The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
The reading for Monday, 2/17, simply states how difficult it can be to practice faith in HP. Our limited vision, fear, and doubts, can be overcome by turning our will and our life over to the care of God (the God of our understanding). The writer says that when they pray, they demonstrate a willingness to be helped, and thats when the help they need is given.
Reminder: I have an important part to play in my relationship with my Higher PowerI have to be willing to receive help, and I have to ask for it. If I develop the habit of turning to my Higher Power for help with small, everyday matters, Ill know what to do when faced with more difficult challenges.
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I guess Ive had quite a spiritual journey from being agnostic for 2/3rds of my life, then having a spiritual experience, moved on to develop a relationship with the God of my understanding, and now with program, I have the icing on the cake! I pray daily and ask for what I need including blessings for others. I talk to God often and must admit that solutions do arrive over time. Both my brothers think Im delusional for having this faith, and there is nothing I can do to prove to them that a Higher Power helps me. If Im in a delusion, may it continue! Lyne
When I find my Faith failing, I try to remember a definition I heard once (in a movie of all things!LOL). I can't remember the exact quote right now, but it was one character explaining to another (paraphrasing) Isn't Faith the belief in something you cannot quantify, touch, see, or feel? You just know... inside.
That is how HP is for me today. Not what someone else says it should be, certainly not the dogma I grew up with, nor part of any organized religion. Yet it is working for me!
I hope everyone will have a great Monday (David, you a great Tuesday!)!!
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"The wolf that thrives, is the one you feed." - Cherokee legend
"Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." Mary Oliver
Thank you Lyne for your service and the daily! Thanks to you and David for your shares/ESH. I believe Serenity says it often and today, I'm agreeing - the God of my understanding has a sense of humor. So far today, my son overslept, the garage door has broken down completely with my care stuck inside and that means I am stuck home for the repair folks and no golf!
Mondays, or any day starting like 'this' BR (Before Recovery) would have set the stage for me to be angry, anxious, and completely stressed out. Of course, it is never helpful when another (AH) comes along and starts mansplaining the obvious issue(s) with the garage door! Thank goodness for a super-sized tool box full of Al-Anon tools. I was able to just step back, pray about it all and then regroup for the day.
I've notified my golf gals who are bummed I am not coming out to play. I've already gotten some referrals for a reputable company, who's coming this afternoon. I've arranged a ride for Taco Time with other gal pals and am now focused on some things I can do at home! I believe it's because I have come to believe in a power greater than self that I am able to pause, pray and then proceed in an 'adult manner'.
I was raised with organized religion, stepping away during my teen years. While I still avoid organized religion, I am very grateful for my upbringing, simply because it gave me a 'starting point'. Recovery gave me the freedom to establish a relationship with a Higher Power of my understanding. I do feel my HP with my always, good times and bad times, and am truly grateful as my life has much more peace and serenity than before!
Willingness is such a critical part of growth for me. Being open, and accepting I don't have all the answers, and asking for help is 'golden'....setting aside my will and my ego was very, very difficult in the beginning yet when I am able, one day at a time, the results are far better than when I thought I was in control.
Happy Monday all - make it a great day!!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene