardened our hearts. Perhaps
it is a former lover whom we have not forgiven, or we are angry
at a political group that opposes our point of view, or an early
wound has left a trail of hurt and cynicism.

Whatever the person or circumstance, the solution is the same --
open your heart again. If the old pain comes to the surface, relax
and breathe into the hurt. As your heart softens and expands, a
deep compassion will fill your being. Like Scrooge, you are being
reborn to a new life. You are being redeemed by the healing power
of love.

from the book: Listening to Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch

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

Gratitude

On our path to the light,
we often examine our growth with an eye
to what we have yet to achieve.
It is very important, however,
to become aware of what we have already accomplished.

Make a gratitude list.
Write down the ways in which you have changed,
and the gifts you have allowed into your life.
Acknowledge yourself for your dedication to spiritual growth.
Consider how your family and friends have helped
to bring you to this place on your path.
Include those people who have served
as great mirrors and teachers in your healing.

Close your eyes.
Sense and visualize all the wondrous things that have happened,
all the gifts you now have in our life,
and give thanks for each of them with the whole of your heart.

I am grateful!

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

I Need Christmas

Still
After all this time
Grown up, maturing into middle age
A baby boomer into menopause
I still need to see
Sparkles and shiny ornaments
Tinsels and snow crystals
In a dressed-up Christmas tree

Green Holly leaves and 'Green Sleeves'
tug at my heart strings
as if I were ten years old again
I still need to feel the magic
giving and receiving
hugging, smiling, sharing

I still need to thrill with
the secret of hidden gifts
like a little kid trying to see, to guess
what's underneath the tree
which package is for me

Feeling lovable, remembered, blessed
a part of the season's special message
that love, above all, is most important

During the inevitable time passage
I have at times hated Christmas
for highlighting my loneliness
I have at times ignored Christmas
for its superfluous frivolities

Now, I honour Christmas
for the eternal little child in me

Love
Stella
© 2003 Stella Raymonde Savoie Johnson
stellaraymonde@...

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

'Twas the night before Christmas

'Twas the night before Xmas, we were all in the club,
Providing a meeting, instead of a pub;

The ashtrays were clean and the coffee was made,
The Basic Texts were out, and we had all prayed.

When out in the lot, there arose such a clatter,
We jumped from the table to see what was the matter.

The chair with his NA book, and I with my smokes,
Headed outside and found these two blokes.

They came on inside, and they sat at the table,
And said that they'd chair, as soon as they're able.

To start with, they said, it's more than not using or drinking,
It's doing your best to fix your wrong thinking.

"Let Go and Let God!" and those slogans we used
Help keep the newcomer from getting too confused.

Step one is a start, they said we should know
And after step two, we'll be all aglow.

We make a decision when we get to step three;
Step four is real tough, we all could agree.
Step five is the one where we let it all out,
After steps six and seven, we're left with no doubt.

We get to step 8, and we make our long list
And then with step 9, we have to persist.

When you're on step 9, our promises ring true
We didn't just get that, out of the blue;

After that, it's on with the rest
That we must do each day, to be our best.
They put on their coats and got ready to leave
A pretty good end, for this Christmas eve.

As to his name, we only could guess ok?
But I'm pretty darn sure it was Jimmy K.

The two men hopped in a red '35 Ford,
And as they pulled out, one of them roared:
"We leave this message, for you, our brothers:
Trust God, clean house, be of service to others

For all of you people, we wanted to say:
Have a nice holiday, and don't drink or use, Just for today."

anonymous

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

Christmas Blessings

Christmas morning, snowy white,
Beautiful starlight, shining bright,
Glistening sprays of mistletoe,
Deer tracks in the fallen snow,
A cabin on a faraway hill,
Like a painting, it's so still.
Glowing lights inside that say,
Someone is up this Christmas Day.
The wonder that this season brings,
Inside my soul begins to sing!
It wasn't always this way for me.
These brand new eyes began to see.
A little over a year ago,
I'd gone as far as I could go.
The misery that I felt back then,
Drowning my sorrows in whiskey and gin.
No friends, no family, and nowhere to sleep,
I laid in a gutter that had gotten too deep.
It's hard to explain what happened that day.
But it was a miracle, that's all I can say.
I live for the moment for I have it all,
The newness of spring, the colors of fall.
As I watch the lights twinkle on my little Christmas tree,
I count all the blessings that have been bestowed on me!

Sharlett Hunt
© 2002
Sharlette863@...

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

The Gift Box

I dreamed I was given a large box. It was gift-wrapped and looked
like something that belonged under a big Christmas tree.

I opened the box with high anticipation. But inside the box were many,
many little boxes wrapped just like the big box. Each small box
promising treasures and surprises. I started to open the small boxes.

As I opened the small boxes and found each surprise inside, I noticed
something happening to the large box. It wasn‚t getting any emptier.
The small boxes were multiplying themselves at the same rate as I was
removing and opening them.

I speeded up. I slowed down. The number of boxes in the large box
stayed the same.

This is very similar to God's blessings. They are never ending no matter
how many we discover. His abundance is never-ending. And like the small
gift boxes, they can be opened slowly or quickly, there are always more
and more. His love for us is that big!

I don't remember how the dream ended, or what exactly was in all
those little boxes. I guess I had to wake up to find out.

Blessings, Love & Light
Linda G.
7-Dec-2005
alchemyenergyworks@...

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

ONE MAN AWAKE

One man awake
can awaken another
the second can wake his
next-door brother
the three awake can rouse
the town
by turning the whole place
upside down
and the many awake
make such a fuss
they finally awaken
the rest of us
One man up
with the dawn in his eyes
------ Multiplies

Helen Kramer

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

In “A Christmas Carol”, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is transformed
into a
loving, compassionate being. The story is powerful because Scrooge was
not
magically injected with goodness.  That goodness had been there all
along.
It had just been frozen over. We, too, have chilled parts of our
hearts.  We
don't want to be hurt again. We can't bear another disappointment. We
fear
to risk and lose again. By acknowledging the frozen part of ourselves,
we
can begin to thaw. Everything we need for a warm, joyful life is already
inside us. And we can experience the spirit of Christmas not just one
day,
but every day of the year.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

What is Christmas?
It is tenderness for the past,
courage for the present,
hope for the future.
It is a fervent wish
that every cup may overflow
with blessings rich and eternal,
and that every path may lead to peace.
Agnes M. Pharo

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

Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.
Oren Arnold

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

HELP = His Ever Loving Presence

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

HELP = Hope Encouragement Love Patience

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

HOPE = Hearing Other Peoples Experience

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

HOW = Honesty Open-mindedness Willingness

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

Adult Children of Alcoholics
http://www.AdultChildren.org

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

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.dhh12s.com/

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
http://www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
http://www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
http://www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
http://www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
http://www.crystalmeth.org

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

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
http://www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
http://www.depressedanon.com

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

Eating Disorders Anonymous
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
http://www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
http://www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
http://www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
http://www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
http://www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
http://www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
http://www.earthgroupna.org

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
http://www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
http://www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
http://www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
http://www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
http://www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
http://www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
http://www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
http://www.spenders.org/home.html

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
http://www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
http://www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

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

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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



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

Earth Group NA Marathon
New Years 2008-2009
"Stepping Into The  New Year"

Come and join us for 18 hours of non stop recovery
and fellowship at Earth Group NA where we will again
bring in a New Year together with addicts from
around the world.
It all begins on December 31st at 6PM EST
through 12PM EST January 1st
The direct link to our meetings is
http://client0. sigmachat. com/sc.pl? id=114117.

Come and join us and share your experience, strength
and hope with other addicts on one of the most
difficult nights of the year to stay clean.
If you have any questions you may write to
chat@earthgroupna. org and webservant@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Marathon Meetings ROCK!!!*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Retail Recovery
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/retailrecovery.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
I'm new "What plans do I make for the holidays?"
I have NO experience at staying clean for the holidays,
I feel like using now because my life is a wreck
I can't afford to buy gifts for my family.
How do I stay clean?
PLEASE reach back and help me.

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 24
Today I am willing to be increasingly aware of my spiritual life.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

Recovery Style The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas,
      and all through the halls;
not an addict was drinking,
      or eating rum balls.

The children were happy,
      their folks were serene,
Asleep in their rooms,
      dreaming Christmastime dreams.

The sponsees were nestled
      all snug by their phones;
Hoping their sponsors,
      soon would be home.

Papa in his bathrobe,
      And I in my gown;
Were grateful to be home,
      not stumbling 'round town!

When out in the driveway,
      I saw some headlights;
Who was coming to my house,
      at this time of night?

Away to the window,
      I flew at great speed;
I wanted to see,
      what these people would need.

The night it was late,
      didn't they know,
I would go downstairs quickly,
      and tell them to go.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear?
      But a lawn full of addicts,
and not one cup of cheer!

With hope in their hearts,
      Anxious looks on each face;
They were scoping the town,
      for their next meeting place.

I opened the door,
      To let my friends in;
The Christmas Eve meeting,
      Was about to begin!

On coffeepot, Cups,
      and some sugar and cream,
Old-timers, newcomers,
      and those in between.

"In my home you are safe!"
      "Come on in!" hear my call
Now clean addicts, free addicts, recovering addicts, all!

As non-recovering addicts before a meeting do cry,
      when they meet with the "obstacles selves" they deny;
So into the kitchen, the addicts they flew,
      With a room full of feelings, some joyous, some blue.

And then in a moment,
      the meeting did start;
A gratitude meeting,
      clean living...and art!

As we went 'round the room,
      there were stories of woe,
Descriptions of lives,
      only addicts would know.

Stories dressed all in substances,
      from beginning to end,
that "drug" was a gut-wrenching,
      fair-weather friend.

A bundle of pain,
      Each addict carried on her back;
The Road was quite bumpy!
      The deck had been stacked!

Relationships, crumbled,
      Our finances, weary,
Our souls were like vacuums
      Our eyes always teary.

Each addict bared her soul,
      and shared through the hour;
Of recovery held dear,
      And a new "Higher Power"

The fellowship gave,
      new life to each face;
All the clean women,
      with dignity and grace.

A desire to stop using,
      is all that's required,
A way out, a way up;
      New lives to inspire!
It was time for the meeting,
      to come to and end.
For all of the Addicts
      and all of their friends.

THE Serenity PRAYER was then said
      as we held hands and prayed,
Electricity, wonder
      and magic displayed.

We did "clean up" and chattered
      And when saying good-bye
Embraces, well wishes,
      And not a dry eye.

I sprang to my bed,
      And thanked God for this night.
I snuggled to Papa;
      And all felt so right!

But I heard them exclaim,
      as they all drove away,
"Thank God for N. A.
      and each clean day!"

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

Butterfly Insights
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=970

The Lone Ember - A Sponsor Story
www.barefootsworld.net/loneember.html

What the traditions teach us about self-support in recovery
N.A. Way Magazine 1/1998
www.na.org/naway/en/naway2-e.htm#WSC

Climb Until Your Dreams Come True
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/clmbdreamstrue.html

Amends
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/Amends.html

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 24                                                    The Group

"The Twelfth Step of our personal program also says that we carry
the message to the addict who still suffers.... The group is the most
powerful vehicle we have for carrying the message." Basic Text p.65

   When we first come to Narcotics Anonymous meetings, we meet
recovering addicts. We know they are addicts because they talk about
the same experiences and feelings we've had. We know they are
recovering because of their serenity-they've got something we want.
We feel hope when other addicts share their recovery with us in NA
meetings.

   The atmosphere of recovery attracts us to the meetings. That
atmosphere is created when group members make a commitment to
work together. We try to enhance the atmosphere of recovery by
helping set up for meetings, greeting newcomers, and talking with other
addicts after the meeting. These demonstrations of our commitment
make our meetings attractive and help our groups share their recovery.

   Sharing experience in meetings is one way in which we help one
another, and it's often the foundation for our sense of belonging. We
identify with other addicts, so we trust their message of hope. Many of
us would not have stayed in Narcotics Anonymous without that sense
of belonging and hope. When we share at group meetings, we support
our personal recovery while helping others.

Just for today: I will reach out to another addict in my group and share
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/January.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

Protection For All

At the personal level, anonymity provides protection for all
members from identification as alcoholics, a safeguard often
of special importance to newcomers.  At the level of press,
radio, TV, and films, anonymity stresses the equality in the
Fellowship of all members by putting the brake on those
who might otherwise exploit their A.A. affiliation to achieve
recognition, power, or personal gain.
"UNDERSTANDING ANONYMITY," p. 5

Attraction is the main force in the Fellowship of A.A.  The miracle
of continuous sobriety of alcoholics within A.A. confirms the fact
every day.  It would be harmful if the Fellowship promoted itself
by publicizing, through the media of radio and TV, the sobriety of
well-known public personalities who became members of A.A.  If
these personalities happened to have slips, outsiders would think
our movement is not strong and they might question the veracity of
the miracle of the century.  Alcoholics Anonymous is not anonymous,
but its members should be.

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/ December 24th

A.A. Thought for the Day

We have been given a new life just because we
happened to become alcoholics.  We certainly
don't deserve the new life that has been given us.
There is little in our past to warrant the life we
have now.  Many people live good lives from their
youth on, not getting into serious trouble, being
well adjusted to life, and yet they have not found
all that we drunks have found.  We had the good
fortune to find Alcoholics Anonymous and with it
a new life.  We are among the lucky few in the
world who have learned a new way to live.  Am I
deeply grateful for the new life that I have
learned in AA.?

Meditation for the Day

A deep gratitude to the Higher Power for all the
blessings that we have and that we don't deserve
has come to us.  We thank God and mean it.  Then
comes service to other people, out of gratitude for
what we have received.  This entails some sacrifice
of ourselves and our own affairs.  But we are glad
to do it.  Gratitude, service, and then sacrifice are
the steps that lead to good A.A. work.  They open
the door to a new life for us.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may gladly serve others out of deep
gratitude for what I have received.  I pray that I
may keep a deep sense of obligation.

"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
DECEMBER 24
Melody Beattie ©

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

Getting Through the Holidays

For some, the sights, signs, and smells of the holidays bring joy
and a warm feeling. But, while others are joyously diving into the
season, some of us are dipping into conflict, guilt, and a sense of
loss.

We read articles on how to enjoy the holidays, we read about the
Christmas blues, but many of us still can't figure out how to get
through the holiday season. We may not know what a joyous
holiday would look and feel like.

Many of us are torn between what we want to do on the holiday,
and what we feel we have to do. We may feel guilty because we
don't want to be with our families. We may feel a sense of loss
because we don't have the kind of family to be with that we want.
Many of us, year after year, walk into the same dining room on
the same holiday, expecting this year to be different. Then we
leave, year after year, feeling let down, disappointed, and
confused by it all.

Many of us have old, painful memories triggered by the holidays.

Many of us feel a great deal of relief when the holiday is ended.

One of the greatest gifts of recovery is learning that we are not
alone. There are probably as many of us in conflict during the
holidays than there are those who feel at peace. We're learning,
through trial and error, how to take care of ourselves a little better
each holiday season.

Our first recovery task during the holidays is to accept ourselves,
our situation, and our feelings about our situation. We accept our
guilt, anger, and sense of loss. It's all okay.

There is no right or perfect way to handle the holidays. Our strength
can be found in doing the best we can, one year at a time.

This holiday season, I will give myself permission to take care of
myself.

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

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

Links to Nourishing the Soul
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_third.htm#nourishing

Creating Strong Immunity
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2002/12/strong-immunity.htm

Remember When?
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2003/12/remember-when.htm

Overcoming Inertia, Rekindling Passion
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/February/feature3.htm

Links to Soulful Love
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_second.htm#soulful%20love

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Why Christmas Trees Are Not Perfect

They say that if you creep into an evergreen forest late at night
you can hear the trees talking. In the whisper of the wind you'll
catch the older pines reassuring the younger ones why they'll
never be perfectly shaped. There will always be a bent branch
here, a gap there . . .

Long, long ago evergreens were perfect. This was particularly
true in a small kingdom deep in Europe beyond the Carpathian
Mountains.

On the first Saturday of Advent the Queen's woodsmen would
search the royal forest for the most perfect tree. It would
then reign in the castle, shimmering with candles. While a Yule
log crackled, the royal family and villagers would sing around the
tree in celebration.

Out in the hushed forest every evergreen vied for this honor.
One cold night when a bright white moon glittered on the crusty
snow, a small rabbit limped into the evergreens, its sides heaving
in panic. Beyond the hill rose the yelping of village dogs in the
thrill of the hunt. The rabbit frantically searched for cover but
found nothing among the dark trunks. Faster and faster it circled
as the excited yelping increased. The trees frowned at this
interruption of their evening (when growing was at its best).

And then a small pine shuddered. Of all the young trees, it
promised to be the finest of the forest. Everything about it,
from its deep seagreen color to the delicate curl of its branches,
was perfect. But now . . . its lower branches began to dip down
to the ground. And just before the slavering dogs arrived, the
rabbit found safety within the branches. In the morning the
bunny found its burrow. But the little pine could not quite lift
its branches. No matter; perhaps a little irregularity would not
be noticed.

Then a powerful blizzard lashed the land. Villagers slammed
shutters while birds and animals huddled in nests and dens. A
small wren, blown astray, desperately sought sanctuary in the
evergreens, but each one clenched it branches. Finally, she
fell exhausted into the little pine. The pine's heart opened and so
did its boughs, and the wren slept warm within them. But the
pine had difficulty rearranging its branches. There would be a
gap, evermore.

Winter deepened, bringing a gale never before experienced in
the mountains. A small fawn, that had wandered from its mother,
inched into the evergreens, seeking a windbreak. But the trees
opened their branches to the wind to avoid dangerous bending.
Again the little pine took pity and closing its branches formed a
tight wall behind the fawn safely huddled. But alas, when the
wind ceased, the small pine had been permanently bent out of
shape. A tear of pine gun oozed from a branch tip. Now it could
never hope to be honored.

Lost in despair, the little pine did not see the good Queen come
into the forest in her sleigh to choose the finest tree. When she
saw the little pine, anger filled her. A tree with such defects in
the royal forest? She was about to order it disposed of, but
then stopped and glanced back at it. As she gazed on it, she noticed
the tracks of small animals that had found shelter under it and
a downy feather where a bird had nested. And, as she studied
the gaping hole in its side and the wind-whipped trunk,
understanding filled her heart.

"This one," she said. And to the astonishment of the forest,
the little pine was borne to the castle. Everyone said it was the
finest Christmas tree yet. For in looking at its gnarled, worn
branches, many saw the protecting arm of their father, others
the comforting bosom of a mother, and some, as did the wise
Queen, saw the love of Christ expressed on earth.

So if you walk among the evergreens today, you will find, along
with rabbits, birds, and other living things, dropped branches
providing cover, gaps offering resting places, forms bent from
wrestling winter winds.

For, as with many of us, the trees have learned that the scars
suffered for the sake of others makes one most beautiful in
the eyes of God.

by Richard H. Schneider

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

War has never brought peace.  Conflict has never brought
understanding.  Violence has never brought love.  History has
shown us that our methods of attempting to achieve peace,
whether it be globally or locally, have not worked.  Let us try
a new way.  Let us apply ourselves to the new way with the same
consistency and intensity as we have given to the old way.  Christmas
is the time to consider the importance of this, being a time of great
love and gentleness.  This is the new way ~ or, rather, it is the way
we were shown thousands of years ago ~ at a time that civilization
chose to take the other path.  We can retrace our steps and take
the other way.  How many of you will put on the robes of love and
compassion and join the march to peace and true freedom?

In Peace and Love,
Virginia Santoro ©
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

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

A Healing Prayer of Love...

Deep at the center of my being there is an infinite well of Love.

I now allow this Love to flow to the surface. It fills my heart, my
body, my
mind, my consciousness, my very being and radiates out from me in all
directions and returns to be multiplied. The more Love I use and give,
the
more I have to give: the supply is endless.

The use of Love makes me feel good. It is an expression of my inner
joy. I
love myself therefore, I take loving care of my body. I lovingly feed it
nourishing foods and beverages. I lovingly groom it and dress it, and my
body responds to me with vibrant health and energy.

I love myself and therefore, I provide for myself a comfortable home;
one
that fills all my needs and is a pleasure to be in. I fill the rooms
with
the vibration of Love so that all who enter, myself included, will
feel this
Love and be nourished by it.

I love myself, therefore, I work at a job that I truly enjoy doing, one
that uses my creative talents and abilities, working with and for people
that I love and that love me and earning a good income.

I love myself, therefore, I behave and think in a loving way to all
people
for I know that which I give out returns to me multiplied. I only
attract
loving people in my world for they are a mirror of what I am.

I love myself and therefore, I forgive and totally release the past
and all
past experiences and I am free.

I LOVE MYSELF THEREFORE, I LOVE TOTALLY IN THE NOW,
EXPERIENCING EACH MOMENT AS GOOD AND KNOWING
THAT MY FUTURE IS BRIGHT AND JOYOUS AND SECURE
FOR I AM A BELOVED  CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE AND THE
UNIVERSE LOVINGLY TAKES CARE OF ME AND FOREVER MORE.

Louise Hay

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

Let There Be Peace on Earth:

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be
With God as our Power, loved ones all are we
Let us walk with each other In perfect harmony
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now
With every step I take, may this be my joyous vow
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!!

Words and Music by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller (about 1955)

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

Christmas Blessings Everyday

Christmas Blessings everyday,
Makes depression go away,
I pray today when I awake
To learn to give and not to take,
To stop and tarry for awhile,
To try to give someone a smile,
Although my life's a rocky road,
I do not have a heavy load.
I'll let my heart show me the way,
To show some kindness everyday.
And when the gifts are wrapped and tied,
I want my God to know I tried,
To let my love for everyone,
Shine down like tiny rays of sun.
I want to think of other's more,
And God will open every door.
I don't have time to be depressed,
Because I am so very blessed!

Sharlett Hunt 12/18/03
Sharlette863@...

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

God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith, the warmth of
Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity.
Wilda English

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

What you do speaks so loudly,
that I cannot hear what you say.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

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

This life and all its experiences are for your upliftment and
to assist you in your journey home to God.
John-Roger
From: The Way Out Book

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

In understanding ourselves, we come to understand the world.
In allowing ourselves to heal, we become the healers of the world.
In praying for peace, we become bringers of peace.
Marianne Williamson

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

Seek goodness in others.
Love more persons . . .
more impersonally,
more unselfishly,
without thought of return.
The return, never fear, will take care of itself.
Henry Drummond

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

GOD = Good Orderly Direction

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

GOYA = Get Off Your Ass

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

HALT = Hungry Angry Lonely Tired

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

HEART = Healing Enjoying And Recovering Together

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

Adult Children of Alcoholics
http://www.AdultChildren.org

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

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.dhh12s.com/

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
http://www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
http://www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
http://www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
http://www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
http://www.crystalmeth.org

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

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
http://www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
http://www.depressedanon.com

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

Eating Disorders Anonymous
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
http://www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
http://www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
http://www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
http://www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
http://www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
http://www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
http://www.earthgroupna.org

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
http://www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
http://www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
http://www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
http://www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
http://www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
http://www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
http://www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
http://www.spenders.org/home.html

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
http://www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
http://www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
are included:

To unsubscribe to to this list send an Email message to the group
that you belong to
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or
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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



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

Prayer
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/prayer.html

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

Message of Hope....

The Promise of Freedom

Another Day

Another Year

Earth Group of Narcotics Anonymous is proud to present it's
5th Annual New Years Eve Online Marathon. The marathon
will consist of six (6) 90 minute meetings starting at 6pm EST
on Dec 31st 2007 and running through 3 AM EST on Jan 1st 2008.
The meeting that starts at 10:30PM EST will feature Andre G.
as our speaker. We look forward to seeing you there. Please
come help us to carry the message to our fellowship on one of
the hardest nights of the year to stay clean....... For more info you
can write JudyO at chat@... or
Diane K at coordinator@...

TO REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE MEETINGS AND CHATROOM GO TO
http://client0.sigmachat.com/sc.pl?id=114117

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Marathon Meeting ROCK!!!*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
I'm new "What plans do I make for the holidays?"
I have NO experience at staying clean for the holidays,
I feel like using now because my life is a wreck
I can't afford to buy gifts for my family.
How do I stay clean?
PLEASE reach back and help me.

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 23
As I start this day with quiet meditation,
I feel myself becoming still and at peace.
At anytime during the day
I can bring my mind back to this moment.
I can bring my attention and awareness back to the peace
that I have when I am with my breath and
I know that my breath is with me at all times,
whether I remember it or not.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

Twelve Tips on Keeping Your Holiday Season Sober/Clean and Joyous

1. Line up extra A.A./NA activities for the holiday season.
      Arrange to take newcomers to meetings, answer the phones
      at a clubhouse or central office,or help line, speak, help with
      dishes, or visit the detox ward at a hospital.

2. Be host to A.A./NA friends, especially newcomers.  If you
      don’t have a place where you can throw a formal party, take
      one person to a diner and spring for the coffee.

3. Keep you A.A./NA telephone list with you all the time.  If a
      using/drinking urge or panic comes—postpone everything else
      until you’ve called an A.A./NA

4. Find out about the special holiday parties, meetings, or other
      celebrations given by groups in your area, and go.  If you’re
      timid, take someone newer than you are.

5. Skip any drinking/using occasion you are nervous about.
      Remember how clever you were at excuses when using/drinking?
      Now put the talent to good use.  No office party is as important as
      saving your life.

6. If you have to go to a using/drinking party and can’t take an
      A.A./NA with you, keep some candy handy.

7. Don’t think you have to stay late.  Plan in advance an “important
      date”  you have to keep.

8. Worship in your own way.

9. Don’t sit around brooding.  Catch up on those books, museums,
      walks, and letters.

10. Don’t start now getting worked up about all those holiday
         temptations. Remember—“one day at a time.” And “Just for
         Today”

11. Enjoy the true beauty of holiday love and joy.  Maybe you cannot
         give material gifts—but this year, you can give love.

12. “Having had a ….” No need to spell out the Twelfth Step here,
         since you already know it.

Adapted From a Box 459 Holiday Issue
Noreen S
Neeron@...

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

Both Glad and Sad
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=609

Random Recovery Thoughts Collected In Meetings and Chats
www.barefootsworld.net/aarandomthots.html

My life, my responsibility
N.A. Way Magazine 1/1998
www.na.org/naway/en/naway2-e.htm#Surrender

This Too Will Pass
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/ThisTooWillPass.html

Online daybook of holidays and celebrations around the world
www.earthcalendar.net/index.php

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 23                                                New Ideas

"We reevaluate our old ideas so we can become acquainted with
the new ideas that lead to a new way of life." Basic Text p.91

   Learning to live a new way of life can be difficult. Sometimes,
when the going gets especially hard, we're tempted to follow the
path of least resistance and live by our old ideas again. We forget
that our old ideas were killing us. To live a new way of life, we need
to open our minds to new ideas.

   Working the steps, attending meetings, sharing with others, trusting
a sponsor - these suggestions may meet our resistance, even our
rebellion. The NA program requires effort, but each step in the
program brings us closer to becoming the kinds of people we truly
want to be. We want to change, to grow, to become something more
than we are today. To do that, we open our minds, try on the new
ideas we've found in NA, and learn to live a new way of life.

Just for today: I will open my mind to new ideas and learn to live my
life in a new way.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/January.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

Active Guardians

To us, however, it represents far more than a sound public relations
policy. It is more than a denial of self-seeking. This Tradition is a
constant and practical reminder that personal ambition has no place
in A.A.  In it, each member becomes an active guardian of our
Fellowship.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 183

The basic concept of humility is expressed in the Eleventh Tradition:
it allows me to participate completely in the program in such a simple,
yet profound manner; it fulfills my need to be an integral part of a
significant whole.  Humility brings me closer to the actual spirit of
togetherness and oneness, without which I could not stay sober.  In
remembering that every member is an example of sobriety, each one
living the Eleventh Tradition, I am able to experience freedom
because each one of us is anonymous.

Copyright 1990 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC.

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

Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden /December 23

A.A. Thought for the Day

We have definitely left that dream world behind.
It was only a sham.  It was a world of our making
and it was not the real world.  We are sorry for
the past, yes, but we learned a lot from it.  We can
\put it down to experience, valuable experience, as
we see it now, because it has given us the knowledge
necessary to face the world as it really is.  We had
to become alcoholics in order to find the A.A. program.
We would not have gotten it any other way.  In a way,
it was worth it.  Do I look at my past as valuable experience?

Meditation for the Day

Shed peace, not discord, wherever you go.  Try to be
part of the cure of every situation, not part of the
problem.  Try to ignore evil, rather than to actively
combat it.  Always try to build up, never to tear down.
Show others by your example that happiness comes
from living the right way.  The power of your example
is greater than the power of what you say.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may try to bring something good into
every situation today.  I pray that I may be constructive
in the way I think and speak and act today.

"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
DECEMBER 23, 2005

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

Holiday Triggers

      One year, when I was a child, my father got drunk and violent
at Christmas. I had just unwrapped a present, a bottle of hand
lotion, when he exploded in an alcoholic rage. Our Christmas
was disrupted. It was terrible. It was frightening for the whole
family. Now, thirty-five years later, whenever I smell hand lotion,
I immediately feel all the feelings I did that Christmas: the fear,
the disappointment, the heartache, the helplessness, and an
instinctive desire to control. Anonymous

There are many positive triggers that remind us of Christmas:
snow, decorations, "Silent Night," "Jingle Bells," wrapped
packages, a nativity scene, stockings hung on a fireplace.
These "triggers" can evoke in us the warm, nostalgic feelings
of the Christmas celebration.

There are other kinds of triggers, though, that may be less
apparent and evoke different feelings and memories.

Our mind is like a powerful computer. It links sight, sound,
smell, touch, and taste with feelings, thoughts, and memories.
It links our senses - and we remember.

Sometimes the smallest, most innocuous incident can trigger
memories. Not all our memories are pleasant, especially if we
grew up in an alcoholic, dysfunctional setting.

We may not understand why we suddenly feel afraid, depressed,
and anxious. We may not understand what has triggered our
codependent coping behaviors - the low self worth, the need to
control, the need to neglect ourselves. When that happens, we
need to understand that some innocuous event may be triggering
memories recorded deep within us.

If something, even something we don't understand, triggers
painful memories, we can pull ourselves back into the present by
self care: acknowledging our feelings, detaching, working the
Steps, and affirming ourselves. We can take action to feel good.
We can help ourselves feel better each Christmas. No matter
what the past held, we can put it in perspective, and create a
more pleasant holiday today.

Today, I will gently work through my memories of this holiday
season. I will accept my feelings, even if I consider them different
than what others are feeling this holiday. God, help me let go, heal
from, and release the painful memories surrounding the holidays.
Help me finish my business from the past, so I can create the
holiday of my choice.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

Annoyed???
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2003/12/anoyed.htm

Children…On Love
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2003/12/children-love.htm

Healing Money Scarcity
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/February/feature2.htm

Links to Nourishing the Soul
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_third.htm#nourishing

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Does Perfect Love Exist?
by Cynthia Legette Davis

Most of us long for relationships in which we are loved and
accepted just the way we are. Our hearts' desire is to give
and receive love in relationships that make us feel that even
if others disagree with what we do or say, they still love us.
They accept us. They appreciate our contributions to the world.
While it would be wonderful to have these types of
relationships with all people, we know that that's hard to do.
We can, however, have them with some others, but only when
we first have them with ourselves-and, ironically, this is often
the hardest relationship of all.

One of the reasons many of us find it hard to love ourselves is
because we do not realize that we are already loved in the
most divine way. God loves us, totally and unconditionally. It's
hard for many of us to believe this fact because we know how
imperfect we are, and we believe we have to be perfect before
God will love us. The truth is that God's love makes us perfect,
even with our imperfections. By knowing this truth intellectually
and believing it spiritually, we not only love ourselves more; we
love others more as well.

Do you love yourself? You may think you do, but do you really?
There's only one way to find out-by taking a closer look at what
you think, say, and do. You may not like some of what you find,
but if you're serious about really loving yourself, you can use this
insight to do some positive inner work.

Here are three ways I've found for gaining greater personal
insight for deeper love.

     1. Listen to your words and listen even more closely to your
thoughts. Why? Because your words and your thoughts will
determine your actions. One of the things that has helped me
to listen to my thoughts has been to keep a journal. It is not
necessary for you to write in it everyday, but it helps to record
various insights you gain as you go about living your life. Instead
of using a big notebook, you might use a small note pad that you
can keep in your purse or pocket for easy access to record your
thoughts as they occur to you. (I've found that if I don't immediately
write down ideas and insights as they come, it's hard to remember
them later, at least with the same degree of clarity.) Whichever
method you choose, what's most important is that you write your
thoughts down. It will help you know what's in your heart.

     2. Be honest with yourself by paying attention to your actions.
Actions speak louder than words, and they always tell the truth.
What do your actions say about you? If you say you love your job,
but your actions say otherwise, which do you think is more true -
your words or your actions? On the other hand, if you say you're
not good at a certain job, but your actions say otherwise, that's
also important. What do you do with this insight? You can use
it to make more beneficial choices in your life. By being honest
with yourself based on your previous actions, your actions moving
forward will be based on truth instead of just what you tell yourself.

     3. Take time out during the day for quiet time to listen to your
inner voice. I call this inner voice the voice of God. This is similar
to point number one, but it takes it a step further - beyond the
natural mind to the supernatural heart. You may want to use your
quiet time to meditate or pray. However you use this time, the key
is to shut out all of the noise around you by focusing deep within
yourself. Breathing deeply during quiet time will also help you
focus. I know it's hard to find quiet time during a particularly busy
day, but it's so important - even if it's just 10 minutes a day and you
have to sneak away to get it. Quiet time can really make a
difference in your life. It enables you to hear God speaking to
your heart reminding you of His perfect love for you.

Despite what your subconscious may be telling you, you can have
love with no limits. The key is to unconditionally love yourself first.

Your Dream Relationship: Eleven Steps to Finding Unconditional
Love by Alix & Ronald Gavran.Recommended book:

Cynthia Legette Davis is a writer, publisher, and speaker based in
Columbia, S.C. and is author of the recently published book,
"Peace Be Still: Inner Healing for Racial Harmony" (available at
Amazon.com). She can be reached at 803-865-8955 or by email
at clegettedavis@... e-mail address is being
protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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

The reason for the season is, "Presence"
not the kind you wrap and send
but the presence of God in all women and men
the life-chain that draws us all to His heart
the presence of God that will never part
that presence that tells you it will all be ok
that brings you kind warmth on your chilliest day
that nurtures and comforts your poor lonely soul
and brings you assurance that you are made whole.
So when you look at your tree or your lover or friend
think of the presence that will never end
its a gift given freely, not bought in a store
not made with your hands or found on the shore
but a present from He who loves us the best
and in whom we all are invited to rest
so when you're alone, by yourself, feeling blue
unwrap His presence, for its always with you
on those nights you can't find not one single cheer
unwrap His presence, for its always here.
Its found in a tear, a hug or a smile
you can think you have lost it,
but its there all the while.
And the best thing about this present so dear
is that it stays right here with us throughout the whole year
so open your presents, give thanks all around
but remember which Presence is the best to be found.

(and that, my dear ones, is God's love that flows
within and through each one of us!) I love you, john h.

John H.
johnh94@...

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

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is something you do for yourself.
It doesn't mean denying the hurt you were
caused or pretending it didn't happen.
It doesn't mean trusting someone who's proven
to be untrustworthy.
It means giving away the hard rock of hurt you're
carrying inside and no longer allowing its weight
to disrupt your life.

We hold on to that rock, afraid the other
person will think they're off the hook for what
they've done.
We keep the hurt and let it
reduce us to a powerless position of pain.

Forgiveness is setting the pain free, retrieving
your power and taking a stronger stance.
Playing the role of victim serves a purpose.
It allows you to feel the depth of your hurt.
But there comes a time when that mantel must be
thrown off and tossed aside.
Its rough texture becomes an irritant
you no longer deserve.

Let the light of forgiveness wash away your pain
and heal your hurt. It isn't a gift you give away.
It's a gift you give yourself.

Living in love and loving life,

© 2000 Terri McPherson
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
tmcphers@...
http://wisehearts.com/lfc
go here to explore Terri's fantastic website
there are many jewels here for you !

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

Twas the Night Before Christmas
Recovery Style

"Twas the night before Christmas when all through the hall
Not a member was stirring, nor sought alcohol.
Coffee and cookies were set out with care;
More AA members soon would be there.
Each grateful member with no trace of vanity,
Gave thanks to the Power that restores us to sanity.
The leader of the meeting, like all who have missions,
Assigned Chapter Five and the Twelve Traditions.
In parking a car some bumpers were hit,
The man who was wrong did promptly admit.
And so to our grateful eyes did appear
Our famous guest speaker, loved far and near.
More rapid than eagles the member then came;
He hugged them and kissed them and called them by name:
Hi, Alice; 'lo, Jimmy; God love you, Harry...
Betty and Carol and Birthday boy Larry!
Again we all settled, ready to share;
The leader of the meeting led the Serenity Prayer.
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly
When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky.
So up to sobriety the members they flew,
With Twelve Steps to follow, Twelve Traditions, too.
The Seventh Tradition inevitably came.
The leader then called on our speaker by name.
He wore his red suit, a fur cap and no tie,
But soon let us know with a wink of his eye,
That Christmas for us, we must learn to think
Means staying away from the very first drink.
A bundle of joys he told us we'd find,
"Read the Big Book for true peace of mind."
At the end of the meeting he led the Prayer
and gave us the word: "Continue to share."
But I heard him exclaim as he picked up his pack,
"Don't ever forget to Keep Coming Back!"

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

Attitude

I used to have an attitude
So mean and so crude
I did not understand
Being loving and kind
I always figured
I was out of my mind
If you looked into my eyes
No one was home
You would soon realize
My attitude was resentment and spite
If I did not know you
I wanted to fight
Why drink if you can't get drunk
My attitude was doomed to be sunk
Today I have an attitude of gratitude
I found freedom
In the 12 step room
They helped relieve
My paranoia and gloom
Today I do my best
To give it away
That's the secret
Of keeping it today
I've been freed in body and mind
Now I'm caring and kind
Freed from drugs and alcohol
Today I hear a higher call
Sitting at the tables
With twelve step people
It's my church without the steeple
With a cup of coffee in my hand
Today I'm a recovering man
I've killed my old attitude
I thank God
I'm no longer rude

Daniel M Corkery
10/24/2001
DMCDREAMER@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer/

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

Today's thought is:

You Are the Artist in Your Life.

Thought for the week

It's an esteemable act to create the life you want.

Affirmations for the week

I create the life I want.
This week, I will practice being the artist in my life.

Esteemable actions for the week

You are the artist in your life. You create the images and
colors on the canvas called your life. Are you creating the
picture you want? Does your canvas convey a life of
fulfillment and growth? Or does your canvas convey
chaos and despair?

Sometimes we don't like what we see in our lives. And I
ask, Who is responsible for the likeness reflecting back?
some would say outside forces, such as inadequate parents,
poverty, addiction, rotten breaks, racism, homophobia, a
disability, incest, and any number of other things. No doubt,
outside forces can and do influence our life canvas. But I invite
you to consider that, more often than not, we allow outside
forces to color and define our lives.

You are the artist; God is your co-creator. Together all things
are possible. But when we mistakenly believe that other
people control our destiny, we end up feeling bitter and
hopeless.

Consider a different perspective. This may not be easy to
swallow if you are a struggling single parent, someone who
has just lost a job, or someone facing other tough
circumstances. You're invited to first see whether you played
a part in where you are. And the best news you can give
yourself is to say yes, because if you played even a small
part, there is something you can do to change that canvas
of your life. But if you played no part whatsoever, then you
may be waiting forever for someone to change the course
of your life. And that could be a very long wait. Even if you
played no part, what can you do today to re-create your life?
What action can you take to create a more appealing image?
You are the artist in your life.

from the book: 52 Weeks of Esteemable Acts by Francine Ward

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

A smile is a light in the window of the soul
indicating that the heart is at home.
Source Unknown

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

The man who graduates today
and stops learning tomorrow
is uneducated the day after.
Newton D. Baker

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

I am one with all things.
I am one with all life.
I am one with all people.
I am one with the Divine.
In my oneness I am eternal and unlimited.
In my oneness I am able to give of myself to myself.
In my oneness I give what I am.
In my oneness I give freely, willingly, compassionately with love.
As I give to myself, I am strengthened.
As I give to myself, I am empowered.
As I give my all, the presence of eternal,
unlimited divinity becomes the reality of my existence.
For this I am so grateful. And So It Is!
Iyanla Vanzant

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

First you believe in Santa Claus.
Then you don't believe in Santa Claus.
And before you know it, you are Santa Claus.

"Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect."
- Oren Arnold

What are the gifts I give this holiday season?
If I were to rewrite this quote, what would be the gifts
I would give to each of the people on this list?

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

FINE = Fucked-up Insecure Neurotic Emotional

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

GIFT = God Is Forever There

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

GIFTS = Getting It From The Steps

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

SPONSOR =
Service Person Offering Newcomers Suggestions On Recovery

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

Adult Children of Alcoholics
http://www.AdultChildren.org

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

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.dhh12s.com/

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
http://www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
http://www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
http://www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
http://www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
http://www.crystalmeth.org

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

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
http://www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
http://www.depressedanon.com

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

Eating Disorders Anonymous
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
http://www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
http://www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
http://www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
http://www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
http://www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
http://www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
http://www.earthgroupna.org

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
http://www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
http://www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
http://www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
http://www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
http://www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
http://www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
http://www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
http://www.spenders.org/home.html

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
http://www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
http://www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
are included:

To unsubscribe to to this list send an Email message to the group
that you belong to
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or
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe

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http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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



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

Lighting Your Way

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 1999 James Davidson


This is in memory of an EXTRAORDINARY Spirit
of Narcotics Anonymous in N.Y.
She was a pioneer of the fellowship in Florida,
one of the first women to be able to stay clean in N.A. (November 1977).
Rosalie had 29 years clean, she has touched many people,
who have touched many people, who have touched many people.
The ripples and imprints on our hearts are far reaching and lasting.
She was a magnificent, vibrant, extraordinary, spectacular, funny,
loving, giving and caring spirit.
This is not a loss, because we have ALL gained so much by God
allowing our paths to cross.
She is loved by many and is dearly be missed.
HER SPIRIT MARCHES ON!!!!
1/22/45-12/23/06

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*PLEASE REACH OUT*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Papa, Bedtime Stories
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/papa.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
I'm new "What plans do I make for the holidays?"
I have NO experience at staying clean for the holidays,
I feel like using now because my life is a wreck
I can't afford to buy gifts for my family.
How do I stay clean?
PLEASE reach back and help me.

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 22
I can handle anything that comes up today...
even if it is only a moment at a time.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

Santa Gets Clean

      I am an addict; my name is Nicholas. You can call
me Nick for short.  I always knew I was different from
other kids in my neighborhood. See, I was born with this
beard, and instead of having a dog like the other guys,
I had reindeers for pets.

       Most kids like to get things, but I always gave,
whatever I had. That  made me happy and I hoped
people would like me. My mother always told  me,
"Don't worry, someday people will look up to you."

       But I was lonely, with no one to talk to except the
reindeer. I had problems going to sleep at night when
I was in high school, just tossing and turning and
thinking about my future. That's when I discovered that
a little glass of wine at night would help me sleep.

       Soon I was sleeping real good, but after a while I
needed more than just  a little glass; I needed a big
glass to produce that blessed sleep.

       Things continued like that for a while. I functioned
fine during the day, but nights were a different story.
That's when the wine took over.

       During this time, I got a job, and I really, really liked
it. I was helping this old guy deliver toys and presents on
Christmas. This fit  right in for me, because I always liked
to give and now I could do it professionally, and people
would like me more.

       I didn't have a car or a truck but I could use that
big old sleigh that was out back in the barn. I could
even have my friends the reindeer pull it. I was sleeping
better, so I stopped using at night. Everything was going
great. I even met the Mrs. Her name is Sara -- what
a wonderful woman.

       She made cookies and candies for me to bring with the
toys on Christmas.  Life was great until the old man died.
There went the job. But Sara said, "Why not continue?
You do a good job, you know what you're doing."

      So I kept doing what I loved best -- delivering presents
on Christmas.

       But during the slow season I was bored, so I started
hitting the eggnog and the fruitcake that Sara made
(it had all that delicious brandy in it). Guess what? Sara
started to change. She began to nag: "You never do things
around the house anymore." She even had the nerve to
hint that I was slightly intoxicated sometimes.

       I worked so hard, I figured I deserved all the enjoyment
I could get. What harm could a little eggnog do, or a couple
of lines with the local elves?

       Then the reindeer began giving me trouble. They were
annoyed because I had gotten lost one Christmas eve. It
had nothing to do with the fact that I'd had several hot
toddies during the trip. It was all that snow -- anyone
would have gotten lost.

       So I got myself a new reindeer to lead them, a guy with a
bright red  nose.  He could set his radar and get us anywhere,
and I could continue doing my thing with no problem.

       That is, until one night I got pulled over by a state trooper.
I told him who I was and he said, "Sure you are," and charged
me with driving while intoxicated.

       Things were getting most unpleasant. I was mixing up the
toy lists. My wife wasn't talking to me. The reindeer weren't
happy. My head hurt every morning. And I was having problems
parking the sleigh on rooftops.  I even tried the geographic
cure -- we moved to the North Pole. But things didn't change.

       Then one Christmas Eve, in my usual stupor, I parked
sideways on this one roof and I had a terrible time getting
down the chimney. In fact, I went headfirst, and now I
really needed a drink.

       So when I got into this house, I started looking around
for some booze. But there was nothing, just those rotten
cookies and a glass of milk. How I hated the taste of milk
by that time.

       Couldn't someone take pity on me and leave me a nice
hot toddy with rum!   After all, it was so cold out there in
the sleigh. I guess I was banging around and making too
much noise, because I woke up this guy.

       He came downstairs and asked if he could help me.

      "Help me? Sure. Where do you keep the booze -- I need a drink."

       The guy said there wasn't any because he didn't use. I
wondered what  kind of a person I was dealing with.
He must be a real nut.

       Then he started to tell me that he had used in the past but
it caused him so many problems that he didn't use anymore.
I was interested in that. I wanted him to give me his magic
formula and he said it was simple.

       "I don't use one day at a time."

       He also said, "I go to meetings, I keep it simple, I read the
Basic Text, I carry the message -- and that's how I stay clean."

       At that point I was so sick and tired of being sick and tired,
I was willing to try anything. I wasn't sure if there was a
meeting at the North Pole, but this guy told me I could start one.

       Before I left, the guy gave me a book which he referred to
as the Basic Text. This was my first present -- I had always
been the giver and never let anyone give me anything. I asked
him to write something in the book for me, and this is what he wrote:

       Dear Nicholas,
       Merry Christmas!
       Your friend,
       Jimmy K.

       And that's how Santa got clean. Merry Christmas to all, and to
all a
good night.

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

Blissful Innocence
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1073

How Group Conscious Am I?
www.barefootsworld.net/aagroupconscious.html

Yesterday and Today
N.A. Way Magazine 1/1998
www.na.org/naway/en/naway2-e.htm#Newday

12 Steps of Non-Recovery
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/NonRecovery.html

Take Some Time
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/TakeSomeTime.html

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 22                            A New Way to Live

"When at the end of the road we find that we can no longer function
as a human being, either with or without drugs, we all face the same
dilemma.... Either go on as best we can to the bitter ends-jails,
institutions, or death-or find a new way to live."   Basic Text p.84

   What was the worst aspect of active addiction? For many of us, it
wasn't the chance that we might die some day of our disease. The
worst part was the living death we experienced every day, the
never-ending meaninglessness of life. We felt like walking ghosts,
not living, loving parts of the world around us.

   In recovery, we've come to believe that we're here for a reason: to
love ourselves and to love others. In working the Twelve Steps,
we have learned to accept ourselves. With that self-acceptance has
come self-respect. We have seen that everything we do has an effect
on others; we are a part of the lives of those around us, and they of
ours. We've begun to trust other people and to acknowledge our
responsibility to them.

   In recovery, we've come back to life. We maintain our new lives by
contributing to the welfare of others and seeking each day to do that
better-that's where the Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Steps come in.
The days of living like a ghost are past, but only so long as we
actively seek to be healthy, loving, contributing parts of our own lives
and the lives of others around us.

Just for today: I have found a new way to live. Today, I will seek to
serve others with love and to love 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/January.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/


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

Attraction, Not Promotion

Through many painful experiences, we think we have arrived at
what that policy ought to be.  It is the opposite in many ways of
usual promotional practice.  We found that we had to rely upon the
principle of attraction rather than of promotion.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 180-181

   While I was drinking I reacted with anger, self-pity and defiance
against anyone who wanted to change me.  All I wanted then was
to be accepted by another human simply as I was and, curiously,
that is what I found in A.A.  I became the custodian of this concept
of attraction, which is the principle of our Fellowship's public
relations.  It is by attraction that I can best reach the alcoholic
who still suffers.

   I thank God for having given me the attraction of a well-planned
and established program of Steps and Traditions.  Through humility
and the support of my fellow sober members, I have been able to
practice the A.A. way of life through attraction, not promotion.

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/ December 22nd

A.A. Thought for the Day

As we look back over our drinking careers, we must
realize that our lives were a mess because we were
a mess inside.  The trouble was in us, not in life itself.
Life itself was good enough, but we were looking at it
the wrong way.  We were looking at life through the
bottom of a whiskey glass, and it was distorted.
We could not see all the beauty and goodness and
purpose in the world because our vision was blurred.
We were in a house with one-way glass in the windows.
People could see us but we could not look out and see
them and see what life meant to them and should mean
to us.  We were blind then, but now we can see.
Can I now look at life as it really is?

Meditation for the Day

Fear no evil, because the power of God can conquer
evil.  Evil has power to seriously hurt only those who
do not place themselves under the protection of the
Higher Power.  This is not a question of feeling, it is
an assured fact of our experience.  Say to yourself
with assurance that whatever it is, no evil can seriously
harm you as long as you depend on the Higher Power.
Be sure of the protection of God's grace.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that fear of evil will not get me down.  I pray that
I may try to place myself today under the protection of
God's grace.

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

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

Today's Thought
DECEMBER 22

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

Good Things Coming

Do not worry about how the good that has been planned for you
will come.

It will come.

Do not worry, obsess, and think you have to control it, go out
hunting for it, or tangle your mind trying to figure out how and
when it will find you.

It will find you.

Surrender to your Higher Power each day. Trust your Higher
Power. Then, stay peaceful. Trust and listen to yourself. That
is how the good you want will come to you.

Your healing. Your joy. Your relationships. Your solutions. That
job. That desired change. That opportunity. It will come to you -
naturally, with ease, and in a host of ways.

That answer will come. The direction will come. The money. The
idea. The energy. The creativity. The path will open itself to you.
Trust that, for it has already been planned.

It is futile, a waste and drain of energy, to worry about how it
will come. It is already there. You have it already. It is in place.
You just cannot see it!

You will be brought to it, or it will be brought to you.

Today, I will relax and trust that the good I need, will find me.
Either through my leadings, or the leadings of others, all I want
and need will come to me when the time is right.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Pet Rules
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/12/pet-rules.htm

The Real Cause of Heart Disease
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/12/heart-%20disease.htm

The Passing
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/February/feature1.htm

Links to Understanding Our Dreams
Links to Affirmations & Visualization
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_third.htm#dreams

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

THE GENTLE ART OF BLESSING
by Pierre Pradervand

On awakening, bless this day, for it is already full of unseen
good which your blessings will call forth; for to bless is to
acknowledge the unlimited good that is embedded in the very
texture of the universe and awaiting each and all.


On passing people in the street, on the bus, in places of work
and play, bless them. The peace of your blessing will
accompany them on their way and the aura of its gentle
fragrance will be a light to their path.

On meeting and talking to people, bless them in their health,
their work, their joy, their relationships to God, themselves, and
others. Bless them in their abundance, their finances...bless
them in every conceivable way, for such blessings not only
sow seeds of healing but one day will spring forth as flowers
of joy in the waste places of your own life.

As you walk, bless the city in which you live, its government
and teachers, its nurses and streetsweepers, its children and
bankers, its priests and prostitutes. The minute anyone
expresses the least aggression or unkindness to you,
respond with a blessing: bless them totally, sincerely, joyfully,
for such blessings are a shield which protects them from the
ignorance of their misdeed, and deflects the arrow that was
aimed at you..

To bless means to wish, unconditionally, total, unrestricted
good for others and events from the deepest wellspring in
the innermost chamber of your heart: it means to hallow, to
hold in reverence, to behold with utter awe that which is
always a gift from the Creator. He who is hallowed by your
blessing is set aside, consecrated, holy, whole. To bless is
yet to invoke divine care upon, to think or speak gratefully
for, to confer happiness upon - although we ourselves are
never the bestower, but simply the joyfull witnesses of Life's
abundance.

To bless all without discrimination of any sort is the ultimate
form of giving, because those you bless will never know from
whence came the sudden ray of sun that burst through the
clouds of their skies, and you will rarely be a witness to the
sunlight in their lives.

When something goes completely askew in your day, some
unexpected event knocks down your plans and you too also,
burst into blessing: for life is teaching you a lesson, and the
very event you believe to be unwanted, you yourself called
forth, so as to learn the lesson you might balk against were
you not to bless it. Trials are blessings in disguise, and
hosts of angels follow in their path.

To bless is to acknowledge the omnipresent, universal beauty
hidden to material eyes; it is to activate that law of attraction
which, from the furthest reaches of the universe, will bring into
your life exactly what you need to experience and enjoy.

When you pass a prison, mentally bless its inmates in their
innocence and freedom, their gentleness, pure essence and
unconditional forgiveness; for one can only be prisoner of
one's self-image, and a free man can walk unshackled in the
courtyard of a jail, just as citizens of countries where freedom
reigns can be prisoners when fear lurks in their thoughts.

When you pass a hospital, bless its patients in their present
wholeness, for even in their suffering, this wholeness awaits
in them to be discovered. When your eyes behold a man in
tears, or seemingly broken by life, bless him in his vitality
and joy: for the material senses present but the inverted image
of the ultimate splendor and perfection which only the inner
eye beholds.

It is impossible to bless and to judge at the same time. So hold
constantly as a deep, hallowed, intoned thought that desire to
bless, for truly then shall you become a peacemaker, and one
day you shall, everywhere, behold the very face of God.

And of course, above all, don't forget to bless the utterly
beautiful person YOU are!

Gratefully shared with permission of Pierre Pradervand,
prader@...
http://www.life.int.ch

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

A Sufi teaching story tells of the man who visited a great
mystic to find out how to let go of his chains of attachment
and his prejudices.

Instead of answering him directly,
the mystic jumped to his feet and bolted to a nearby pillar,
flung his arms around it,
grasping the marble surface as he screamed,
"Save me from this pillar!
Save me from this pillar!"

The man who had asked the question could not believe
what he saw. He thought the mystic was mad.
The shouting soon brought a crowd of people.
"Why are you doing that?" the man asked.
"I came to you to ask a spiritual question because
I thought you were wise, but obviously you are crazy.
You are holding the pillar, the pillar is not holding you.
You can simply let go."

The mystic let go of the pillar and said to the man,
"If you can understand that, you have your answers.
Your chains of attachment are not holding you,
you are holding them. You can simply let go."

Author Unknown

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

STEP ONE
RETHINK YOUR WORLDVIEW
The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our
wits to grow sharper - Eden Phillports

The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new vistas but in
having new eyes. - Anonymous

STEP TWO
KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT SEPARATED FROM GOD
You are literally a drop of God in a sea of God. - Donald Schnell

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

STEP THREE
KNOW THAT YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND YOU ARE LOVED
As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically
liberates others. - Marianne Williamson

A person desperately searching for love is like a fish
desperately searching for water. - Deepak Chopra

STEP FOUR
ALWAYS CHOOSE THE PATH OF MOST LOVE
Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will
have discovered fire. - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments
when you have really lived are the moments when you have
done things in the spirit of love. - Henry Drummond

STEP FIVE
FOLLOW YOUR GUIDANCE
As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Alas for those who never sing and die with all their music
in them. - Oliver Wendell Holmes

STEP SIX
CREATE YOUR OWN REALITY
The quality of one's life depends on the quality of attention.
Whatever you pay attention to will grow more important in
your life.  There is no limit to the kinds of changes that
awareness can produce. - Deepak Chopra

We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.
- Anais Nin

STEP SEVEN
ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE
God gives every bird its food but He does not throw it into
the nest. - J.G. Holland

Being ungrateful for what you get never gets you more.
- H. Glasow

STEP EIGHT
DETACH FROM OUTCOMES
Things turn out best for the people who make the best of
the way things turn out. - Art Linkletter

Leap and the net will appear. - Les Brown

STEP NINE
LEARN TO WANT WHAT YOU HAVE
We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only
to learn that it is God who is shaking them. - Charles C. West

The mark of your ignorance is the depth of your belief in injustice
and tragedy.  What the caterpillar calls the end of the world,
the master calls a butterfly. - Richard Bach

STEP TEN
SEE EVERY MOMENT AS A GIFT
The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being
can alter his life by altering his attitude. - William James

You may be the only Bible somebody ever reads. - Mark Twain

STEP ELEVEN
CONCENTRATE ON BEING, NOT DOING
Often, people attempt to live their life backward.  They try to have
more things or more money in order to do more of what they want
so that they will be happier.  The way it actually works is the
reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you
need to do, in order to have what you want. - Shakti Gawain

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters
compared to what lies within us. - Oliver Wendell Holmes

STEP TWELVE
RECOGNIZE THAT EXTERNAL SECURITY IS AN ILLUSION
Self-knowledge is an anchor that makes unpredictability
tolerable.

Deepak Chopra

When you have come to the edge of all the light you know, and are
about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, Faith is
knowing that one of two things will happen:  There will either be
something solid to stand on or you will be taught how to fly.

Anonymous

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

The Power of Appreciation

I was driving down the highway the other day. I was in the slow
lane, adhering to the speed limit, when suddenly the truck in
front of me had to brake sharply because of a slow moving truck
in front of him. I was in one of those situations where I wouldn't
have enough time to brake to avoid an accident and couldn't
overtake because of a car coming up fast in the overtake lane.

As if seeing my predicament, the driver in the overtake lane
quickly moved to the fast lane, thus freeing up the space I
needed to avoid hitting the back of the truck. As he drove past
me we looked at each other at precisely the same moment and
both raised our hands to say 'Thank You'.

I was really touched by this spontaneous 'meeting' of our two
spirits. For that split second we were in complete harmony with
each other. What he had done for me (without the usual issues
of dominance on the road) had most probably helped me avoid
a serious accident.

It really brought home to me what a powerful force the 'power of
appreciation' is.

How differently we react when someone answers our angry
comment with a kind word. What a difference it makes when
someone takes the time to listen when we need to talk.

Next time someone does something for you, take a minute and
express your sincere appreciation. I mean really express it.

-Tell them how much what they did for you, means
-Let them know how much you value having their shoulder to
   cry on
-Show how much their love means to you
-Say 'Thanks' like you really mean it.

A friend of mine has the wonderful habit of telling you when that
dress really suits you. You can see that she is sincere just by the
way she says it and it brightens up your whole day. She says it
without waiting for a compliment in return. She says it without
envy or jealousy and she also says it completely spontaneously.

I've included an excerpt of a list written by Steve Stephens of
things you can say, every day.

"Good Job!"
"You're wonderful."
"You look gorgeous today."
"I appreciate all the things you have done for me."
"You are the best friend I have."
"I missed you today."
"I can always count on you."
"You make me feel good."
"I am so proud to be married to you."
"I'm sorry."
"I was wrong."
"What would you like?"
"What's on your mind?"
"Thank you for loving me."
"Thank you for accepting me."

I guarantee that saying something heartfelt and genuine to
someone who's done something for you, or someone who
means a lot to you, will not only brighten their day, but yours too.

Copyright © Lisa van den Berg

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

What Christmas Means To Me

I'm searching deep inside to see
What Christmas really means to me.
Not just this time of Yuletide cheer,
But everyday, throughout the year.
I ask each day before I rest,
If I have done my very best.
Before I ever even start,
I need God's will to do my part,
To spread this message of love and cheer,
To everyone that I hold dear.
The gift of love that's given to me,
I wear for all the world to see.
For every time I look at you,
I see your spirit shining through.

Sharlett Hunt copywrite@2002
Sharlette863@...

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

There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man.
We are made up of thousands of others.
Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us,
or spoken one word of encouragement to us,
has entered into the make-up of our character
and of our thoughts, as well as our success.
George Burton Adams

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

I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, every valley shall be exalted,
every hill and mountain shall be made low,
the rough places will be made plain,
the crooked places will be made straight,
and the glory of God shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope.  This is our faith.
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

There is an awesome power that is at work in every one of us,
and when we withhold forgiveness,
we filter that power down to a mere trickle of itself
through the stubborn judgments that we hold in our minds.
Ask God to let you see the way God sees and
open your heart to the great flow of God's power in your life.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

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

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

FAILURE =
Fearful Arrogant Insecure Lonely Uncertain Resentful Empty

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

FAITH = Fear Ain’t In This House

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

FAITH = Fantastic Adventure In Trusting Him

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

FEAR = False Evidence Appears Real

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

Adult Children of Alcoholics
http://www.AdultChildren.org

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

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Deaf and Hard of Hearing
http://www.dhh12s.com/

Artists Recovering through the Twelve Steps
http://www.artsanonymous.org

Clutterer’s Anonymous
http://www.clutterersanonymous.net

Cocaine Anonymous World Services
http://www.ca.org

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
http://www.codependents.org

Crystal Meth Anonymous
http://www.crystalmeth.org

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

Debtors Anonymous: A Twelve Step Fellowship for…
http://www.debtorsanonymous.org

Depressed Anonymous
http://www.depressedanon.com

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

Eating Disorders Anonymous
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

Emotions Anonymous
http://www.emotionsanonymous.org

Families Anonymous
http://www.familiesanonymous.org

Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org

Hepatitis C Anonymous
http://www.hcvanonymous.com

HIV Anonymous
http://www.hivanonymous.com

The Marijuana Anonymous
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Methadone Anonymous
http://www.afirmfwc.org/methanon.htm

Narcotics Anonymous Official  Homepage
http://www.na.org

Earth Group N.A. online meetings
http://www.earthgroupna.org

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org

Parents Anonymous
http://www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex1.htm

Rape Survivors Anonymous
http://www.rsaws.org

Recovering Couples Anonymous
http://www.recovering-couples.org

Sexaholics Anonymous
http://www.sa.org

Sex Addicts Anonymous
http://www.saa-recovery.org

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
http://www.slaafws.org/

Shoplifters Anonymous
http://www.shopliftersanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous
http://www.spenders.org/home.html

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
http://www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
http://www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me 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 7000 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. ~ 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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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



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

Orphans
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/orphan.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
I'm new "What plans do I make for the holidays?"
I have NO experience at staying clean for the holidays,
I feel like using now because my life is a wreck
I can't afford to buy gifts for my family.
How do I stay clean?
PLEASE reach back and help me.

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 21
Today I seek spiritual understanding beyond everything else.
I choose peace and love and joy as my goals.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

Sur-prise!

Al-Anon and Motherhood
Aren’t what I understood
Smilin’ faces, perfect life
Not a hint of comin’ strife

Joined Al-Anon for her trauma
Turned out it was my drama!
To cure her I learnt the key!
Fixin’ needed to center on me

Carol T
gillygumdrop@...

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

Being Vulnerable
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=698

What About Members With Longer-term Sobriety?
www.barefootsworld.net/aalongerterm.html

Recovery is free, but the rent isn’t
N.A. Way Magazine 1/1998
www.na.org/naway/en/naway2-e.htm#Feature

Recovery Threads
www.recoverythreads.com

Sober Duck T-Shirts and More
www.soberduck.com

Prayer Beads Made Exclusively For The Twelve Step Community
www.twelvebeads.com

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
December 21                             Acceptance and Change

"Freedom to change seems to come after acceptance of ourselves."
    Basic Text p.56

    Fear and denial are the opposites of acceptance. None of us are
perfect, even in our own eyes; all of us have certain traits that, given
the chance, we would like to change. We sometimes become
overwhelmed when contemplating how far short we fall of our
ideals, so overwhelmed that we fear there's no chance of
becoming the people we'd like to be. That's when our defense
mechanism of denial kicks in, taking us to the opposite extreme:
nothing about ourselves needs changing, we tell ourselves,
so why worry? Neither extreme gives us the freedom to
change.

    Whether we are longtime NA members or new to recovery, the
freedom to change is acquired by working the Twelve Steps.
When we admit our powerlessness and the unmanageability of
our lives, we counteract the lie that says we don't have to change.
In coming to believe that a Power greater than we are can help
us, we lose our fear that we are damaged beyond repair; we come
to believe we can change. We turn ourselves over to the care of
the God of our understanding and tap the strength we need to
make a thorough, honest examination of ourselves. We admit to
God, to ourselves, and to another human being what we've
found. We accept the good and the bad in ourselves; with this
acceptance, we become free to change.

Just for today: I want to change. By working the steps, I will counter
fear and denial and find the acceptance needed to change.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

The Perils of the Limelight

In the beginning, the press could not understand our refusal of all
personal publicity. They were genuinely baffled by our insistence upon
anonymity. Then they got the point. Here was something rare in the
world - a society which said it wished to publicize its principles and
its
work, but not its individual members. The press was delighted with
this attitude. Ever since, these friends have reported A.A. with an
enthusiasm which the most ardent members would find hard to match.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 182

It is essential for my personal survival and that of the Fellowship that
I not use A.A. to put myself in the limelight.  Anonymity is a way for
me
to work on my humility.  Since pride is one of my most dangerous
shortcomings, practicing humility is one of the best ways to overcome
it.
The Fellowship of A.A. gains worldwide recognition by its various
methods
of publicizing its principles and its work, not by its individual
members
advertising themselves.  The attraction created by my changing attitudes
and my altruism contributes much more to the welfare of A.A. than
self-promotion.

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 / December 21st

A.A. Thought for the Day

Have I ceased being inwardly defeated, at war with
myself?   Have I given myself freely to A.A. and to
the Higher Power?   Have I gotten over being sick
inside?  Am I still wandering mentally or am I "on the
beam"?  I can face anything if I am sure I am on the
way.  When I am sure, I should bet my life on A.A. I
have learned how the program works.  Now will I follow
it with all I have, with all I can give, with all my might,
with all my life?
Am I going to let A.A. principles guide the rest of my life?

Meditation for the Day

In this time of quiet meditation, follow the pressure
of the Lord's leading.  In all decisions to be made today,
yield to the gentle pressure of your conscience.  Stay or
go as that pressure indicates.  Take the events of today
as part of God's planning and ordering.  He may lead
you to a right decision.  Wait quietly until you have an
inner urge, a leading, a feeling that a thing is right, a
pressure on your will by the spirit of God.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that today I may try to follow the inner pressure
of God's leading.  I pray that I may try to follow my
conscience and do what seems right today.

"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
DECEMBER 21

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

Balance

Strive for balanced expectations of others. Strive for healthy
tolerance.

In the past, we may have tolerated too much or too little. We
may have
expected too much or too little.

We may swing from tolerating abuse, mistreatment, and
deception to refusing to tolerate normal, human, imperfect
behaviors from people. Although it's preferable not to
remain in either extreme too long, that is how people change -
real people who struggle imperfectly toward better lives,
improved relationships, and more effective relationship
behaviors.

But if we are open to ourselves and to the recovery process,
we will, at some time, begin another transition: it becomes
time to move away from extremes, toward balance.

We can trust ourselves and the recovery process to bring us
to a balanced place of tolerance, giving, understanding, and
expectations - of others and
ourselves.

We can each find our own path to balance as we begin and
continue recovery.

Today, I will practice acceptance with others and myself for
the way we change. If I have had to swing to the other extreme
of a behavior, I will accept that as appropriate, for a time. But
I will make my goal one of balanced tolerance and expectations
of others and 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Soul Mate
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/12/soul-mate.htm

George Carlin’s Views On Aging
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/12/aging.htm

Letters of Wisdom and Affirmation
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/December/hay.htm

Links to Flow and Synchronicity
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_third.htm#flow

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Make Whatcha Want
by Alan Cohen

What would you say is the most boring job in the world? A
survey asked this very question of a large group of people,
who most frequently answered,
"toll collector".

Recently I was in a car with several friends waiting to pay
a toll at the Chicago airport. The line seemed to be moving
rather slowly; I assumed the delay had something to do
with security. When we finally arrived at the booth, we
found a handsome Italian man with thick gray hair and
sparkling eyes. As he handed us our change, he leaned
over and enthusiastically sang us several verses of "La
Traviata" -- and he was really good! We thanked him, smiled,
and went on our way with a little more color in our cheeks.

Many years ago my mentor told me, "Take whatcha got and
make whatcha want." If ever anyone has ever put this
principle into action, it is that toll collector! He has taken
a potentially dreary and chilly tollbooth and transformed it
into an opera hall! I'm sure the people who pass through his
booth are the happiest in that airport.

As we enter this New Year, we all want to change our lives
for the better. The question is, how?

There are two ways you can change your life: (1) Change
your conditions; and (2) Change your mind. Sometimes you
can change your conditions. Always you can change your
mind. Ultimately, mastering your mind yields far more success
and reward than rearranging conditions. Perhaps you have
heard about the fellow who was losing coins out of a hole in
his pocket, so he went out and got a second job to replace
the coins. He didn't realize how much more helpful it would
have been to simply sew the hole!

I heard about a man who was walking across a bridge when
he saw a fellow fishing from the bank of the river. The
fisherman caught a small fish and tossed it into a small
bucket. Then he caught a large fish and cast it back into
the river. The onlooker kept watching and saw that the
fisherman kept all the small fish but rejected all the large
ones. Curious, he went down to the riverbank and asked,
"Why do you keep only the small fish?"

"It's simple," answered the fisherman. "I have this frying pan
here that's about nine inches wide. Only the smaller fish fit
in the frying pan, so they 're the ones I keep."

The frying pan, in this story, represents our mind and the
beliefs we hold. If you allow into your life only the things that
match your current beliefs, the world you live in will be
only as large as those beliefs -- but then you miss out on
lots of bigger fish! Instead of limiting life to your old frying
pan, get a bigger one and embrace all that life has to offer.
You can go to the ocean with a thimble, a cup, or a tanker,
and you will come back with a volume of water equal to the
size of the receptacle you bring. So bring a big one!

My friend Drake is a landscaper who had numerous small
accounts. One day one of his customers, a wealthy man
with a large estate, invited Drake to work on his property
full time. "What is your dream of how good this job could
be?" the owner asked Drake.

Drake told him he would have to think about it. He went
home and wrote down all the aspects he could picture for his
ideal job. A week later Drake revisited his notes and realized
that what he had written did not represent his entire dream.
So he expanded the salary, equipment, and working
conditions. Several weeks later Drake came back to his
written vision and realized it still wasn't big enough. This
process went on for three months, with Drake's dream job
continually expanding on paper. Finally he felt that what he
had written was big enough to match what was in his heart
and mind. He took the paper to his prospective employer
and showed it to him. The fellow read the paper, thought
for a moment, and answered, "Sounds good to me." Now
Drake is living his dream job. He took what he had and made
what he wanted.

The key to taking what you have and making what you want
is to reframe. Find a way to look at every experience so it
empowers you.  After the great Argentinean golfer Robert
De Vincenzo won a tournament, he received his check and
began walking to his car in the parking lot.  There he was
approached by a young woman who told him that her child
was seriously ill, near death.  She did not know how she
could pay the doctor's bills and hospital expenses.  De
Vincenzo was so touched by her story that he endorsed
his winning check and pressed it into her hands with the
loving wish, "Make some good days for the baby." A few
days later a golf official told him, "That woman you met in
the parking lot is a phony.  She has no sick baby. She's not
even married.  She fleeced you, my friend." "You mean there
is no baby who is dying?" asked De Vincenzo.  "That's right,"
answered the official.  "Well," De Vincenzo responded, "That's
the best news I've heard all week."

I wish you a new year of news that is good because you
choose to find it, and a wish list that is so magnificent the
universe has no choice but to fill it.

About The Author:
Alan Cohen is the author of the best-selling The Dragon
Doesn't Live Here Anymore, the award-winning A Deep
Breath of Life, and the acclaimed Why Your Life Sucks and
What You Can Do About It. (The above books can be ordered
by clicking on the book titles.) For more information on Alan's
books, tapes, seminars, and Mastery Training in Maui, phone
1-800-568-3079, visit www.alancohen.com, email
admin@..., or write P.O. Box 835, Haiku,
HI 96708

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

A Beautiful Heart

Once long ago and far away was a very special valley.
The outside world did not know about this special valley
or the very special people that lived within it.
You see, what made these people special was the fact that they wore
their hearts on the outside of their chest for everyone to see.
There were big ones and small ones, pretty ones and some not so pretty.

One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town
proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley.
A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was
perfect.
There was not a mark or a flaw in it.
Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever
seen.
The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful
heart.

Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said
"Why your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine."
The crowd and the young man looked at the old man's heart.
It was beating strongly, but full of scars,
it had places where  pieces had been removed and other pieces put in,
but they didn't fit quite right and there were several jagged edges.
In fact, in some places there were deep gouges
where whole pieces were missing.
The people stared - how can he say his heart is more beautiful they
thought?
The young man looked at the old man's heart and saw its state and
laughed.
"You must be joking," he said.
Compare your heart with mine,
mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scares and tares."
"Yes," said the old man, "Yours is perfect looking but
I would never trade with you.
You see, every scar represents a person to whom  I have given my love -
I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them,
often they give me a piece of their heart which fits
into the empty place in my heart, but because the pieces aren't exact,
I have some rough edges, which I cherish,
because they remind me of the love we shared.
Sometimes I  have given pieces of my heart away,
and the other person hasn't returned a piece of his heart to me.
These are the empty gouges - giving love is taking a chance.
Although these gouges are painful,
they stay open reminding me of the love I have for these people too,
and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting.
So now do you see what true beauty is?"

The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks.
He walked up to the old man,
reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece
out.
He offered it to the old man with trembling hands.
The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and
then took a piece from his old scared heard and
placed it in the wound in the young man's heart.
It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges.
The young man looked at his heart,
not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever,
since love from the old man's heart flowed into his.
They embraced and walked away side by side.

author unknown

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

"Angel In Training"

    My memorabilia manages to escape organization by tucking itself
into every conceivable cranny of my home. Once or twice a year
I find the gumption to assemble my scattered treasures and store
them in a more dignified manner.

     Caitlynd, my granddaughter, assisted me on my recent forage
through the house. I put her in charge of the keepsake box and
passed her all the little bits of paper, various occasion cards
and letters I'd collected since my last endeavor to preserve the
family mementos for posterity.

    A diligent helper, Caitlynd gently place each remembrance in the
box. One card in particular caught her attention. By design, it
wasn't fancy, no glitter or gold lettering, but she held it up
and asked, "Who gave you this one?"

    Her innocent question put me in a bit of a quandary. The sender
was a mother who had spent the previous Christmas, along with her
three-year-old son, in a shelter for battered women. Unprepared
for a discussion on domestic violence with a five-year-old, I
stalled for time by reading the card out loud. "I do not know
your names or anything about you, but you will always be my
angels. Thank you!"

    A few years back, I introduced the idea of cutting back on gifts
at Christmas by limiting presents to a small circle of immediate
family. I wanted to use the money we would have spent on our ever
expanding brood of relatives, to make a positive impact on
someone's life. My handsome husband readily agreed. Since that
time, we have participated in various charitable 'Adopt A Family'
programs. In keeping with the spirit of the holidays and the
value of the gift of giving, we choose to remain anonymous.

    Caitlynd held the card from the woman we 'adopted' the previous
year. "How come you and Papa are her angels?"

    I proceeded with caution and told her a story about a woman and a
little boy, without possessions or a home, who had to spend the
holidays at a shelter. Presented with the opportunity to let my
granddaughter know there were safe places to go in times of
trouble, I explained the concept of shelters and how they help
people who need a place to stay, a warm bed and good food . I
finished the story by describing the way Grammy and Papa helped
bring a sprinkling of Christmas cheer to the woman and her little
boy. "We bought them special presents and wrapped each one in
beautiful holiday paper. The lady who runs the shelter said we
could write a note and tell the lady who we were, but Papa and I
thought it would be a better surprise if we kept our names a
secret." (Actually, we wrote 'From Santa' on each tag, but I
wasn't prepared to have THAT discussion.)

    Caitlynd was mesmerized by the tale. I could almost see the
widgets whirling and twirling in her brain. "People can be angels
too?" she asked.

    "Of course they can sweetie," I answered, "They just don't have
wings."

    "I don't know about that, Grammy," she said in earnest, "I think
I can kind of see your wings. Will you teach me how to be an angel
so I can get wings too?"

    The infamous lump that tends to appear in my throat at moments
such as this, grew to new proportions and prevented further words
from leaving my mouth.

    As I gathered her in my arms and buried my face in her satiny hair,
I was sure I felt the bud of her little wings sprouting.

Copyright © 1999
Terri McPherson
tmcphers@...
www.wisehearts.com/lfc.htm

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

Chips, Medallions and Birthdays

The traditions of chips, medallions and birthdays vary in different
parts of the country and I thought it would be interesting to look
up some of the history on them.

Sister lgnatia, the nun who helped Dr. Bob get the hospitalization
program started at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron was the first
person to use medallions in Alcoholics Anonymous. She gave the drunks
who were leaving St. Thomas after a five day dry out a Sacred Heart
Medallion and instructed them that the acceptance of the medallion
signified a commitment to God, to A.A. and to recovery and that if
they were going to drink, they had a responsibility to return the
medallion to her before drinking.

The practice of sobriety chips in A.A. started with a Group in Elmira,
N.Y.
in 1947 and has grown from there.

The celebration of birthdays came from the Oxford Group where they
celebrated the anniversary of their spiritual rebirth. As we have a
problem
with honesty, A.A. chose the anniversary of the date of our last drink.

Early celebrations of birthdays resulted in people getting drunk and
Dr. Harry Tiebout was asked to look at the problem and he commented on
this phenomenon in an articled titled "When the Big "I" Becomes Nobody",
(AAGV, Sept. 65)

"Early on in A.A., I was consulted about a serious problem plaguing the
local group. The practice of celebrating a year's sobriety with a
birthday
cake had resulted in a certain number of the members getting drunk
within
a short period after the celebration. Feb. 1948, Why All the
Congratulations?
"When we start taking bows (even on anniversaries) we bow ourselves
right
into the cuspidor."

"The camel is wholly emblematic of the purposes of most sincere A.A.'S,
i.e., to live for 24 hours without a drink." (the camel is on the AT
Center
chips)

August 1948. The Artesta, N.Mex. Group awards marbles to all members.
If you are caught without your marbles, you are fined 25 cents. This
money goes into the Foundation Fund.

June 1953, We operate a poker chip club in the Portland Group (Maine).
We have poker chips of nine colors of which the white represents the
probation period of one month. If he keeps his white chip for one month
he is presented with a red chip for one month's sobriety.

Also at the end of the year and each year thereafter, we present them
with a group birthday card signed by all members present at the meeting.
(my sister meeting does the card thing still, I have and treasure a
couple
from past Birthdays!)

January 1955, Charlotte, N.C. "When a person takes "The Long Walk" at
the end of a meeting, to pick up a white chip, he is admitting to his
fellows that he has finally accepted the precepts of A.A. and is
beginning
his sobriety. At the end of three months he exchanges his white chip
for a
red one. Later, a handsome, translucent chip of amber indicates that
this
new member has enjoyed six months of a new way of life. The nine month
chip is a clear seagreen and a blue chip is given for the first year of
sobriety. In some groups a sponsor will present his friend with an
engraved
silver chip, at the end of five years clear thinking and clean living.

March 1956, The One Ton Poker Chip. Alton, Illinois. Author gave friend
a chip on his first day eight years ago (1948) and told him to accept
it in
the spirit of group membership and that if he wanted to drink to throw
the
chip away before starting drinking.

July 1957, New Brunswick, Canada. Birthday Board. Member contributes
one dollar for each year of sobriety. (my sister did this, each
birthday she
contributed that much to Central Office)

July 1957, Oregon. Person is asked to speak and is introduced by his
or her
sponsor. The wife, mother, sister or other relative brings up a cake.
The Group sings Happy Birthday. The wife gives a two or thee minute
talk.

And that's a little bit of info on chips, cakes and medallions.
written by Jim Burwell

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

Getting Through Christmas

Its that time of year they call Christmas cheer
Now as I recall I drank wine and beer
Indulging myself with all laid to offer
I use to drink up, Only later to suffer

Something seems different to me in this season
I guess cuz I'm straight that must be the reason
Be even though straight I feel out of place
Isolating myself, in my own little space

Just want to stay home away from it all
In prior years past I'd be having a ball
But as I sit home admiring my tree
I realize this year, that "hey" I've got me

When I sit and think about how it was then
I cannot believe how stupid I'd been
Snorting and drinking with all that would dare
For myself,  I now know, that I did not care

Now that I'm clean, my eyes are much clearer
This holiday season, I can look in the mirror
It will be tough, but I will get through
And thank God above, to myself I was true

Thank god for the meetings, the people I've met
Without them I know, I would sit here and fret
But I dont have to, anymore, no sir ree
Cuz now I am thinking that I like the new me.

Victoria
Foxondarun@...

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

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Helen Keller

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

We take a risk when we open our hearts because the truth is,
if we open our hearts, we will get hurt.
You can't open your heart and not have some hurt
because you're in a human experience.
Even if it's the love of your life and you have
many wonderful, deepening, growing, powerful years together,
it's a human experience, and that person will pass over.
Love takes courage.  Be courageous.
   Mary Manin Morrissey

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

Truth hurts--
not the searching after;
the running from!
John Virgil

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

Growing old is mandatory.
Growing up is optional.
Chili Davis, California Angels ballplayer

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

In the world of bodies, we are all separate.
In the world of spirit, we are all one.
Marianne Williamson

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

CHANGE = Choosing Honesty Allows New Growth Everyday

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

COURAGE = Cause Of Using Recovery’s A Great Effort

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

DEAD = Drugs End All Dreams

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

DENIAL = Don’t Even No I Am Lying


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
are included:

To unsubscribe to to this list send an Email message to the group
that you belong to
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or
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe

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http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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






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

Not Good
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/notgood.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is: Our friend Lori F. has a special request,
Her home group is putting together a collection of everyones favorite
recovery program quotes and sayings in a notebook. PLEASE
stop by or email below to share in this collective experience.
Hopefully WE will be able to put something together to share with
you online too :) PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVORITE RECOVERY
SAYING, QUOTE OR SLOGAN

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 19
In quiet meditation I find emotional balance.
I feel myself growing closer and closer
to my Higher Power and I find 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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

12 Steps I Took

I took one step, began to moan
I can't do this on my own
I took two steps, began to pray
restore me God, today
I took three steps, gave up my will
maybe God loves me still
I took a fourth, I looked inside
Nothing more would I hide
And on the fifth, I said aloud
I've done some wrong, and I'm not proud
I took six steps, and got prepared
To lose the defects, I was scared
Now I'm at seven, take them away
God for this I pray
And on eight, the list was long
Amends to make for all the wrong
I took nine steps, put down my pride
Forgiveness asked, I will not hide
Ten steps I take each day I pray
Make amends along the way
And on eleven I prayed to know
Each day His will, which way to go
I took twelve steps, I'm like a bird
To others now, I spread the word....

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

Beginning Today
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=792

Our Allotment
www.barefootsworld.net/aaourallotment.html

Editorial reply To “Of Titles and Politics,”
January 1999 NA Way
N.A. Way Magazine 7/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway163-12.htm

Things To Remember.......And One Thing Never To Forget
www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/6794/things.html

Different Drums and Different Drummers
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/DifferentDrummers.html

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 19                     Walking the Way WE Talk

"Words mean nothing until we put them into action."   Basic Text p.56

   The Twelfth Step reminds us "to practice these principles in all our
affairs:' In NA, we see living examples of this suggestion all around
us.
The more experienced members, who seem to have an aura of peace
surrounding them, demonstrate the rewards of applying this bit of
wisdom in their lives.

   To receive the rewards of the Twelfth Step, it is vital that we
practice
the spiritual principles of recovery even when no one is looking. If we
talk about recovery at meetings but continue to live as we did in active
addiction, our fellow members may suspect that we are doing nothing
more than quoting bumper stickers.

   What we pass on to newer members comes more from how we live
than what we say. If we advise someone to "turn it over" without
having experienced the miracle of the Third Step, chances are the
message will fail to reach the ears of the newcomer for whom it's
intended. On the other hand, if we "walk what we talk" and share our
genuine experience in recovery, the message will surely be evident to
all.

Just for today: I will practice the principles of recovery, even when
I'm
the only one who knows.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

A Powerful Tradition

In the years before the publication of the book "Alcoholics Anonymous,"
we had no name. . .by a narrow majority the verdict was for naming our
book  "The Way Out." . . .One of our early lone members. . . found
exactly twelve books already titled "The Way Out.". . . So "Alcoholics
Anonymous" became first choice.  That's how we got a name for our
book of experience, a name for our movement and, as we are now
beginning to see, a tradition of the greatest spiritual import.
"A.A. TRADITION: HOW IT DEVELOPED." pp. 35-36

   Beginning with Bill's momentous decision in Akron to make a telephone
call rather than a visit to the hotel bar, how often has a Higher Power
made itself felt at crucial moments in our history!  The  eventual
importance that the principle of anonymity would acquire was but
dimly perceived, if at all, in those early days. There seems to have
been
an element of chance even in the choice of a name for our Fellowship.

   God is no stranger to anonymity and often appears in human affairs in
the guises of "luck", "chance," or "coincidence."  If anonymity,
somewhat
fortuitously, became the spiritual basis for all of our Traditions,
perhaps God was acting anonymously on our behalf.
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 / December 19th

A.A. Thought for the Day

The skeptic and the agnostic say it is impossible for
us to find the answer to life.  Many have tried and
failed.  But many more have put aside intellectual pride
and have said to themselves:  Who am I to say there
is no God?  Who am I to say there is no purpose in
life?  The atheist makes a declaration: "The world
originated in a cipher and aimlessly rushes nowhere."
Others live for the moment and do not even think
about why they are here or where they are going.
They might as well be clams on the bottom of the
ocean, protected by their hard shells of indifference.
They are going nowhere and they do not care.
Do I care where I am going?

Meditation for the Day

We may consider the material world as the clay
which the artist works with, to make of it something
beautiful or ugly.  We need not fear material things,
which are neither good nor bad in the moral sense.
There seems to be no active force for evil ---
outside of human beings themselves.  Humans alone
can have either evil intentions --- resentments,
malevolence, hate, and revenge --- or good intentions ---
love and good will.  They can make something ugly or
something beautiful out of the clay of their lives.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may make something good out of my life.
I pray that I may be a good artisan with the materials
that I have been given to use.

"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
DECEMBER 19

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

Work Roles

How easy it is to dive into roles at work. How easy it is to place
other people in roles. Sometimes, this is necessary, appropriate,
and expedient.

But we can also let our self-shine through our role.

There is joy in giving our gift of skill at work, at giving ourselves
to the task at hand so thoroughly that we experience an intimate
relationship with our work. There is joy when we create or
accomplish a task and can say, "Well done!"

There is also joy when we are our self at work, and when we
discover and appreciate those around us.

The most unpleasant, mundane task can be breezed through
when we stop thinking of ourselves as a robot and allow
ourselves to be a person.

Those around us will respond warmly when we treat them as
individuals and not job defined roles.

This does not mean we need to become inappropriately
entangled with others. It means that, whether we are an
employer or an employee, when people are allowed to be
people who perform tasks instead of task performers, we are
happier and more content people.

Today, I will let myself shine through my task at work. I will
try to see others and let them shine through too - instead of
looking only at their tasks. God, help me be open to the
beauty of others and myself at work. Help me maintain
healthy relationships with people at work.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tears & Tinsel
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/12/susan-apollon.htm

   Why Is Love So Hard?
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/12/love-so-hard.htm

Then What Will You Do
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/December/cohen.htm

Links to Family, Parenting & Community
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_fourth.htm#family

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Looking for Love
by Marie T. Russell

Love... has it become a 'four letter word'? In many cases, love has
become
equated with other things such as sex, attention, rewards, or
approval. As
children, we often learn that if we behave or do as we are told, we
will be
"loved". Thus our behavior becomes tinted or tainted with a desire to
please. We think that love is something that has to be earned. If we are
'good enough' then we will be loved; if we are 'bad' we will not be
loved
(i.e. punished or rejected).

In many cases, what is depicted in movies as love is simply a need for
someone or something - either a need for security, approval, or sex. No
wonder we grew up confused about love. How many of us were told about
the
beauty of Love and the wonder of sharing Love through sex? Instead we
were
(in most cases) told embarrassingly about the 'birds and the bees'. I
remember thinking that " no way" had my parents done "that!"

As a matter of fact, in my Catholic family, " hugging" was a slight
cheek to
cheek contact at Christmas and other such occasions. Love was something
rarely talked of. Instead we heard about respecting our elders, and oh
yes,
that the reason my brother treated me so roughly was because he loved
me.
Talk about confusing! We were given a standard for Love that included
guilt,
martyrs, secrecy, shame, and punishment.

I remember feeling starved for attention (which I equated with love). I
thought that being in the limelight meant that I was loved; having good
grades ensured that my parents and teachers would love me; yet having
mediocre grades ensured that my schoolmates would love me. I was torn
between wanting it all and striving to attain a balance where everyone
would
love me -- my parents, my teachers, and my peers. Then many of us came
through the days of 'peace and love' thinking that having sex with
everyone
meant we loved everyone (and more importantly that everyone loved us).
And
through it all, we were simply looking for Love, as the song says, in
all
the wrong places. The ongoing search for love and approval led to
bouncing
back and forth in trying to get approval from everyone we met.

As I look at the current state of affairs and at the status of crime and
violence, I see that all of these behaviors are also a cry for love on
the
part of the perpetrators - a cry for attention, for someone to care
and to
love them unconditionally. Can we do anything about that? Yes! We can
help
the world by sending out love and compassion to those who are seen as
'bad'
or 'evil'. If we can love them unconditionally (which is different from
loving their actions), and see them as needing our compassion, our
forgiveness and understanding, our help, rather than hatred, we can help
raise the vibrations of the 'guilty' as well as the 'innocent'.

Someone once vandalized my car (they ripped through the top of my
convertible). I remember feeling that they had been expressing their
anger
through this act of vandalism: anger at the world and anger at their
feeling
of 'helplessness'. Why helpless? Many youths today do not believe they
will
live past the age of 30 - they don't think the planet will survive any
longer than that. If we can empathize with them, rather than blame
them and
judge them, we can help. When we choose to participate in creating a
better
world with our children (and the children of others) where there is
hope,
where there is a "light at the end of the tunnel", then we are being a
positive force in their lives. Even if to them (and maybe to us too),
the
future looks bleak, we can join forces with them and help create a
future
that children (and adults) can believe in and look forward to.

Let us each look and see how we can put more love in the world. To quote
another oldie 'What the world needs now is Love, sweet Love - no not
just
for one, but for everyone!' Ask yourself what you can do. There are
various
community projects you can get involved with - possibly donating your
time
to the homeless or to teenagers, or to projects dealing with
prisoners. Or
maybe by picking up the garbage and paper strewn about on the streets in
your neighborhood.

We need to take action and see what we can do to make a difference.
How can
you love the world more? How can you share more love with your
neighbors,
with the kids in your neighborhood or in deprived areas? And what
about your
co-workers, family members, and the people you interact with in the
course
of your daily life? Are we so involved with our lives, so busy, so
stressed,
so driven, that we forget to make "human contact" with the check-out
girl at
the store, with the person waiting in line with us, with the co-worker
who
sometimes "gets on our nerves".

When we choose to remember that the essential ingredient for peace
within
and for peace on earth and in our neighborhoods is love, then we can
choose
to remember to apply it in all situations... whether at work, at home,
or in
our interactions in public. Love is not a private, secretive thing.
Love is
the glue that holds it all together... So when you think your world is
falling apart, apply some glue... Love yourself, love the people you
love,
and also love the people you "hate"... What? Yes, love them for who they
"really are"... love them for their potential... love them in spite of
their
anger, their fear, their resentment, their frustrations, their
behavior...
Love them, because love is the greatest healer, and your actions, your
words, your thoughts, could be the saving grace for them... your smile
and
gracious attention could be the one thing they need to help them hang
on to
the hope that, for them too, there is a chance for a better life.

Let's remember that what the world needs now is Love, and keep in mind
that
the more Love you give away the more you will have to give. Of course,
beware of martyrdom or motivations that come from needing approval or
acceptance. Simply give love because you have it to give and because the
world needs it. This is how we will heal ourselves and the planet. And
remember to love yourself too! You can't give from an empty bucket.

Love does make the world go round, so let's give it a whirl!

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

WHAT DO YOU HEAR

    A Native American and his friend were in downtown New
York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan.  It was
during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people.
Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around
corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were
almost deafening.  Suddenly, the Native American said, "I hear a
cricket."

    His friend said, "What?  You must be crazy.  You couldn't possibly
hear a cricket in all of this noise!"
"No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said, "I heard a cricket."
"That's crazy," said the friend.

    The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then
walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs
were growing.  He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and
sure enough, he located a small cricket.  His friend was utterly amazed.
"That's incredible," said his friend.  "You must have superhuman ears!"

    "No," said the Native American.  "My ears are no different from
yours.
It all depends on what you're listening for."
"But that can't be!" said the friend.  "I could never hear a cricket in
this noise."

    "Yes, it's true," came the reply.  "It depends on what is really
important to you.  Here, let me show you."  He reached into his pocket,
pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk.
And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their
ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see
if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs.  "See what I
mean?" asked the Native American.  "It all depends on what's important
to you."

    What's important to you?  What do you listen for?  Some people say
that there is no God, and that He never speaks to us anymore.
But perhaps they can't see or hear Him because they aren't listening
for Him.  They are living for themselves, not for God.

    If you are in tune with God, you will be able to notice Him at work
in
your life and in the world.  And you'll be able to hear Him when He
speaks.

May God Bless You And Keep You Safe.

Author Unknown

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

Tao Te Ching
Chapter 80

If a nation could be small, with few enough people
Even if you had the means to produce more, they'd be useless.
Such a people would know that death is real,
And they wouldn't travel far, even if they were able to.
They would not vaunt their army or their weaponry.
They would count in their heads again and write by hand.
Their food would be simple, but it would feed them;
Their clothes would be fine, but homely
And they would have fires in their homes.
They would be happy with what they have!
And even though they'd live along the border within earshot
Of their neighbours' cocks at dawn, and the dogs barking,
They wouldn't mind if they never went there.
It is enough, for them, to live and let live.

Lao Tzu

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

Shines the Blame

Many win and many lose.
Some stand at the crossroads,
Not knowing which path to choose.
Many see the light,
But still they walk through the dark.
Some finish the race,
But are never aware of the start.
Some beg for help, but refuse the hand that offers.
Life is hard, but some try to make it softer.
While trying to make it a little less,
Life puts them through a test -
Test of faith - a test at hand,
At the crossroads they stand.
Taking every path, all but the one -
The one that will take all their pain and scorn.
Pain that makes them scream inside,
Everyday the soul is torn and the spirit dies.
They choose a fix for their cure,
While they scream, but are never heard.
Everyday comes down to the first.
As the days slip by, they're getting worse.
They say time is on their side,
Even though they run and hide.
Running and hiding from the one thing that causes them pain,
Pain so intense that every day feels the same;
Exactly like the last.
As the eyes close in a dream, they reflect on the past -
A past filled with warm sunshine and flowers in bloom.
As the dream fades, the reflection glistens from the spoon -
The spoon of pain and regret,
As the demon takes hold, they wish for an end - even death.
Growing agony, all but the end is near,
As the pages fall from the calendar, pacing out the years.
They stand at the path they never walked;
Indecision's like the hunted being stalked.
Somehow, some way they'll make it through,
As they look in the mirror for a clue.
One day they'll have to choose -
Many win and many lose,
Looking for the easy way that never came,
The mirror's reflection shines the blame.

By Mike Caton

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

A Past Christmas celebration


As I awake, I look at the wall clock; it says 11 p.m. The room is
brightly
lit and the season's decorations are in place.  "So, what about midnight
Mass"? I say out loud to no one in particular.  “What midnight Mass?" My
wife shouts at me. "Midnight Mass, for God's sake!" I shout back. "Are
you
daft; today's Holy Innocents day." She replies.  I have a funny
feeling I've
heard this before. A déjà vu of sorts; I'm aware it's Christmas season
and
it's definitely 1985. So it's 28th December!  Another Christmas has
come and
gone; yes gone, and it seems it has passed me by again. I know my wife
and
children are giving me that curious look  they always give me. I stare
at
the floor and keep nodding my head. I'm making out like I'm
reminiscing what
happened from 22nd to the present moment. Actually I don't remember
anything. My blackouts have been increasing in frequency and duration
these
past 3-4 years. By now, I know it's futile to recapitulate blackouts.
Not
only futile it's frustrating and vexing. It makes me feel miserable. It
makes me feel aware of my insanity. Of course I'm curious. It's
something
like: I wonder I wonder, but I really don't want to know.  My curiosity
always gets the better of me though; but I've become patient and
tactful. It
took me long to learn this. So I say to my higher power: "sorry I
didn't go
to Midnight mass!"   "When did you ever go to Midnight mass with me
and the
children" she says.  "Yes, yes, but that day I ate too much and was
feeling
drowsy." I reply. "Don't lie, don't lie! I know you've been out to get
more
stuff for yourself after we left for church. You were so nice until
the 24th
evening; and then your friend came; he got so drunk, you sent him home
in a
rickshaw like he was half dead. My God! You don't have any shame;
singing
filthy limericks to the carol singers?"

"Ok, ok, what's for dinner?" I change the subject, thinking of my half
dead
friend. Lucky bloke; gets knocked out on little or nothing. But here I
am,
looking good to the world but, brain dead for the past seven days.
All this is many Christmases away now. I have moved half way around the
world from Perambur Madras India to Toronto Ontario. I have spent
seventeen
Christmas seasons without a drink.  Reminiscing this does not make me
miserable. When I do this, it's like using a rear view mirror and moving
forward. Not only do I get a view of things past; which is good
riddance;
but it also makes me vigilant of things that could creep up from
behind me.

For this, I thank the God of my understanding & AA.

Ronny H
Bellamy Group Toronto
ronnyh@...


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

Expectations are premeditated resentments.
M. Scott Peck

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

To find ways to love and care and support and encourage
is what love would ask us to do,
what the deepest part of ourselves asks our egos to find a way to do.
Through commitment our personality aligns with our soul.
As we guide our lives by this commitment,
we become new and our lives are transformed.
   Mary Manin Morrissey

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

God is closer to us than we are to ourselves, for God is the breath or
spirit that gives life to the billions of different bodies that make up
God's body.  But God is also the source, power, and goal of everything
that is, for the creation depends utterly upon God.
Sally McFague

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

Like a stone dropped into a lake,
our acts of kindness can create a ripple effect.
The long-term effects may be unknown to us,
but the ripples of one wave creating another and another,
to forever impact - that is a definite fact.
Make your ripples today.
Susan Fahncke

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

We all have forgiveness work to do.
If you're wondering if this is true, ask yourself,
"Am I breathing?"
If the answer is yes, the answer is yes.
Ask Spirit, "Who would you have me forgive today?"
Sometimes our hardest forgiveness work is with ourselves.
   Mary Manin Morrissey

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

ABC = Ashtrays Brooms Chairs

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

ACTION = Any Change Towards Improving Ones Nature

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

ADDICT = Anybody Doing Drugs In Compulsive Trouble

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

ANONYMOUS =
Actions Not Of Names Yield Maintenance Of Unity & Service


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me 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 just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe

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http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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






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

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

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

The weekly meeting topic is: Our friend Lori F. has a special request,
Her home group is putting together a collection of everyones favorite
recovery program quotes and sayings in a notebook. PLEASE
stop by or email below to share in this collective experience.
Hopefully WE will be able to put something together to share with
you online too :) PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVORITE RECOVERY
SAYING, QUOTE OR SLOGAN

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 18
Today I welcome all my feelings.
Today I deserve to feel joy and love and gratitude
and warmth and affection, just to name a few.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

Memorial

Days go by, gratefully,
where I'm not overwhelmed by your absence.
You're still here, in the back of my mind,
laughing, carrying on in your sweet fashion,
providing strength and protection
from life's threats and challenges.
Something happens, I see a funny commercial or picture,
or marvel at an afternoon full of color
and I think of calling, to share it with you,
and remember, phone lines don't reach heaven.
For a brief instant, a flood of grief washes over me.
I feel totally alone. But you rush in,
filling my heart with undying love and eternal peace,
reminding me you're even closer now,
for you live within every cell of my being,
you're warmth and memories are melded with mine.
We are, truly, one. I hug myself, our-self,
and wish only that you could hug me back.
I love you.

For all those absent from our table, but ever present
in our hearts, let us be grateful today.
For the peace and strength that comes from their memories,
let us give thanks. For the comfort that comes
from our loved ones still breathing,
let us draw closer to one another in passionate resolve
to make each day one of love, support and unity. I love you.

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

Beggars and Choosers
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=934

The ABC's Of a Fruitful Life
www.barefootsworld.net/abcsoflife.html

Toward a more spiritual service
N.A. Way Magazine 7/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway163-11.htm

The First Step
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/TheFirstStep.html

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 18                    The Message of Our Meetings

"The fact that we, each and every group, focus on carrying the
message provides consistency; addicts can count on us."
Basic Text pp.64-65

   Tales of our antics in active addiction may be funny. Stories of our
old bizarre reactions to life when using may be interesting. But they
tend to carry the mess more than the message. Philosophical
arguments on the nature of God are fascinating. Discussions of
current controversies have their place-however, it's not at an NA
meeting.

   Those times when we grow disgusted with meetings and find
ourselves complaining that "they don't know how to share" or "it was
another whining session" are probably indications that we need to
take a good, hard look at how we share.

   What we share about how we got into recovery and how we stayed
here through practicing the Twelve Steps is the real message of
recovery. That's what we are all looking for when we go to a meeting.
Our primary purpose is to carry the message to the still-suffering
addict, and what we share at meetings can either contribute
significantly to this effort or detract greatly. The choice, and the
responsibility, is ours.

Just for today: I will share my recovery at an NA meeting.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

   "Hold Your Face to the Light"

Believe more deeply. Hold your face up to the Light, even though for
the moment you do not see.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 3

One Sunday in October, during my morning meditation, I glanced out
the window at the ash tree in our front yard.  At once I was
overwhelmed by its magnificent, golden color!  As I stared in awe at
God's work of art, the leaves began to fall and, within  minutes, the
branches were bare.  Sadness came over me as I thought of the winter
months ahead, but just as I was reflecting on autumn's annual process,
God's message came through.  Like the trees, stripped of their leaves
in the fall, sprout new blossoms in the spring,  I had my compulsive,
selfish ways removed by God in order for me to blossom into a sober,
joyful member of A.A. Thank you, God, for the changing seasons and
for my ever-changing 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 /December 18th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Unless we have the key of faith to unlock the meaning of
life, we are lost.  We do not choose faith because it is one
way for us, but because it is the only way.  Many have failed
and will fail.  For we cannot live victoriously without faith;
we are at sea without a rudder or an anchor, drifting on
the sea of life.  Wayfarers without a home.  Our souls are
restless until they find rest in God.  Without faith, our
lives are a meaningless succession of unrelated happenings,
without rhyme or reason.  Have I come to rest in faith?

Meditation for the Day

This vast universe around us, including this wonderful
earth on which we live, was once perhaps only a thought
in the mind of God.  The nearer the astronomers and the
physicists get to the ultimate composition of all things,
the nearer the universe approaches a mathematical
formula, which is thought.  The universe may be the
thought of the Great Thinker.  We must try to think
God's thoughts after Him.  We must try to get guidance
from the Divine Mind as to what His intention is for the
world and what part we can have in carrying out that
intention.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may not worry over the limitations of my
human mind.  I pray that I may live as though my mind
were a reflection of the Divine Mind.
"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
DECEMBER 18

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

Staying Open to Our Feelings

Many of us have gotten so good at following the "don't feel" rule
that we can try to talk ourselves out of having feelings, even in
recovery.

"If I was really working a good program, I wouldn't feel angry."

"I don't get angry. I'm a Christian. I forgive and forget."

"I'm not angry. I'm affirming that I'm happy."

These are all statements, some of them quite clever, that
indicate  we're operating under the "don't feel" rule again.

Part of working a good program means acknowledging and
dealing with our feelings. We strive to accept and deal with our
anger so it doesn't harden into resentments. We don't use
recovery as an excuse to shut down our emotions.

Yes, we are striving for forgiveness, but we still want to feel,
listen to, and stay with our feelings until it is time to release
them appropriately. Our Higher Power created the emotional
part of ourselves. God is not telling us to not feel; it's our
dysfunctional systems.

We also need to be careful how we use affirmations; discounting
our emotions won't make feelings go away. If we're angry, it's
okay to have that feeling. That's part of how we get and stay
healthy.

Today, I will refuse to accept shame from others or myself for
feeling my feelings.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Couples and Money
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/December/vissell.htm

A Time Of Soul Searching
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/12/editorial.htm

‘Til Breath Do Us Part, By Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2006/12/alan-cohen.htm

Energy Secrets: The Ultimate Well-Being Plan
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/December/feature5.html

Links to Mindfulness & Being Present
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_fourth.htm#mindfulness

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
www.lightmovie.com

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

The Complete Genius
Alan Cohen

Who you were before you learned self-defeating tricks, is still
very much available and eager to come forth and shine

While meandering through a bookstore, I discovered a wealth
of books for dummies and idiots. You have probably seen the
many volumes directed at stupid people, such as Computers
for Dummies and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Dating. I even
saw The Complete Idiot's Guide to Out-of-Body Experiences!
There are hundreds of titles in each of these very popular
series, and the number is growing rapidly.

I was struck by how readily we identify ourselves as dummies
and idiots. Obviously we think we are stupid, and these books
will help. I wonder what would happen if I published a similar
series for geniuses, such as Golf for Sages or The Complete
Genius's Guide to Home Repair. I have a hunch they wouldn't
sell very well at all. Not because we are not geniuses.
Because we have been trained to regard ourselves as stupid.

When I was little, I sat on my front porch one morning and sang
several rousing verses of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." A few
days later I overheard my mother casually tell someone, "Alan
has a foghorn voice." That idea made an impression on me,
and I did not sing for many years. After all (at that age), your
mother knows everything, and if she said I couldn't sing, I couldn't
sing.

Perhaps you had a similar experience. Perhaps early in life
you adopted a thought about yourself that defined you as
small, ugly, incapable or unlovable. Most of us did. And
perhaps you went on to live as if that identity were true. And
perhaps, like many, you collected a pool of tears in your
heart and went through life hurting because you wished you
could be more.

You are more. The genius you were born as, still lives, and
can be reactivated at any moment. Genius is your reality and
the dark programming is your adopted personality. When
Abraham (through Esther Hicks) was challenged, "You can't
teach an old dog new tricks," Abraham answered, "You have
no idea what an old dog you are!" Who you were before you
learned self-defeating tricks, is still very much available and
eager to come forth and shine.

There is a story in the annals of education about an elementary
school teacher who arrived on the first day of school and perused
her class roster. Next to each child's name was the number of a
very high I.Q. "126, 135, 140," Miss Everett read aloud, eyebrows
raised. "Thank goodness I finally got a bright class!"

Miss Everett went on to stimulate the loftiest abilities in her
wiz-kids. She gave them challenging projects, took them on
field trips and offered them leeway to explore their work in
creative ways. At the end of the semester all the students
earned A's and B's. The day after report cards came out, the
principal called her into his office and asked, "Miss Everett,
what did you do with these kids?"

"What do you mean?" she asked innocently.

"You took some of the lowest-functioning students in the
school and turned them into geniuses!"

"I don't understand what you're talking about," the teacher
replied. "These kids were bright when I got them. Here, just
look at their I.Q.'s in my roll book."

The principal scanned her roster and replied, astonished,
"Miss Everett, these are their locker numbers!"

The people around us tend to become who we think they are,
so let us focus on the highest in everyone we meet. Renowned
success teacher Dale Carnegie, author of the most popular
self-help book of all time, How to Win Friends and Influence
People, began his career in an unexpected way. One night while
teaching an adult school English course, he ran out of lecture
material before the class time was up. So he invited several
students to each stand before the class and talk about him - or
herself -- an exercise utterly unheard of at that time. The results
were extraordinary! The speakers came to life in a way he had not
seen when they were studying English, and the class responded
energetically. Mr. Carnegie had happened upon the
transformational power of authentic self-expression, which
ultimately revolutionized (perhaps even created) the genre of
personal development. Later he wrote, "Give them a reputation
to live up to!"

The words "genius" and "genuine" are almost identical, and they
proceed from the same Latin root word. The key to genius is
genuineness. The more you are who you are, the more your
genius comes forth. On the other hand, the more you sell out
and try to be what you think you should be or live up to others'
expectations, the more you stifle your brilliance. Most great
scientists, inventors, musicians and artists, are somewhat
eccentric. They have the guts to be all of what they are, even
if the package doesn't fit the social mold. They just let all of
their talents rip, and in so doing they change the world for
the better.

Here's to your genuine genius.

I'll look for your book in the store.

Alan Cohen is the author of 15 popular inspirational books,
including the award-winning A Deep Breath of Life. To order
Alan's new acclaimed novel, My Father's Voice or request a
   free catalog of Alan's books, tapes, and seminars, call
1-800-462-3013. Join Alan on a mystic journey to Bali in
October, 2001! For info contact 455A Kukuna Road, Haiku,
HI 96708, 1-800-568-3079, email: acpubs@....
Check out Alan's web site at www.alancohen.com.

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

One Day At A Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9iIq3Tm44A

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

Resolving Conflict

. . . a genuine apology when it is deserved . . .

Some of us easily slip into a pattern of saying I'm sorry every
time our mate is offended or unhappy with our actions. We
want to please, or we hate conflict, so we choose the
appearance of peace and its good feelings rather than trying
to truly resolve and repair problems. Genuine repair starts with
regret and follows up with efforts to change our behavior or
attitude. If we just give empty apologies and do not back
up our words with actions, we put ourselves down and drain
the trust from our relationship.

A genuine apology is personal, clear, and specific. It
suggests a change in future behavior. The personal part
says I am sorry that I hurt you; the clear and specific parts
name exactly what action we regret; and then we say
how we will make repair. If we say, I'm sorry you feel bad,
we are expressing sympathy, but we are not apologizing for
our behavior, because there is no specific action that we
regret. Giving our partner a genuine apology when it is
deserved and backing it up with action is the best way to
inspire respect and trust.

Tell your partner a change you are making or striving to
make that comes out of an apology.

from the book: The More We Find In Each Other by Merle
Fossum and Mavis Fossum

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

How To Say No: The Basics
by Patti Brietman and Connie Hatch

    "I really don't want to spend Saturday night baby-sitting my
neighbor's three kids. But when she asked me, I didn't know
what to say. So I just said yes. I wish I'd had time to think of
an excuse."

    "Damn! I should have known Mike would hit me up for a loan.
Why did I ever tell him about getting that bonus check?"

    "In my family, there's some kind of event going on nearly
every weekend. Sometimes I just want to stay home and do
nothing. But that doesn't seem like a good enough reason.
Unless I have something else on the calendar, I feel
obligated to say yes."

We'll show you a few basic techniques that can help you say
no more easily and avoid regrets like these.

To build up your courage for those really difficult "no's," start
small. Practice saying no in non-threatening encounters where
there isn't much at stake. Tell your best friend you don't want to
go to her choice of restaurant, and suggest another. Tell your
husband you don't want to go to the hardware store with him.
Tell your son he can't have more dessert. The object is to hear
yourself saying no successfully. Little by little, stretch yourself
by saying no in more challenging circumstances.

As you begin to develop the healthy habit of saying no, you'll
find the process gets easier all the time. Most likely, you will
settle on a few different phrases that work for you and that
can be applied to the situations you face most often. The more
you use them, the more comfortable you'll become with them.
Over time, you will utter them with confidence and ease.

Basic Principles

First, saying no without guilt is much easier for all concerned
when it's done in the context of generosity. This means
being helpful and available to family, friends, co-workers,
and neighbors whenever you possibly can -- in other words,
when it won't cause significant stress or inconvenience and
when you can say yes without resentment. Just as important,
give yourself a little credit for being a generous person.
Recognizing the many things you do for others with a willing
spirit, you'll feel more confident and less guilty at times when
you really do want to say no to them.

The second basic principle of saying no: Less is more. The most
powerful and effective "no's" are the least complicated, but most
of us have a great deal of difficulty saying no politely and
leaving it at that. Whether we're telling the boss we can't work
late or telling a neighbor we can't walk his dog, we feel obliged
to justify our "no" with a detailed explanation -- often a fictitious
one. Yet elaborating is seldom necessary, and it leaves you on
shaky ground. The more specific information you supply, the
more likely the other person will be to:

    a) try to figure out a way to "solve the problem" so that you can
actually do the thing he wants you to do (which, of course, you
don't want to do),

    b) decide that your reason for saying no isn't good enough and
be miffed about it, or

    c) catch you in a lie (if you're lying).

On the other hand, when you make a statement like "I'm sorry, I
won't be able to" or "I'm afraid I'm busy that day," you sound clear
and decisive. If the other person insists on knowing why, the
burden of prying will be on him. When that happens, don't fall
into the trap of trying to come up with new, more creative excuses
to satisfy someone who can't take no for an answer. Instead,
repeat yourself as often as necessary. You can emphasize different
words, change the language around a bit, or offer some other
vague comment. "I'm busy that day" can also be expressed as
"I've got plans," "I have a previous engagement," "I've got an
appointment I can't break," or "I've had something on my
calendar for weeks." Hold your ground in the face of a rude,
nosy, or aggressive person. No one has the right to force you to
violate your own privacy.

This doesn't mean it's a mistake to tell people the reason you're
saying no. Especially when the relationship is a close one, it
doesn't feel natural to be too cryptic. But remember that by
keeping explanations to a minimum and repeating yourself as
often as necessary, you'll be in a stronger position.

Basic Techniques

Now let's look at the basic techniques every good naysayer
should have in her repertoire.

1. Buying Time
Acquire the habit of buying time before responding to requests. It
takes the pressure off when you can't figure out how to say no
diplomatically or simply need more time to decide. A few stock
"time-buying" responses will cover you in just about every situation.
For example:

* I need to check my calendar; I'll get back to you.
* Let me check with my husband (wife, partner) to see if we're
free that day.
* I've got to think about that; I'll let you know.
* I've got to take a look at my cash flow.
* I need to find out if I have to work first.

2. "The Policy"
We love to say no with the phrase "I have a policy". For example,
suppose a friend asks for a loan you don't want to extend. Utter
the phrase "Sorry, I have a policy about not lending money", and
your refusal immediately sounds less personal.

In all kinds of situations, invoking a policy adds weight and
seriousness when you need to say no. It implies that you've
given the matter considerable thought on a previous occasion
and learned from experience that what the person is requesting
is unwise. It can also convey that you've got a prior commitment
you can't break. When you turn down an invitation by saying,
"Sorry, I can't come -- it's our policy to have dinner together as a
family every Friday night", it lets the other person know that your
family ritual is carved in stone.

Of course, when searching for your response, it helps to have
a policy. Which brings us to an important point: Saying no
comfortably and without guilt requires you to really think about
what you stand for. Why are you saying no? As you learn to
eliminate unwanted obligations from your life, what are you
making room for? When you can identify and embrace your
priorities and focus on what you want more of -- for example,
time with the family, money for an important project or cause --
you feel more justified saying no in order to pursue those goals.

Excerpted from "How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty", Copyright
© 2000 by Patti Brietman and Connie Hatch. Excerpted by
permission of Broadway, a division of Random House, Inc. All
rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or
reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
www.randomhouse.com

About The Authors:
Patti Breitman is a literary agent and expert public speaker who has
appeared on numerous radio and television shows. She also teaches
classes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, where she lives.

Connie Hatch is a professional writer and president of Words to
Market, a creative services company. She lives in New York City.

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

God Is Our Helper

God is our maker our helper too
He loves us all and it is true
He wishes we all get well
To carry this message
An our story we tell
He gave us a program
Called recovery
Within our rooms
He helps us break free
He gives us teachers
Who show the way
He lets us live
Within today
Our sponsors lead us
As the steps we take
Slowly one at a time
This program we make
Our new way of living today
Is in recovery you see
If we take it easy along the way
Just reach out and take our hand
We will help you to work and understand
Always remember we did not get here over night
We must learn to surrender and give up the fight
Work the steps as they are laid out today
Easy does it and do it just for today
Turn to others along this path
Ask for forgiveness
You will avoid
Gods wrath
Be sure to make
Your amends one by one
Always remember we also have fun
Take the hand that is offered today
We will smile as we show
You our God given way
God bless you
One and all
Let us help you
Make your way
Also to avoid a fall
We love you more then words can say
Let us teach you to live just for today

Daniel M Corkery
12/8/2002
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer/

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

Life is speaking to us and encourages us to have compassion and
love in every kind of experience, because that's God's will for us.
God is compassion and love, no matter what.
So, as we open up to the experience of God's love,
we extend compassion to others, including those who challenge us.
When we see others in this light, we then can see it in ourselves.
We are forgiven as we forgive.
As we bring the light of understanding and compassion to someone else,
we move into the light of understanding and compassion ourselves.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

When one door closes, God opens a window.
Anonymous

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

You don't love a woman because she is beautiful,
but she is beautiful because you love her.
   Anonymous

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

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am,
then I can change.
Carl Rogers

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

At the deepest level, it's real love and care that people crave.
Give those things, and you'll receive them.
Through your caring deeds and actions,
you'll truly make your mark on the world.
Doc Childre and Howard Martin, The HeartMath Solution

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

ABC = Acceptance Belief Change

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

ADDICT = Angry Dishonest Deceitful Insane Careless Thinking

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

HELP = Hope Encouragement Love Patience

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

ACTION = Any Change Towards Improving Ones Nature


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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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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
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YOUnMEnHP@...

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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
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So far we reaching over 7000 recovering people in 66 countries
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Even if your country is listed
please email me, and let me know where you are from
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
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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]

Monopoly
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/monopoly.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is: Our friend Lori F. has a special request,
Her home group is putting together a collection of everyones favorite
recovery program quotes and sayings in a notebook. PLEASE
stop by or email below to share in this collective experience.
Hopefully WE will be able to put something together to share with
you online too :) PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVORITE RECOVERY
SAYING, QUOTE OR SLOGAN

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 17
When I have done all the footwork I know to do
and things are still not working out,
I know today that it is time to meditate.
I have faith that my answer is still to come.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

The Journey

T'was 7 years ago
the start of my second go
I came with my eyes and ears open

My comprehension had deepened
as my disease had weakened
what spirit I had left to know

Through the doors I bounced
hesitations renounced
ready to let go absolutely

I felt right at home
the strangers felt known
and I shared from the floor - truthfully

Ready and willing
it's was enjoyable and thrilling
to know I had made my way back

My future had changed
my life re-arranged
no longer so crazy - out of whack

The journey has taught me
the way my life can be
if only I give it a shot

The laughs and joys
enjoying the toys
and never yet losing the plot

Love and peace
such total treats
mine to enjoy from H.P

Just for asking for help
letting feelings be felt
total freedom for the spirit in me!

Love and best wishes
Helen M
Innisfail - Far North Queensland
AUSTRALIA :-)
helenrze.mcculloch@...

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

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

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

Be
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=786

Learning My ABC's
www.barefootsworld.net/abcs.html

A brief history of “God” in Narcotics Anonymous
N.A. Way Magazine 7/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway163-10.htm

   Spenders Anonymous - About us...
   A 12-Step Fellowship
www.spenders.org/home.html

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

Co-Dependents Anonymous Home Page
www.codependents.org/

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 17                                          Service Motives

"Everything that occurs in the course of NA service must be
motivated by the desire to more successfully carry the
message of recovery to the addict who still suffers."
Basic Text p. xvi

   Our motives are often a surprise to us. In our early days of
recovery, they were almost always a surprise! We've learned
to check our motives through prayer, meditation, the steps,
and talking to our sponsor or other addicts. When we find
ourselves with an especially strong urge to do or have
something, it's particularly important to check our motives to
find out what we really want.

   In early recovery, many of us throw ourselves into service
with great fervor before we have started the regular practice
of motive-checking. It takes awhile before we become aware
of the real reasons for our zeal. We may want to impress
others, show off our talents, or be recognized and important.
Now, these desires may not be harmful in another setting,
expressed through another outlet. In NA service, however,
they can do serious damage.

   When we decide to serve NA, we make a decision to help
addicts find and maintain recovery. We have to carefully
check our motives in service, remembering that it's much
easier to frighten away using addicts than to convince them to
stay. When we show them game-playing, manipulation, or
pomposity, we present an unattractive picture of recovery;
However, the unselfish desire to serve others creates an
atmosphere that is attractive to the addict who still suffers.

Just for today: I will check my motives for the true spirit of service.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

Only Two Sins

. . .there are only two sins; the first is to interfere with  the growth
of another human being, and the second is to interfere with one's
own growth.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 542

Happiness is such an elusive state.  How often do my "prayers" for
others involve "hidden" prayers for my own agenda?  How often is my
search for happiness a boulder in the path of growth for  another,
or even myself?  Seeking growth through humility and acceptance
brings things that appear to be anything but good, wholesome and vital.
Yet in looking back, I can see that pain, struggles and setbacks have
all
contributed eventually to serenity through growth in the program.

I ask my Higher Power to help me not cause another's lack of growth
today - or my own.

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 December 17th

A.A. Thought for the Day

The way of faith is, of course, not confined to A.A. it
is for everybody who really wants to live.  But many
people can go through life without much of it.  Many
are doing so, to their own sorrow.  The world is full
of lack of faith.  Many people have lost confidence in
any meaning in the universe.  Many are wondering if it
has any meaning at all.  Many are at loose ends.  Life
has no goal for many.  They are strangers in the land.
They are not at home.  But for us in A.A., the way of
faith is the way of life.  We have proved by our past
lives that we could not live without it.
Do I think I could live happily without faith?

Meditation for the Day

"He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and the good,
and sends the rain on the just and the unjust."  God
does not interfere with the working of natural laws.
The laws of nature are unchangeable, otherwise we
could not depend on them.  As far as natural laws
are concerned, God makes no distinction between
good and bad people.  Sickness or death may strike
anywhere.  But spiritual laws are also made to be
obeyed.  Our choice of good or evil depends on
whether we go upward to true success and victory
in life or downward to loss and defeat.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may choose today the way of the spiritual
life.  I pray that I may live today with faith and hope
and love.

"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
DECEMBER 17

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

Nurturing Ourselves

Many of us have been so deprived of nurturing that we think it's
silly or self-indulgent. Nurturing is neither silly nor self-indulgent;
it's how we show love for ourselves. That's what we're striving for
in recovery - a loving relationship with ourselves that works, so
we can have loving relationships with others that work.

When we hurt, we ask ourselves what we need to help us feel
better. When we feel alone, we reach out to someone safe.
Without feeling that we are a burden, we allow that person to
be there for us.

We rest when we're tired; eat when we're hungry; have fun or
relax when our spirits need a lift. Nurturing means giving ourselves
gifts - a trip to the beauty salon or barbershop, a massage, a book,
a new jacket, or a new suit or dress. It means a long, hot bath to
forget about our problems and the world for a few moments when
that would feel good.

We learn to be gentle with ourselves and to open up to the
nurturing that others have to offer us.

As part of nurturing ourselves, we allow ourselves to give and
receive positive touch - touch that feels appropriate to us, touch
that is safe. We reject touch that doesn't feel good or safe and
is not positive.

We learn to give ourselves what we need in a gentle, loving,
compassionate way. We do this with the understanding it will
not make us lazy, spoiled, self centered, or narcissistic. Nurtured
people are effective in their work and in their relationships.

We will learn to feel loved by ourselves so much that we can
truly love others and let them love us.

Today, I will nurture myself. I will also be open to the nurturing
that I can give to others and receive from them.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Find Meaning This Season
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/December/Everyday%20Matters.html

Down Memory Lane
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2003/12/memory-lane.htm

The “Business” of Relationships
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2003/12/relationships.htm

The Magical Power of Acceptance
and Letting Go, or Let Go or Get Dragged
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/December/feature4.html

Links to Love Relationships
Links to Mindfulness & Being Present
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_fourth.htm#relationships

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
www.lightmovie.com

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

What to Ask For
Alan Cohen

"A man walks into a restaurant with a large ostrich and sits down
at a table to have breakfast. The man orders a stack of pancakes,
and the ostrich orders the same. The bill comes to $15.95. The
man reaches into his pocket and empties all his bills and change,
which equals exactly $15.95 plus a 15% tip.

The following week the man returns to the restaurant with the
ostrich and the same waitress comes to his table. This time he
orders bacon and eggs, and so does the ostrich. The bill comes
to $19.50. He reaches into his pocket and takes out exactly $19.50
plus a 15% tip.

A week later he comes in again with the ostrich. They both have
the same meal. The same waitress presents a check for $18.75.
The man empties his pockets and reveals exactly that amount
plus the appropriate tip.

By this time the waitress is quite curious. "I am astounded, sir,
that you take this ostrich to breakfast every week, and that you
always have the exact amount of money," she explains. "How
do you do that?"

"It's an amazing story," he answers. "Several years ago I was
cleaning my basement and I found an old bottle. When I opened
it, a genie emerged. He told me I could have two wishes. My first
wish was to always have enough money to buy anything I wanted.
Now, wherever I go, I simply reach into my pocket and the exact
amount of money is there. I buy all my meals this way; I have also
bought a car, house, and vacations - no matter how much anything
costs, I have the exact amount in my wallet or checkbook."

"That's astonishing!" replies the waitress. "And what was your
second wish?"

"To marry a chick with long legs."

This story teaches a profound truth: Be conscious of what you are
asking for. You can pray for something specific and get it. Or you
can pray for a quality of life, and get that. Praying for specifics is
risky, for you are dictating a form. Praying for essence guarantees
reward, for you are seeking an energy. Emerson noted that a wise
man in a storm prays not for the end of the storm, but for the end
of  fear.

I know a woman who intensely wanted a relationship. She found
a magazine photo of a handsome man and posted it on her
refrigerator as a sort of treasure map. Within a short time she met
a good-looking guy similar to the fellow in the photo and started
a relationship with him. After a while she discovered he was an
alcoholic, which ultimately ruined their relationship. Then she went
back and looked at her treasure map photo and saw that her dream
man had a drink in his hand. She would have done better to
focus on the kind of man she sought and the energy of the
relationship that matched her heart's desires.

Rather than dictating a specific object as your goal, designate a
quality of experience. Sure, you can pray or strive for a particular
mate, job, or house, and get it. But you may find something lacking
about it. You will find far more joy if you set your intention for the
essence of relationship, job, or home you desire, and how you
want to feel about it. If you had a relationship that was deeply
fulfilling, replete with joy and passion, would the specifics matter
that much? Get clear on where you want to go, and let God fill in t
he blanks about how to get there."

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

Enhance

Your life by letting go
of worry and regret
Smooth out the wrinkles of your days
by doing things you love
Take time to consider
yourself
amid the pullings and pushings
of duty, work, routine and obligations

Enhance your mind by Stopping
the rush of worrying, anxious thoughts
crowding the waking moment
Look inwards to the heart
Ask it this question:
"Is this the best I can do for myself at this moment?"
Listen to the answer
Give yourself a break
Let go of guilt (it's a useless thing)
Don't harbour any expectations

Make one commitment today
Enjoy this moment
and the next
to enhance
your heart, mind, body and soul
be your true self: calm, content, accepting
You have only one ~
Enhance it!

Love
Stella

© 2003 Stella Raymonde Savoie Johnson
stellaraymonde@...

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

Slow Down and Live

Many of us rush through our days as well as rush through our
meals. Often we let ourselves get so busy that we do not enjoy
what we are doing or what we are eating. We swallow life in
great gulps instead of savoring it moment by moment.

Hurry and busyness are forms of self-will. Deluded by an
exaggerated sense of our own importance, we deem it crucial
to perform all tasks and activities according to our personal
schedule. Impatient with traffic tie-ups, other people's
slowness, or unavoidable delays, we make ourselves tense
and miserable by our refusal to accept life as it comes.

Time spent each day in quiet meditation can give us glimpses
of God's timelessness. We see that our schedule is not that
important after all, when measured against eternity. As the
presence of God seeps into our consciousness, we relax into
the fullness and peace of each moment. Trusting our Higher
Power to order our lives, we can slow down and enjoy His gifts.

May I exchange hurry and busyness for Your peace.

from the book: Food for Thought by Elisabeth L.

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

My Tribute to Recovery

I open up my eyes and see
The gift of life was given free
No longer drowning in my tears
Released from the darkness of my fears
The choice was always up to me
I hold the key to how I feel
My immense passion for life is real
No longer lost in desperate void
No barren pain of spirit destroyed
Oh, what a lore to reveal
Each day a new page to unfold
Each night new memories to hold
No longer dreading each new sun
No shame from duties left undone
Life is like stories yet to be told
Trials will surely come I know
I'll be just fine if I learn to let go
No longer slamming my head against the wall
No feelings I must control or fall
Hardships will pass and I will grow
So, come walk this way if you might
Lay down your weapons, give up the fight
Serenity awaits you bountiful and free
Become the person you want to be
Don't go alone, together we'll be all right

By Rhonda N. Tampa, FL

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

Blessings Today

I choose blessings today
For in all things
I am happy
To say
God
Is
My maker
My only hope
He alone gives me
Today strength to cope
Each day is full of blessings
If I just look I will find
So many blessings
Will never bind
They will open
Doors for us
To walk through
Blessing for
Both me and you
Nothing will happen
As bad as our using days
I count my blessings
Within so many
A ways
It is an honor
To offer my hand
Inside recovery we
One and all understand
For God has helped me
To count my blessings and see
Even bad days help us to appreciate
When the good days come they are never to late
So count your blessings as you make your way
For if our mind is open we will see them today
Blessing are both good and bad for me
Today I am blessed just to be free
So let the hard times come
We shall endure
God will bless
Us for sure

Daniel M Corkery
12/13/2002
PAPACORK@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

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

For many of us, the holiday season can present a particular
challenge around having a feeling of connection to God in
the midst of great expectation around family relationships
that don't necessarily receive the same attention through the
year. Sometimes our historical relationships do not feel
supportive to us. But a light-filled moment comes when we
say, “No one else's opinion about me can determine my
worth. My value comes from being a daughter or son of God.”
If we have a strong partnership with God, we can see that criticism
does not need to diminish us in any way. We do the diminishment
by how we respond to it. Instead, when what looks like criticism
comes our way, we can pray about it, and then choose to see it
in the light of helpfulness.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance,
chaos to order,
confusion to clarity.
It can turn a meal into a feast,
a house into a home,
a stranger into a friend.
Gratitude makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today,
and creates a vision for tomorrow.
Melody Beattie

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

Change is the end result of all true learning.
Change involves three things:
First, a dissatisfaction with self- a felt void or need;
second, a decision to change-to fill the void or need;
and third, a conscious dedication to the process of growth and change
- the willful act of making the change; Doing Something.
   Dr. Leo Buscaglia

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

Picture your body as a structure, with four rooms;
a physical, a mental, an emotional, and a spiritual room.
Do not live in just one room at a time,
but go into every room every day;
even if it is to only open a window and let in fresh air...

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

Love is the light that dissolves all walls
between souls, families and nations.
Paramahansa Yogananda

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

God put me on earth to accomplish a number of things;
right now I'm so far behind I will live forever.

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

FAITH = Fantastic Adventures In Trusting Him

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

SPONSOR = Sharing Person Offering Newcomer Support Of Recovery

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

SIT = Stay In Today


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me 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
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or
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe

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http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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






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

Microwave Recovery
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/microwave.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is: Our friend Lori F. has a special request,
Her home group is putting together a collection of everyones favorite
recovery program quotes and sayings in a notebook. PLEASE
stop by or email below to share in this collective experience.
Hopefully WE will be able to put something together to share with
you online too :) PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVORITE RECOVERY
SAYING, QUOTE OR SLOGAN

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 16
Whatever I am thinking right now
is creating how I am feeling.
I turn to positive and loving thoughts
because I choose to feel good.
written by ~ Ruth Fishel
"Time for Joy"
Check out Ruth's collection of
light, nourishing and nurturing Books and Tapes
& some touching and embracing Greeting Cards
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

Not Even Legal

I wanted to be accepted
And known as very cool
I partied with the best of them
And acted like a fool

Just on the weekends
Sounded great to me
If only it was that easy
In N.A.  I would not be

My life was a mess
Nothing was going right
All I did was use more drugs
And get in many fights

I didn't have any faith
I thought there was no hope
But I knew there had to be more
Than just using dope

I came to the rooms of N.A.
At nineteen years of age
With a great deal of fear
Not to mention all the rage

I thought I was too young
Totally to hardcore
To be classified as an addict
And for drugs to work no more

I didn't relate to everything
There were some things I didn't do
But if I had stayed out longer
I'm sure I would have too

I found some other people
Young and staying clean
That had been where I'd been
And seen what I'd seen

Reservations I had
About turning twenty-one
Turned into anticipation
Of having clean ole‚ fun

I work very hard
On every step I do
I have a sponsor and a home-group
And do service work too

I have my whole life
To look forward to now
With the help of my Higher Power
And Sponsor to show me how

So when a newcomer comes in
And wants to stay off drugs
I can offer my experience
And a whole lot of hugs

I don't know what comes next
I live Just For Today
All I can do is stay clean
And not forget to pray

Hi, my name is Leah and I've been clean for 2 years, 10
months and 11 days. I wrote this poem when I was in my
first year about Youth in Recovery. I hope you like it.
jap_leah@...

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

Awakening On Your Path
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=281

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

Creative action
N.A. Way Magazine 7/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway163-9.htm

In Loving Service
www.bosewell.com/inlovingservice.htm

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 16                   Where There's Smoke...

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

   Recognizing complacency in our recovery is like seeing smoke in
a room. The "smoke" thickens when our meeting attendance drops,
contact with newcomers decreases, or relations with our sponsor
aren't maintained. With continued complacency; we won't be able to
see through the smoke to find our way out. Only our immediate
response will prevent an inferno.

   We must learn to recognize the smoke of complacency. In NA, we
have all the help We need to do that. We need to spend time with
other recovering addicts because they may detect our complacency
before we do. Newcomers will remind us of how painful active
addiction can be. Our sponsor will help us remain focused, and
recovery literature kept in easy reach can be used to extinguish
the small flare-ups that happen from time to time. Regular
participation in our recovery will surely enable us to see that wisp
of smoke long before it becomes a major inferno.

Just for today: I will participate in the full range of my recovery;
My commitment to NA is just as strong today as it was in the
beginning of 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

Prayer of St. Frances Assisi

Lord, make me a channel for thy peace --
that where there is hatred, I may bring love --
that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness --
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony --
that where there is error, I may bring truth --
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith --
that where there is despair, I may bring hope --
that where there are shadows, I may bring light -
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord,
grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted -
to understand, than to be understood -
to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds.
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life.
Amen.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 99

No matter where I am in my spiritual growth, the St. Francis prayer
helps me improve my conscious contact with the God of my
understanding.  I think that one of the great advantages of my faith
in God is that I do not understand Him, or Her, or It.  It may be that
my relationship with my Higher Power is so fruitful that I do not have
to understand.  All that I am certain of is that if I work the Eleventh
Step regularly, as best I can, I will continue to improve my conscious
contact, I will know His will for me, and I will have the power to carry
it out.

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 / December 16th

A.A. Thought for the Day

The way of A.A. is the way of faith.  We don't get the
full benefit of the program until we surrender our lives
to some Power greater than ourselves and trust that
Power to give us the strength we need.  There is no
better way for us.  We can get sober without it.  We
can stay sober for some time without it.  But if we are
going to truly live, we must take the way of faith in God.
That is the path for us.  We must follow it.
Have I taken the way of faith?

Meditation for the Day

Life is not a search for happiness.  Happiness is a
by-product of living the right kind of a life, of doing
the right thing.  Do not search for happiness, search
for right living and happiness will be your reward.
Life is sometimes a march of duty during dull, dark
days.  But happiness will come again, as God's smile of
recognition of your faithfulness.  True happiness is
always the by-product of a life well lived.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may not seek happiness but seek to do
right.  I pray that I may not seek pleasure so much as
the things that bring true happiness.

"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
DECEMBER 16

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

Taking Care of Ourselves Emotionally

What does it mean to take care of myself emotionally? I
recognize when I'm feeling angry, and I accept that feeling
without shame or blame.

I recognize when I'm feeling hurt, and I accept those feelings
without attempting to punish the source of my pain. I
recognize and feel fear when that emotion presents itself.

I allow myself to feel happiness, joy, and love when those
emotions are available. Taking care of myself means I've
made a decision that it's okay to feel.

Taking care of my emotions means I allow myself to stay with
the feeling until it's time to release it and go on to the next one.

I recognize that sometimes my feelings can help point me
toward reality, but sometimes my feelings are deceptive. They
are important, but I do not have to let them control me. I can
feel, and think too.

I talk to people about my feelings when that's appropriate and
safe.

I reach out for help or guidance if I get stuck in a particular
emotion.

I'm open to the lessons my emotions may be trying to teach me.
After I feel, accept, and release the feeling, I ask myself what it
is I want or need to do to take care of myself.

Taking care of myself emotionally means I value, treasure,
explore, and cherish the emotional part of myself.

Today, I will take care of myself emotionally. I will be open to,
and accepting of, the emotional part of myself and other people.
I will strive for balance by combining emotions with reason, but I
will not allow intellect to push the emotional part of myself away.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Who To Spend The Holidays With...
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/December/Cohen.html

A Personal Letter…Heartfelt Gratitude
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2003/12/personal-letter.htm

Spelling
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2004/12/spelling.htm

Love, Ego and The Purpose Of Life
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/December/feature3.html

Links to Abundance and Prosperity
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_fourth.htm#abundance

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
www.lightmovie.com

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Attracting People to You

In West Virginia folklore there is a story of a country doctor who
was called out to a holler late one night to assist a woman about
to give birth. By the time the doctor arrived at the farmhouse,
things had progressed to a point where the doctor asked the
husband to help him by holding a gas lantern up high in order
to illuminate the makeshift delivery room.

Before long, the courageous mother delivered a healthy baby
boy. As the father lowered the lantern, the doctor barked an
order to keep the lantern aloft: "We're not done yet." Shortly, a
second child appeared on the scene, a healthy baby girl. Shaken
by the unexpected arrival of twins, the father heard the doctor say
once again, "We can't stop now. It looks as if it's going to be
triplets." To which the stunned father, still holding the lantern
high, replied, "Do you think it's the light that's attracting them?"

Light has a quality of attraction. I recently left my office door open
late one afternoon in our mountain home and, at dusk, the light
from within attracted -- a hummingbird! (Coaxing a hummingbird
out of the house is a little like pushing a rope. Mostly, whatever
you do doesn't work.)

You, too, have a light that attracts...an inner light. Not visible to
the
naked eye, but apparent just the same. We speak of a "twinkle" in
the eye or a "flicker" of warmth in the heart. Some people shine
with a light of kindness. Others emit a light of hope. There are
those who glow with enthusiasm and still others who radiate love.

Almost all creatures are drawn to light, including humans. Do you
want to attract people to you? Positive and life-affirming inner
qualities can attract people like a warm fire on a cold night.
What will draw other people to you best cannot be purchased in
any department store. They will respond to that which radiates
from within.

You may not always see it, but your light is shining through. And
it's one of your most attractive qualities!

Steve Goodier,
www.lifesupportsystem.com

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

Breathing is not simply this process through which living beings
absorb and expel air. Breathing also allows us to inhale and
exhale light. Practice this exercise: inhale as you focus your
mind on attracting light and then exhale concentrating on
projecting this light onto your organs and your cells. Inhale
again, in the same way, and exhale. Very soon you will begin
to sense the beneficial effect of this exercise; you will feel relaxed,
at peace.

And once you have attracted light towards you, once you have
inhaled it, you can imagine you are exhaling it to bestow it upon
the entire world. This second exercise should of course only be
undertaken when you have practiced the first many times and
have replaced many of your dull and sickly particles with particles
of light. You must first feel that this work of transformation and
purification is beginning to bear fruit before you can begin to
give to others this light you have received within you. This
work with light is also symbolized by the Hebrew letter Aleph.
Aleph is the initiate who takes the celestial light, divine life, to
give it tohumankind.

Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov

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

There is an endless net of threads throughout the universe.

The horizontal threads are in space.

The vertical threads are in time.

At every crossing of the threads, there is an individual.

And every individual is a crystal bead.

And every crystal bead reflects not only the light from every
other crystal in the net, but also every other reflection
throughout the entire universe

The Rig Veda (Rig Veda version by Frank Joseph)

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

I found myself in a bottomless pit,

of sorrow and woe and despair.



When a ray of light revealed to me

the steps of a winding stair.



In vain I tried to reach those steps,

by myself it could not be done.



I cried for help and a voice replied,

"You are standing on Step Number One."



"Who's that?" I asked. "What do you want?"

"Can you tell me what to do?"



"Give me your hand," the voice answered,

and you'll be on Step Number Two."



I help up my hand. I decided that I

alone could not set myself free.



But I trusted that voice and it suddenly said,

"You are standing on Step Number Three."



I stop there and rest, and look at myself.

I don't think I can do anymore.



  From somewhere above the voice came again,

"You are standing on Step Number Four."



Wherever you are, you don't understand,

I don't deserve to be alive.



For I am a liar, a thief and a con.

The voice said, "You're on Step Number Five."



I'm not well, I'm not right. There's a lot wrong with me,

Is there anything you can fix?



The voice came again and so gently replied "You are standing on Step

Number Six."



All right then, I'll ask ~~ can you take these away?

Can you make me feel closer to Heaven?



"I love you," the voice said. "Your Heaven's in you,

and you're standing on Step Number Seven."



There's so many I've harmed, my family I've hurt--

all the pain and the grief and the hate.



"It's alright my child," the voice calmly said,

"You are now on Step Number Eight."



"You must tell them you're sorry. You must make things right.

And then in their eyes you will shine."



"I'll do it," I whispered. And then the voice calmly said,

"You're standing on Step Number Nine."



I must keep a close eye on my motives and self

'cause there's wrongs that I may do again.



"Look at you," the voice said, "at how far you've come!

You are now on Step Number Ten."



I pray and I ask for knowledge and strength. I want to keep my direct
line to Heaven.



The voice is so close ~~ it's as if it's right there,

saying "You're standing on Step Number Eleven."



And so here I stand, almost at the top.

Into all of my past I did delve.



Now I want to help others who are still in the pit.

And the voice said "This is Step Number Twelve." .... Anonymous

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

A little light in a dark room is still a great illumination.
Ernest Holmes

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

Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.
Maya Angelou

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

The light around someone who speaks truth, who consistently acts
with compassion for all, even in great difficulty, is visible to all
around them.
Jack Kornfield

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

We understand that by giving we receive.  We grasp that by
lighting others' candles, we do not lose our own light.  The
more candles one lights, the more enlightened the world
becomes.
John Bradshaw

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

A candle loses nothing by lighting another.
author unknown

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

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine
when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true
beauty is revealed, only if there is a light from within.
Elizabeth Kübler-Ross

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

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another
human being.  Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who
have rekindled this light.
Albert Schweitzer (1875 - 1965)

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

Remember the powerful presence that you are.
Remember the powerful being that you are.
Remember the light that you are.
Aq'naton Ben-Ish

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

I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness,
the astonishing Light of your own Being."
Hafiz

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

As we see the beautiful holiday lights going up, we know that
having light-filled moments and having an experience of
connection to God is not something we only experience on holy
days.  Every day is holy. Light is not absent from the everyday
life we're living.  It is meant to be in the everyday life we're living,
in traffic and in the work we're doing and with our family of origin.
The light is always available to us if only we are available to It.
Mary Manin Morrissey


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me 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
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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






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

MaMa
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/mama.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is: Our friend Lori F. has a special request,
Her home group is putting together a collection of everyones favorite
recovery program quotes and sayings in a notebook. PLEASE
stop by or email below to share in this collective experience.
Hopefully WE will be able to put something together to share with
you online too :) PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVORITE RECOVERY
SAYING, QUOTE OR SLOGAN


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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 15
Today I am experiencing all of my life.
It is exciting to be alive in each 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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

To Whom It May Concern
By Brian Hazard

I felt the urge to correspond
But didn't know to who
So since you're always watching, God
I thought I'd write to you
I don't have flashy things to say
Or anything to preach
But sitting down and writing this
Helps keep me in your reach

I won't ask for serenity
Or food to fill my plate
I won't ask for surrender
As I have in sorry states

Instead I'll pray correctly
'Cause what I want makes me sick
So I'll ask you grant me something
But this time, God

You pick
:-)

September 14, 2000
written by ~ Brian H
quik_fix@...


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

Attitude Is Everything
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=489

That God-Awful Return of the Obsession!!
www.barefootsworld.net/obsession.html

Finding the Spirit in Spirituality
N.A. Way Magazine 7/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway163-8.htm

A Lesson in Life
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/ALessonInLife.html

Symptoms of Inner Peace
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/SymptomsOfInnerPeace.html

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 15                                           The Joy of Sharing

"There is a spiritual principle of giving away what we have been
given in Narcotics Anonymous in order to keep it. By helping
others to stay clean, we enjoy the benefit of the spiritual wealth
that we have found."  Basic Text p. 47

   Time and again in our recovery, others have freely shared with
us what was freely shared with them. Perhaps we were the
recipients of a Twelfth Step call. Maybe someone picked us up
and took us to our first meeting. It could be that someone bought
us dinner when we were new. All of us have been given time,
attention, and love by our fellow members. We may have asked
someone, "What can I do to repay you?" And the answer we
received was probably a suggestion that we do the same for a
newer member when we were able.

   As we maintain our clean time and recovery, we find ourselves
wanting to do for others the things that someone did for us, and
happy that we can. If we heard the message while in a hospital
or institution, we can join our local H & I subcommittee. Perhaps
we can volunteer on the NA help line. Or we can give of our time,
attention, and love to a newcomer we are trying to help.

   We've been given much in our recovery. One of the greatest of
these gifts is the privilege of sharing with others what's been
shared with us, with no expectation of reward. It's a joy to find we
have something that can be of use to others, and that joy is
multiplied when we share it. Today we can do so, freely and
gratefully.

Just for today: I have been given much in my recovery, and I am
deeply grateful for it. I will take joy in being able to share it with
others as freely as it was 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

Thy Will, Not Mine

. . . when making specific requests, it will be well to add to each one
of them this qualification. ". . . if it be Thy will. "
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 102

   I ask simply that throughout the day God place in me the best
understanding of His will that I can have for that day, and that I be
given the grace by which I may carry it out. As the day goes on, I can
pause when facing situations that must be met and decisions that
must be made, and renew the simple request: "Thy will, not mine,
be done."

   I must always keep in mind that in every situation I am responsible
for the effort and God is responsible for the outcome. I can "Let Go
and Let God" by humbly repeating: "Thy will, not mine, be done."
Patience and persistence in seeking His will for me will free me
from the pain of selfish expectations.

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 / December 15th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Service to others makes the world a good place.
Civilization would cease if all of us were always and
only for ourselves.  We alcoholics have a wonderful
opportunity to contribute to the well-being of the
world.  We have a common problem.  We find a
common answer.  We are uniquely equipped to help
others with the same problem.  What a wonderful
world it would be if we took our own greatest
problem and found the answer to it and spent the
rest of our lives helping others with the same
problem in our spare time.  Soon we would have
the right kind of a world.
Do I appreciate my unique opportunity to be of service?

Meditation for the Day

Today can be lived in the consciousness of God's
contact, upholding you in all good thoughts, words,
and deeds.  If sometimes there seems to be a
shadow on your life and you feel out of sorts,
remember that this is not the withdrawal of God's
presence, but only your own temporary unwillingness
to realize it.  The quiet gray days are the days for
doing what you must do, but know that the
consciousness of God's nearness will return and be
with you again, when the gray days are past.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may face the dull days with courage.
I pray that I may have faith that the bright days
will return.

"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
DECEMBER 15

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

Feelings

It's okay to have and feel our feelings - all of them.

Years into recovery, we may still be battling with ourselves
about this issue. Of all the prohibitions we've lived with, this
one is potentially the most damaging and the most long-lived.

Many of us needed to shut down the emotional part of
ourselves to survive certain situations. We shut down the part
of us that feels anger, sadness, fear, joy, and love. We may
have turned off our sexual or sensual feelings too. Many of us
lived in systems with people who refused to tolerate our
emotions. We were shamed or reprimanded for expressing
feelings, usually by people who were taught to repress their
own.

But times have changed. It is okay now for us to acknowledge
and accept our emotions. We don't need to allow our emotions
to control us; neither do we need to allow our emotions to
control us; neither do we need to rigidly repress our feelings.
Our emotional center is a valuable part of us. It's connected to
our physical well being, our thinking, and our spirituality.

Our feelings are also connected to that great gift, instinct. They
enable us to give and receive love.

We are neither weak nor deficient for indulging in our feelings.
It means we're becoming healthy and whole.

Today, I will allow myself to recognize and accept whatever
feelings pass through me. Without shame, I will tune in to the
emotional part of myself.

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

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

SFTK
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/December/Opinion%20_Guy_Spiro.html

Dr. Maya Angelou, At Age 74
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2004/12/dr-m-a.htm

Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/December/feature1.html

Links to Self Improvement – Body
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_fifth.htm#self

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

An Affair to Remember

by Alan Cohen

"Every problem comes to you
with a gift in its hands."

-- Richard Bach

A third party has no power to break up a healthy relationship.
No one can come between you and your partner unless
something has already come between you and your partner.
A mate having an affair is not the cause of a breakup; it is a
symptom of a breakdown in the fabric of the primary
relationship. From the Big Love perspective, an affair is not a
cause for condemnation of self or other; it can be the most
valuable wakeup call of a lifetime.

The most important question to ask of a partner who has
strayed is: "What were you looking for that you were not
finding in your primary relationship?" There are two possible
answers: (1) What he wanted was available at home, but he
did not have the vision, willingness, or ability to see and claim
it. Perhaps he bumped up against a fear of intimacy, or he did
not have the communication skills or emotional depth to work
through the issues; or (2) the home relationship simply did not
have the substance for longevity, the partners were not (or are
no longer) well matched, or the relationship was in some way
toxic. The affair, then, was an unconscious statement that
something was not right with the primary relationship.

In either case, the affair coming to light is a blessing. If the love
at home was real, both partners now have the opportunity to go
deeper, tell more truth, heal the issues that were troubling them,
and create a partnership that transcends what both were settling
for. Like a broken bone, when a fractured relationship heals, it
grows stronger than it was before the break, strongest at the point
where it knit.

If there was not a lot of substance to the relationship in the first
place, or the partners grew irrevocably in different directions, it
is probably a blessing that one partner took the step to leave.
The affair set into motion a series of events that forced you to to
tell more truth and ultimately freed both of you to get on with your
lives. Granted, it would have been more gentle if the person who
strayed came forward with direct communication, but, as the
saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Our bodies
communicate what our words do not, and if your wife took her
body to another man's bed, she is making a statement that cannot
be denied.

The only thing worse than an affair that comes to light is an affair
that does not come to light. Yes, there was pain and upset in the
aftermath of the revelation, but consider the alternative: You
could have gone on for many years trudging through a half-
relationship, your issues buried and your hearts weeping, never
confronting the issues that were slowly killing you. Rejoice that
you can now take the next step toward going deeper with each
other, or moving apart. At least you have the truth on your side
now.

Don't waste a moment blaming the third party. Who he is, or how
she connected with you or your partner, and the details of the
drama are of little importance in the face of the gifts and lessons
available to you and your partner. Truth be told, it could have been
anyone. If you or your partner wanted to leave, there are millions
of people to run to, and if it wasn't Sally or John, it would have
been Sue or Bill. The name, face, and story are far less significant
than the who. And if there have been several or more outside
partners, it really doesn't matter, for in such a case you can see
quite clearly that the behavior was about the mate who strayed,
not the third parties.

Meanwhile, the third party has her own inner work to do. Why
she would choose to get involved with someone who is married
or in a relationship is something she needs to look at and come
to terms with. But one thing is clear: That is none of your
business. The less time and energy you spend analyzing,
judging, or punishing the partner who strayed or the third party,
the more time and energy you will have to make the experience
work on behalf of your own growth and the evolution of your
relationship. Attempting to blame a third party is a tactic of
distraction that takes the spotlight off of you and your partner.
Bring your introspection back home, for it is there that you will
find healing.

An individual who is satisfied in a relationship cannot be
seduced, nor will she seek diversions. There may be
momentary attractions, but if you and your partner have a
Big Love and the willingness to connect in depth, the
fulfillment both of you seek is present and available.
Commitment is not something you create by saying words;
it is an experience of the heart, and passing flirtations have
no power over Big Love.

There is a principle in organic gardening that is true of
relationships: Pests are less likely to attack plants that are
growing in healthy soil. You can administer all kinds of
pesticides or organic deterrents, but your best defense
against intruders is to nourish the soil from which the plant
derives its essential nutrients. Given a healthy foundation, plants
develop a natural immune system superior to external additives.

Translated into human relationship, the best way to ensure a
committed relationship is to keep feeding your partnership with
truth, love, and intimacy. These attributes are not ones that you
should expect to get from your partner (although you do): they
are investments you make in your relationship. The quickest
route to hell in a relationship is to expect your partner to fill
your emptiness, and the most direct way to heaven is to give
what you want to receive. You only receive what you give, and
you receive it in the giving.

So it comes to this: you can thank and bless the third party as
your teacher and awakener. Certainly this was not their intention,
but it is the gift you choose to make of him or her. The third party
pointed out aspects of yourself, your partner, and your relationship
that you may never have discovered, or at least not for a long, long
time. Bless and release the third party and get on with the business
of building the kind of relationship you truly desire. Use the affair
to create a Big Love with your partner that goes far beyond what
shaky love offered, or use the affair to deepen loving yourself or
create a more meaningful partnership with another at a later time.
Everything serves, and an affair is no exception.

Alan Cohen is the author of 15 popular inspirational books,
including the award-winning A Deep Breath of Life. To order
Alan's new novel My Father’s Voice or request a free catalog
of Alan's books, tapes, and seminars, call 1-800-462-3013 or
visit Alan's web site at www.alancohen.com. For info on
upcoming events, contact 455A Kukuna Road, Haiku, HI 96708,
(800) 568-3079, email: admin@...

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

God's Embroidery

When I was little, my mother used to sew a great deal. I would
sit at her knee and look up from the floor and ask what she was
doing. She informed me that she was embroidering. As from
the underside I watched her work within the boundaries of
the little  hoop that she held in her hand, I complained to her
that it sure looked messy from where I sat.  She'd smile at me,
look down and gently say, "Son, you go about your playing and
when I am finished with my embroidering, I will put you on my
knee and let you see it from my side." I would wonder why she
was using some dark threads along with the bright ones and
why they seemed so jumbled from my view.

A few minutes would pass and then I would hear Mother's voice
say, "Son come sit on my knee." This I did only to be surprised
and thrilled to see a beautiful flower or sunset. I could not
believe it, because from underneath it looked so messy. Then
mother would say to me. "My son, from underneath it did look
messy and jumbled, but you did not realize that there was a
plan on the top. It was a design. I was only following it. Now
look at it from my side and you will see what I was doing."

Many times through the years, I have looked up to heaven and
said, "Father what are You doing?" He has answered, "I am em
broidering your life." I say, "But it looks like such a mess to me.
It seems so jumbled. The threads seem so dark. Why can't they
all be bright?" The God seems to tell me, "My child, you go
about your business of doing My business, and one day I will
bring you to Heaven and put you on my knee and you will see
the plan from My side."

author unknown

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

Lighthouses

beacons of hope and reassurance...
signposts to safety and warmth...
bright glow...
on the horizon of dark nights...
and turbulent seas...
restorers of faith, confidence and strength
dispellers of anguish, fear and despair
shining guides of the lost.

Did you realize
that just your kind smile
from the heart
transforms you into a lighthouse
and helps change the view of the many
to believe in a secure world
and in the goodness of man?

Did you know
it even touches the indifferent?

Christi Becker

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

"Think like that..."

"How would you feel if you had no fear?
Feel like that.

How would you behave toward other people
if you realized their powerlessness to hurt you?
Behave like that.

How would your react to so-called misfortune
if you saw its inability to bother you?
React like that.

How would you think toward yourself
if you knew you were really all right?
Think like that."

Vernon Howard

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

Resentments

I choose repeatedly to swell to anger and hurt,
I allow myself to mull it over,
And over
   And over
Though the act of pain is done, I am not finished with it.
IT IS MINE AND I KEEP IT.
But it is unhealthy,
It keeps me sick
   I push God away with it.
I must embrace Him,
I will choose to allow Him the hurt,
To give Him the pain,
I will allow the ultimate surgeon to open the wound,
For He will perform the healing.
He will always give me life anew.
   As He cleansed the lepers He will cleanse me.
He will make me new again,
I will accept His gift of comfort,
His peace!
   His Love,
    His serenity.
For I will become willing to give it all to Him,
To lock it away for His safe keeping,
Not allowing IT to invade my very being,
   For I am His,
    And today He is mine
IT no longer belongs to me,
For I have let it go,
So I may make the choice to GROW!!!

written by ~ Patti Kelli
pattikelli@...

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

Of all the creature of earth, only human beings can change their
patterns. Man alone is the architect of his destiny...
Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds,
can change the outer aspects of their lives.
William James

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

I once was annoyed with a rude store clerk until I discovered
that she'd recently experienced a personal tragedy.
That taught me that when we know people's stories,
we feel compassion instead of judgment.
And everybody has a story.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

The wise student hears of the Tao and practices it diligently.
The average student hears of the Tao and gives it thought now and again.
The foolish student hears of the Tao and laughs aloud.
If there were no laughter, the Tao would not be what it is.
Lao Tsu, Tao Te Ching

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

We set the sail;
God makes the wind.

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

Begin to weave
and God will Give you the thread.

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

When God says "no", it's because
He has something better in store for you.

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

The task ahead of us
is never as great as the Power behind us.

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

I'll do my dreaming with my eyes wide open,
and I'll do my looking back with my eyes closed.
Tony Arata

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

If you find a path with no obstacles,
it probably doesn't lead anywhere.
Unknown


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
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For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/






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

Low Carb
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/lowcarb.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is: Our friend Lori F. has a special request,
Her home group is putting together a collection of everyones favorite
recovery program quotes and sayings in a notebook. PLEASE
stop by or email below to share in this collective experience.
Hopefully WE will be able to put something together to share with
you online too :)

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 14
Today I can look back with love in my heart,
knowing that every moment,
every experience of my life has been necessary,
valuable and significant.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

What if everyone right now stopped and listened to theirs hearts,
yes stopped and listened to their hearts beat?
Felt its rhythm? Felt its power?

We all have this power keeping us alive.
All living beings have this in common.

Try it. Right now.

Breathe peace into the area where your heart lives.

Breathe peace out into the world.

Breathe love into the area where your heart lives.

Now breathe love out into the world.

Now feel that space where your heart lives stretch a little bigger to
let
more love in.

Breathe in love to fill that space.

Breathe in love to fill your entire body.

Breathe out love to fill our world.
I am bringing more awareness to my breathe today,
knowing I can change how I feel with just one breath.
Today I choose to breathe in thoughts of love
and breathe it out into the world.

Namaste, Ruth
an excerpt from "Time For Peace"
spirithaven@...

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

As a Man Thinketh
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=401

The Elimination of the Ego-Self
www.barefootsworld.net/imemine.html

Seeking understanding
N.A. Way Magazine 7/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway163-7.htm

12 Step Tools
www.members.aol.com/_ht_a/sobertransitions/tools.html

The Gift
www.dennisjhopkins.com/Poems/Poem221.html

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 14                                   Addiction, drugs, and
recovery

"Addiction is a physical, mental, and spiritual disease that affects
every area of our lives."     Basic Text p. 20

   Before we started using, most of us had a stereotype, a mental
image of what addicts were supposed to look like. Some of us
pictured a junkie robbing convenience markets for drug money.
Others imagined a paranoid recluse peering at life from behind
perpetually drawn drapes and locked doors. As long as we didn't
fit any of the stereotypes, we thought, we couldn't be addicts.

   As our using progressed, we discarded those misconceptions
about addiction, only to come up with another: the idea that
addiction was about drugs. We may have thought addiction meant
a physical habit, believing any drug that didn't produce physical
habituation was not "addictive:' Or we thought the drugs we took
were causing all our problems. We thought that merely getting rid
of the drugs would restore sanity to our lives.

   One of the most important lessons we learn in Narcotics
Anonymous is that addiction is much more than the drugs we
used. Addiction is a part of us; it's an illness that involves every
area of our lives, with or without drugs. We can see its effects
on our thoughts, our feelings, and our behavior, even after we
stop using. Because of this, we need a solution that works to
repair every area of our lives: the Twelve Steps.

Just for today: Addiction is not a simple disease, but it has a simple
solution. Today, I will live in that solution: the Twelve Steps of
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

I Was Slipping Fast

We A.A.'s are active folk enjoying the satisfactions of dealing with
the realities of life, . . . So it isn't surprising that we often tend
to
slight serious meditation and prayer as something not really
necessary.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 96

I had been slipping away from the program for some time, but it took a
death threat from a terminal disease to bring me back, and particularly
to the practice of the Eleventh Step of our blessed Fellowship.
Although I had fifteen years of sobriety and was still very active in
the
program, I knew that the quality of my sobriety had slipped badly.
Eighteen months later, a checkup revealed a malignant tumor and a
prognosis of certain death within six months.  Despair settled in when I
enrolled in a rehab program, after which I suffered two small strokes
which revealed two large brain tumors.  As I kept hitting new bottoms
I had to ask myself why this was happening to me.  God allowed me to
recognize my dishonesty and to become teachable again.  Miracles
began to happen.  But primarily I relearned the whole meaning of the
Eleventh Step.  My physical condition has improved dramatically, but
my illness is minor compared to what I almost lost completely.

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 / December 14th

A.A. Thought for the Day

The way of A.A. is the way of service.  Without that, it
would not work.  We have been "on the wagon" and hated
it.  We have taken the pledge and waited for the time to
be up with impatience.  We have tried in all manner of
ways to help ourselves.  But not until we begin to help
other people do we get full relief.  It is an axiom that
the A.A. program has to be given away in order to be
kept.  A river flows into the Dead Sea and stops.  A river
flows into a clear pool and flows out again.  We get and
then we give.  If we do not give, we do not keep.
Have I given up all ideas of holding A.A. for myself alone?

Meditation for the Day

Try to see the life of the spirit as a calm place, shut away
from the turmoil of the world.  Think of your spiritual home
as a place full of peace, serenity, and contentment.  Go to
this quiet, meditative place for the strength to carry you
through today's duties and problems.  Keep coming back
here for refreshment when you are weary of the hubbub
of the outside world.  From this quietness and communion
comes our strength.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may keep this resting place where I can
commune with God.  I pray that I may find refreshment
in meditation on the Eternal.

"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
DECEMBER 14

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

Clear Thinking

Strive for clear thinking. Many of us have had our thinking
clouded by denial. Some of us have even lost faith in ourselves
because we've spent a degree of time in denial. But losing faith
in our thinking isn't going to help us. What we need to lose faith
in is denial.

We didn't resort to denial - either of someone else's problem or
our own - because we were deficient. Denial, the shock
absorber for the soul, protects us until we are equipped to cope
with reality.

Clear thinking and recovery don't mean we will never resort to
denial. Denial is the first step toward acceptance, and for most
of our life, we will be striving to accept something.

Clear thinking means we don't allow ourselves to become
immersed in negativity or unrealistic expectations. We stay
connected to other recovering people. We go to our meetings,
where peace of mind and realistic support are available. We
work the Steps, pray, and meditate.

We keep our thinking on track by asking our Higher Power to
help us think clearly - not by expecting Him, or someone else,
to do our thinking for us.

Today, I will strive for balanced, clear thought in all areas of 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Hidden Power Within You
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/December/feature6.html

The Great Art of Ending, By Alan Cohen
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2004/12/alan-cohen.htm

Choosing a Good Therapist
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/November/vissell.htm

Links to Self Improvement - Mind & Spirit
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_fifth.htm#self2

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Law of Responsibility

© Dan Millman
(Excerpted from Life You Were Born To Live)

      Once we establish the limits and boundaries of our responsibility,
      we can take full charge of that which is our duty and let go of
that
      which is not;  in doing so, we find more enjoyment supporting
      others, as we create more harmonious cooperative relationships.


      For peace of mind,
      we need to resign
      as general manager of the universe.
                  --Larry Eisenberg


"United we stand, divided we fall. Many hands make light work.
No one is smarter than all of us" The principle has been stated
many ways, but each statement expresses the same sentiment:
Working together, we can accomplish tasks that would be difficult
or impossible without cooperative effort-for example, building a
skyscraper or staging a play.

In every endeavor in which people work together at different
levels of responsibility, some people may have more visibility,
but they are supported by other people without whom their
efforts would be unproductive. What would the rock star do
without the sound technicians? Could the corporate president
or head of the board run a company without efficient secretaries?
When achievers rise in politics or industry, they are supported
by others who form the foundation of their enterprise.

Families, corporations, or empires rise or fall based upon the
quality and level of cooperation and responsibility within their
boundaries. At the individual level, our own effective functioning
as human beings depends in large part on our internal states of
cooperation.

Before we can help others, we have to help ourselves-to put
our internal house in order-and reconcile our conflicting
subpersonalities: those identities, beliefs, values, and ideas
that seem to oppose one another or sit on different sides of
the fence. We may even need to facilitate active cooperation
between the right and left hemispheres of our brain. Before we
can find harmony, we have to notice what is out of harmony-
the either/or, yes/no, I should/I shouldn't dichotomies that result
in confusion since every decision involves pros and cons. A
variety of approaches exist to harmonizing our "parts,' such
as subpersonality work, Voice Dialogue, Neurolinguistic
Programming, alchemical hypnotherapy, and other educational
methods that help integrate both hemispheres of the brain.

In our relationships with ourselves, with other people, and
with our own circumstances, we need to discover our point of
balance, define and delineate the limits and boundaries of
our appropriate level of responsibility, and recognize that our
values, needs, and priorities may rightfully be very different
from our parents' siblings' spouse's, or other people's.

Those of us who feel a strong drive to support, serve, and
assist others can, in our need to give, sometimes overcooperate
to an extent that debilitates both us and those we serve. In
extreme cases, this tendency to overhelp degenerates into
codependency, where we lose ourselves in obsessive focus
on other people's lives, pouring out without receiving in return.
Codependents assume responsibility for other people's lives
far beyond the normal duties of parents or friends or employees.
They base their value, self-worth, and even their identities on
their ability to help other people, always (rather than sometimes)
focusing on others' needs before their own, a form of playing
doormat or even slave.

The overcooperation that lies at the core of codependency
involves a distorted or exaggerated sense of responsibility,
leading us to try to "fix" others' mistakes rather than allowing
them to learn from the consequences of their own behaviors.

If we overcooperate with other people, they will rarely complain
about it. We rarely hear others say, "You're just too easygoing!"
However, we will soon discover that when the pendulum of
our psyche swings too much into overcooperation, eventually
it swings back the other way, into undercooperation. This shift
may take a few days, weeks, months, or even years, but sooner
or later, it happens.

In the case of undercooperation, we either go into complete
while withdrawing emotionally. Unless corrected, this can
lead to the death of a relationship.

Happily, relationships suffering from traumatic or chronic
cooperation issues can be saved or, in some cases, resurrected.
The "miracle" involves finding a new balance between giving
and receiving-establishing a mutually supportive relationship.
Open communication can lead to a more equal sharing of
responsibility, lifting the psychological burden from the
shoulders of those with codependent tendencies. The major
responsibility for establishing a new balance, however, rests
with those who have such tendencies.

Responsibility in itself seems a desirable attribute, but those
of us who feel overly responsible-who feel compelled to
overhelp-need to shift our attitude and actions and find our
balance point in order to achieve a state of true cooperation
and balanced responsibility.

The most powerful form of cooperation and support may
sometimes mean encouraging and empowering other people
to do things for themselves. The best assistance often
includes making the right demands.

The Law of Responsibility serves as an essential reminder
of the value and ultimate necessity of finding, respecting,
and working within our own comfort zone. While we're all
here to stretch our comfort zone, we're not here to ignore it.
This law reminds us to respect our intemal values and to find
our own point of balance.

Let's take the example of Rosalyn and Tanya, each mother
of two young children. Both Rosalyn and Tanya were formerly
advertising executives who commuted daily to work in San
Francisco. Rosalyn decided to stay home with her children,
putting her downtown career on hold; Tanya, on the other hand,
continued working downtown and found a good nanny to take
care of her children while she was at work. Rosalyn and Tanya
made different choices. The issue here is that neither woman
chose what she most deeply wanted to do; instead, each
chose what she felt she was "supposed to do"

Rosalyn felt frustrated at home, but she believed that she
had to remain with her children all day to be a "good mother"
Tanya hated leaving her children every day, but she wanted
to be a "modem woman" with "equal opportunities,' not "tied
to the home" the way she felt her own mother had been.

Both women were, in a sense, overcooperating with someone
else's values and ideas of what they "should" be or do rather
than listening to their own needs. Happily, each has now
found a balance that works well for her. Tanya has found a
way to work at home so that she can see her children more,
and Rosalyn is back in the office, working part-time and loving
it, and she better appreciates the time she has with her
children because her other needs are being met.

In applying the Law of Responsibility, we support others, but
we also accept support; we find a balance between the two.
We find the difference between what we think we "should" do
or be and what our heart really desires. We do what we can
feel good about inside; if we don't feel good inside, we state
our feelings and reach a compromise: "I'll do this much, but
you'll have to do the rest" That's the heart of responsibility and
the soul of cooperation.

The following exercises can help you achieve alignment with
the Law of Responsibility through direct experience and
application.

Experiencing Responsibility
Before finding a balanced sense of responsibility to self and
others and achieving true cooperation in the world, we need
to experience it within ourselves. This visualization exercise
works with the subconscious to harmonize conflicting parts.
With a little practice, it takes only a minute or two. It also
provides valuable practice in conflict resolution and can serve
as a template for working out balanced, mutually beneficial
agreements with others.

1. Imagine a safe and special place anywhere in the world
or the universe. It could be a granite plateau high in the
mountains, a hidden glen, or a quiet meadow-your own private
inner space. 2. Create the image of a table with two chairs, one
on each side.

3. Invite two opposing parts of yourself to reveal themselves,
one at a time, and to sit down, facing each other, across the
table. You might invite one part that represents your mind and
one part that represents your body, a part you like and a part
you dislike, a part from the past and a part from the future, or a
judging part and a forgiving part. Whenever you have mixed
feelings or feel torn in two directions, you can access two parts
to represent these feelings.

4. Ask each part what positive outcome or intention it has for
you. Even if one part seems negative, trust that every aspect
of your subconscious exists for a reason and is doing its best
to serve the whole.

5. As each part appears in your mind's eye, note what it looks
like, how it moves and sits down, and how it behaves. When
both are seated, note how they relate to each other.

6. Internally ask both parts to express themselves until they
find a place of cooperation, rapport, and communication so
that in the future they can work together.

7. When you feel complete, thank them, say farewell, and
leave them to enjoy their meeting.


Application of the Law of Responsibility

1. Either write or recite to yourself a short list of things you would
be willing to do if someone asked you and a short list of things
you would not be willing to do. Where do you draw the line and
why?

2. Write or recite to yourself a list of things that you feel
comfortable
doing and things that you don't feel comfortable doing for others
at home or work.

· How many of these tasks do you continue to do, and why?

· Do you do things for people, such as your children, spouse, or
relatives, and then complain?

· Do you feel responsible for other adults' mistakes or lives?

3. Consider briefly the areas of your life where you might be
feeling overly responsible and where you tend to overhelp or
else withdraw in resentment. If you feel exploited or unappreciated-
like a martyr or a doormat-what might you do in your life to find a
better balance?

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

When The Whole World Stinks

Do you remember the story of the sailor who
over-imbibed and fell asleep at his table? His
buddies smeared a bit of strong smelling cheese
dip on his mustache, which caused him to wake up
and look around. He sniffed and then walked
outside, sniffed again and came back in, walked
out and back in one more time and finally sat back
down in his seat. "It's no use," he said to his friend,
"the whole world stinks!"

     Ever felt that way? We have all experienced
bad days and horrible situations. We've felt
trapped, helpless and, at times, hopeless. We
may have even believed that the whole world
stinks.

But I like the tremendous way one woman has
learned to approach living. She grew up in
extreme poverty, but was privileged to be in a
Sunday School class taught by a young woman
named Alice Freeman Palmer, who was later to
become president of Wellesley College. One
Sunday, the teacher asked the children to find
something beautiful in their homes, and then tell
the other children about it the next week.

The following Sunday, when the little girl was
asked what she found that was beautiful at home,
she thought of her impoverished condition and
replied, "Nothing. There's nothing beautiful where
I live, except ... except the sunshine on our baby's
curls."

Years later, long after Mrs. Palmer's untimely
death, her husband was lecturing at a university
in the western United States. He was approached
by a distinguished looking woman who fondly recalled
that she had been a member of his wife's Sunday
School class. "I can remember that your wife once
asked us to find something beautiful in our homes,
and that I came back saying the only beautiful thing
I could find was the sunshine on my sister's curls.
But that assignment your wife made was the turning
point in my life. I began to look for something
beautiful wherever I was, and I've been doing it
ever since." That one suggestion turned her life around.

If you have been thinking your "whole world stinks,"
the daily habit of looking for something beautiful can
help you see the good that is in the world, and
transform your hope into enough positive energy
to build a life that counts.

Steve Goodier

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

A GIMMICK TO GET US OUT OF THE DUMPS
By Bill W.


(The following was written by Bill W., co-founder of
Alcoholics Anonymous for "The Road Back©", a bimonthly
publication by the Dublin, Ireland, group in June 1980, and
is reprinted there-from.)

I think we oldsters who have put the A.A. booze cure to such
severe tests, yet still find we lack emotional sobriety, are
probably the spearhead for the next major development in
AA - the development of something like real maturity and
balance (which is to say, humility) in our relations with ourselves,
with our fellows and with God. Those adolescent urges for top
approval, perfect security and the perfect romance, urges
quite appropriate to age 17, prove to be an impossible way of
life at 47 or 57.

Since AA began, I've taken immense wallops in all these
departments because of my failure to grow up, emotionally
and spiritually. How painful it is to keep insisting on the
impossible, and how painful to discover that we have the cart
before the horse. Then comes the final agony of seeing how
wrong we are, but still finding ourselves unable, seemingly, to
get off the merry-go-round.

Problem of Everyone. How to translate right intellectual
conviction into right emotional results and so into easy, happy,
active and good living - that's not only the neurotic's problem.
It's the problem of life itself for all who have got to the
point of willingness to hew to right principles. Even then, as
we hew away, peace and joy still elude us. That's the place so
many of us AA oldsters have come to. How shall the unconscious
- from which our fears, compulsions and phony aspirations still
stream - be brought into line with what we actually believe,
know and want? How to convince our dumb, raging and hidden
"Mr. Hyde" becomes the final task.

I've recently become to believe this can be done. I believe so
because I began to see many benighted ones, folks like you and
me, commencing to get results.

Last fall, depression, having no really rational cause at all, took
me to the cleaners. I began to be scared that I was in for
another five-year chronic spell. Considering the grief I've had
with depression, it wasn't a bright prospect.

I kept asking myself, "Why can't the twelve steps work to
release depression?" By the hour I stared at the St. Francis
prayer.. It's better to understand than to be understood. It's
better to love than be loved.. It's better to comfort than to be
comforted." Here was the formula. But why didn't it work?

Suddenly I realized what the matter was. My basic flaw had
always been dependence, absolute dependence, on people or
circumstances to supply me with prestige, security and romance.
Failing to get these, according to my still childish dreams and
specifications, I had fought for these things. And when defeat
came, so did depression. There wasn't a chance of making the
outgoing love of Francis a workable and joyous way of life until
these fatal and really absolute dependencies were cut away.

Because I had undergone a little spiritual development the
absolute quality of these frightful liabilities had never before
been so starkly revealed. Therefore, reinforced by what grace
I could secure in prayer, I found I must exert every ounce of
will and action to cut off these emotional dependencies upon
people, upon A.A. - indeed upon any set of circumstances whatever.
Then, only then, would I be free to love as Francis could.
Emotional or instinctual satisfactions, I saw, were really the
extra dividends of having love, offering love and expressing
love appropriate to each relation of life.

Must Offer Love To God. Plainly, I could not avail myself of
God's love until I was able to offer it back to Him by loving
others as He would have me. And I couldn't possibly do that
so long as I was victimized by my dependencies. For dependencies
meant demand; demand for possession and control of people
and conditions.

While the words "absolute dependency" may look like a gimmick,
they were the ones that triggered my release into my present
stability and quietness of mind which I am now trying to
consolidate by having love and offering love, regardless of
the return.

This is the primary healing circuit; our outgoing love of God's
creation and His people, by which we avail ourselves of His
love for us. But the real current can't flow until our
dependencies are broken at depth. Only then can we have a
glimmer of what adult love really is.

Spiritual calculus, you say? Not a bit of it. Watch any A.A. of
six months working on a new 12th step case. If the case says,
"the hell with you," the 12th stepper smiles and turns to another
case. He doesn't feel frustrated or rejected. If his case
responds and starts to give love and attention to other
alcoholics, but returns none to the sponsor, then the sponsor
is happy anyway. He still doesn't feel rejected.

And when his case turns out in later time to be his best friend
(or romance), then the sponsor is joyful. But his happiness and
joy were by-products, and no more. The real stabilizing thing
was having the offering of love to that strange drunk on the
doorstep. That was Francis at work, powerful and practical,
minus dependency and minus demand.

In my first six months of sobriety, I worked hard with many
alcoholics. Not one responded, but they kept me sober. It wasn't
a question of their giving me anything. Stability came out of
giving, not of receiving.

Thus I think it will work out with emotional sobriety. If we
examine every disturbance we have, great or small, we can
find at the root of it some sort of unhealthy dependency and
consequent demand. Let us hack away at these chains, begging
God's help. Then we shall be set free to love. We shall then be
able to 12th step ourselves and others into emotional sobriety.

I haven't offered you a single new idea - just a gimmick that
has started to unhook my several "hexes" at depth. My brain
no longer races compulsively in either elation, grandiosity or
depression. I have been given a quiet place in bright sunshine.

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

A Promise

I am more powerful than all the combined armies of the world.
I have destroyed more men than all the wars of the nations.
I have caused millions of accidents and wrecked more homes
than all the floods, tornadoes and hurricanes put together.
I am the world's slickest thief,
I steal billions of dollars each year.
I find my victims among the sick and poor alike,
the young, the strong and the weak.
I loom up to such proportions,
that I cast a shadow over a field of labor.
I am relentless, insidious and unpredictable.
I am everywhere, in the home, on the street,
in the factory, in the office, on the sand and in the air.
I bring sickness, poverty and even death.
I give nothing and take all.
I am your worst enemy.
I am alcohol.
I am patient and I am waiting.

Anonymous

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

What Better Time

What better day than today
To love the brothers and sisters
As we strive real hard to give it away
What better chance then right now
To find those who are suffering
And teach them the principals of
H. O. W.
What better way to touch others
Then by our truth
By our honesty
and
Our humility
As we share our experience
Strength and hope
Telling the dying how we cope
With reality
Telling them
How we now see
What better day then today
To love the new comers
With understanding
Compassion
Forgiveness
Prayer
Vision
Faith
What better day then today
To turn around
And give it away
When all they want
Is peace today
Those of us who
Suffered
Can say
This is how we do it
Just for today

Daniel M Corkery
11/5/2000
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

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

Grace

  From the kiss of dawn to the caress of night
let the kindness of your words,
the courage of your heart and
the strength of your spirit
bless the light of day.

© Copyright 1999
Terri McPherson
tmcphers@...
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
www.wisehearts.com/lfc.htm

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

Whatever I see without is a reflection of what
I have first seen within my own mind.
I always project into the world
the thoughts, feelings and attitudes
which preoccupy me. I see the world differently
by changing my mind about what I want to see.
Gerald Jampolsky

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

Choices are the hinges of destiny
Edwin Markham

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

Practice appreciating for the first fifteen minutes
you are awake every day.....
Appreciation first thing in the morning
-- is one of the most valuable efforts you can make to create
more heart coherence in your system
and release you from old attitudes that no longer serve you.
Doc Childre

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

I am part of all that I have met.
Ulysses, from Homer's 'Odyssey'

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

Do your best and then sleep in peace.
God is Awake.

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

God has a Purpose and Plan for me
that no one else can fulfill.

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

The Will of God will never take you to
where the Grace of God will not keep you.

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

We are responsible for the effort,
not the outcome.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me 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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and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe

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http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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






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

Walk the Walk
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/walk.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is: Our friend Lori F. has a special request,
Her home group is putting together a collection of everyones favorite
recovery program quotes and sayings in a notebook. PLEASE
stop by or email below to share in this collective experience.
Hopefully WE will be able to put something together to share with
you online too :)

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 13
Today I am willing to share all of me with another human being.
I am willing to trust that this process
will free me from the burdens of my past.
I am ready to let 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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

An Addicts Child's Legacy

Please son don't be like me, don't fulfill my legacy.
I pray God, give my boy his own destiny, don't end up like me.
Looking for addicts on street corners, drugs for sale,
Just to be another dealer in jail.
Addictions the next step, no pride left, a body's' up for grabs,
So skinny, so sad, but true-,
Doesn't matter, she's a part of me too.
Please son don't be like me, God, I pray you let him be...
A happy guy, a "regular joe",
Not out trying to fill a space, so dark and unknown.
A man with faith in his heart and love in his eyes,
Never having to ask the regretful "whys".
And give him your grace as he makes lifes mistakes.
Please son, don't be like me,
I'm asking this in my new sobriety.
Please God, send this message for me,
Cause I'm writing this from a cell in jail and my boy's only three...
And by the way, God, thanks for setting me free!

Alicia Pettola #237608
steps2serenity@...

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

Anna Quindlen's Villanova Commencement Address
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1079

More On The Sober Dance of Life
www.barefootsworld.net/aasoberdance.html

Am I a human being having a spiritual experience
or a spiritual being having a human experience?
N.A. Way Magazine 7/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway163-6.htm

Taking A Trip
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/TakingATrip.html

Favorite Slogans
www.recoverygreetings.com/slogans.html

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 13                                        Membership

"There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to
stop using."   Basic Text p. 9

   We all know people who could benefit from Narcotics Anonymous.
Many people we encounter from all walks of life-our family members,
old friends, and co-workers-could really use a program of recovery
in their lives. Sadly, those who need us don't always find their way
to our rooms.

   NA is a program of attraction, not promotion. We are only members
when we say we are. We can bring our friends and loved ones to a
meeting if they are willing, but we cannot force them to embrace the
way of life that has given us freedom from active addiction.

   Membership in Narcotics Anonymous is a highly personal decision.
The choice to become a member is made in the heart of each
individual addict. In the long run, coerced meeting attendance
doesn't  keep too many addicts in our rooms. Only addicts who are
still suffering,  if given the opportunity, can decide if they are
powerless over their addiction. We can carry the message, but we
can't carry the addict.

Just for today: I am grateful for my decision to become a member of
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

A Safety Net

Occasionally. . . We are seized with a rebellion so sickening that we
simply won't pray.  When these things happen we should not think
too ill of ourselves.  We should simply resume prayer as soon as we
can, doing what we know to be good for us.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 105

Sometimes I scream, stomp my feet, and turn my back on my
Higher  Power.  Then my disease tells me that I am a failure, and
that if I stay angry I'll surely get drunk.  In those moments of
self-will it's as if I've slipped over a cliff and am hanging by one
hand.  The above passage is my safety net, in that it urges me to
try some new behavior, such as being kind and patient with myself.
It assures me that my Higher Power will wait until I am willing
once again to risk letting go, to land in the net, and to pray.

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 / December 13

A.A. Thought for the Day

We come now to A.A. fellowship.  It is partly group
therapy.  It is partly spiritual fellowship.  But it is
even more.  It is based on a common illness, a common
failure, a common problem.  It goes deep down into our
personal lives and our personal needs.  It requires a
full opening up to each other of our inmost thoughts
and most secret problems.  All barriers between us
are swept aside.  They have to be.  Then we try to help
each other get well.  The A.A. fellowship is based on a
sincere desire to help each other get well.  The A.A.
fellowship is based on a sincere desire to help the
other person.  In A.A. we can be sure of sympathy,
understanding, and real help.  These things make the
A.A. fellowship the best that we know.
Do I fully appreciate the depth of the A.A. fellowship?

Meditation for the Day

The Higher Power can guide us to the right decisions if
we pray about them.  We can believe that many details
of our lives are planned by God and planned with a wealth
of forgiving love for the mistakes we have made.  We can
pray today to be shown the right way.  We can choose the
good, and when we choose it, we can feel that the whole
power of the universe is behind us.  We can achieve a real
harmony with God's purpose for our lives.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may choose aright today.  I pray that I may
be shown the right way to live today.

"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
DECEMBER 13

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

Giving

Don't be afraid of giving.

For a while, we may need to back off from giving as we learn to
discern the difference between healthy giving and caretaking,
which leave us feeling victimized and others feeling resentful.

This is a temporary spot.

To be healthy, to do our part in this spiritual way of life, to be
part of the endless cycle of the Universe, guided by our Creator,
we need to give and receive.

Both parts are important.

What is healthy giving?

This is a fine lined behavior each of us must seek to understand
for ourselves. It is giving that feels good and does not leave us
feeling victimized.

It is giving that holds the giver and the receiver in high esteem.

It is giving based on a desire to do it rather than from a sense
of guilt, pity, shame, or obligation.

It is giving with no strings attached. Or it is giving based on a
clean, direct contract.

Whether it is giving our time, efforts, energy, comfort, nurturing,
money, or ourselves, it is giving that we can afford.

Giving is part of the chain of giving and receiving. We can learn
to give in healthy ways; we can learn to give in love. We need
to keep an eye on our giving, to make sure it has not crossed the
line into care taking. But we need to learn to give in ways that
work for us and others.

Today, God, guide me in my giving. Help me give to others in
healthy ways. Help me give what feels right, what feels good,
what feels clean, and what I can afford.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dancing with the Beloved
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/December/feature5.html

Moving With the Flow
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2004/12/flow.htm

God Did Not Desert You, Alan Cohen
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/November/cohen.htm

Links to Creating a Soulful home
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_fifth.htm#home

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Discover Silence
  From Precious Solitude by Ruth Fishel

   "Silence is a tool, a context for direct personal, intuitive
understanding Of how things are...Its great overriding value
is the support it provides for insight; its immediate evidence
is, it's a relief!"
Sylvia Boorstein

   From the moment we wake up in the morning until the moment
we fall asleep at night, our lives are almost always filled with
noise.  Our sleep is even filled with noise, although we aren't
aware of it.  There's a good chance that most of the sounds
we hear around us come from many of the following: refrigerator
motors, telephones, airplanes, radios, TVs, cars, trucks, doors
slamming, door bells, water running, computers, printers, faxes,
photocopy machines, dogs barking, children playing, answering
machines, alarms, microwave buzzers, air conditioners, videos
and so much more!  Depending on where you live there might be
babies crying, trains whistling, backhoes roaring, or even saws
whining.  We become so conditioned to a great deal of this noise
that we are barely aware of it.  When is the last time that you
were aware of your refrigerator's motor, for example?  It's
always on but we usually become aware only when it stops.
Only in the silence can we hear something missing.

   Some of us are more sensitive to noise than others.  I have a
hard time when a clock is ticking, no matter how lightly.  When I
am away from home and hear a clock at night, I have to hide it
under a cushion in order to fall asleep.   But whether we
consciously hear noise or not, it is there and we are far less
serene when it is within our hearing range.

   Take a machine noise break!  Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. write,
"Silence comes to heal the blows of sound."  It is wonderful just
to be quiet and  hear the birds or the waves, the barely audible
sound of a grasshopper, or the rustle of leaves being lifted by
the breeze.  Silence heals us from the wounds of which we are
barely aware.  Take a walk into the woods and listen to the
sounds of nature. Walk in a field of wild flowers or along the
shore. Climb up a mountain or into a valley. Listen to the corn
or palm leaves swaying.

   If you can't leave the house, turn off the telephone and put your
answering machine all the way down.  Turn off the refrigerator
for 10 minutes.  Don't turn on the TV, radio or computer. Remove
yourself from the sound of a ticking clock or any other repetitive
noise.  It can't do any harm and the silence will be amazingly
peaceful.

    Author Sylvia Boorstein calls silence the fence for wisdom.  I
love that image!  I can see myself climbing over a fence from a
place full of noise to a deliciously silent space where I
effortlessly tune in to creativity and wisdom.

   Mahatma Gandhi said that in the attitude of silence the soul
finds the path in a clearer light.  What is elusive and deceptive
resolves itself into crystal clearness.  He believed that our life
is a long and arduous quest after Truth.

   If it is not possible to find time for silence during the day, wait
for everyone to go to sleep, or wake up a few minutes before
everyone else.  Be with yourself in silence.  A few moments of
silence can start your day off with inner peace or end a hectic
day with serenity.

Today I will nurture my soul by taking at least ten minutes to
connect with the peace and tranquility of silence.

written by ~ Ruth Fishel
spirithaven@...
www.spirithaven.com

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

Who Packs Your Parachute?

Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss
what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please,
thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful
that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do
something nice for no reason.

Charles Plumb, a US Naval Academy graduate, was a jet
pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was
destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and
parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent
6 years in a communist prison. He survived the ordeal
and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience.

One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a
restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, "You're
Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft
carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"

"How in the world did you know that?" asked Plumb.

"I packed your parachute," the man replied.

Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man grabbed
his hand and said, "I guess it worked!"

Plumb assured him, "It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked,
I wouldn't be here today."

Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man.
Plumb kept wondering what the man might have looked like
in a Navy uniform. He wondered how many times he might
have seen him and not even said good morning, how are you
or anything, because you see, he was a fighter pilot and the
man was just a sailor. Plumb thought of the many hours that
sailor had spent in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving
the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his
hands each time the fate of someone he did not know.

Now Plumb asks his audience, "Who is packing your parachute?"
Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it
through the day.

Plumb also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes
when his plane was shot down. As you go through your week,
month, and even New Year, recognize the people who have
packed your parachute and enabled you to get where you are
today!

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

Teach Me

Teach me, God, so that I might know
The way to change and the way to grow.
Give me the words to ask You how
To handle the here and live in the now.

Tempt me not with the valleys of death,
Give me freedom from fear in every breath.
And though mistakes I make in my daily life,
Deliver me from aiding strife.

Understand me, God, as I am now
And show me the furrows I need to plow.
To reach my goal as a ripening food,
So I might feed others all that is good.

Fill me with energy known as the Power,
Until I come to rest at the midnight hour.

from the book: Twelve Step Prayer Book - Second Edition

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

Big Book reading mistakes:

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our loves
had become unmanageable.

2. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our wives
had become unmanageable.

3. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives
had become unmentionable.

4. Sought through prayer and medication...

5. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were
wrong probably admitted it.

6. What? An order?? I can't go through with it!!!

7. We will comprehend the word cemetery and we will know
peace.

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

Uptight Before Christmas

Uptight before Christmas, all through these rooms
alcoholics were stricken with holiday gloom.
They prayed, "Santa, please make us happy, joyous & free,
bring us candy and presents and serenity."
Greed filled their minds and envy their hearts
and someone said, "It's time for the meeting to start!"
"Does anyone have a topic for discussion tonight?"
Every face in the place turned wintery white!
They lost all self-seeking, self-pity and self-will
when down through the chimney came the ghost of St. Bill!
He chuckled and said as he sat himself down
"Call the White House and tell 'em there's a new Dubya in town."
Then he looked through a Big Book and said with a tear,
"Wow! No one rewrote this after all these years!
"Clean house, help your neighbor, be loving and kind,
"and don't take the first drink one day at a time.
""How could a message as simple as this
"be realized, analyzed and intellectually dismissed?
"There lies the reason this ghost has arrived:
to re-give a gift that has saved all your lives!"
Then he set up a big screen and a DVD
so every lost soul in the meeting could see.
He played a movie of drunks at their best and their worst,
what is and what was when blessed and cursed.

There were scenes of a housewife passed out at a bar,
a respectable businessman wrecking his car,
a fight in a kitchen, a fight in bed,
a fight at a reception between newlyweds.
An empty bottle, a desperate man
alone in a motel with a gun in his hands.
He puts down the gun and picks up the phone
and whimpers and blubbers, "Honey, let me come home."
She hangs up as she tells him, "Don't call here anymore."
He reaches for the phone book and falls to the floor.
Somehow that phone book seems to capture his gaze:
it's open to a number under the "A"'s.
Then all of the people in the movie converged
on the poor side of town in the basement of a church.
Driven together in a willing herd
to hear of hope and deliver the word.

The ghost of Bill W. turned off the TV
and said, "The first word of the first step is 'we'.
"I suggest you start there and see where you go.
"Be thorough and fearless, and please-take it slow!
"Let faith set the tone, let love make the mood
"and as for a topic...how about 'gratitude?
"Just don't drink, go to meetings and pray
"and be glad you're alive and sober today.
"Be a good woman, be a good man
"and be of service whenever you can.
"Be a good mother, be a good dad
"and try to be good to your kids when they're bad.
"Be a good husband, be a good wife...
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good life!"

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

Being on the tightrope is living; everything else is waiting.
Karl Wallenda

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

Peace is possible.
Each moment that one individual chooses peace inside,
the whole of humanity moves forward.
We each have the ability and responsibility
to become peacemakers in our daily lives.
John Morton

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

Courage isn't the absence of fear;
it's the dealing with it.
Randall

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

However far the stream flows, it never forgets its source.
Nigerian Proverb

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

Your miracles are an inside job.
Go there to create the magic that you seek in your life.
Wayne Dyer

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

No matter what is happening in your life,
know that God is Waiting for you with open Arms.

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

We can never really go where God is not,
and where He is, all is well.

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

I am God's Melody of life and
He Sings His Song through me.

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

God Promises a safe landing,
not a calm passage.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
are included:

To unsubscribe to to this list send an Email message to the group
that you belong to
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or
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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






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

Slime Ball
http://www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/slimeball.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is: Our friend Lori F. has a special request,
Her home group is putting together a collection of everyones favorite
recovery program quotes and sayings in a notebook. PLEASE
stop by or email below to share in this collective experience.
Hopefully WE will be able to put something together to share with
you online too :)


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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 12
There is something special waiting for me to do with this day.
I know that when it is time
I will be inspired from a place deep within myself.
I trust that I will know what to do when the time is right.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

I'm Free at Last

The many years I've wasted, yet,
Those times that I'll not soon forget,
The past is gone, I can't relive,
The knowledge that I must forgive.

With mile after mile of misery,
Regret, far as the eye can see,
A life so filled with tales af woe,
And sorrows man should never know.

Whichever way the wind would blow,
Would steal my heart and off I'd go.
The hurt I caused so many then,
I never cared if foe or friend.

It lives with me, this thing called, "past",
With all the things that never last,
This moment lives in time, you see,
It's more than just a memory.

My hope is just to linger still,
And live each moment as I will,
I'm free at last,  I found a way,
To just be happy, day by day!

Sharlett Hunt  12/11/04 ©
Sharlette863@...

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

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

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

Amazing
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=755

On The Sober Dance of Life
www.barefootsworld.net/aadanceoflife.html

Terima kasih banyak banyak
Bahasa Melayu for“Thank you very, very much”
N.A. Way Magazine 7/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway163-5.htm

Quotations to Ponder in Our Recovery
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/QuotationsRecovery1.html

  From Your Higher Power
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/FromYourHigherPower.html

Love
www.geocities.com/alaura1942/Love.html

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 12                                             Fear of change

"By working the steps, we come to accept a Higher Power's will....
We lose our fear of the unknown. We are set free." Basic Text p. 16

   Life is a series of changes, both large and small. Although we may
know and accept this fact intellectually, chances are that our initial
emotional reaction to change is fear. For some reason, we assume
that each and every change is going to hurt, causing us to be
miserable.

   If we look back on the changes that have happened in our lives, we'll
find that most of them have been for the best. We were probably very
frightened at the prospect of life without drugs, yet it's the best
thing
that's ever happened to us. Perhaps we've lost a job that we thought
we'd die without, but later on we found greater challenge and
personal fulfillment in a new career. As we venture forth in our
recovery, we're likely to experience more changes. We will outgrow
old situations and become ready for new ones.

   With all sorts of changes taking place, it's only natural to grab
hold of
something, anything familiar and try to hold on. Solace can be found
in a Power greater than ourselves. The more we allow changes to
happen at the direction of our Higher Power, the more we'll trust that
those changes are for the best. Faith will replace fear, and we'll know
in our hearts that all will be well.

Just for today: When I am afraid of a change in my life, I will take
comfort from knowing that God's will for me is good.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Overcoming Loneliness

Almost without exception, alcoholics are tortured by loneliness.
Even before our drinking got bad and people began to cut us off,
nearly all of us suffered the feeling that we didn't quite belong.
AS BILL SEES IT, p. 90

The agonies and the void that I often felt inside occur less and
less frequently in my life today.  I have learned to cope with
solitude.  It is only when I am alone and calm that I am able to
communicate with God, for He cannot reach me when I am in
turmoil.  It is good to maintain contact with God at all times, but
it is absolutely essential that, when everything seems to go wrong,
I maintain that contact through prayer and meditation.

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 / December 12th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Clergymen speak of the spiritual fellowship of the church.
This is much closer to the A.A. way than mere group therapy.
Such a fellowship is based on a common belief in God and a
common effort to live a spiritual life.  We try to do this in
A.A.  We also try to get down to the real problems in each
others lives.  We try to open up to each other.  We have a
real desire to be of service to each other.  We try to go
deep down into the personal lives of our members.
Do I appreciate the deep personal fellowship of A.A.?

Meditation for the Day

Love and fear cannot dwell together.  By their very natures,
they cannot exist side by side. Fear is a very strong force.
And therefore a weak and vacillating love can soon be routed
by fear.  But a strong love, a love that trusts in God, is sure
eventually to conquer fear.  The only sure way to dispel fear
is to have the love of God more and more in your heart and soul.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that love will drive out the fear in my life.  I pray that
my fear will flee before the power of the love 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
DECEMBER 12

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

God's Will

Each day, ask God what God wants us to do today; then ask
God to help. A simple request, but so profound and far
reaching it can take us anywhere we need to go.

Listen: all that we want, all that we need, all the answers, all
the help, all the good, all the love, all the healing, all the
wisdom, all the fulfillment of desire is embodied in this simple
request. We need say no more than Thank You.

This Plan that has been made for us is not one of deprivation.
It is one of fullness, joy, and abundance. Walk into it.

See for yourself.

Today, I will ask God to show me what God wants me to do
for this day, and then ask for help to do that. I will trust that is
sufficient to take me into light 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

  From Your Soul’s Compass: What is Spiritual Guidance
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/December/feature4.html

I Trust
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2004/12/doreen-virtue.htm

Spiritual Technology
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/November/opinion.htm

Links to Love and Relationships
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_fifth.htm#relationships2

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Being Aware of Our Gift
by Marilyn C. Barrick, Ph.D.

Each of us has the opportunity to accept and welcome the gift of
living fully in the present. When we awaken to the eternal here
and now, we feel alive, mobilized, our senses quickened. Each
moment fully experienced becomes an integral part of the
sculpting of our future. As we live today, we create our tomorrows.

Today we may choose to be happy, cheerful and kind, to do our
creative best at work, to relax in play. We may embrace life,
accept and learn from the good and the not-so-good moments,
appreciate and understand our family, friends and colleagues
and support and forgive one another when difficulties arise.

All of these choices represent a creative way of living the fullness
of our day. When we spend a day that way, we feel great when we
go to bed. We have done our part to create a happy, productive
tomorrow.

By contrast, if we spend the day grumbling, groaning, sad,
depressed, resentful, withdrawn, fearful or angry, we're not having
a very good today -- and we are definitely not creating a good
tomorrow.

Think about it. We are offered many choices. We choose how we
perceive and handle life's happenings. We choose how we want
to respond to each experience in our life. With every choice we
carve another aspect of our future.

Pain as an Essential Inner Teacher

We can actually reach a point where a sudden happening and
the accompanying loss or pain is not such a big deal. We accept that
pain is simply a part of life. We cut our finger, and it heals. We lose
friends and gain new ones. We smart from the hurt of someone's
unkind action and either work it out with that person or decide to let
it go. Wounds, losses, pain -- yes, they do hurt, but pain itself is a
part of the healing process.

Think of people who are born without pain receptors, who do not
feel pain. They often injure their bodies terribly. They can put their
hand on a hot stove and not feel it and come away with the tissue
totally burned. So pain is a teacher; pain is a warning; pain is a
signal. It's a type of inner radar that says, "Hey, there's something
happening you need to pay attention to."

As the Tibetan Master, Djwal Kul, once said, "Pain has no
dominion over you, but pain is an essential teacher.... Embrace her,
move through her, beyond her and find your manifest reality."'

When we are faced with pain, we may choose to explore it, to
understand it and to learn the soul lesson inherent in it. The secret
is keeping our heart open. Think of the avatars and the saints. They
kept their hearts open even when they suffered great pain. Jesus
and Gautama kept their hearts open. Padre Pio, Mahatma Gandhi
and Mother Teresa kept their hearts open. We may choose to walk
in their footsteps.

As we allow ourselves to realize we are wounded, to be aware of
the pain and go deeper and deeper to its source, we reach deep
into the well of our being to release old hurts, old poisons. That's
why we embrace pain. It's not because we love the fact that it hurts.
Nobody likes to hurt. But we choose to embrace pain because it's a
piercing, an opening of a wound that allows the hurtful poison to be
released. Then we can let it heal.

Think about that for a minute. Isn't it true that we tend to hold on to
what we have? Even if it's poisonous, at least it's familiar. So we
hold on to old wounds, old ideas, old grudges by thinking about
them, recreating them. Whether it is a person, a lifestyle, family,
friends or simply our way of doing things -- whatever we hold on
to gives us pain when it goes its way. When we release our
attachment, we feel surcease from the pain.

Being Awake

The Buddha as the Enlightened One taught nonattachment
because he understood this process. How did he get there?
Through communion with God and his determination to be
awake. The Buddha said we all need to be awake! We need
to be awake to greet the new day -- with new eyes, new
perspective, new hopes and dreams.

We deny ourselves this awakened state when we stay stuck
in our pain. Our awareness doesn't extend beyond the pain
and the fixed ideas we may have about what is causing it. Or
it may be that we try to hide from our feelings, from fully
experiencing the pain. When we do this, we feel upset, tense,
boxed in. Yet it is a box of our own making.

It's as if we are holding tightly to the past with our eyes firmly
shut to the present. Of course, with closed eyes, we can't see
the new day, the new opportunity, the possibility of a lesson
learned, a gain of new perspective. What to do? We may
choose to open our eyes, even as we open our hearts and turn
on the awareness of our five outer senses and our sixth sense
-- our intuition.

What is intuition anyway? It's that sense of inner knowing that
comes from being "awake." Buddha's state of awakeness is
not as far from our grasp as we might think. It is the awakening
of our soul to inner perceptions, inner truths, inner wisdom. You
have probably experienced this state many times in your life
without even realizing it. It's a part of our spiritual nature that we
sometimes take for granted. Life sure is a lot easier when we
allow our intuition to guide us.

Of course, this doesn't mean that difficult life situations are
always going to "come up roses." But every time we meditate,
pray, contemplate and take positive action, we learn and grow.
Our victories strengthen our faith, and defeats bring lessons
our souls need to learn.

Either way, when we choose to be awake, aware and grateful
in the present moment, we offer ourselves the best opportunity
for happiness today. In so doing, we create a better tomorrow.
And you know what? We may catch a glimpse of the angels
smiling.

Humor in the Ups and Downs of Life

Our sense of happiness also has to do with the way we choose
to look at misfortune. We may look only at the downside or we
may choose to discover an upside. The choice is up to us.

Do you remember the folktale of the old man whose only horse
disappeared? When his friends tried to console him, the old
man said, "How do you know this isn't a lucky omen?"

Sure enough, after several months, the lost horse came back
home accompanied by another excellent horse. Now he had
two fine steeds. When the old man's friends congratulated him
on his good luck, he replied, "How do you know that's not a
bad omen?"

Sure enough! One day the old man's son fell off the horse and
broke his leg severely. It left him crippled. When the old man's
friends called to tell him how sorry they were, he responded,
"How do you know this isn't a good omen?" As the story goes,
shortly after the man's son broke his leg, all the young men in
the land were ordered into the army to fight a war far away.
However, the old man's son, lame from his accident, was spared.

We could carry this story on and on. It illustrates the ups and
downs of life, which we may view as misfortune or opportunity,
depending on the way we look at them. Some times the seemingly
tragic or insolvable dilemma of today is only a prelude to a great
opportunity of tomorrow -- especially when we choose to look
at it that way.

When we accept the misfortunes of today as a potential blessing
for tomorrow, we put in motion positive energy that helps make
it happen. It's like noticing the silver lining of the clouds -- when
the clouds move on, we discover the sun has been shining
brightly all the time. In our inner world, we begin to move the
storm clouds along by focusing on loving, creative thoughts and
feelings.

Another way of nurturing a hopeful attitude in the present is to
keep your sense of humor alive and well. A good laugh relaxes
our body and mind even as it lifts our spirits. A sense of humor
about the slightly ridiculous aspects of life generates laughter,
and the joyful energy of laughter brings a brighter perspective.

When we stay in the here and now of the present, we find more
laughter and fewer tears. The problem for many of us is that we
bury the tears of yesterday and carry them into our tomorrows.
Instead, let's choose to cry when we are hurt, smile when we
are happy and welcome each new day with hope and humor.

Now you might be thinking, "I don't usually wake up feeling
hopeful and humorous. In fact, until I get my first cup of coffee,
it's better if I don't talk to anybody." Let's take a look at this: You
could moan and groan all day -- especially if you discover you
are out of coffee.

Or you could see the funny side of the drama: "Hmmm, here I
am basing my whole day on passing feelings and a cup of
coffee. That's pretty ridiculous!" Cartoonists are masters at
taking the minor mishaps of our lives and satirically showing
us the humor of our ways.

What does it take to cultivate a sense of humor about our
mishaps? Perspective. Adopting an attitude of positive
expectancy instead of gloom and negative pronouncements.

I remember a friend who had limited finances. When she was
in dire need, she would always say, "I'm expecting a check."
One time I asked her, "Who from?" She said, "I don't know, but
I'm expecting a check."

The delightful truth of this story is that this woman would
suddenly get checks out of nowhere. Money seemed to drop
from the skies in envelopes addressed to Ruth Farnam. It was
as if once she set her consciousness with positive expectation
and perfect faith, the universe complied.

Planting Seeds of Love and Hope

People have written and talked about this phenomenon as
having a "positive mental attitude. " I believe it is a natural
law of the universe that whatever we send out to life returns
to us. We know this from our interactions with people every
day. When our heart is full of love, everything seems to move
along harmoniously. When we put out negative vibes and
verbiage, we get it right back. We would do well to follow
Thumper's advice in the movie, Bambi. "If you can't say
somethin' nice, don't say nuthin' at all!"' The lesson here:
Whatever we send out, we get back. Karma is our teacher!

Each of us puts on many faces, sometimes all in the course
of a day. We take on different outlooks depending on our
circumstances, companions, thoughts and desires. As Piero
Ferucci puts it, "Life may appear to us at any time as a routine,
a dance, a race, an adventure, a nightmare, a riddle, a
merry-go-round, etc."'

In a word, we have the opportunity to see life as a cup
half-full or a cup half-empty. When we see our cup of life
half-empty and draining, we feel drained and empty. When
we see our cup of life half-full and filling, we feel energized
and overflowing. It is all a matter of the perspective we choose.
This article is excerpted from Sacred Psychology of Change,
2000, by Marilyn C. Barrick, Ph.D. Reprinted with permission
of the publisher, Summit University Press.
Tel. 1- 406-848-9500. ww.tsl.org

About the Author
Marilyn C. Barrick, Ph.D. , clinical psychologist and workshop
leader, specializes in inner-child work, relationship counseling,
dream analysis, Gestalt techniques, spiritual self-help exercises
and EMDR trauma release therapy. Dr. Barrick's popular book,
Sacred Psychology of Love was the first in her series on spiritual
psychology. Sacred Psychology of Change is the second book
in the series. (Dr. Barrick's other books.) For additional information,
Dr. Barrick invites you to visit her web site at
www.spiritualpsychology.com

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

Keys To Personal & Spiritual Growth

1. Attention - being disciplined and committed to make and take
the time to explore who we are.

2. Intention - being clear, positive, and purposeful in all that
we do.

3. Intuition - becoming more open, aware, impersonal, inclusive,
universal, and relaxed and playful.

4. Tension - recognizing and accepting the signs of transition.
Remember: if there is no tension, there is no growth.

5. Meditation - using this tool to progressively connect with our
senses, calm the mind, contemplate abstract qualities and then
use intuition to connect with the divine.

6. Action - acting through awareness, and not just reacting.
Having some disciplined routines. "Intuit and Do it."

7. Acceptance - learning to embrace everything with gratitude, as
all is divine. Resistance creates separation.

8. Mind Development - broadening our minds, strengthening our
will, developing more awareness and focus.

9. Taming our Emotions - becoming aware of and acknowledging
emotions, learning not to react to them, and exploring them for
insights.

10. Physical Responsibility - honoring our bodies and the natural
laws that govern our physical form.


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

A Work of Art

   Edward Fischer writes in Notre Dame Magazine (February,
1983), that a leper in Fiji followed the leading of his twisted
hands. He became an internationally known artist. "My
sickness I see as a gift of God leading me to my life's work,"
he said. "If it had not been for my sickness, none of these
things would have happened."

   As a young girl, Jessamyn West had tuberculosis. She was
so sick that she was sent away to die. During that time she
developed her skill as a writer and authored numerous
novels in her lifetime.

   That great author Flanner O'Connor suffered numerous
ailments -- lupus struck her at 25 and she walked only with
the aid of crutches for the final fourteen years of her life. She
noted, however, that this illness narrowed her activities in such
a way that she had time for the real work of her life, which was
writing.

   Some people succeed in spite of handicaps. Others succeed
because of them. The truth is... our problems help to make us
what we are. Those who suffer often learn the value of
compassion. Those who struggle often learn perseverance.
And those who fall down often teach others how to rise again. Our
troubles can shape us in ways a care-free existence cannot.

   A story is told of an Eastern village which, through the
centuries, was known for its exquisitely beautiful pottery.
Especially striking were its urns; high as tables, wide as
chairs, they were admired around the globe for their strong
form and delicate beauty.

   Legend has it that when each urn was apparently finished,
there was one final step. The artist broke it -- and then put it
back together with gold filigree.

   An ordinary urn was then transformed into a priceless work of
art. What seemed finished wasn't... until it was broken.

   So it is with people! Broken by hardships, disappointments and
tragedy, they can be either discarded or healed. But when
mended by a hand of infinite patience and love, the finished
product will be a work of exquisite beauty -- a life which could
only reach its completeness after it was broken.

   If you feel broken remember... you are a work of art! And you
may not actually be complete until the pieces are reassembled
and bonded with a golden filigree of love.

Copyright 1999 by Steve Goodier

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

Walk With Me

Walk with me by my side
Together we can walk the road
In me your deepest thoughts confide
Letting go of the fear lightens the load.

We can help each other on the spiritual path
Guiding the way as you will discover
Learning to live and maybe even to laugh
The person inside you will surely recover.

The road to freedom is through the fear
Through trials and pains you will grow
Reaching out for help God is always near
The way out of the darkness will begin to show .

Walk with me by my side
Together we can make the stand
Happiness awaits I must confide
Recovery works hand in hand.

Ellen Lucivero 1997
drmctcher@...

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

Slogans That A.A. Rejected

1)   I want patience NOW!
2)  Be optimistic, it pisses off pessimists!
3)  Do you see a problem with consuming something called "Good SHIT"?
4)  Life may sometimes suck but it beats the hell out of the
alternative.
5)  Do something DIFFERENT for a CHANGE!
6)  Slips don't just happen, so let's call them Jumps!
7)  Birds of a feather drink coffee and smoke cigarettes together!
8)  God is in you and me, so please stop getting him stoned!
9)  If you think a person is a jerk give them a break, you're really not
          that bad!
10)  He who refuses to learn shouldn't teach!
11)  Don't be so smug, a drug is a drug is a drug!
12)  Get High on Nature, EAT DIRT!
13)  Smiles are contagious, infect someone who doesn't deserve it.
14)  "Man, this coin can't even get me on the bus!"
15)  If I looked like you, I would have Drank too!
16)  Don't blame me, You enabled me!!
17)  You may be in recovery, but your still stupid.
18)  "And I thought I was bad!!"
19)  HUG  (Have Undisclosed Gun)
20)  A.A. "Alcoholics Anonymous?  I thought this was the Auto Club!"

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

Humble Thyself
Mary Manin Morrissey

"There's a story about a wealthy fellow who goes to a
Zen monastery seeking the secret to life.  But instead
of listening to the Master, the fellow does nothing but
speak of his accomplishments.

The Zen Master pours the man a cup of tea as he continues
his monologue. Suddenly, the man looks down, and sees his
teacup overflowing onto the saucer and down the table.
'What's wrong with you?' he bellows at the Zen Master.
'The tea is overflowing all over the place!'

The Zen Master responded: 'The secret of life is having
some emptiness so that the Universe can give you its gift.'

The man was so full of himself, that he had no room for God.
Have you created space for a miracle to occur? If our cup is
always full, what can be poured into it?"

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

Thought is the blossom;
language the bud;
action the fruit behind it.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

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

Few are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows,
the censure of the colleagues, the wrath of their society.
Moral courage is a rarer commodity
than bravery in battle or great intelligence.
Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those
who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change.
Each time a person stands up for an idea,
or acts to improve the lot of others,
or strikes out against injustice,
(s)he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope,
and crossing each other from a million different
centers of energy and daring,
those ripples build a current that can sweep down
the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.
Robert F. Kennedy

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

DETACH =
Dont
Even
Think
About
Calling
Him/Her

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

Unless commitment is made,
there are only promises and hopes...
but no plans.
Peter Drucker

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

If just one person can be helped
we have done our job
in carrying the message to those who suffer.

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

Fear knocked.
Faith answered.
No one was there.

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

Fear knocked.
Faith answered.
No one was there.

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

What you have been given is God's Gift to you.
What you become is your Gift to God.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

Created in 1997 , "12 Step Soul Food for the Spirit" is intended to give
readers , inspiring and thoughtful messages. To help fulfill our primary
purpose which is to carry the message to the alcoholic/addict
who still suffers. A spiritual adventure, a journey inwards this
has a vision of opening and touching, each and everyone,
with the Loving Power and Presence of the Spirit within."
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or
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe

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By the grace of God and through your efforts of passing on this
email, we are reaching many recovering people in different areas of
the world. If you are receiving this, from a country outside of the
USA please send me an email and tell me where you are receiving this.
So far we reaching over 7000 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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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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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






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

Leadership
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/leadership.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Why do you believe the newcomer is the most important person in the
rooms ?
How do you treat a newcomer ?
Were you scared when you were new ?

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 10
Today I trust the positive and loving people
to whom I am attracted.
Today I am free to share from my heart,
knowing that what I say will be treated with love and respect.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

I believe that deep within every human being lies the true essence
of our being, a spark of life and love, a pure spark of energy that
gives us all our sameness. Each experience thereafter establishes
our uniqueness.

Each moment and experience of life after birth either kindles or
covers this spark. But no matter what we experience even if we can
no longer feel this spark, no matter how many layers and layers of
negative
experiences have covered and buried our spark of life, it can never be
completely extinguished.

  From THE JOURNEY WITHIN: A Spiritual Path to Recovery by Ruth Fishel
www.spirithaven.com
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

After A While
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1049

The AA Principles and Virtues
www.barefootsworld.net/aaprinciples.html

Through prayer and meditation
N.A. Way Magazine 7/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway163-1.htm

Go to your Soul
www.wisehearts2.com/gts.htm

Heal Your Hurts
http://www.wisehearts2.com/HH.htm

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 10                                           Winners

"I started to imitate some of the things the winners were doing.
I got caught up in NA. I felt good...."      Basic Text p. 223

   We often hear it said in meetings that we should "stick with the
winners:' Who are the winners in Narcotics Anonymous? Winners are
easily identified. They work an active program of recovery, living in
the
solution and staying out of the problem. Winners are always ready to
reach their hands out to the newcomer. They have sponsors and work
with those sponsors. Winners stay clean, just for today.

   Winners are recovering addicts who keep a positive frame of mind.
They may be going through troubled times, but they still attend meetings
and share openly about it. Winners know in their hearts that, with the
help of a Higher Power, nothing will come along that is too much to
handle.

   Winners strive for unity in their service efforts. Winners practice
putting "principles before personalities:' Winners remember the
principle of anonymity, doing the principled action no matter who is
involved. Winners keep a sense of humor. Winners have the ability to
laugh at themselves. And when winners laugh, they laugh with you,
not at you.

   Who are the winners in Narcotics Anonymous? Any one of us can be
considered a winner. All of us exhibit some of the traits of the winner;
sometimes we come very close to the ideal, sometimes we don't. If we
are clean today and working our program to the best of our ability, we
are winners!

Just for today: I will strive to fulfill my ideals. I will be a winner.

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

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

Vital Sustenance

Those of us who have come to make regular use of prayer would
no more do without it than we would refuse air, food, or sunshine.
And for the same reason.  When we refuse air, light or food, the
body suffers.  And when we turn away from meditation and prayer,
we likewise deprive our minds, our emotions, and our intuitions
of vitally needed support.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS p. 97

   Step Eleven doesn't have to overwhelm me.  Conscious contact
with God can be as simple, and as profound, as conscious contact
with another human being.  I can smile.  I can listen.  I can forgive.
Every encounter with another is an opportunity for prayer, for
acknowledging God's presence within me.

   Today I can bring myself a little closer to my Higher Power.  The
more I choose to seek the beauty of God's work in other people,
the more certain of His presence I will become.

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 / December 10th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Our drinking fellowship was a substitute one, for
lack of something better.  At the time, we did not
realize what real fellowship could be.  Drinking
fellowship has a fatal fault.  It is not based on a
firm foundation.  Most of it is on the surface.  It
is based mostly on the desire to use your companions
for your own pleasure, and using others is a false
foundation.  Drinking fellowship has been praised
in song and story.  The "cup that cheers" has become
famous as a means of companionship.  But we realize
that the higher centers of our brains are dulled by
alcohol and such fellowship cannot be on the highest
plane.  It is at best only a substitute.
Do I see my drinking fellowship in its proper light?

Meditation for the Day

Set for yourself the task of growing daily more and
more into the consciousness of a Higher Power.  We
must keep trying to improve our conscious contact with
God.  This is done by prayer, quiet times, and communion.
Often all you need to do is sit silent before God and let
Him speak to you through your thought.  Try to think
God's thoughts after Him.  When the guidance comes,
you must not hesitate, but go out and follow that guidance
in your daily work, doing what you believe to be the right
thing.

Prayer for the Day I pray that I may be still and know
that God is with me.  I pray that I may open my mind to
the leading of the Divine Mind.

"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
DECEMBER 10

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

Empowerment

You can think. You can make good decisions. You can make choices that
are
right for you.

Yes, we all make mistakes from time to time. But we are not mistakes.

We can make a new decision that takes new information into account.

We can change our mind from time to time. That's our right too.

We don't have to be intellectuals to make good choices. In recovery,
we have
a gift and a goal available to each of us. The gift is called wisdom.

Other people can think too. And that means we no longer have to feel
responsible for other people's decisions.

That also means we are responsible for our choices.

We can reach out to others for feedback. We can ask for information.
We can
take opinions into account. But it is our task to make our own
decisions. It
is our pleasure and right to have our own opinions.

We are each free to embrace and enjoy the treasure of our own mind,
intellect, and wisdom.

Today, I will treasure the gift of my mind. I will do my own thinking,
make
my own choices, and value my opinions. I will be open to what others
think,
but I will take responsibility for myself. I will ask for and trust
that the
Divine Wisdom is guiding me.

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

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

Being Thankful
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/11/being-thankful.htm

Are You Tired of Hearing About Exercise?
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2004/12/exercise.htm

18 Principles of a Spiritual Life
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/November/feature3.html

Links for Wellness
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_health.htm#wellness

Links for Learning and Growth
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_learning.htm

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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

Healing Through Love

by Marilyn Innerfeld

The magnificence and perfection of each of us simply is. We
do not have to become monks in order to lead spiritual, healthy
lives. We do not have to be vegetarians, or wear flowing robes,
or sit in meditation for hours each day. There is no spiritual
"path," because everything is spiritual and all choices are
equal. We can work and be parents, husbands, wives, daughters,
sons, brothers and sisters, honoring Self and others in each
moment. No one is greater than another, for we are all the
same. We are here because we chose to experience Self as
God. And we all are God.

What we should always honor is our responsibility to Self. We
can choose to experience each day in peace, in order to
communicate with the silence within. We can choose to honor
the physical and never harbor it any ill will. We can choose to
perceive ourSelves as perfect, just as we can choose to see
perfection in all things and all people.

Imagine how wonderful it would be if we could visit medical
professionals and, rather than asking, "What is wrong?" they
would ask instead, "What is your experience?" This simple
dialogue would enable us to maintain personal power, rather
than diminish our role as a partner and healer. It would also
remove judgment, for illness is not "wrong"; it is simply a
creation through choice. As we embrace responsibility for
Self, we learn to make choices in selfLove.

When we love ourSelves, we cannot fool ourSelves into
believing we are what we are not. Many people perceive
their realities so differently from their truth. When asked,
many clients tell me that they drink so much water each day,
and yet, when pushed to count the number, some barely
get to four glasses per day. Many people purchase nutritional
supplements and forget to take them; many eat unhealthful
foods, thinking they are fooling someone outside of themSelves;
and many are in denial of their emotional make-up, refusing
to see their reactions to others as the truth of who they are.

As we acknowledge that we are God, we then embrace
responsibility for each moment of our lives. We have always
created our lives, but when we understand and accept our
power, we begin to choose to live in joy...and love.

Health and well-being are experienced through choice. We
should never take a moment of our lives for granted; nor
should we take anything for granted, for that matter. We can
always choose to make the time to honor the people in our
lives, as well as the environment we have chosen. Most
importantly, we should honor the magnificence of Self.

If you are suffering from any ailment in this moment, know
in your heart that it exists as your Teacher. You are the
Student. You can choose to learn from your creation of
illness by looking into your heart. Discern your choices of
selfLove prior to this moment. Accept the responsibility
for this perfect creation. Acknowledge your experience as
it is. Honor yourSelf from this moment forth, on all levels of
mind, body and spirit. Choose to live fully and powerfully.
And celebrate being you!

When experiencing love, you recognize the perfection of
Self and the perfection of All. We can all choose to learn to
release judgment of everyone and everything around us.
Why is it that, when we look upon a tree with damaged
branches, we accept the tree as it is with its perceived
imperfection, yet, in many instances, when we look upon
another person we judge as imperfect, we turn away? As you
come into the acceptance of your own perfection, you cannot
help but see perfection in all things.

Self-empowerment offers you all the tools you need to create
wellness in your body. There is no one outside yourSelf who
can heal you, although many can help you release the
physical symptoms of your creation. It is important to
recognize that, as creator of your illness, you are equally the
healer of your illness. The root cause should be addressed,
and it is important to face your choices of self-diminishment
and to release them once and for all, in order to move into the
rest of your life in harmony and balance.

Stop looking outside yourSelf for answers. You have all the
answers within your heart. We each, as human Beings who
have chosen this physical existence, are here with great
purpose. Choose to accept yourSelf unconditionally, and then
embrace the choices necessary to change your life and the
experience of selfLove. Illness is nothing more than an
experience of life and living. You have the power to change the
choices which brought forth this experience and live in total joy
and love.

Learn to flow in joy each moment. Release judgment of Self
and others. Appreciate the small wonders of your life. Share
good thoughts and release all other thoughts. Honor your body
and your soul. Choose activities which bring you joy. Accept and
embrace your power and use it purposefully and honorably.
Share your love, and love yourSelf. And as this way of choosing
to live each moment of your day becomes a pattern for your life,
know that you will not only heal yourSelf, but you will heal all
others...through love.

Marilyn Innerfeld is co-founder of The Worldwide Center located
in Evergreen, Colorado. She is a medical intuitive, a certified
hypnotherapist, and a long-time member of the International
Association of Counselors and Therapists. Marilyn has studied
nutritional therapies as well as Chinese medicine. She has a
mastery of past-life regression in her work as a hypnotherapist,
but is currently focused on total wellness through the elimination
of present-life issues and blocks. Marilyn has healed from cancer
and uses her personal experience to assist her in her work. Visit
the Center's website at www.ExpandedLiving.net

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

Where Is God?

He was just a little boy, on a weeks first day. He was wandering
home from Sunday school and dawdling on the way.

He scuffed his shoes into the grass, he found a caterpillar. He
found a fluffy milkweed pod and blew out all the "filler."

A birds nest in a tree overhead, so wisely placed on high. Was
just another wonder that caught his eager eye.

A neighbor watched his zig zag course and hailed him from the
lawn; asked him where he'd been that day and what was going on.

"I've been to Bible school" he said and turned a piece of sod.  He
picked up a wiggly worm replying, 'I've learned a lot of God"..

"M'm very fine way" the neighbor said,"for a boy to spend his time."
"If you tell me where God is, I'll give you a brand new dime."

Quick as a flash the answer came.  Nor were his accents faint.
"I'll give you a dollar, mister, if you can tell me where God ain't."

Author Unknown


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

This too shall pass
Learn To Embrace Change
by Jim Donovan

   The only constant is change. If there's one thing we can count
on in our life it is that whatever is going on now, will change.
We live in an ever-changing universe. Everything in our world,
including our very bodies is changing. The cells in your body
are totally replaced every seven years. The seasons change
as do governments, businesses, cultures, the sun, moon, stars,
and, of course, us. Unfortunately, it is our nature to resist change
of any kind. I don't know about you, but I find this a bit strange.
We are trying to resist change in an ever-changing universe.
Unsuccessfully, I might add. The fear of change and fear of the
unknown is so strong in some people that they will remain in
abusive  relationships, unhealthy environments, dead end
jobs and many other self-destructive situations, rather than
face the unknown.

   If you want to have a successful, happy and productive life,
you must learn to accept, even welcome or embrace change.
I know it can be difficult. We become comfortable with the status
quo, going along on our path feeling fine and all of a sudden
wham!  something happens to upset our apple cart. It can
be something as serious as the loss of a loved one or a job or
home. It may be a minor upset like rain on your vacation or a
broken date. Whatever the situation, change or circumstance
we must learn to handle it or we may be immobilized by it.

   The best way I know of to deal with challenging situations is
to ask better questions. Ask questions like what good about this?
Or, how can I best cope with this situation? Or, how can I make
the best of this? I remember once being fired from my job at a
TV production company. When the boss told me I was no longer
need, I thanked them. You should have seen the look on his face.
He expected me to be angry and was stunned at my response.
I viewed my losing the job as the opportunity I was waiting for.
He gave me the push I needed to start my own business and
I've never looked back. Of course, it may be prudent to seek
outside help, especially in serious situations. Don't be afraid
to reach out for help. Our society has a support system for almost
any challenge you may be facing. If all else fails, in a changing
situation, remember the wisdom of the quote above: This to shall
pass.

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

A Quest

I started on a journey
Not so long ago;
I’m not sure where I’m going--
Only my Higher Power knows.

The way this travel takes me,
I am not really sure--
I put my faith and trust in God;
I know he keeps me pure.

The coming days are filled with tests,
The answers are unclear--
My trust in God will keep me strong
On this rough and bumpy road.

To help me keep my focus
And not take on too big a load

This journey that I’m on
This way for a better life
Is the only way for me to go
For a happier, saner life.

I started on a journey
Not so long ago
I’m not sure where I’m going
But when I get there
You’ll be the first to know.

On this day I can accept myself
My journey’s just begun.

By Joe H.,
Marshall, MI
kgilbert@...

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

Lord of the light, Spirit of the Universe, Master of my Soul.

Thank you for loving me, nurturing me, guiding me,
restoring this vessel whole.

Thanks for the life, the love, and the gifts,
you bestow on this pilgrims despair.

Thank you for caring and carrying my burdens
and teaching my heart how to care.

Thanks for your patient, enlightening conscience,
that self will no longer denies.

Thank you for honesty, sincerity, uprightness,
and desire to walk in the light.

Thanks for accepting me, when I was unacceptable,
and loving me when I could not love.

Thank you for gratitude, a spiritually awakened attitude,
and the twelve steps inspired from above.

Guy B.
11/24/00
gfboggs@...

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

True religion is the life we lead, not the creed we profess.
   Louis Nizer

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

Peace is possible.
Each moment that one individual chooses peace inside,
the whole of humanity moves forward.
We each have the ability and responsibility
to become peacemakers in our daily lives.
John Morton

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

Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to
doesn't mean they don't love you the best way they know how.
Unknown

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

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood,
but of respect and joy in each other's life.
Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.
Richard Bach

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

If we believe in the rebirth of our civilization...
then clearly this renaissance must begin
in the chambers of our own hearts...
We cannot wait for society to change,
or for our institutions to be renewed.
We, as individuals, must assume responsibility
for our own personal transformation.
Georg Feuerstein

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

Keep your recovery first,
to make it last.

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

This is a selfless program,
not a selfish program.

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

There are no victims,
only volunteers.

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

Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

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

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

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

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me 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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and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe

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http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

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






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

Serenity
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/serenity.html

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

The weekly meeting topic is:
Why do you believe the newcomer is the most important person in the
rooms ?
How do you treat a newcomer ?
Were you scared when you were new ?

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

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

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 11
The world can not change overnight, nor can I.
Just one step at a time, one day at a time,
I'm exactly where I need to be
to get to exactly where I am going.
I trust this process 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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

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

12 Tips For Successful Meetings

1. Atmosphere: Offer unconditional support, love and
      acceptance; talk to newcomers.

2. Structure: Begin and end the meeting on time;
      adhere to traditional format.

3. Focus: Honestly and consistently share experience,
      strength and hope.

4. Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions: Practice the
      Steps and Traditions; show commitment to the
      program.

5. Sponsors: Have them available and willing to help
      others.

6. Abstinent members: Show commitment to abstinence
      and physical recovery; qualify when sharing; show
      enthusiasm for program.

7. Program spoken here: Focus on program basics and
      solutions; practice principles before
      personalities; don't allow cross talk.

8. Literature: Use and display only Conference-
      approved literature.

9. Service: Show enthusiasm, encouragement and
      support.

10. Rotation of service: Have reliable,
      responsible and committed members in service
      positions; honor abstinence requirements; hold
      regular group conscience meetings.

11. Service above the group level: Promote
      participation at intergroup and other service body
      activities.

12. Fellowship: Come early and stay late; reach
      out to members between meetings; socialize with
      members outside the meeting.

Reprinted from Lifeline Magazine, March 2000


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

Am I A Good A.A. Member When......
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=351

Recovery without God
N.A. Way Magazine 7/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway163-4.htm

Recovery Word Search
www.recoverygreetings.com/newsletter/amazing.html

Children Are Worth Saving HOME PAGE
www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/7836/main.html

48 'Musts' in N.A., as found in the N.A. Basic Text
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1087

103 "MUSTS" IN THE BIG BOOK
www.barefootsworld.net/aa103musts.html

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

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

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

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

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

Just For Today
December 11                          Misery is Optional

"No one is forcing us to give up our misery." Basic Text p. 29

   It's funny to remember how reluctant we once were to surrender to
recovery. We seemed to think we had wonderful, fulfilling lives as
using addicts and that giving up our drugs would be worse than
serving a life sentence at hard labor. In reality, the opposite was
true: Our lives were miserable, but we were afraid to trade that
familiar misery for the uncertainties of recovery.

It's possible to be miserable in recovery, too, though it's not
necessary. No one will force us to work the steps, go to meetings,
or work with a sponsor. There is no NA militia that will force us to
do the things that will free us from pain. But we do have a choice.
We've already chosen to give up the misery of active addiction for
the sanity of recovery. Now, if we're ready to exchange today's
misery for even greater peace, we have a means to do just that-if
we really want to.

Just for today: I don't have to be miserable unless I really want to be.
Today, I will trade in my misery for the benefits of 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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

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

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

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

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

A Daily Reprieve

What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the
maintenance of our spiritual condition.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85

Maintaining my spiritual condition is like working out every day,
planning for the marathon, swimming laps, jogging.  It's staying in
good shape spiritually, and that requires prayer and meditation.
The single most important way for me to improve my conscious
contact with a Higher Power is to pray and meditate.  I am as
powerless over alcohol as I am to turn back the waves of the sea;
no human force had the power to overcome my alcoholism.  Now
I am able to breathe the air of joy, happiness and wisdom.  I have
the power to love and react to events around me with the eyes of
a faith in things that are not readily apparent.  My daily reprieve
means that, no matter how difficult or painful things appear today,
I can draw on the power of the program to stay liberated from my
cunning, baffling and powerful illness.

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 / December 11th

A.A. Thought for the Day

Doctors think of the A.A. fellowship as group therapy.
This is a very narrow conception of the depth of the
A.A. fellowship.  Looking at it purely as a means of
acquiring and holding sobriety, it is right as far as it
goes.  But it doesn't go far enough.  Group therapy is
directed toward the help that the individual receives
from it.  It is essentially selfish.  It is using the
companionship of other alcoholics only in order to stay
sober ourselves.  But this is only the beginning of real
A.A. fellowship.  Do I deeply feel the true AA. fellowship?

Meditation for the Day

Most of us have had to live through the dark part of our
lives, the time of failure, the nighttime of our lives, when
we were full of struggle and care, worry and remorse,
when we felt deeply the tragedy of life.  But with our
daily surrender to a Higher Power comes a peace and joy
that make all things new.  We can now take each day as a
joyous sunrise-gift from God to use for Him and for other
people.  The night of the past is gone, this day is ours,

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may take this day as a gift from God.  I pray
that I may thank God for this day and be glad in it.

"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
DECEMBER 11

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

Affirmations

One of our choices in recovery is choosing what we want to think -
using our mental energy positively.

Positive mental energy, positive thinking, does not mean we think
unrealistically or revert to denial. If we don't like something, we
respect our own opinion. If we spot a problem, we're honest about
it. if something isn't working out, we accept reality. But we don't
dwell on the negative parts of our experience.

Whatever we give energy to, we empower.

There is magic in empowering the good, because whatever we
empower grows bigger. One way to empower the good is through
affirmations: simple positive statements we make to ourselves:
I love myself... I'm good enough... My life is good...I'm glad I'm
alive today... What I want and need is coming to me... I can...

Our choice in recovery is not whether to use affirmations. We've
been affirming thoughts and beliefs since we were old enough to
speak. The choice in recovery is what we want to affirm.

Today, I will empower the good in myself, others, and life.
I'm willing to release, or let go of, negative thought patterns
and replace them with positive ones. I will choose what I want
to affirm, and I will make it good.

©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 Holy and Every Moment is Precious
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2007/December/feature1.html

Enjoy the Magic of Prosperity
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2004/12/keith-varnum.htm

The New Golden Rules, An Essential Guide to Spiritual Bliss
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2005/November/feature4.html

A Conversation Marianne Williamson
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2000/04/williamson.htm

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

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

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

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

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


They're Playing Your Song

By Alan Cohen
author of "Living from the Heart."

When a woman in a certain African tribe knows she is pregnant,
she goes out into the wilderness with a few friends and together
they pray and meditate until they hear the song of the child.
They recognize that every soul has its own vibration that
expresses its unique flavor and purpose. When the women
attune to the song, they sing it out loud. Then they return
to the tribe and teach it to everyone else.

When the child is born, the community gathers and sings the
child's song to him or her. Later, when the child enters
education, the village gathers and chants the child's song.
When the child passes through the initiation to adulthood,
the people again come together and sing. At the time of
marriage, the person hears his or her song.

Finally, when the soul is about to pass from this world, the
family and friends gather at the person's bed, just as they
did at their birth, and they sing the person to the next life.

When I have shared this story in my lectures, a fair amount
of people in the audience come to tears. There is something
inside each of us that knows we have a song, and we wish
those we love would recognize it and
support us to sing it.

In some of my seminars I ask people to verbalize to a partner
the one phrase they wish their parents had said to them as a
child. Then the partner lovingly whispers it in their ear. This
exercise goes very deep, and many significant insights start
to click. How we all long to be loved, acknowledged, and
accepted for who we are!

In the African tribe there is one other occasion upon which
the villagers sing to the child. If at any time during his or her
life, the person commits a crime or aberrant social act, the
individual is called to the center of the village and the people
in the community form a circle around them. Then they
sing their song to them.

The tribe recognizes that the correction for antisocial behavior
is not punishment; it is love and the remembrance of identity.
When you recognize your own song, you have no desire or need
to do anything that would hurt another.

A friend is someone who knows your song and sings it to you
when you have forgotten it. Those who love you are not fooled
by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about
yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your
wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel
guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.

One summer when I was a teenager I went to visit my cousin
and her family in Wilmington, Delaware. One afternoon she
took me to the community pool, where I met a man who
changed my life. Mr. Simmons talked to me for about ten
minutes. It wasn't what he said that affected me so deeply;
it was how he listened to me. He asked me questions about
my life, my feelings, and my interests.

The unusual thing about Mr. Simmons was that he paid
attention to my answers. Although I had family, friends,
and teachers, this man was the only person in my world who
seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say and valued
me for who I was.

After our brief conversation I never saw him again. I probably
never will. I'm sure he had no idea that he gave me the gift
of a lifetime. Maybe he was one of those angels who show up
for a brief mission on earth, to give someone faith, confidence,
and hope when they most need it.

If you do not give your song a voice, you will feel lost, alone,
and confused. If you express it, you will come to life. I have
also done a workshop exercise in which everyone in the room
is given a piece of paper with the name of a simple song on it,
such as "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little
Star." In the whole group there are perhaps eight different
songs, and a half-dozen people have the same song named
on their paper.

Each person is then asked to mill around the room while they
whistle or hum their song. When they find someone else
playing the same song, they stay together until they find
everyone who is singing that song. Thus they create small
groups that serve as touchstones for the duration of
the program. Life is very much like this exercise. We attract
people on a similar wavelength so we can support each other
to sing aloud. Sometimes we attract people who challenge us
by telling us that we cannot or should not sing our song in
public. Yet these people help us too, for they stimulate us
to find greater courage to sing it.

You may not have grown up in an African tribe that sings
your song to you at crucial life transitions, but life is always
reminding you when you are in tune with yourself and when
you are not. When you feel good, what you are doing matches
your song, and when you feel awful, it doesn't. In the end,
we shall all recognize our song and sing it well. You may feel
a little warbly at the moment, but so have all the great
singers. Just keep singing and you'll find your way home.

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

Do you want a miracle in your life? The first condition
of any miracle is a state of emptiness, a place of receptivity.
We're not just rehashing and rehearsing what's been.
We're not struggling with the what-is.  We're pausing.
We're getting quiet and opening up.  We're creating a sense
of spaciousness for a deeper awareness and connection,
altering the daily habit of our lives.  We create that space of
receptivity through prayer.

Mary Manin Morrissey

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

Countdown to Recovery

10. Alcoholics, all in a line.  One got to thinking --
      Then there were Nine.

9. Alcoholics, one said, "Wait!  A near beer can't hurt!"
    Then there were eight.

8. Alcoholics, lookin' up to heaven.  One cut out meetings --
    Then  there were seven.

7. Alcoholics, doing service for kicks.  One started grumbling --
    Then there were six.

6. Alcoholics, glad to be alive.  'Til one smoked pot --
    Then there were five.

5. Alcoholics, greeters at the door.  One played the Big Shot --
    Then there were four.

4. Alcoholics, for fun and for free.  One's case was "different" --
    Then there were three.

3. Alcoholics, knowing what to do.  One rewrote the Big Book --
    Then there were two.

2. Alcoholics, having some fun.  One started lying --
    Then there was one.

1. Alcoholic, talking to HP.  "If only one is sober --
    I'm glad that it's me!"

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

Paint Brush

I keep my paint brush with me
Wherever I may go,
In case I need to cover up
So the real me doesn't show.
I'm so afraid to show you me,
Afraid of what you'll do - that
You might laugh or say mean things.
I'm afraid I might lose you.

I'd like to remove all my paint coats
To show you the real, true me,
But I want you to try and understand,
I need you to accept what you see.
So if you'll be patient and close your eyes,
I'll strip off all my coats real slow.
Please understand how much it hurts
To let the real me show.

Now my coats are all stripped off.
I feel naked, bare and cold,
And if you still love me with all that you see,
You are my friend, pure as gold.
I need to save my paint brush, though,
And hold it in my hand,
I want to keep it handy
In case someone doesn't understand.
So please protect me, my dear friend
And thanks for loving me true,
But please let me keep my paint brush with me
Until I love me, too.

By Davd, Wizard of Oz

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

Paint brush in hand, I am floating.
The smell of oil paints, mineral spirits and gesso
is amazing to me in this place.
The sound of wind chimes. Singing to myself.
The colors... Yellow, red, blue...
They create my life, my rainbow of experiences,
All painted on canvas, my life immortalized in oils,
in ink, in pencil, on paper...
But nothing, nothing at all, carved in stone.

© Meia Mohamed
November 9th, 2005
Age - 15

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

Look past the body, past the personality, past the behavior,
into the window of one another's souls.
There we make a connection.
The God in me recognizes and honors the God in you.
Mary Manin Morrissey

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

The miracle is not to walk on water,
but to walk with love on earth -
as if your feet are kissing the ground.

We must remember
that our presence
alone is a miracle.

We must learn to say
'Yes' to the miracles of life.

Thich Nhat Hanh

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you judge people, you have no time to love them.
Mother Teresa

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Responsibility: Your Response to God's Ability.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just accept, don't expect

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you aren't happy today, what are you waiting for?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He who cannot forgive others destroys the bridge
over which he himself must pass.
George Herbert

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A student asked Soen Nakagawa during a meditation retreat,
"I am very discouraged. What should I do?"
Soen replied, "Encourage others."
Excerpted from Essential Zen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

People travel to wonder at the
height of the mountains,
at the huge waves of the seas,
at the long course of the rivers,
at the vast compass of the ocean,
at the circular motion of the stars,
and yet they pass by themselves
without wondering.
St. Augustine


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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/

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
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To unsubscribe to to this list send an Email message to the group
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or
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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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
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http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Just Say No
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/justsayno.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Why do you believe the newcomer is the most important person in the
rooms ?
How do you treat a newcomer ?
Were you scared when you were new ?

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

to share please visit
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 9
I have the right to have my needs met.
In order to have them met,
I am expressing them to the people who can help me 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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

God's Hands

God laid down his hand that day
And directed a car crash
She slowly opens up her eyes
And is granted with her life
Her life begins anew that day
With people standing by
To guide her through recovery steps
To find a different way.
The baby steps she started with
She slowly makes her change
With situations that baffled her
A Higher Power gained
One day at a time
Let go let God
More will be revealed
The slogans all have meaning now
That makes her life so real
She learns to live, to love once more
  From a painful knowledge gained
It's growth that came from deep within
A growth from all her pain
She lives her life sober now
One day at a time
And sees the beauty from within
She loves herself again
caring Sharing Growing strong
Given strength where she was blind
A tiny seed was planted firm
And slowly does unwind.......
To show us beautiful woman inside!
Someone special, someone caring, someone lovable someone kind...

Dianna Harrison-Jones
ex_123@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 Treat
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=1055

Ancient Wisdom - A Starting Point
www.barefootsworld.net/ancientwisdom.html

On the spiritual path
N.A. Way Magazine 7/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway163-1.htm

Dr. Bob: A Tribute
www.silkworth.net/grapevine/drbob_tribute.html>

Click here RIGHT NOW
www.positivepause.com/index.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
http://www.serenityquest.org/60.html

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
December 9                                              Listening

"This ability to listen is a gift and grows as we grow spiritually life
takes on a new meaning when we open ourselves to this gift."
   Basic Text p. 102

    Have you ever watched two small children carry on a conversation?
One will be talking about purple dragons while the other carries on
about the discomfort caused by having sand in one's shoes. We
sometimes encounter the same communication problems as we learn
to listen to others. We may struggle through meetings, trying
desperately to hear the person sharing while our minds are busy
planning what we will say when it's our turn to speak. In conversation,
we may suddenly realize that our answers have nothing to do with
the questions we're being asked. They are, instead, speeches
prepared while in the grip of our self-obsession.

    Learning how to listen-really listen-is a difficult task, but one
that's
not beyond our reach. We might begin by acknowledging in our replies
what our conversational partner is saying. We might ask if there is
anything we can do to help when someone expresses a problem.
With a little practice, we can find greater freedom from self-obsession
and closer contact with the people in our lives.

Just for today: I will quiet my own thoughts and listen to what someone
else is saying.

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

Meditation of the Day
http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
http://www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Intuition and Inspiration

. . . we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. We
relax and take it easy. We don't struggle.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 86

I invest my time in what I truly love.  Step Eleven is a discipline that
allows me and my Higher Power to be together, reminding me that, with
God's help, intuition and inspiration are possible.  Practice of the
Step
brings on self-love.  In a consistent attempt to improve my conscious
contact with a Higher Power, I am subtly reminded of my unhealthy
past, with its patterns of grandiose thinking and false feelings of
omnipotence.  When I ask for the power to carry out God's will for me,
I am made aware of my powerlessness.  Humility and a healthy self-
love are compatible, a direct result of working Step Eleven.

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 / December 9th

A.A. Thought for the Day

The way of A.A. is the way of fellowship.  We have
read a good deal about fellowship and yet it is such
an important part of the A.A. program that it seems
we cannot think too much about it.  Human beings
were not meant to live alone.  A hermit's life is not
a normal or natural one.  We all need to be by
ourselves at times, but we cannot really live without
the companionship of others.  Our natures demand it.
Our lives depend largely upon it.  The fellowship of
A.A. seems to us to be the best in the world.
Do I fully appreciate what the fellowship of A.A.
means to me?

Meditation for the Day

We are all seeking something, but many do not know
what they want in life.  They are seeking something
because they are restless and dissatisfied, without
realizing that faith in God can give an objective and
a purpose to their lives.  Many of us are at least
subconsciously seeking for a Power greater than
ourselves because that would give a meaning to our
existence.  If you have found that Higher Power, you
can be the means of leading others aright, by showing
them that their search for a meaning to life will end
when they find faith and trust in God as the answer.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that my soul will lose its restlessness by finding
rest in God.  I pray that I may find peace of mind in the
thought of God and His purpose for my life.

"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" is a © Copyrighted book of
Hazelden Foundation.  No portion of this publication may
be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of Hazelden.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Work The Steps*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today's Thought
DECEMBER 09

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Asking for Help

It's okay to ask for help.

One of the most absurd things we do to ourselves is not asking
for the help we need from a friend, a family member, our Higher
Power, or the appropriate resource.

We don't have to struggle through feelings and problems alone.
We can ask for help from our Higher Power and for support and
encouragement from our friends.

Whether what we need is information, encouragement, a hand,
a word, a hug, someone who will listen, or a ride, we can ask.
We can ask people for what we need from them. We can ask
God for what we need from God.

It is self-defeating to not ask for the help we need. It keeps us
stuck. If we ask long and hard enough, if we direct our request
to the right source, we'll get the help we need.

There is a difference between asking someone to rescue us and
asking someone in a direct manner for the help we need from
him or her. We can be straightforward and let others choose
whether to help us or not. If the answer is no, we can deal with
that.

It is self-defeating to hint, whine, manipulate, or coerce help out
of people. It is annoying to go to people as a victim and expect
them to rescue us. It is healthy to ask for help when help is what
we need.

"My problem is shame," said one woman. "I wanted to ask for help
in dealing with it, but I was to ashamed. Isn't that crazy?"

We who are eager to help others can learn to allow ourselves to
receive help. We can learn to make clean contracts about asking
for and receiving the help we want and need.

Today, I will ask for help if I need it - from people and my Higher
Power. I will not be a victim, helplessly waiting to be rescued. I
will make my request for help specific, to the point, and I will leave
room for the person to choose whether or not to help me. I will not
be a martyr any longer by refusing to get the help I deserve in life -
the help that makes life simpler. God, help me let go of my need to
do everything alone. Help me use the vast Universe of resources
available to me.

©1990, Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written
permission of the publisher

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*You Are A Miracle*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ginger Health
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/11/ginger.htm

Letters of Wisdom and Affirmations, Louise Hay
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/December/hay.htm

The Standard American Diet
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2005/12/standard-diet.htm

Setting our Priorities
To be sure of where you are, check with the map of your heart.
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/March/vissell.htm

Soulful Insight
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_health.htm#insight

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

Has Anyone Told You
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/

Meditationroom
http://www.lime.com/meditation_room

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Creativity Brings Hope

by Matthew Fox
Where does our hope lie? Where shall we ground ourselves for
continuing on and changing our ways radically? Can we be
confident that creativity is the key to our survival and sustainability
as a species?

Creativity is who we are, creativity can redeem and save our
species. I agree with Dr. Clarissa Pinkola EstTs that "all women
and men are born gifted." All we need to do is release this creativity,
get out of its way, as M. C. Richards used to say. EstTs also
believes that "a woman's creative ability is her most valuable asset."
I believe that is true of men as well -- it is the most valuable asset
of our species.

What are we waiting for? Let us remove the obstacles, let go of the
guilt, and get moving. We have nothing to lose but our pessimism
and cynicism, for, as Otto Rank warned us, "pessimism comes with
the repression of creativity." Creativity is not in short supply. There
is an abundance of it, plenty to go around. It has always been this
way. From the original fireball to the birth of the atoms, galaxies,
supernovas, stars, sun, planets, earth and her marvelous creatures.
We humans are latecomers to the creative universe, but we are
powerfully endowed with creativity.

Some of my hope comes from the realization, growing daily, of
how perilous our situation is on this planet. As more and more
people get out of denial and the addictions denial puts us in and
come to realize the danger that our unsustainable species is in,
there will be action and there will be grounds for hope. This sounds
paradoxical, and it is: Our very despair is a cause of hope, for
despair often results in breakdown, and breakdown results in
breakthrough. Our systems are breaking down today -- all of
them. And we feel it. All our professions, all our religions, all
our politics and economic and educational establishments
need reinventing. They all lack feminine energy, wisdom energy.
They lack cosmology and creativity.

This gives hope -- that the Divine can and will return in a more
balanced form to our species. It will return through a coming
alive of our love of life and a response to the pain so
omnipresent on our planet. This response will precipitate an
outbreak of creativity. If we can use justice and compassion as
contours to contain and to critique the use of creativity, then
what we give birth to will serve other generations and other
species instead of destroy them. Then the Spirit will be at work
once again, creating and re-creating, co-working with humankind.

Creativity is a Choice

Let us not deceive ourselves or live in a silly illusion about our
creativity. Creativity is a choice. (In theological terms, it is grace
and works operating together. It is an option to live a life with
grace.) Creativity is not a particular gift given to certain people
only. It is a personal choice and a cultural choice. An individual
choice and a family, professional, and societal choice, and at
this time in our history it is a species choice. We choose whether
to let creativity flow or not -- in our educational systems, our
media, our politics, our economics, our religions, our very psyches.
In theological terms, it is a matter of letting the Spirit in, the
Christ
in, the Buddha nature in.

I believe Sri Aurobindo had this in mind when he predicted a
"coming dawn" for the resurrection of poetry itself -- provided we
tap into a "larger cosmic vision" that would and could release
the "Divine possibilities" of our species. Perhaps Hildegard of
Bingen, the twelfth-century abbess, mystic, scientist, and artist,
put it best when she said:

God has gifted creation with everything that is necessary. . . .
Humankind, full of all creative possibilities, is God's work.
Humankind is called to co-create. . . .
God gave to humankind the talent to create with all the world.

Just as the person shall never end, until into dust
they are transformed and resurrected,
just so, their works are always visible.
The good deeds shall glorify, the bad deeds shall shame.

It is true that we are a species that can say "NO" to our potential.
We can choose not to develop our creativity and that of our
children; we can choose to turn our creativity over to others and
to institutions that appear more imposing than ourselves. Yes,
we can use our creativity for demonic purposes -- even to deny
our powers of creation is to serve demonic powers that will willingly
fill the gap. Yes, we can resist evolution -- even our own. And our
bad deeds will shame. And our species will end, bringing down
much beauty with it.

But I do believe, and I am sure the reader believes, that humankind
can opt instead for the "good deeds that glorify". We must. The
Spirit of Creativity is expecting us to do so. Creation is waiting
for our response.

This article is excerpted from Creativity, ?2002, by Matthew Fox.
Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Jeremy P. Tarcher /
Putnam, a member of Penguin Putnam Inc. www.penguinputnam.com

About the Author
Matthew Fox has devoted his career to unleashing the
suppressed mystical and life-affirming traditions within
Christianity and other faiths. His theology of Creation
Spirituality the belief that we are born in "original blessing"-
earned him the headline making censure of the Vatican, who
officially "silenced" Fox in 1989 and precipitated his dismissal
by the Dominican Order in 1995. Now an Episcopal priest,
Fox is the author of more than twenty books. He lives in
California.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What We Share...

When we share laughter, there's twice the fun;
When we share success, we've surpassed what we've done.
When we share problems, there's half the pain;
When we share tears, a rainbow follows rain.
When we share dreams, they become more real;
When we share secrets, it's our hearts we reveal.
If we share a smile, that's when our love shows;
If we share a hug, that's when our love grows.
If we share with someone on whom we depend,
that person is always family or friend.
And what draws us closer and makes us all care,
Is not what we have, but the things we share

Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Be Ready
Virjinja

When neediness is abandoned,
along with filling other's expectations...
something quite amazing opens up.
Enter now into spiritual growth and expansion,
the place to fill your empty cup.

Never does this happen via invitation,
but rather by Divine appointment...
the opportunity has always been available,
only waiting on your decision to join in.

The new era you choose to enter
is defined by notable enhancements...
the inability to create havoc and distress ~
with driving desires for the higher attributes,
not for the less.

An amazing aura projects from within,
drawing close like moths to flame...
kindred spirits with kindred goals,
moving in unison in these higher roles.

Being ready for life like this...
creates a domino effect, leading only to bliss.
Attaining with each other the place of higher accord...
occurs naturally when communing with the Lord.

Be ready by having a change of heart.
Only be willing ~ this is the way for you to start.

Virginia Santoro
Copyright ©  2002  ~  All Rights Reserved
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

No Time For Sadness

I was feelin so sad, my computer was broke,
Drinking way too much coffee, trying not to chain smoke,
When a call from my friend, so happy and gay
Told me of a picnic that's happening today.
I said, "I'm not going," tried every excuse.
She just wouldn't let me, so what was the use?
I reluctantly got dressed, got into my clothes,
And that's how it works, as everyone knows.
There's days that I'm down, and can't reason why.
These feelings may come, I may start to cry.
The friends that I have make blues fade away.
There's no time for sadness in my life today!

Sharlett Hunt  2002
Sharlette863@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In Pure Love

God does not live high above
He dwells in us
In pure love
Love not centered
By lust or greed
Like many flowers
  From one seed
God sits with us
Around our table
He speaks through us
As He makes us able
To help our brothers and sisters
Along this new way
He speaks through us
When we say
In pure love
God does not live above
To live and to love our fellow man
To have a heart to understand
God will break the chains of addiction
He will fill us with a conviction
For the new comers
Who sit at our tables
Listen to what we say
God will bless your new way
God does not live high above
He dwells with us
In pure love
We have a burden
For those still suffering
As we offer our heart and hand
In pure love
To understand
We have been where your at
You no longer have to be alone
Make our program
Your new home
Cause we give it
In pure love

Daniel M Corkery
11/2/2000
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Notes from the Universe...

Simply imagine happiness, Sweet Angels, your own happiness -
feel the smile stretching across your face,
notice the lightness in your step,
and hear the sparkle in your voice -
and all things, material and spiritual, will soon fall into place.
The Universe

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When we cannot bear to be alone,
it means we do not properly value the only companion
we will have from birth to death - ourselves.
Eda LeShan

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

...our life crises tell us that we need to break free of beliefs
that no longer serve our personal development.
These points at which we must choose to change
or to stagnate are our greatest challenges.
Every new crossroads means we enter into a new cycle of change
- whether it be adopting a new health regimen or a new spiritual
practice.
And change inevitably means letting go of familiar people and places
and moving on to another stage of life.
Caroline Myss, PH.D., Anatomy of the Spirit

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Realize that now, in this moment of time, you are creating.
You are creating your next moment based on
what you are feeling and thinking.
That is what's real.
We can let go of the unconscious belief that being anxious about the
past
or the future will somehow protect us
and instead reprogram our cells with new ways of responding.
Doc Childre

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Faith is not trying to believe something regardless of the evidence.
Faith is daring to do something regardless of the consequences.
Sherwood Eddy

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What you are afraid to do is a clear indicator
of the next thing you need to do.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Learn to Let Go.
That is the key to happiness.
Buddha

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Worry is like a rocking chair --
it gives you something to do
but it doesn't get you anywhere.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For my shortcomings, I delegate;
for my strengths, I congratulate.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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/

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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."

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@...

Anyone can subscribe to this free daily  e-zine by sending an
Email message to me and write subscribe in the subject line.

Under Bill s.1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress
this letter cannot be considered spam as long as the following words
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To unsubscribe to to this list send an Email message to the group
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or
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or just email me YOUnMEnHP@...
and write unsubscribe in the subject line
or go to the website and unsubscribe

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http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
http://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 7000 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
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
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=806068075

For the daily recovery email please visit me at:
http://groups.google.tt/group/12-Step-Soul-Food-for-the-Spirit?hl=en
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/12StepSoulFoodForTheSpirit/
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29828726115

For the weekly topic meeting please visit me at:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hugs
www.recoverycartoons.com/html/new2004/hugs.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*LAUGHTER Is HEALING*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weekly meeting topic is:
Why do you believe the newcomer is the most important person in the
rooms ?
How do you treat a newcomer ?
Were you scared when you were new ?

This is a DIFFERENT Yahoo Club you MUST join this club in order to
participate otherwise your emails will bounce

to share please visit
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit/
or email
twelvestepsoulfood4thespirit@yahoogroups.com

Yahoo! Clubs Twelve Step Soul Food 4 the Spirit
http://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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December 8
It feels so good to accept myself just as I am today.
All my thoughts and actions and emotions
are right where they belong.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Solitary Child

Solitary Child, why is it you cry?
My mother has left me without saying why.
I sit in the darkness so no one can see,
Cause maybe they all just forgot about me.

The feelings that came from inside of me then,
Are with me forever, though I was just ten.
Loneliness, rejection, now how can this be?
When I know the first age I felt this was three.

I became an old lady before I was four,
That night when my grandfather came through the door.
He took away my innocence and left me so cold,
No wonder it seems that I always was old.

Throughout my whole lifetime, there was such abuse,
When beat down so low, I said, What is the use?
Nobody to love me, no family to care,
I looked for a friend and no one was there.

Not happy, not sad, just empty inside,
Then I met Jim Beam and we went for a ride.
Booze made me happy, it made me a clown,
My kids, who are grown now, don't want me around.

This child that is born with the stars in its eyes,
Deserves to be loved and be held when it cries.
Then maybe they won't become adults like me,
Who still cry in the night, and still pray to be free.

Sharlett Hunt    11/25/03
Sharlette863@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Don't Use*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If anyone has any original recovery poetry that they
would like to share with us please copy and paste it into the body
of an email and send it to me, Thanks for your support and
contributions.
What I can't do alone, We do together.
In loving service, Scott ~  YOUnMEnHP@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*No Matter What*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Tale of Two Students
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=753

Resentments
www.barefootsworld.net/wolveswithin.html

Home Group  Cartoon
N.A. Way Magazine 4/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway162-15.htm

Teen Savers
www.teensavers.com

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
http://www.serenityquest.org/60.html

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
December 8                                             Calling a
defect a defect

"When we see how our defects exist in our lives and accept them,
we can let go of them and get on with our new life."
Basic Text p. 33-34

    Sometimes our readiness to have our character defects removed
depends on what we call them. If misnaming our defects makes
them seem less "defective;' we may be unable to see the damage
they cause. And if they seem to be causing no harm, why would
we ever ask our Higher Power to remove them from our lives?

    Take "people pleasing;' for example. Doesn't really sound all
that bad, does it? It just means we're nice to people, right? Not
quite. To put it bluntly, it means we're dishonest and manipulative.
We lie about our feelings, our beliefs, and our needs, trying to
soothe others into compliance with our wishes.

    Or perhaps we think we're "easygoing" But does "easygoing"
mean we ignore our housework, avoid confrontations, and stay
put in a comfortable rut? Then a better name for it would be
"laziness;' or "procrastination;' or "fear"

    Many of us have trouble identifying our character defects. If
this is the case for us, we can talk with our sponsor or our NA
friends. We clearly and honestly describe our behavior to them
and ask for their help in identifying our defects. As time passes,
we'll become progressively better able to identify our own
character defects, calling them by their true names.

Just for today: I will call my defects by their true names. If I have
trouble doing this, I will ask my sponsor for help.

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

Meditation of the Day
http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
http://www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Looking Outward

We ask especially for freedom from self-will, and are careful to
make no requests for ourselves only. We may ask for ourselves,
however, if others will be helped.  We are careful never to pray
for our own selfish ends.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 87

As an active alcoholic, I allowed selfishness to run rampant in
my life.  I was so attached to my drinking and other selfish habits
that people and moral principles came second.  Now, when I pray for
the good of others rather than my "own selfish ends," I practice a
discipline in letting go of selfish attachments, caring for my fellows
and preparing for the day when I will be required to let go of all
earthly attachments.

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 / December 8th

A.A. Thought for the Day

The length of time of our sobriety is not as important
as its quality.  A person who has been in A.A. for a
number of years may not be in as good mental condition
as a person who has only been in a few months.  It is a
great satisfaction to have been an A.A. member for a
long time and we often mention it.  It may sometimes
help the newer members, because they may say to
themselves, "If they can do it, I can do it."  And yet
the older members must realize that as long as they live,
they are only one drink away from a drunk.
What is the quality of my sobriety?

Meditation for the Day

"And greater works than this shall ye do."  We can do
greater works when we have more experience of the
new way of life.  We can have all the power we need
from the Unseen God.  We can have His grace, His spirit,
to make us effective as we go along each day.  Opportunities
for a better world are all around us.  Greater works can we
do.  But we do not work alone.  The power of God is behind
all good works.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may find a rightful place in the world.  I pray
that my work may be made more effective by 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
DECEMBER 08

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

Valuing Our Needs

When we don't ask for what we want and need, we discount
ourselves. We deserve better.

Maybe others taught us it wasn't polite or appropriate to speak
up for ourselves. The truth is, if we don't, our unmet wants and
needs may ultimately come back to haunt our relationships.
We may end up feeling angry or resentful, or we may begin to
punish someone else for not guessing what we need. We may
end the relationship because it doesn't meet our needs.

Intimacy and closeness are only possible in a relationship when
both people can say what they want and need. Sustained
intimacy demands this.

Sometimes, we may even have to demand what we want. That's
called setting a boundary. We do this not to control another person,
but to gain control of our life.

Our attitude toward our needs is important too. We must value them
and take them seriously if we expect others to take us seriously.
When we begin to place value and importance on our needs we'll
see a remarkable change. Our wants and needs will begin to get
met.

Today, I will respect the wants and needs of others and myself. I
will tell others, my Higher Power, and myself what I want and need.
I will listen to what they want and need too.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Let’s Appreciate Ourselves
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/11/appreciate-ourselves.htm

2007: Just OK? Or Fabulous!
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/December/Everyday%20Matters.html

Three Men
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2005/12/three-men.htm

The Ego Strikes Back
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/March/cohen.htm

General Links for the Soul
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories.htm#general

Links to Family, Parenting & Community
www.soulfulliving.com/linkcategories_fourth.htm#family

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

Has Anyone Told You
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/

Meditationroom
http://www.lime.com/meditation_room

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Trusting What You Feel

by Julie Tallard Johnson

I am going to share with you a secret. A family secret. It's one
of those secrets no one has to tell you to keep ? you just know
not to speak about it. I am beginning with a family secret (you
may have one like it) because often where there are secrets,
there are treasures to be found. For me, the treasure was my
intuition. There's a good chance that much of your intuitive
power lies hidden inside you, like a treasure waiting to be
discovered.

I knew this secret for a long time, but I didn't fully understand
what I knew until my early twenties. When I was seven years
old I began to have this sense, this feeling, that someone was
missing in our family. Every time we gathered for our occasional
family dinner or for a holiday I would be very aware of this
missing presence. I would look around me at the dinner
table, asking myself, Who is missing? and Where is this
feeling coming from? Years later, when I began to keep a
journal, I would write these experiences down. Even though
this perception was persistent, I never spoke about it to anyone.

Where in our culture are we taught how to respond to such
feelings? Not in most schools, churches, or homes. However,
there was a time when people were taught to value, trust, and
develop these feelings. There was a time ? and I believe it is
returning ? when young people entering their teens were
given special instruction to develop their intuitive and spiritual
powers. They were taught to understand their bodies not only
as muscle, blood, and bone, but also as energy and containers
of the spirit. They learned how to use their own intuitive
experiences to reveal the truth about themselves and their world.
Understanding these mystical truths was an essential part of the
journey to adulthood in ancient cultures.

This ability to access inner wisdom is still valued and practiced
in some areas of the world. As Arnold Mindell, author of The
Shaman's Body, explains, intuitive wisdom relies on being
deeply attuned to the body.

      "Indigenous healers have taught that the quality of life depends
upon body sensations that are linked to dreams and the
environment, to what I call the 'shaman's body.' According to
medicine people living in native settings around the world, and
to mystical traditions, the shaman's dreaming body, when
accessed, is a source of health, personal growth, good
relationships, and a sense of community."

What Mindell refers to as the shaman's body I will call the
energy body. To understand the language of the energy body ?
your intuition ? is to find great strength, wisdom, and freedom.

When I was a teenager, I had no such understanding ? but
my energy body was constantly sending me signals just the
same. I began to notice that I was often aware of things that
were hidden under the surface of my everyday interactions
with other people. I had a strong sense of what others were
feeling; I felt as though I was seeing into other people's secret
worlds and glimpsing their hidden treasures. I seemed to know
a lot more about what was going on around me than people
were telling me. I often had psychic dreams ? dreams that gave
me more insight into what was happening in my life. And
perhaps the most perplexing signal, the sensation that
someone was missing from our family, only increased as the
years went by.

At age twenty-five, I had an opportunity to test the validity of
this particular feeling. My father was visiting me, and it felt like
the right time to share my secret. I began by telling my father
what I understood at the time about intuition (I had by that time
investigated this topic in a variety of ways). I told him of the
many intuitive markers in my life, when my feeling sense ?
my wisdom body ? had alerted me to the truth about
something. And finally I described my intuitive experiences
during family time.

He listened and I could sense his heart open to me. He sat
very still with his full attention on me as I spoke. Then I asked
him the question that had troubled me since childhood: Did
he have any other children? His answer was open and kind.
I could see that in this moment he, too, needed to speak his
truth. He told me that, yes, he had another daughter. She was
born when I was seven years old.

I felt such love as the truth in my heart was finally validated
by my father. He gave me the greatest gifts a father can give ?
his truths and his recognition. A weight I carried in my heart
and body lifted, and a great peace entered and filled me. We
sat and ate together, but nothing at that meal tasted as sweet
and wonderful as my father's honesty.

So much came together for me then. This validation of my
intuition opened a door within me that has remained wide
open ever since. The truth really does set one free. Now I
was free to fully trust my intuitive self. I knew that there would
always be truth to be discovered if I had the wisdom and
courage to listen for it. Now I was free to decide what it
meant to me to have a half sister. Later in my life, I would
go in search of her.

The gift of intuition didn't come without its problems. Being
intuitive often meant experiencing an overload of psychic
energy from my surroundings, which sometimes made life
more painful and difficult. Nothing in my formal education or
spiritual practice taught me how to use and control my
intuition. As a teenager, it helped me a great deal to begin
a meditation practice and to consult the I Ching. I also found
it useful to write down my dreams and reflect on their meaning.
I kept a journal of my psychic as well as my more mundane
life experiences.

Yet, this was not enough. These practices did not speak
directly enough to my intuitive feelings and experiences.
They didn't advise me about how to use my own energy
body, or how to respond to the energy of other people, or
how to recognize intuitive wisdom. Books on intuitive
development, such as Caroline Myss's Anatomy of the
Spirit, didn't come out for another fifteen years.

I was already in my mid-thirties when my spiritual adviser
and psychologist told me about a local psychic and healer
who taught a yearlong psychic development class. At the
age of thirty-five, I attended this class and finally got the
instruction I needed. A void in my life was being filled. I came
to understand so much about myself, my feelings, and my
intuitive body ? my wisdom body. I felt so strongly that the
material in the class should be shared with more people
that I began to teach the class myself, and to this day I
continue to teach it.

These are subjects of great importance not typically taught
to young people. Many of the teenagers I come in contact
with are troubled by social anxiety and feeling overly sensitive.
Some speak about feeling some kind of "instinct," but they
doubt themselves too much to act on it. Many talk about
getting "signs" but are not sure how to interpret them. All of
these concerns can be alleviated dramatically by
understanding and developing your intuition.

EVERY ONE OF US HAS INTUITION

To some degree, you and every other person on earth has this
spiritual perception, this skill. For me it was very intense; for
others it is quite subtle. It doesn't matter if it is strong or faint ?
what matters is that you learn how to listen to it.

Some Basics about Intuition

It doesn't benefit anyone for you to be less than you are. To not
use your intuition is to be less than you are. To not know and
live by your own truths is being less than you are. To ignore
your energy body is being less than you are. To be everything
that you are, and were meant to be, you need to begin by
understanding some basic truths about everyone's intuitive
powers.

      Truth One: Intuition is an ability that we are all given at birth.

      Truth Two: You have a right to develop and use your intuitive
	 /psychic ability, particularly at this pivotal time in your life.

      Truth Three: Your intuition is your direct connection to spirit
	 (God, Higher Power, the Creator, Goddess, Buddha, the
	 Tao, etc.).

      Truth Four: Your intuition is part of the creative energy that
	 flows through us all and through everything.

      Truth Five: Your intuition increases as your understanding
	 and love for yourself and others increases.

      Truth Six: Emotional intensity is part of your intuitive nature.

      Truth Seven: Your intuitive/psychic journey is meant to make
	 you feel powerful and good about yourself.

      Truth Eight: When you use your intuition, it benefits everyone.

      Truth Nine: Some people are more easily able to use their
	 intuition, just as some are more able with music, but
	 everyone can develop his or her intuition.

      Truth Ten: Intuitive wisdom and intuitive/psychic development
	 are not New Age"; they are very "Old Age," respected and
	 taught in ancient cultures in many forms.

In our culture, it can be difficult to access and trust our intuition.
Shakti Gawain, author of Developing Your Intuition, offers this
explanation:

      "One of the reasons that many of us do not learn to trust and
follow our intuition is that we are taught from an early age to try
to accommodate those around us, to follow certain rules of
behavior, to suppress our spontaneous impulses, and to do
what is expected of us."

Sound true to you? In school we are constantly reminded to
accommodate teachers and authority, to follow the rules, and
to suppress our intense emotions ? in essence, to do exactly
what is expected of us. While these guidelines have an
obvious purpose and are in some measure necessary for us
all when we are in school, the fact is that they do hinder our
intuitive abilities. When we habitually look outside ourselves
for direction, we don't get to exercise an important life skill:
that of listening for ? and acting on ? our own inner wisdom.

We all need the help and guidance of others. But never
should you follow the advice of others when it means to
ignore your own inner guidance. There are times when
teachers are wrong. Sometimes a friend's advice is misguided.
Clergymen and others in positions of trust or authority can abuse
their power. We need to listen to our inner guidance while we
consider the advice and direction of others. When our inner
voice says "No" or "Think about it first," we must listen to it, and
find out what it is trying to tell us. As you develop the intuition
that is inside of you and learn to think more for yourself, you
can go out into the world more aware, confident, and strong.

A Quiz: How Intuitive Are You?

This quiz uses a scoring system to give you a general idea of
where you fall right now within a range of intuitive awareness.

There are twenty-three statements below for you to read and
respond to. On a separate sheet of paper, write the numbers
1 through 23 in a vertical column. Read each statement. Then,
next to the number on your paper that corresponds to that
statement, write the word that best describes how often you
experience what the statement says. Choose one of these
words for your answer: often, sometimes, or rarely.

     1. I am aware of others' feelings.
     2. I experience social anxiety.
     3. I sense things before they happen.
     4. I remember my dreams.
     5. I have recurring dreams.
     6. I am afraid of some of my feelings.
     7. I experience a lot of coincidences.
     8. I have gut feelings about decisions.
     9. Friends seem to come to me a lot for advice.
    10. I know my dreams mean something.
    11. I have been told that I am too sensitive, that I overreact.
    12. I have deja vu experiences.
    13. I believe I am intuitive.
    14. I believe or sense that a greater power watches over me
	 and helps me.
    15. I am scared of what I know.
    16. I have sensed things were going to happen before they did.
    17. I have high self-esteem.
    18. I can speak up for myself to my peers.
    19. I can speak up for myself to adults.
    20. I know how to ask for advice.
    21. I have a strong sense of purpose; I know what I am going
	 to do with my life.
    22. I use drugs and/or food to avoid my thoughts and feelings.
    23. I know when someone is not telling the truth.

Now use the following list to assign points to each of your answers.
Determine your score by adding up all the points. Give yourself:

      1 point for each time you wrote "rarely"
      2 points for each time you wrote "sometimes"
      3 points for each time you wrote "often"

If you scored 23 to 35:

You aren't often aware of or tuned in to your intuition. You may
sense some inner voice inside of you but you're not sure how to
access it. Possibly you don't feel very good about yourself or
trust the way you do feel, but this will improve quickly as you
practice the exercises in this book. The first step for you will be
to start uncovering your hidden intuition and making it more
available to you. Soon you will begin noticing a stronger
awareness of yourself and your surroundings. You will find
that you trust your intuitive self more often and feel more
energized and positive. Keeping a journal while you read
this book will be very helpful.

If you scored 36 to 58:

You are often in touch with your intuitive sense, although you
may not fully understand what it all means. Some people may
experience you as oversensitive but friends are likely to come
to you for advice because you often have good insight into
their problems. You may experience some social anxiety due
to your very real sensitivity to the energy around you. You may
not always trust or understand your abilities. You may oscillate
between times when you have very good feelings about
yourself (high self-esteem) and times when you bottom out
and your self-esteem is very low.

You will quickly benefit from this book because you will find
the guidance contained here makes you feel safer, more
balanced, and more confident in your intuitive abilities.

If you scored 59 to 69:

You are very aware that you have psychic abilities although
you have not received instruction on how to skillfully use them.
Your self-esteem is fairly high most of the time and you are
ready for and excited about using the guidance in this book.
Your confidence and skills will build quickly as you work
through the activities in the ensuing chapters.

Before we go any further, I would like to be clear about what
I mean when I use the word psychic. Psychic comes from the
Greek word psyche, which is translated as "the soul." It is
defined as "sensitive to nonphysical or supernatural forces."
So, to be psychic means to be able to hear the language of
the soul, to understand the language of energy. It is not
about fortune telling, although having a sense of what the
future holds may be a skill of a gifted psychic. Our psychic
abilities enable us to tap into the wisdom and power of our
souls and energy bodies, and to open up to the spiritual world.

Keeping A Psychic Journal

You may want to keep a special psychic journal. Use your
journal to document and reflect on your psychic experiences,
your dreams, and your intuitive insights.

If you want the truth,
I'll tell you the truth:
Listen to the secret sound,
which is inside you.

-- Rumi, SUFI POET
Opening the Door: A Beginning Meditation

Use this exercise to open the door to communication with your
body, and its energy. It is adapted from a variety of yoga
practices, which assist you in awakening the vital energy that
is in you.

      Lie comfortably on your back on the floor, on a yoga mat or
rug, with pillows under your neck and knees. Place your hands
loosely at your sides or on top of your belly. For a few moments
simply lie still, breathing and relaxing while at the same time
staying in tune with your body. Instead of daydreaming, notice
the sensations of your body . . . the rhythm of your breathing,
the touch of clothes against your skin, the images that appear
in your mind's eye . . . relax, breathe, and remain present, just
lying on the floor, relaxed yet present. Notice the different parts
of your body and, without judgment, bring your awareness to
them. Begin with your legs, relaxing them even more, letting them
rest from their constant exertion. Now bring your awareness to
your waist and lower torso, perhaps noticing the breath and how
it makes the belly rise and fall . . . Notice the arms relaxed at your
sides; allow them to sink into the floor. Relax even more . . . yet
maintain a presence in the body. Bring your awareness to your
entire torso and then up to your chest. Notice your spine and
relax it into the floor . . . continue to breathe and relax. Notice
your shoulders and neck, inviting them too to relax as you bring
your awareness to them ... Allow your head to rest heavily on
the pillow, breathing and relaxing in awareness of your body . . .

After a few minutes of this relaxed presence in your body, take
a moment to notice what it feels like to be alert and relaxed at
the same time . . . without judgment (no right and wrong), just
notice. Rest as long as you like in this state of awareness. Then
take a couple of deep breaths and sit up. You may want to take
a moment to write what you experienced in your journal.

This article was excerpted from Teen Psychic, ?2003, by
Julie Tallard Johnson.

Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Bindu Books, a
division of Inner Traditions Intl. http://www.innertraditions.com

JULIE. TALLARD JOHNSON is the author of The Thundering
Years and I Ching for Teens. She is a psychotherapist and mentor
of teens and young adults. She lives in Spring Green, Wisconsin.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*One Day At A Time*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Heaven and Hell
      A man and his dog were walking along a road.  The man was
enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that
he was dead.  He remembered dying, and that the dog had
been dead for years.  He wondered where the road was leading
them.  After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall
along one side of the road.  It looked like fine marble. At the
top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the
sunlight. When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent
gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the
street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.  He and the
dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man
at a desk to one side.  When he was close enough, he called out,
"Excuse me, where are we?"

     "This is heaven, sir," the man answered.

    "Wow!  Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked.

    "Of course, sir.  Come right in, and I'll have some ice water
brought right up." The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

    "Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the
traveler asked.

     "I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

     The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road
and continued the way he had been going.

    After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came
to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had
never been closed.  There was no fence.  As he approached the gate,
he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

     "Excuse me!" he called to the reader. "Do you have any water?"

    "Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there"  The man pointed to a place
that couldn't be seen from outside the gate.  "Come on in."

     "How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog.

      "There should be a bowl by the pump."

     They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old
fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.  The traveler filled the
bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.
When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man
who was standing by the tree waiting for them.

     "What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

     "This is heaven," was the answer.

     "Well, that's confusing," the traveler said.  "The man down the
road said that was heaven, too."

     "Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates?
Nope. That's hell."

    "Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?"

    "No. I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that
they screen out the folks who'll leave their best friends behind."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Frail Old Angel

Last night I had a dream.
It had a tale to tell.
I dreamed I saw an angel...
Poor thing, he wasn't feeling well.

His body bruised and battered.
His wings were ripped and torn.
This angel could hardly walk...
He looked so tired and worn.

I walked right up to him to ask -
"Angel? How can this be?"
He turned around and paused a bit.
Then spoke these words to me.

"I'm your Guardian Angel.
A great task as you can see.
You've run amok most all your life.
Look what you've done to me."

"These bruises are from shielding you
In times both dire and ill.
Those alcoholic bouts and drugs you've used...
I've often paid the bill."

"You see my wings are ripped and torn.
How often they have flown you from evils unaware.
Each mark has it's own story
Of deadly wounds destroyed."

"You made me wish more than once
That I was unemployed.
If only you could make it
Standing on your own."

"Oh, don't you fret or worry.
But please try to remember...
I'm getting old and frail."

I could not believe all I had heard.
Let alone, how much he cared.
I wept upon his shoulder.
Then left him in dispair.

The next day I sat and pondered.
Should I really try?
And in the distance I thought I heard...

A frail old angel cry.

Author Unknown]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Interior Art

I am the sculptor of my own interior
I may borrow materials
And techniques from others
But in the end, as at the beginning
I form myself from the raw depths at my disposal:
The origins of who I am, my own clean colours.
I mold them together, trim off the excess
Intuit what fits, discard the rest
An ongoing process
An artwork in progress
A  daily delight
In originality.

With love
Stella
© 2002 Stella Raymonde Savoie-Johnson
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Be A Butterfly
Virjinja

Change is oh, so good
When it's born of God
Rebirth means new life
Be a butterfly
Shed the old cocoon
Crawl about no more
Time to soar on high
Be a butterfly
Leave the past behind
Step into the Light
Be blessed ~ come alive
You’re God’s butterfly.

©2006 ~ Virginia Santoro ~ All Rights  Reserved
MorningMusings@...
www.myspace.com/morningmusings
www.hometown.aol.com/morningmusings

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Some people have a belief that every tree,when it burns,
gives back the colors that went into its making-
they see in the flaming logs the red of many sunsets,
the purple of early dawn,
the silver of moonrise
and the sparkle of the stars.
So it is with us: what we have accepted into our hearts
and made a permanent part of ourselves
is given back in times of trial...
Fulton J. Sheen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Even the thought of giving,
the thought of blessing or a simple prayer
has the power to affect others.
Deepak Chopra

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There is a distance between believing the Truth
and embodying that Truth.
We may know that we are children of God with divine capacities,
but until we act on that belief, it remains a foggy awareness.
Using spiritual practices moves us from believing in God
to becoming aware of the reality of God moving in and through us.
Mary Manin Morrissey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To cure jealousy is to see it for what it is,
a dissatisfaction with self.
Joan Didion

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You are all you will ever have for certain.
June Havoc

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Be not afraid of going slowly;
be afraid only of standing still.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What is right for one soul may not be right for another.
It may mean standing on your own and
doing something strange in the eyes of others.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Truly loving means letting go
of unrealistic expectations.
It means full acceptance...
even celebration of another's personhood.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Life might be able to be understood backwards,
but it must be lived forwards.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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/

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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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In loving service,
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YOUnMEnHP@...

         ==  ==      "we are each of us angels
    <^\()/\()/^>       with but one wing,
        \/  \/  \/       and can only fly by
         /  \/  \        embracing each other"
         `""``""`

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

A recovering alcoholic is shipwrecked miles out to sea. He winds up on
an uncharted, deserted island and has to make the best of it.
Five years  later, he finally spots a ship out on the horizon and
stokes up
his bonfire  to get its attention.

The captain of the ship, another recovering  alcoholic, sees the fire
and immediately changes course towards the  island.  Meanwhile,
he grabs his binoculars and studies the situation.  He sees a
guy waving and running frantically up and down the beach, beard
hanging down to his knees, and he also spots three small structures
at the edge of the trees. The castaway is rescued, taken below, and is
given  a meal and some time to rest, and is sent up to see the captain.

"So, are you glad to be rescued?"

"Oh, yeah, you bet. I've been praying for  years for somebody to come
along."

"How long were you on the  island?"

"Five looooong years! !"

"All by yourself?"

"Yes.  All alone for five long years."

"Well," observes the captain, "It looks like you didn't do too badly for
yourself. I saw three huts on the island.  Did you build them?"

"Oh, yes!" the Castaway responds proudly. "I built  them with my own two
hands! See the one on the right? That was my house, my home. That's
where I lived!  And the one on the left, that's my home group!"

"Your home group? You're by yourself for five years and you built
yourself
a home group! That's fantastic! What a strong statement of faith and
dedication
to your program! I'm proud of you! What a testimony of experience,
strength
and hope!
But what about the hut in the middle?"

"Oh," the Castaway frowns, "That's my old home group;
I didn't like the way they ran things."


Love and Hugs!!
Dyanne
deve880886@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 December the 12th month, PLEASE share
on the 12th step If you haven’t done the 12th step with your
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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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

December  7
Today I know that I can get through anything
that happens in this day with the help of my Higher Power.
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
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm
for inspirational messages email
spirithaven@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Just for Today*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Recovery

Recovery is Stopping
The running-around, the escaping
The crazy thoughts by healing the Brain
The mood swings by healing the Body
Sitting more with the Self
than with everyone else

A nourishing Diet
A spiritual Connection
A loose handle on others' pains and passions
A closer look at yours

Listening to Wisdom coming from wise mouths
Hearing your Inner Child
When it fears to cry out
For all the times you did not listen

Finding a Recovery Buddy
To discuss, cry, share, learn from
Drain away the Old Anger
Feel again the Old but New-everyday Pain
What is it saying?

'Let go. I have taught you the lessons
It's time to heal and to know
Time to begin a new life
Where do you want to go?'

Make it happen! Get motivated!
If you can't then find out why
Get the resources. Look out there
then come back home to yourself
That's where it begins
That's where it ends

Love
Stella

© 2003 Stella Raymonde Savoie Johnson
stellaraymonde@...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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 Simple Recipe For Love (from the angels)
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-FQWlRA0odLMC0svu1ovT3Tc-?cq=1&p=474

Getting "It"
www.barefootsworld.net/it.html

Editorial reply To “Symposium: NA Comes of Age”
N.A. Way Magazine 4/1999
www.na.org/naway/en/naway162-13-b.htm

How One AA Wife Lives the 12 Steps
By Lois W., Bill W.’s wife
www.silkworth.net/aahistory/lois_12steps.html

An Interview With Dr. Paul
www.silkworth.net/grapevine/drpaul1995.html

My Blog YOUnMEnHP Scott's Daily Blog
http://360.yahoo.com/younmenhp

Tommy D. GREAT MUSIC (one of my sponsees)
http://www.bluesbuddha.com/home.html

Recovery Gifts, Bracelets, T-Shirts, Mugs and other GREAT gifts
http://www.serenityquest.org/60.html

CHECK out Ruth Fishel's new book
Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World
http://www.peaceinourhearts.net/

Spiritual Greeting Cards, Bookmarks & Spirit Stones
http://www.spirithaven.com/greeting_cards.htm

Ruth Fishel Books and Tapes
http://www.spirithaven.com/booksandtapes.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Make A Meeting*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Just For Today
December 7                                Surviving Our Emotions

"We use the tools available to us and develop the ability to
survive our emotions."   Basic Text p. 30

   "Survive my emotions?" some of us say. "You've got to be kidding!"
When we were using, we never gave ourselves the chance to learn
how to survive them. You don't survive your feelings, we thought-you
drug them. The problem was, that cure" for our unsurvivable emotions
was killing us. That's when we came to Narcotics Anonymous, started
working the Twelve Steps and, as a result, began to mature
emotionally.

   Many of us found emotional relief right from the start. We were tired
of pretending that our addiction and our lives were under control; it
actually felt good to finally admit they weren't. After sharing our
inventory with our sponsor, we began to feel like we didn't have to
deny who we were or what we felt in order to be accepted. When
we'd finished making our amends, we knew we didn't have to suffer
with guilt; we could own up to it and it wouldn't kill us. The more we
worked the NA program, the better we felt about living life as it came
to us.

   The program works today as well as it ever did. By taking stock of our
day, getting honest about our part in it, and surrendering to reality,
we
can survive the feelings life throws our way. By using the tools
available to us, we've developed the ability to survive our emotions.

Just for today: I will not deny my feelings. I will practice honesty
and surrender to life as it is. I will use the tools of this program
to survive my emotions.

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Food For Thought Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_food

Each Day a New Beginning (Women) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_eachday

Touchtones (Men) Meditation
http://www.hazelden.org/web/go/thought_touchstone

Meditation of the Day
http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/thought.view

Viking Thought of the Day
http://www.gorm.com/cgi-local/daily.pl

Elder's Meditation of the Day
http://www.whitebison.org/meditation/index.php

Dr. Twerski's Sober Thought of the Day
http://www.gatewayrehab.org/December.html

Daily Zen
http://www.dailyzen.com/

Grapevine Story Today
http://www.aagrapevine.org/da/storyoday.php

Daily Motivator
http://www.greatday.com/

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Use Your Sponsor*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Morning Thoughts

Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the
man who is still sick.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 164

For many years I pondered over God's will for me, believing that
perhaps a great destiny had been ordained for my life.  After all,
having been born into a specific faith, hadn't I been told early that
I was "chosen"?   It finally occurred to me, as I considered the
above passage, that God's will for me was simply that I practice
Step Twelve on a daily basis.  Furthermore, I realized I should do
this to the best of my ability.  I soon learned that the practice aids
me in keeping my life in the context of the day at hand.

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 / December 7th

A.A. Thought for the Day

When people come back to A.A. after having a slip,
the temptation is strong to say nothing about it.  No
other A.A. member should force them to declare
themselves.  It is entirely up to them.  If they are
well grounded in A.A., they will realize that it's up
to them to speak up at the next meeting and tell
about their slip.  There is no possible evasion of this
duty, if they are thoroughly honest and really desirous
of living the A.A. way again.  When they have done it,
their old confidence returns.  They are home again.
Their slip should not be mentioned again by others.
They are again a good member of A.A.  Am I tolerant
of other people's mistakes?

Meditation for the Day

It is in the union of a soul with God that strength, new life,
and spiritual power come.  Bread sustains the body but we
cannot live by bread alone.  To try to do the will of God is
the meat and support of true living.  We feed on that
spiritual food.  Soul starvation comes from failing to do so.
The world talks about bodies that are undernourished.
What of the souls that are undernourished?  Strength and
peace come from partaking of spiritual food.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may not try to live by bread alone.  I pray
that my spirit may live by trying to do the will of God as
I understand it.

"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
DECEMBER 07

You are reading from the book The Language of Letting Go.
Melody Beattie ©

When the Time is Right

There are times when we simply do not know what to do, or
where to go, next. Sometimes these periods are brief,
sometimes lingering.

We can get through these times. We can rely on our program
and the disciplines of recovery. We can cope by using our faith,
other people, and our resources.

Accept uncertainty. We do not always have to know what to do
or where to go next. We do not always have clear direction.
Refusing to accept the inaction and limbo makes things worse.

It is okay to temporarily be without direction. Say, "I don't know,"
and be comfortable with that. We do not have to try to force
wisdom, knowledge, or clarity when there is none.

While waiting for direction, we do not have to put our life on hold.
Let go of anxiety and enjoy life. Relax. Do something fun. Enjoy
the love and beauty in your life. Accomplish small tasks. They may
have nothing to do with solving the problem, or finding direction,
but this is what we can do in the interim.

Clarity will come. The next step will present itself. Indecision,
inactivity, and lack of direction will not last forever.

Today, I will accept my circumstances even if I lack direction
and insight. I will remember to do things that make myself and
others feel good during those times. I will trust that clarity will
come of its own accord.

©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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Self-Improvement Sabotage
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2007/11/self-improvement.htm

Nice or Really Loving?
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2006/December/vissell.htm

Who I Am DOES Make A Difference
www.inlightimes.com/archives/2005/12/make-a%20difference.htm

Courageous Love
When someone's in a negative mood,
it takes courage to reach out with love
www.lightworks.com/MonthlyAspectarian/2001/April/vissell.htm

Heart For Children
www.inspiringthots.net/movie/heart4children.php

At The Heart Of Peace
http://www.heartmath.com/peace/

We Are The Same
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=431

Remember The Child Within
http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=258

Finding Joy
http://www.findingjoymovie.com/

Inspirational movie, about 3 minutes long
http://www.lightmovie.com/

Inspirational Spiritual Flash Movies
http://www.inspiringthots.net/m-all.htm

Has Anyone Told You
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/

Meditationroom
http://www.lime.com/meditation_room

Native American 10 Commandments
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3ZEvOfD1w

The Secret
http://www.thesecret.tv

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep It Simple*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Understanding Our Emotions

By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.

Of all our natural human experiences, our emotions are the
most misunderstood.   Almost every day, I work with people
who aren't in touch with their feelings.  They don't understand
their emotions. They try to get control of their feelings, or
understand them, or heal them, or reconnect with them.  They
sometimes expend great effort to experience them and express
them in ways that are at least harmless.

It is a common belief that if one becomes fully aware of one's
feelings, that somehow the quality of their lives will become
better. This belief is often created and perpetuated by
psychotherapists of all types and persuasions.  Frankly, I think
that such a belief is not only inaccurate, but also rather useless.

Consider some of the alternative views of feelings and emotions.

Emotions (or feelings) are natural and regular physiological
changes within our bodies, to which we attach labels such as
"fear" or "anger" or "guilt" or "joy" or whatever.

Feelings are never "rational" or "reasonable."  They are only
bodily changes which are sufficiently dramatic enough to be
noticed.  They are not "good" or "bad." They are never "right" or
"wrong." They simply occur.  They just are.

The "purpose" of emotions is to provide each of us with energy.
Feelings have no other purpose or meaning other than to signal
us that we want or need something, and at the same time,
provide us with the energy to pursue the fulfillment of that need.

If we are not aware of feelings, it is usually because we aren't
paying attention, or they are such small changes, we don't notice
them.  Many of us spend a great deal of time not feeling anything,
because our bodies are in balance or the ongoing changes are
so subtle, we aren't aware of them.

Nobody else can know or experience your feelings.  You are the
only one who can know when you are hungry, sexual, needy,
happy, disgusted, delighted, angry or frightened.  Nobody else
is an expert on your feelings.  Only you are.

Many feelings need not be acted upon or even expressed.
Sometimes it is OK just to acknowledge that you are
experiencing  feelings without doing anything with the energy
they generate. Feelings are never dangerous.  Feelings may
signal us that some dangerous event is happening in our
bodies, but all by themselves, emotions are always neutral
or beneficial phenomena.  They just happen within us, and
like the weather, are not under our control.

We do exercise choices about what we do, or how we use
our emotional energy.  The behavior we choose as a way
of expressing our emotions may or may not be beneficial to
us or anyone else.

Feelings never need to be "fixed."  In fact, feelings are never
"broken."  Attempting to fix them is pointless, if not down right
self-destructive.  Nothing has to be done about emotions,
except perhaps to enjoy their variety, intensity and richness
they offer. Without emotions, our lives would be colorless and
empty.

Feelings are not designed to hinder or paralyze us from action.
They are for motivating us and energizing us to live, breathe,
move and experience life.  They are needed to help us do what
we need to do, not provide us with a handy excuse for not doing
something, e.g. "I don't fly in an airplane because I'm anxious."
At best, use your anxious energy to motivate you to buy an \
airline ticket and get on the plane.

In a healthy person, "feeling good" is not a priority.  Experiencing
one's life fully, with all the emotions we human's have, is the top
priority.  Feeling happy is of equal value as feeling say...angry.
When we use our emotional energy skillfully and powerfully to
create the kind of quality of life we desire...that is the best way to
understand and develop a passionate, active lifestyle.  And our
emotions empower us to do precisely that.

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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sioux Indian Story

"My grandfather took me to the fish pond on the farm
when I was about seven, and he told me to throw a
stone into the water. He told me to watch the circles
created by the stone. Then he asked me to think of
myself as that stone person.

"You may create lots of splashes in your life but the
waves that come from those splashes will disturb the
peace of all your fellow creatures," he said.

"Remember that you are responsible for what you put
in your circle and that circle will also touch many other
circles. You will need to live in a way that allows the
good that comes from your circle to send the peace of
that goodness to others. The splash that comes from
anger or jealousy will send those feelings to other circles.
You are responsible for both."

That was the first time I realized each person creates
the inner peace or discord that flows out into the world.
We cannot create world peace if we are riddled with
inner conflict, hatred, doubt, or anger. We radiate the
feelings and thoughts that we hold inside, whether we
speak them or not. Whatever is splashing around inside
of us is spilling out into the world, creating beauty or
discord with all other circles of life.

Unknown

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*First Things First*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Nature of Life

Compassion for a crying child comes from the depth of our own
childhood where once, so long ago, we cried.

How profound, those feelings of shared sorrow, loss, fear, anger
and confusion, that move us to give of ourselves when
understanding is our only motivation.

  From the poverty of tears we learn the richness of laughter.

  From the scarcity of love we learn the abundance of loving.

  From the darkest clouds we learn to bask in the warmth
of the brightest days.

  From the destitution of spirit we learn to polish the diamonds in
our souls.

May the love in your soul, embrace your heart and fill your mind
with the knowledge that where you are today, no matter how sad
the emotion or how difficult the situation, is where you need to be.

Copyright © 1999
Terri McPherson
tmcphers@...
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
www.wisehearts.com/lfc.htm

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Easy Does It*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Such Deep Despair

It wasn't very long ago,
I felt such deep despair and woe.
I prayed to a God I thought I knew,
Who hated me for the things I'd do.
In tears I prayed, just let me die,
For life had seemed to pass me by.
All I ever did was fail.
God let me die, send me to hell.
I didn't want another drink,
To smoke a joint or even think,
And then, some Power unknown to me
Picked me up and helped me see.
That I'm not bad, I'm only sick.
There was a way, that I could pick.
To take one day, and try to live,
A life of truth, that He would give.
He put me in a room of friends,
Who shared how life, on truth depends.
They told me that if I'd admit,
I'm powerless, my pain would quit.
My eyes were opened, as there spoke,
Of how they too, had spirits broke.
They shared how they had landed there.
With broken hearts, and deep despair.
They asked me to keep coming back,
and let them show the love I lacked.
Then suddenly I realized,
that these were angels in disguise.
Keep coming back, they said to me.
We'll show you love, then you will see.
There's One with power, who will manage your life.
He'll ease the pain of inward strife.
They said a way of life we'll show,
Take it easy and just let go.
They took me by the hand and said,
This is the Way, That we were lead.
Now I thank God with every breath,
He didn't fulfill my request for death.
I thank Him for His blessed Grace,
For I have finally found my place.
To be in rooms, both far and wide.
To ever more, with God abide.

ODAAT
Written by: Rebecca B.
rbowlin14@...
©2002

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Live And Let Live*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Be Quiet Spirit

Be quiet spirit it's time to rest
In life today you've given your best
Gave your hand to the new man
Done your best at home to understand
Applied the steps  through out your day
Now it's time for me to pray
Be quiet spirit it's time to rest
All day long you have been blessed
If God grants us another day
We shall go out and give it away
Let us pray and go to sleep
We gave it away so we could keep
In His grace all through this day
So now my spirit I will say
Be quiet it's time to rest

Daniel M Corkery
11/2/2000
DMCDREAMER1@...
DMCDREAMER's Page of Poetry
www.geocities.com/dmcdreamer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep The Focus On You*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When we avoid the legitimate suffering that results
from dealing with problems, we also avoid the growth
that problems demand from us.
Scott Peck

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Let God and Let Go*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You must change in order to survive.
Pearl Bailey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind.
Maya Angelou

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Each day comes bearing its own gifts.  Untie the ribbons.
Ruth Ann Schabaker

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Come To Believe*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It takes as much courage to have tried and failed
as it does to have tried and succeeded.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Look For The Beauty*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Freedom is not free.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Today Is A Gift*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

With freedom comes responsibility.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Keep Stepping*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To whom much is given,
much is required.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Stay In The Light*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You can't think your way into right living...
you have to live your way into right thinking.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Take A Moment To GIVE (NO COST)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FREE Rice
http://www.freerice.com/

Click to GIVE @ the STOP HIV Site
http://www.thestophivsite.com/

Click to GIVE @ the Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

Click to GIVE @ the Breast Cancer Site
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Click to GIVE @ the Rain Forest Site
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4

Click to GIVE @ the Animal Rescue Site
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Track Your Impact in GIVING
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*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/

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

Survivors Of Incest Anonymous
www.siawso.org

Workaholics Anonymous
www.workaholics-anonymous.org

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*@¿@*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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 So