tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76965979381953510982024-02-19T02:34:47.105-06:00OAStepperAuthor of SLENDER STEPS TO SANITY: TWELVE-STEP NOTES OF HOPE and contributor to A CLOUD OF WITNESSES - TWO BIG BOOKS AND USOA Stepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17246046822699543114noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-6248252005771196822021-03-01T05:30:00.001-06:002021-03-01T05:30:01.375-06:00Be Attitude 7<p> </p><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;">Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. ~ Matthew 8:8</span></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin: 0px 1.5em; quotes: "" "";"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">When, therefore, we were approached by those in whom the problem had been solved, there was nothing left for us but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at out feet. We have found much of heaven and we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed. The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences* which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God’s universe. The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves. ~World Service, Alcoholics Anonymous; Wilson, Bill; Smith, Bob. <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">The Big Book and A Study Guide of the 12 Steps .</em> Anonymous Publishing. Kindle Edition.Page 25.</p></blockquote><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">The transformation is amazing,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />whether stated with utmost simplicity, as<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />“Blessed are the pure in heart,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />for they shall see God,”<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />or with the exuberance<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />of a newly found truth,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">The great fact is just this, and nothing less:</em><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences*<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />toward our fellows and toward God’s universe.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />The central fact of our lives today<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />is the absolute certainty that our Creator<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />has entered into our hearts and lives<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />in a way which is indeed miraculous.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />He has commenced to accomplish those things<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />for us which we could never do by ourselves.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></em>Surely, “Blessed are the pure in heart,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />for they shall see God!”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLivgdvK-dK3l3LUrPbzT8TcbOK1Ggb95n2rX16fXawCbS4ff3x3p5bRULBgF5LzsmnEAEubcbpcMNaR337AD-VjlVH0lzT3rVW6DZlb0nDTKjjRh0eekQve0D5CZKYgfmwghczFqx8SES/s1650/beattitudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLivgdvK-dK3l3LUrPbzT8TcbOK1Ggb95n2rX16fXawCbS4ff3x3p5bRULBgF5LzsmnEAEubcbpcMNaR337AD-VjlVH0lzT3rVW6DZlb0nDTKjjRh0eekQve0D5CZKYgfmwghczFqx8SES/s320/beattitudes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><br /></p>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-16448445785121828852021-02-28T05:30:00.001-06:002021-02-28T05:30:06.926-06:00Be Attitude 6<p> </p><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;">“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. ~ Matthew 8:8, The Lockman Foundation. </span><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;">New American Standard Bible</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;">– NASB 1995 (Without Translators’ Notes) . The Lockman Foundation. Kindle Edition.</span></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin: 0px 1.5em; quotes: "" "";"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">The question of how to approach the man we hated will arise. It may be he has done us more harm than we have done him and, though we may have acquired a better attitude toward him, we are still not too keen about admitting our faults. Nevertheless, with a person we dislike, we take the bit in our teeth. It is harder to go to an enemy than to a friend, but we find it much more beneficial to us. We go to him in a helpful and forgiving spirit, confessing our former ill feeling and expressing our regret. Under no condition do we criticize such a person or argue. Simply we tell him that we will never get over drinking until we have done our utmost to straighten out the past. ~ A.A. World Services Inc. <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition</em>. A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.</p></blockquote><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Mercy is benevolence, forgiveness, and kindness<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />in a variety of ethical, religious, social, and legal contexts.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />In the social and legal context,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />mercy may refer both to compassionate behavior<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />on the part of those in power,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />or on the part of a humanitarian third party.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Mercy is treating others as you would want<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />others treating you. Mercy is love, identifying<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />with the other person, wanting for them<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />what you would want for yourself.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Blessed are the merciful, for they receive mercy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLivgdvK-dK3l3LUrPbzT8TcbOK1Ggb95n2rX16fXawCbS4ff3x3p5bRULBgF5LzsmnEAEubcbpcMNaR337AD-VjlVH0lzT3rVW6DZlb0nDTKjjRh0eekQve0D5CZKYgfmwghczFqx8SES/s1650/beattitudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLivgdvK-dK3l3LUrPbzT8TcbOK1Ggb95n2rX16fXawCbS4ff3x3p5bRULBgF5LzsmnEAEubcbpcMNaR337AD-VjlVH0lzT3rVW6DZlb0nDTKjjRh0eekQve0D5CZKYgfmwghczFqx8SES/s320/beattitudes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><br /></p><div><br /></div><blockquote style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin: 0px 1.5em; quotes: "" "";"></blockquote>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-87118136999274393852021-02-27T05:30:00.001-06:002021-02-27T05:30:06.191-06:00Please Excuse Life's Getting In the Way!<blockquote style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin: 0px 1.5em; quotes: "" "";"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Blessed be Thou, O my God, because though I be unworthy of all Thy benefits, Thy bountiful and infinite goodness never ceaseth to do good even to ingrates and to those who are turned far from Thee. Turn Thou us unto Thyself, that we may be grateful, humble, and godly, for Thou art our salvation, our courage, and our strength. ~ Kempis, Thomas à. <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">The Imitation of Christ</em> (Illustrated) (p. 100). LiberWriter.com. Kindle Edition.</p></blockquote><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Blessed be Thou, O my God,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />because though I am unworthy<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />of all Your benefits,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Your bountiful and infinite goodness never ceases<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />to do good even to ingrates and to me<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />who turned far from You.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Turn me unto You,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />that I may be grateful, humble, and godly,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />for You are my salvation, my courage, and my strength.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />And with Your guidance I will let You lead this dance<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />in the day to come and seek You and Your guidance<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />with every thought and action I entertain in this new day!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://eaglewingspress.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thankful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" src="http://eaglewingspress.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thankful.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauddKvBnZmdbt6q9Y4BWY1Xw-Lrwwu6lblndRZVyDe_l9xvv32tJUMcmOBrrME5p_WGzg9uDFLfDXiXWYEvjvSJ0QA62kmSE3_2rR30pr3H1GlKKKHGoFx_62Mt9DZjDg8p37A7-9tBy1/s300/JUSTIN-HANDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauddKvBnZmdbt6q9Y4BWY1Xw-Lrwwu6lblndRZVyDe_l9xvv32tJUMcmOBrrME5p_WGzg9uDFLfDXiXWYEvjvSJ0QA62kmSE3_2rR30pr3H1GlKKKHGoFx_62Mt9DZjDg8p37A7-9tBy1/s0/JUSTIN-HANDS.jpg" /></a></div><br />Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-47443220494554446322021-02-26T05:30:00.001-06:002021-02-26T05:30:05.142-06:00Be Attitude 5<p> </p><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;">Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ~ Matthew 8:6, NIV, Holy Bible, eBook (p. 938). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.</span></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin: 0px 1.5em; quotes: "" "";"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: left;">We have shown how we got out from under. You say, “Yes, I’m willing. But am I to be consigned to a life where I shall be stupid, boring and glum, like some righteous people I see? I know I must get along without liquor, but how can I? Have you a sufficient substitute?” ~ A.A. World Services Inc. <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition</em>. A.A. World Services, Inc. Kindle Edition.</p></blockquote><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Hungering and thirsting<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />tended to be life-threatening<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />for those of us in Recovery!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Hungering was my downfall<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />while the thirsting got the all rolling!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />For plenty of us we are easily serially obsessed<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />with self-destruction in a variety of ways!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Hungering and thirsting for righteousness<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />didn’t make the list, though!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />But when we traded in the other compulsions<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />for hungering and thirsting for righteousness,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />the inadequate substitutes lost their appeal<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />and all our interstices held exactly what we needed!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLivgdvK-dK3l3LUrPbzT8TcbOK1Ggb95n2rX16fXawCbS4ff3x3p5bRULBgF5LzsmnEAEubcbpcMNaR337AD-VjlVH0lzT3rVW6DZlb0nDTKjjRh0eekQve0D5CZKYgfmwghczFqx8SES/s1650/beattitudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLivgdvK-dK3l3LUrPbzT8TcbOK1Ggb95n2rX16fXawCbS4ff3x3p5bRULBgF5LzsmnEAEubcbpcMNaR337AD-VjlVH0lzT3rVW6DZlb0nDTKjjRh0eekQve0D5CZKYgfmwghczFqx8SES/s320/beattitudes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><br /></p>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-65099131198484195872021-02-25T05:30:00.001-06:002021-02-25T05:30:02.803-06:00Be Attitude 4<blockquote style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin: 0px 1.5em; quotes: "" "";"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">“Blessed are the</span> meek, for they will inherit the earth. ~ <span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Matthew 8:6 </span>NIV, Holy Bible, eBook (p. 938). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.</p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">At this point, it might be well to explain alcoholism, the illness. Say that you believe he is a gravely ill person, with this qualification—being perhaps fatally ill, does he want to get well? You ask, because many alcoholics, being warped and drugged, do not want to quit. But does he? Will he take every necessary step, submit to anything to get well, to stop drinking forever?~ A.A. World Services Inc. <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Alcoholics Anonymous</em>, 4th Edition . A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.</p></blockquote><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Who are the meek?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><span class="df" role="text" style="box-sizing: inherit;">The quiet, the gentle?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />those easily imposed on…?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />the submissive?</span><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><span class="df" role="text" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Those ready to conform<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />to the authority or will of others?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />meekly obedient or passive?</span><span class="eg" role="text" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="ex" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />almost sheeplike people?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span class="gp tg_eg" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Perhaps the best answer<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />is that the meek are people<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />who admit they are powerless over life,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />who come to believe that a Power<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />greater than they can restore their sanity<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />and who choose that route!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Blessed are the</span> meek,<br /></span></span>for they will inherit the earth.<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLivgdvK-dK3l3LUrPbzT8TcbOK1Ggb95n2rX16fXawCbS4ff3x3p5bRULBgF5LzsmnEAEubcbpcMNaR337AD-VjlVH0lzT3rVW6DZlb0nDTKjjRh0eekQve0D5CZKYgfmwghczFqx8SES/s1650/beattitudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLivgdvK-dK3l3LUrPbzT8TcbOK1Ggb95n2rX16fXawCbS4ff3x3p5bRULBgF5LzsmnEAEubcbpcMNaR337AD-VjlVH0lzT3rVW6DZlb0nDTKjjRh0eekQve0D5CZKYgfmwghczFqx8SES/s320/beattitudes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span><p></p>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-85987668272136414082021-02-24T05:30:00.001-06:002021-02-24T20:50:32.980-06:00Be Attitude 3 <p> </p><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;">Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ~ Mark 8:5, NIV, Holy Bible, eBook (p. 938). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.</span></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin: 0px 1.5em; quotes: "" "";"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Most people try to live by self-propulsion. Each person is like an actor who wants to run the whole show; is forever trying to arrange the lights, the ballet, the scenery and the rest of the players in his own way. If his arrangements would only stay put, if only people would do as he wished, the show would be great. Everybody, including himself, would be pleased. Life would be wonderful. In trying to make these arrangements our actor may sometimes be quite virtuous. He may be kind, considerate, patient, generous; even modest and self-sacrificing. On the other hand, he may be mean, egotistical, selfish and dishonest. But, as with most humans, he is more likely to have varied traits. ~ A.A. World Services Inc. <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition</em>. A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.</p></blockquote><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">We recovering people don’t often present to the world<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />a meek self…at least not at first. We are not patient,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />long-suffering, resigned, peaceful docile, demure or mild…<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />or any other synonym of meek… at least when we get to the Rooms.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Sometimes…often…as old-timers we are. But we usually come in<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />rebellious. Those of us who find a home here become meek<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />as we inherit the earth, as we turn our will and our life<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />over to the care of One Who Can transform us.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Thank God the meek are blessed and inherit the earth!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLivgdvK-dK3l3LUrPbzT8TcbOK1Ggb95n2rX16fXawCbS4ff3x3p5bRULBgF5LzsmnEAEubcbpcMNaR337AD-VjlVH0lzT3rVW6DZlb0nDTKjjRh0eekQve0D5CZKYgfmwghczFqx8SES/s1650/beattitudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLivgdvK-dK3l3LUrPbzT8TcbOK1Ggb95n2rX16fXawCbS4ff3x3p5bRULBgF5LzsmnEAEubcbpcMNaR337AD-VjlVH0lzT3rVW6DZlb0nDTKjjRh0eekQve0D5CZKYgfmwghczFqx8SES/s320/beattitudes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><br /></p><div><br /></div><div data-mh="-1" role="listitem" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;"></div>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-64956060491151344352021-02-23T05:30:00.001-06:002021-02-23T05:30:05.221-06:00Be Attitude 2<p> </p><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;">Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ~ Matthew 5:2 NIV, Holy Bible, eBook (p. 938). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.</span></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin: 0px 1.5em; quotes: "" "";"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">Thus started one more journey to the asylum for Jim. Here was the threat of commitment, the loss of family and position, to say nothing of that intense mental and physical suffering which drinking always caused him. ~ A.A. World Services Inc. <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Alcoholics Anonymous,</em> 4th Edition . A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.</p></blockquote><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">It’s more than possible<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />as we in Recovery know<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />to mourn for our own lives,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />as do our loved ones know.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />But we also know a life to be mourned<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />can be reclaimed by knowing<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />we cannot control our obsessions,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />coming to believe God can,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />and by giving up trying,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />letting God do it, and learning it works!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Blessed are those who mourn<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />because, if allowed,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />God will take control<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />and comfort and joy will reign!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Blessed are those who mourn,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />for they will be comforted.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Are you willing to be comforted?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLivgdvK-dK3l3LUrPbzT8TcbOK1Ggb95n2rX16fXawCbS4ff3x3p5bRULBgF5LzsmnEAEubcbpcMNaR337AD-VjlVH0lzT3rVW6DZlb0nDTKjjRh0eekQve0D5CZKYgfmwghczFqx8SES/s1650/beattitudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLivgdvK-dK3l3LUrPbzT8TcbOK1Ggb95n2rX16fXawCbS4ff3x3p5bRULBgF5LzsmnEAEubcbpcMNaR337AD-VjlVH0lzT3rVW6DZlb0nDTKjjRh0eekQve0D5CZKYgfmwghczFqx8SES/s320/beattitudes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><br /></p>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-34815650265787691942021-02-22T05:30:00.001-06:002021-02-22T05:30:03.016-06:00Be Attitude 1<p> </p><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;">3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 5:3 The Lockman Foundation. New American Standard Bible – NASB 1995, The Lockman Foundation. Kindle Edition</span></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin: 0px 1.5em; quotes: "" "";"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">You are going to meet these new friends in your own community. Near you, alcoholics are dying helplessly like people in a sinking ship. If you live in a large place, there are hundreds. High and low, rich and poor, these are future fellows of Alcoholics Anonymous. Among them you will make lifelong friends. You will be bound to them with new and wonderful ties, for you will escape disaster together and you will commence shoulder to shoulder your common journey. Then you will know what it means to give of yourself that others may survive and rediscover life. You will learn the full meaning of “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” ~ A.A. World Services Inc. <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Alcoholics Anonymous,</em> 4th Edition . A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.</p></blockquote><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">The poor in spirit, alcoholics dying helplessly<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />like people in a sinking ship.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />High and low, rich and poor,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />future fellows of Alcoholics Anonymous,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />you will make lifelong friends.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Certainly poor in spirit,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />These fellow sufferers with you<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />will live the truth,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />“Love thy neighbor as thyself.”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXgY75czCryW8eJ81gdFKUDLRv_GK5J6TD0Zr3iwX5ssQHntleG6egs02wZhSXg9NN1ItG-RtgEZZaODawoSmw3RS2pOImM5HZJb6Jl1FLChMdPhI70HKf4tptebV3ljArJDC3KuKkWbL/s1650/beattitudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXgY75czCryW8eJ81gdFKUDLRv_GK5J6TD0Zr3iwX5ssQHntleG6egs02wZhSXg9NN1ItG-RtgEZZaODawoSmw3RS2pOImM5HZJb6Jl1FLChMdPhI70HKf4tptebV3ljArJDC3KuKkWbL/s320/beattitudes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><br /></p>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-9983733999669424922021-02-21T05:30:00.001-06:002021-02-21T05:30:08.808-06:00The Overcoming of Suffering<p> </p><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;">Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it. ~ Helen Keller</span></blockquote><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;">When you can do nothing more<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />to improve a situation,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Let go and let God.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></em>We in Texas have added SNOVID 2021<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />to the suffering of COVID 19’s rampage.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />We can wallow in the suffering but<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />that furthers the misery and denies us peace.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />What’s the solution?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />When you can do nothing more<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />to improve a situation,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Let go and let God.</em></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETpIkOQxdzJwzzM-NKF01onT1SmJtKVzRY-19v1NGGebSY3OlS1jkF4wvZvT4LpUA1s5aN8Sf6b2tb8owE3KeyE0T2MHbLpBWJ9FS6AJt9AJP987_vgIirrtkLAEseMG-reAkFLYwrw0h/s1080/Although-the-world-is-full-of-suffering-it-is-also-full-of-the-overcoming-of-it..png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETpIkOQxdzJwzzM-NKF01onT1SmJtKVzRY-19v1NGGebSY3OlS1jkF4wvZvT4LpUA1s5aN8Sf6b2tb8owE3KeyE0T2MHbLpBWJ9FS6AJt9AJP987_vgIirrtkLAEseMG-reAkFLYwrw0h/s320/Although-the-world-is-full-of-suffering-it-is-also-full-of-the-overcoming-of-it..png" /></a></div><br /><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><br /></em></div>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-14039393695358102332021-02-20T05:30:00.001-06:002021-02-20T05:30:00.347-06:00No Need to People-Please<p> </p><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;">Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. ~ Galatians 1:10 (NIV)</span></blockquote><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"></p><blockquote><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">That the man who is making the approach has had the same difficulty, that he obviously knows what he is talking about, that his whole deportment shouts at the new prospect that he is a man with a real answer, that he has no attitude of Holier Than Thou, nothing whatever except the sincere desire to be helpful; that there are no fees to pay, no axes to grind, no people to please, no lectures to be endured – these are the conditions we have found most effective. (</span><i style="box-sizing: inherit;">Alcoholics Anonymous</i><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">, pages 18-19)</span></blockquote><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">No people to please – how liberating!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">I’ve tried all my life to please people,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">to follow the rules,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">to go with the flow,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">to not make waves,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">to blend in.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">I’ve tried all my life to disappear,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">to not be seen<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">at least not in a bad light,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">a way that would reflect badly<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">on my parents,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">my school,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">my town,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">my profession,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">the church<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">I’ve now no people to please!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">What you think of me<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">is none of my business!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">What God thinks of me —<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">that’s my business.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">But when I’m showing up,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">asking him to tell me what to do<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">and doing it,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">I’m free!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Free at last, free at last,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">thanks, God, I’m free at last.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJccjQxIlUoJuq6SUYrHlcyAauYyLaQbd4Sz_VVg2V9Ii18mxdofw7pGguopEMZ4o7c2-iFUEnKMCD1XljWXnyGxNHZ50ROaeqdtviEqupxUBV34mqOPSp_dHZt14AOmZ2kK20RDXEodp/s640/bible+and+big+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJccjQxIlUoJuq6SUYrHlcyAauYyLaQbd4Sz_VVg2V9Ii18mxdofw7pGguopEMZ4o7c2-iFUEnKMCD1XljWXnyGxNHZ50ROaeqdtviEqupxUBV34mqOPSp_dHZt14AOmZ2kK20RDXEodp/s320/bible+and+big+book.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-71072804849367109862021-02-19T05:30:00.001-06:002021-02-19T05:30:03.917-06:00God Doesn't Need Interpreters<p> </p><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;">For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. ~ Galatians 1:12 (KJV)</span></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin: 0px 1.5em; quotes: "" "";"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">With few exceptions our members find that they have tapped an unsuspected inner resource which they presently identify with their own conception of a Power greater than themselves. (</span><i style="box-sizing: inherit;">Alcoholics Anonymous</i><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">, Spiritual Experience appendix)</span></p></blockquote><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">All around me,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">voices knowing better,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">people more experienced,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">others who’ve walked<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">this path before,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">and they may be messengers,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">sometimes,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">a mouthpiece for God,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">but I know if I miss the point<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">in a group, or studying alone, hope’s there,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">help’s there,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">guides may lead me<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">step by step<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">toward the right direction.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Sometimes God speaks through them.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Other times, they’re giving advice,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">not really working program,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">not in sync<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">with God.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">When I’ve listened long enough,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">I recognize his voice,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">hear his message.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">But I need not wait.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">He’s ready for me, any time.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"></p><div style="text-align: center;">God, protect me from leaving the path</div><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">you’re trying to send me along</div></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">no matter who speaks</div></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">for you.</div></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">Remind me you don’t need</div></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">interpreters.</div></span><p></p>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-70400772610390202692021-02-18T05:30:00.001-06:002021-02-18T05:30:04.205-06:00Free!<blockquote><p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px;">Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. ~ Galatians 1:10 (NIV)</span></p><blockquote style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin: 0px 1.5em; quotes: "" "";"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">That the man who is making the approach has had the same difficulty, that he obviously knows what he is talking about, that his whole deportment shouts at the new prospect that he is a man with a real answer, that he has no attitude of Holier Than Thou, nothing whatever except the sincere desire to be helpful; that there are no fees to pay, no axes to grind, no people to please, no lectures to be endured – these are the conditions we have found most effective. (</span><i style="box-sizing: inherit;">Alcoholics Anonymous</i><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">, pages 18-19)</span></p></blockquote><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">No people to please – how liberating!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">I’ve tried all my life to please people,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">to follow the rules,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">to go with the flow,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">to not make waves,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">to blend in.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">I’ve tried all my life to disappear,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">to not be seen<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">at least not in a bad light,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">a way that would reflect badly<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">on my parents,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">my school,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">my town,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">my profession,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">the church<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">I’ve now no people to please!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">What you think of me<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">is none of my business!<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">What God thinks of me —<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">that’s my business.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">But when I’m showing up,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">asking him to tell me what to do<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">and doing it,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">I’m free!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 21.25px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Free at last, free at last,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">thanks, God, I’m free at last!</span></p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLEfjP1TqR5ZypiBligtb67P-xKzM91Srm_lBNZpxvAR1DSBigTwYs7V8WU-DCjz7QAbOFLbyqHG7mAaPNKFd1jUFCui0_fuqjcigvX4y8w6i7ONflxlg8eU4YvVlrR-aK6M2RATYmgZt/s640/bible+and+big+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLEfjP1TqR5ZypiBligtb67P-xKzM91Srm_lBNZpxvAR1DSBigTwYs7V8WU-DCjz7QAbOFLbyqHG7mAaPNKFd1jUFCui0_fuqjcigvX4y8w6i7ONflxlg8eU4YvVlrR-aK6M2RATYmgZt/s320/bible+and+big+book.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p> </p><p> </p>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-38726198273439530002021-01-26T21:52:00.000-06:002021-01-26T21:52:37.747-06:00Galatians 3:10-12<blockquote><p>For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM.” Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM.” ~ Galatians 3:10-12, The Lockman Foundation. New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 </p></blockquote><blockquote><p>Most of us sense that real tolerance of other people’s shortcomings and viewpoints and a respect for their opinions are attitudes which make us more useful to others. Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs. ~ A.A. World Services Inc. <i>Alcoholics Anonymous, </i>4th Edition . A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition. </p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;">What does God want of me?<br />It feels like sometimes there's no way out.<br />If I try to follow the law --<br />God's laws or,<br />with self-reliance,<br />avoiding the pull of addiction,<br />I'm boxed in with no way<br />to find the proper path. <br />But I'm not on my own.<br />God's here, ready, willing,<br />to direct my steps,<br />Upper Class Steps or lower case!<br />When working the Twelve Steps<br />or taking that next right step,<br />in either case (pun intended)<br />I'm not on my own. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">God, I offer myself to Thee,<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;">– to build with me <br />and to do with me as Thou wilt. <br />Relieve me of the bondage of self, <br />that I may better do Thy will. <br />Take away my difficulties, <br />that victory over them <br />may bear witness to those I would help <br />of Thy Power, <br />Thy Love, <br />and Thy Way of Life.*</span></span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; text-align: left;">*Third Step Prayer</span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-19159562859771301392018-06-05T21:46:00.001-05:002018-06-05T21:46:06.562-05:00GALATIANS 4:17<blockquote>
<span class="text Gal-4-17" id="en-NIV-29149">Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. ~ <span class="passage-display-bcv">Galatians 4:17</span> <span class="passage-display-version">New International Version (NIV)</span></span><br />
I pushed a drink across the table. He refused it. Disappointed but curious, I wondered what had got into the fellow. He wasn't himself. "Come, what's all this about?" I queried. He looked straight at me. Simply, but smilingly, he said, "I've got religion." ~ <em>Alcoholics Anonymous.</em> page 9.</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are a program of of attraction,<br />not promotion. We offer you what we have,<br />and welcome you sincerely<br />if you decide you're one of us.<br />But if you don't want what we have<br />it's your decision.<br />We don't recruit to increase our numbers<br />or to put a notch in our belt.<br />We have found peace and fulfillment<br />and believe you can as well.<br />We believe you're likely to come back<br />when you're ready.<br />If you belong here<br />I'll do all I can to help,<br />mot as an expert<br />but as a fellow traveler.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God, give me the help<br />to communicate the joy<br />I've found in Recovery<br />and to offer a helping hand<br />whenever I can.</div>
Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-91332586891856104902017-10-26T21:05:00.003-05:002017-10-26T21:21:27.464-05:00Galaians 3:8-9<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Gal-3-8" id="en-NIV-29111">Scripture
foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the
gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through
you.”</span><span class="text Gal-3-9" id="en-NIV-29112"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">~ Galaians 3:8-9 (Phillips New
Testament)</span></blockquote>
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<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<hr />
<hr />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express even a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results, even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or comprehend that Power, which is God. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, page 46.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ </blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We, the intelligent,<br />the educated,<br />the leaders don't understand,<br />cannot make sense<br />of that which we know to be true.<br />We want to lead, to explain,<br />to interpret<br />the mystery that happened to us.<br />We understand<br />we've been here,<br />you're new<br />and you have questions<br />needing answers.<br />We can say, "It works!<br />The miracle happened,<br />is happening in our lives."<br />But to say more,<br />to give you resolution,<br />you'll just have to accept...<br />We can tell you it works,<br />that it did for us,<br />but just accept, believe.<br />and feel the miracle!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God, thank you for the change<br />we welcome,<br />forgive our<br />impulse to demand<br />understanding as well. </div>
Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-19107319357192254652015-04-05T18:27:00.000-05:002017-10-26T20:59:46.603-05:00Galatians 3:7<br />
Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. ~ NIV<br />
<hr />
<hr />
Never talk down to an alcoholic from any moral or spiritual hilltop; simply lay out the kit of spiritual tools for his inspection. Show him how they worked with you. Offer him friendship and fellowship. Tell him that if he wants to get well you will do anything to help. ~ <i>Alcoholics Anonymous</i>, page 95<br />
<hr />
<hr />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We walk a new walk<br />
that is old for others<br />
but we who feel like dwarfs<br />
and look on those well-placed<br />
on the path<br />
as giants on whose shoulders<br />
we are allowed to stand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abraham was a man<br />
plagued with doubt<br />
prone to lie<br />
questioning<br />
but obeying<br />
on whose life we look back<br />
with twenty-twenty<br />
hindsight<br />
and admiration.<br />
Those who went before<br />
were not giants<br />
nor are we when we've walked<br />
some miles<br />
but we must accept those<br />
who see us as we perceived<br />
or predecessors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God, thank you for the progression<br />
yielding progress<br />
and heroes to emulate.</div>
Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-72486779281411998202015-03-11T18:32:00.002-05:002015-03-11T18:32:21.488-05:00Galatians 3:6<br />
<br />
So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (NIV)<br />
<hr />
<hr />
<br />
We must lose our fear of creditors no matter how far we have to go, for we are liable to drink if we are afraid to face them. ~ <i>Alcoholics Anonymous</i>, 4th Edition (Kindle Locations 1207-1208).<br />
<br />
<hr />
<hr />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Credit, debit,<br />
it's a spectrum,<br />
a swinging door,<br />
a teeter-totter.<br />
It's more fun to be the have<br />
than the have not,<br />
to be able to give<br />
than to need to take.<br />
But what if the chips<br />
are not symbols of money<br />
but are blessings<br />
life righteousness,<br />
like love,<br />
like understanding?<br />
It's more fun to be the have<br />
then as well<br />
especially<br />
for we lose none<br />
of the blessings we share.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God, thank you for flowing blessings.<br />
Give me the wisdom to pass them no<br />
and see them expand to us all.</div>
Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-63593121210860193882015-03-11T18:32:00.001-05:002015-03-11T18:32:05.642-05:00Galatians 3:5-6 (added bonus)<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Galatians 3:5-6</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (NTSB—check that, same as yesterday’s quote)</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1">The doctor said: “You have the mind of a chronic alcoholic. I have never seen one single case recover, where that state of mind existed to the extent that it does in you.” Our friend felt as though the gates of hell had closed on him with a clang. </span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1">He said to the doctor, “Is there no exception?” </span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1">“Yes,” replied the doctor, “there is. Exceptions to cases such as yours have been occurring since early times. Here and there, once in a while, alcoholics have had what are called vital spiritual experiences. ~ <i>Alcoholics Anonymous, </i>p. 27</span></div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p5">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We’ve tried.</div>
<span class="s1"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">Followed the rules,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pursued the rabbit tracks,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tried and failed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
again and again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Willpower, resolution, determination, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
threatened consequences,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
actual loss…</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nothing works.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Is there no exception?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Yes.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here and there</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
once in a while</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it happens —</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a vital spiritual experience.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We believe what we’ve heard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and miracles happen.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="p5">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God, grant me serenity.</div>
<span class="s1"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">Grant me awareness</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’m powerless,</div>
<span class="s1"><i></i></span><span class="s1"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Give me a miracle.</div>
</div>
Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-36717639718318495532015-02-19T21:44:00.001-06:002015-02-19T21:55:11.841-06:00Galatians 3:5I ask you again, does God give you the power of the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you as a result of your trying to obey the Jewish laws? No, of course not. It is when you believe in Christ and fully trust him. ~ Galatians 3:5 (TLB)<hr />
<hr />
<br /><br />Neither could we reduce our self-centeredness much by wishing or trying on our own power. We had to have God’s help. <br /><br />This is the how and the why of it. First of all, we had to quit playing God. ~ <i>Alcoholics Anonymous, </i>page 62<hr />
<hr />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Quit playing God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I'm so good at it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And after all</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we're only talking</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about the little things.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll leave the big ones to God...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Salvation</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Condemnation</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The destruction of the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But he's so busy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He can't worry about a little lie,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just a half truth, really,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to not hut feelings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or about what I eat,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whether the chicken fry</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or another baked fish. Phew!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can handle this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What do you mean, baloney?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You don't trust me?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God, you love me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You care about me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing's to little for your concern.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll let go, release it all,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and really mean that prayer,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
your will, not mine,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
be done.</div>
Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-59236468678744621862015-02-12T17:07:00.000-06:002015-02-19T21:49:05.830-06:00Galatians 3:4<br />
<br />
Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? ~ Galatians 3:4 (NASB)<br />
<br />
<hr />
<hr />
We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink. ~ <i>Alcoholics Anonymous, </i>page 24<br />
<br />
<hr />
<hr />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
WhenEVER will I learn?<br />
Must I allow the same lesson<br />
to be pounded into my head<br />
again<br />
and again<br />
and AGAIN???<br />
I know I do it to myself,<br />
that I have a taste of recovery<br />
then toss it away<br />
again<br />
and again<br />
and again.<br />
But at some point I learn<br />
recovery feels better<br />
than my addiction<br />
that I don't want the illusive prize<br />
and choose to hold the real one<br />
and my experience<br />
can bless others<br />
doing what they would not do<br />
again and again and again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God, let it be sooner<br />
rather than later.<br />
Let me listen to those<br />
who have learned the lesson.</div>
Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-48595117671628009282015-02-01T20:30:00.000-06:002015-02-01T20:30:42.664-06:00Galatians 3:3I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? (Galatians 3:3 NIV)<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<hr />
<hr />
We were in a position where life was becoming impossible, and if we had passed into the region from which there is no return through human aid, we had but two alternatives: One was to go on to the bitter end, blotting out the consciousness of our intolerable situation as best we could; and the other, to accept spiritual help.<i> (Alcoholics Anonymous</i>, page 25)<br />
<hr />
<hr />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Powerless.<br />Life out of control.<br />I can do this<br />with sufficient willpower,<br />if I follow the rules,<br />if I use my logic,<br />my experience,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what I read of how it's done...<br />but then again<br />I've tried that.<br />Failed at that.<br />Fell flat on my face.<br />I can't do it<br />and have demonstrated that<br />in every manner for many years.<br />I give up.<br />But I have a Spirit<br />who will take over<br />if I just let go,<br />take direction,<br />and do as I'm told.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you, God,<br />for proving I can't<br />but you can.<br /></div>
Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-40835147552000487332015-01-26T22:09:00.002-06:002015-01-26T22:09:27.152-06:00Galatians 3:1<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? (NIV)</blockquote>
<hr />
<hr />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Yet all reasons for not drinking were easily pushed aside in favor of the foolish idea that he could take whiskey if only he mixed it with milk! (<i>Alcoholics Anonymous</i> 36-37)</blockquote>
<hr />
<hr />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Knowing better,<br />having experienced the glory<br />of doing it well,<br />of living recovery,<br />of achieving alignment<br />of my life with His...<br />Despite years of study,<br />repeated recommittals,<br />leadership roles,<br />extensive service...<br />Cognizant it's counterintuitive,<br />embarrassed to fall short,<br />to miss the mark,<br />to have settled for less...<br />God, I <i>know </i>I'm foolish,<br />that I'm a failure.<br />No, not a failure.<br />I'm yours, you made me,<br />and you don't make failures.<br />But I know better.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Help me to choose better.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God, I <i>know</i> I'm foolish.<br />Let me turn loose,<br />surrender,<br />and be the success you choose</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to make me.</div>
Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-73592244282390605012013-12-19T21:50:00.003-06:002013-12-19T21:50:29.589-06:00Galatians 2:20-21<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Gal-2-20" id="en-NIV-29102">I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (NIV)</span></blockquote>
<hr />
<hr />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But there is One who has all power—that One is God. May you find Him now! <br />
<br />
Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. we asked His protection and care with complete abandon. ~ <i>Alcoholics Anonymous</i> (Kindle Locations 906-908). </blockquote>
<hr />
<hr />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who would choose to set grace aside?<br />God's unmerited love...<br />would you decline just because<br />you had not earned it,<br />it felt like charity?<br />(Insert graphic,<br />hand raised, <i>guilty.</i>)<br />A being possessing <i>all</i> power?<br />Who would not seek out and find<br />this greatest of great,<br />this source of, well, all power?<br />But how intimidating, how humiliating...<br />who would decline to search for the source?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Insert graphic,<br />hand raised, <i>guilty.</i>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The law I understand,<br />the give and take,<br />punishment for failure,<br />judgment for those who prove<br />they deserve it...<br />beyond a reasonable doubt.<br />Who expects justice through the law?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Insert graphic,<br />hand raised, <i>guilty.</i>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />God, I'm drawn to wrong answers<br />but they don't give me peace, happiness.<br />Teach me to accept grace, to seek<br />the source of all power,<br />and to know the law gains me nothing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-78698146518374796352012-06-05T16:03:00.000-05:002012-06-05T16:03:41.000-05:00Galatians 2:20<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NIV)</blockquote>
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Like myself, he had admitted complete defeat. Then he had, in effect, been raised from the dead, suddenly taken from the scrap heap to a level of life better than the best he had ever known! (<i>Alcoholics Anonymous, </i>page 11)</blockquote>
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Throw in the towel, I'm done. </div>
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It's okay, though. </div>
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I'm not the star, just the understudy.</div>
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I'm here, ready to be of service</div>
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but when I stand back and watch,</div>
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when I just take orders</div>
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and do my best,</div>
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excellence happens</div>
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and I bask in it,</div>
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a part of it, </div>
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the beneficiary,</div>
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but blown away</div>
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by the results.</div>
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I can't believe what a work or art</div>
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you can craft </div>
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from the raw material</div>
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that is me.</div>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696597938195351098.post-33776488452286231382012-06-05T15:43:00.001-05:002012-06-05T15:44:05.162-05:00Galatians 2:19<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It was the Law itself that killed me and freed me from its power, so that I could live for God.</blockquote>
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I have been nailed to the cross with Christ. (CEV)</blockquote>
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Above everything, we alcoholics must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it kills us! God makes that possible. (<i>Alcoholics Anonymous</i>, page 62)</blockquote>
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<i>Whatever</i><br />
I've tried all these years<br />
over and over again<br />
didn't work.<br />
Why should I trust it to work now?<br />
Do I relish guilt,<br />
savor shame,<br />
revel in remorse?<br />
<i>Emphatically not!</i><br />
Why, then, should I persist,<br />
why try harder when I know<br />
I could not before have done more<br />
than I did, at least briefly...<br />
I'm incompetent, powerless,<br />
unable to manage my life,<br />
my responsibilities. <br />
It's time to toss my pride in the rag pile<br />
and allow the results<br />
even if I can't claim<br />
responsibility.<br />
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God, thank you!<br />
I don't <i>have </i>to be<br />
responsible.</div>
</div>Barbara Rollinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01428462053189883210noreply@blogger.com0