Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!
TRUST GOD
“They trust their God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 68
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7& 8
For what it’s worth: A lowly shrub in the desert better describes my faith than does a tree by the water. But, thanks to Alcoholics Anonymous, I’m moving closer to the Water. As my roots grow closer, the Water nourishes me and I can produce fruit, even in the heat. Personal experience proves I can trust my God’s love, and, as I do, I am better prepared to face life’s droughts and spiritual dry spells. There have been many, and I did feel the heat, but at no time was this lowly shrub without Water.
God bless you.
Joe W.
“Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!” Dr. Bob, The Doctor’s Nightmare, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 181
“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5
Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!
WILLINGNESS TO BELIEVE
“If what we have learned and felt and seen means anything at all, it means that all of us, whatever our race, creed, or color are the children of a living Creator with whom we may form a relationship upon simple and understandable terms as soon as we are willing and honest enough to try.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 28
"If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Mark 1: 40-41
For what it’s worth: Take out the filth and my soul was empty. I know the torture of a desolate, lost soul. Even alcohol could not give relief. The pain drove me to Alcoholics Anonymous where I found my soul was not empty, it was filled with shame. I did not want to face myself or God, but the Twelve Steps had me do both to stay sober. It turned out I was not worthless and God was not punishing me; He loved me; I was His child. Once I was willing, He started me on a phenomenal journey. He travels with me. During our journey together, he has touched me deeply, cleansed my soul, and filled it with treasures to replace the filth. Today I will enjoy the treasures and be grateful.
God bless you.
Joe W.
“Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!” Dr. Bob, The Doctor’s Nightmare, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 181
“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5
Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!
CALLED UP FROM HELL
“…He was overwhelmed by a conviction of the Presence of God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 56
"I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:32
For what it’s worth: Alcoholism left not even one ounce of gratitude in me. I resented anyone thankful for anything. When I first heard Alcoholics Anonymous people say they were grateful alcoholics, I thought they were phony or crazy. And I said so. That did not stop them. They went right on telling me how thankful they were, and, as I sobered up, I started to believe them. Actually, I was beginning to feel it myself. Gradually my heart filled with gratitude, and I understood. Who wouldn’t be grateful for being called up from hell to their Heavenly Father’s arms?
God bless you.
Joe W.
“Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!” Dr.. Bob, The Doctor’s Nightmare, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 181
“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you.. I will never forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5
Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!
HIS CHILD
“He is the Father, and we are His children.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 62
“So thank God for his marvelous love, for his mercy to the children he loves; offer thanksgiving sacrifices, tell the world what he's done--sing it out!” Psalm 107: 21 & 22
For what it’s worth: Alcohol starved the gratitude and love in me, but nourished hate and despair. I could not consider myself a child of God, but, if I were, I was the one He disliked and punished all the time. So I was not excited about meeting Him in Alcoholics Anonymous, but there He was. I was advised I would need to come close to God, if I wished to stay sober and avoid return to the hell I just left. Fearful and resistance, but seriously needy, I reached out to God only to find His hand reached out to me. I asked for His help to grow close to Him and He gave me the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. I was reluctant and slow to apply the Steps to my daily life, but as I did I came to believe I was my Heavenly Father’s child all along – one He loved dearly. I thank Him daily for His love, and I try to sacrifice my will for His every day. When He provides the opportunity, I share with others about all my Heavenly Father has done for me.
God bless you.
Joe W.
“Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!” Dr. Bob, The Doctor’s Nightmare, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 181
“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you..’” Hebrews 13:5
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