Member: dj
Location: norfolk
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 11:07:34

Comments

grace of god


Member: Joel H.
Location: Sandhills, N.C.
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 11:39:13

Comments

Hello fellow trudgers, Joel here, alcoholic. I guess the topic is the grace of God. Well, I truly believe that I wouldn't be here if it were not for some higher power looking out for me all these years. Like all of us, I went through what I had to go through to get here, and I know today that AA is where I belong. Being sober One Day At A Time is a gift, I didn't see things that way for a long time, but I do now. And I hope that by the grace of God, and trying to work this recovery program, I can stay without drink or drugs One Day At A Time. I am blessed with a wise sponsor with 30+ years of sobriety, a loving family, and a God that helps me if I want his help. I used to bother myself with all the Why's and How's. If it works, don't fix it. Just Try It. A lot can happen in one day, good or bad, but I don't have to drink anymore, nor do I want to. But I do want peace of mind, acceptance, and tolerance. Without striving for these qualities, I have no daily reprieve. Thanks for letting me ramble and thanks for the topic DJ. One Day At A Time, WE...


Member: AZ Sunshine girl
Location: A Real alcoholic
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 12:22:04

Comments

God's grace .. so misunderstood, because I think we feel we have to earn Grace, we don't. Isn't it just like God to wipe my slate clean, give me a life that is awesome, make me useful, respected, kind & loving, just for not taking a drink one day at a time, getting a sponsor (I needed someone to talk to anyway), working the steps & praying daily for His will in my life. Isn't it just like God to make it that simple! A.A. really is the easier, softer way. For those of you new to this program keep coming back and don't rely on the internet entirely for your meetings come on & meet us face to face, and God's grace will open your eyes, things may be dim at first, but will become clearer as time goes on .. we know, we were new once too & besides all any of us have is today. May God's grace be with you. Good topic.


Member: Geri W
Location: Va
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 14:06:09

Comments

Geri, a very grateful alcoholic here. Thank you for letting me share.

God's Grace. Do I understand why He has chosen to give it to me? No. But I know that when I was beaten to the ground, I asked Him for it, and it was freely given. How do I know that He gave me Grace? Because He has removed the obsession for alcohol from me. He has given me a daily reprieve, as long as I stay spiritually fil.

There is no doubt in my mind that I didn't deserve His attention, forgiveness or Grace. I deserved to continue to live the life I had so carefully earned by practicing my self will. Thank God, He chose to set me free and give me a second chance.

And for that I am truly grateful.


Member: paul
Location: uk
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 14:15:42

Comments

Hello DJ & All. Good topic. My HP is always looking out for me these days. I KNOW IT! Therefore his grace will guide me through the rough & the not always smooth.

Therefore I trust in my Higher Power to grant me all of the things that need to happen in my life. The more I pray to Him, the more I come to believe.

Hope that this makes some sense.

Thanks for letting me share.


Member: linda l
Location: virginia
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 14:53:49

Comments

Hi, Linda here: a Grateful recovering alcoholic

God has surely extended his grace to time and time again. I was sober for many years, relapsed and have just returned. The grace of God has brought me back. Like others, I do not know why "me". But, I won't ask, but will accept the free gift of God and be thankful for another chance. I love all of you.


Member: Michael T
Location: Canada
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 18:20:34

Comments

The grace of god is unexplainable to me. I cannot understand how life got me here but I know this is the right way to live. I often feel like i'm wearing two left shoes in my life, awkward and uncomfortable but I'm of the belief that I will get more comfortable if I just keep coming back and try to live my life the best way I can. Michael T from Canada


Member: duncan mc
Location: manchester england
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 18:47:37

Comments

hi i'm duncan from manchester england. i hope to visit you again when i'm more used to the net.


Member: avi n.
Location: mexico
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 18:49:38

Comments

i woke up this morning thinking ruefully about my previous night avoiding my studies, immersing myself in pornography on the internet...and then thought...hey, if you weren't sober you wouldn't be waking up, you would be dead already...also i thought being sober gives me a chance to see myself as i am, not how i fantasy myself to be in some drunken stupor...my character defects stare me in the face telling me to do something about them, even if it means putting them on the shelf, because with and by the grace of some higher power, i was not drinking my brains out last night...avi n.


Member: Jill L
Location: PS, CA
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 19:14:46

Comments

Hi everyone,I'm Jill and I am an alcoholic. God's grace I don't understand it. Do I believe I was "chosen" to get sober by my god? Absolutely not. I believe that the grace has been there all along. It was just a matter of me being able to accept it and not keep turning my back to it.For me the slogan of "if you will not long enough, soon enough you can not" applies. It is about aligning my will with my HP's. I guess then I am able see God's Grace as it applies to me. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Tony C.
Location: Arizona
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 19:29:15

Comments

Hello from Tucson in the desert of Arizona. But for the grace of god I would most definately be six feet under or in jail today. This is my first time on this internet meeting. I just returned from a trip throught England and it was fun going to meetings in London and York. AA is everywhere!!! God bless all of you...


Member: Bo S.
Location: Virginia
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 20:53:31

Comments

Grace... a special gift from our higher power. Divine Assistance. My higher power and I have a pact. The only thing in life I must not do is drink alcohol. If I keep this covenant, practice the steps, then everything will take care of itself.

I'm having trouble getting to meetings because my license has been taken away due to a dui I received 7 months ago. I hope online meetings will fill the gap when when transportation fails. God bless you all...


Member: billyryan99@hotmail.com
Location: CANADA
Date: 16 May 1999
Time: 21:37:48

Comments

AZ Sunshine Girl linda 1 Jill L

....and everyone else ...all your messages inspired me so much ....I want to be like you so much ...I want to get my sorted life back on track ....my only hope is through here because we live so off the beaten path it is like 160 miles to the nearest meeting ..my wife is the breadwinner and i am the stay at home dad ..yes unusual I agree but it also gave me a lot of time to drink and then sober up before she got home and frankly I am tired of it ...need some on line help ...thank god you are here !


Member: Duane H.
Location: upstate N.Y.
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 00:20:22

Comments

Good Morning family, My name is Duane and I am a real alcoholic. Linda L. I can relate to you.I also was sober for quite a few 24 hours and decided to test the waters.IT IS NO FUN!!!!For the GRACE OF GOD my seat(that I so dearly paid for)was waiting for me upon return.I had heard the first time around was a gift,any time after you have to work for it.Well I am asking for GOD's guidence to remain sober and to be there for the next suffering alki.Today I have my H.P. very close to my side and pray that I do not turn my back on him again when my selfish needs are not met. Thank you for letting me share.


Member: Kavin P
Location: California
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 01:09:11

Comments

My name is Kavin and I am an alcoholic. I am sober today through the grace of God, as I understand God, and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. God has done for me what I could not do for myself. If there was a wrathful God then I would surely be lying in an alley somewhere drunk or dead. Therefore God must a God of grace and love to have saved a wretch like me and so many others from the dispair and misery of alcoholism.


Member: Texas Girl
Location: Texas
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 01:29:41

Comments

Hi, Texas Girl, Alcoholic. I know I am sober only by the grace of God; my way was obviously not working. I tried all sorts of things--promising myself that I would only have 2-3 drinks (we all know where that leads); switching to different kinds of drinks, "quitting" for a day or two, etc.etc.

When I came to this program I would not have given a plug nickel for my chances of staying sober for even a month or a week, but by the grace of God and one day at a time I've made it for more than ten years. This is nothing less than a miracle, for which I am profoundly grateful on a daily basis.

Newcomers, keep coming back and don't give up before the miracle happens.


Member: Terry S.
Location: Huntington Beach, Ca
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 01:59:21

Comments

Thank you for sharining Ali n. from Mexico, as I look back thinking about if I could just quit drinking my life would be so normal. Man was I suprised to find out who I really was! Yes for me too my liquor was symptom. I have now trudged this road for a long time knowing that trudging means moving slowly. You see GOD has revaled to me over time, by working the steps sharing my story with another alcoholic attending meetings staying busy that its not about alcohol. It's about this head that will daily remind me that I don't have a problem. It's about people, places, and things that sometimes just piss me off! Oh well I've lived life on lifes terms now to just easy does it, and just take it easy. I'am so grateful to be convinced that I can't drank like another and that if I ever doubt it share it now!! Work with another. Thats the way GOD planed it. One more thought. If talking about GOD or being asked to belive in a GOD i.e.(hp)makes you uncomfortable because you,ve been running from your mommy's god all your life just leave. Because if God can run you out of here. Alcohol and or drugs will run you back in here, if your lucky.


Member: Pablo R.
Location: Midhudson valley N.Y.
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 07:47:57

Comments

Hello friends of Bill W. I`m Pablo, alcoholic and drug addict.This is my second post in staying cyber. I`ve been reading everybody`s comments and found it very usefull,thankyou all.GOD`S grace is a good topic,anytime. I was raised with a punishing GOD.Therefore, when I came into the program, I did not know of a loving GOD. I couldn`t imagine GOD loving me, so at the begining I used a Group Of Drunks as my H.P. Then I also used Good Oderly Direction, until I did my second step. Only when my lone brain cell started to clear, did I realize that GOD has been working in my life all along. There was plenty of times he saved my ass. I don`t know why, but I think it`s to stay sober and spread the AA message. Remember everyone only one in thirdyfive stay sober one year, so we are all miracles. Thankyou for letting me share. Lots of (((((((hugs)))))))) Pablo


Member: Tony T.
Location: Louisiana
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 07:53:36

Comments

Great topic, the grace of God. Well if it would not be for the grace and forgiveness of a loving God I like many others would not be here to share this with you all. To me God and his grace are something to believe not understood. Cause many times I don't understant Him at all. My job is to believe not understand. I was like most drunks when I came into AA. Wife about to leave, job, all but gone, and a life that was just plain crazy, nothing made sense anymore. My wife said Tony either get help or get OUT! So I went to AA to save my ass. Not really believing I was alcoholic even though I knew I drank too much Sometimes. By God's grace He has shown me how to tell the truth from the lie. To day I know I am alcoholic and have not had a drink in 2 years. God's grace allows me to life on life's terms and takes me ou of that fantsy world I lived in for so long. To be able to tell the true form the false most of the time is a wonderful gift. I do believe Gods grace is a gift and not any thing I eraned. I beleive God loves me inspite of what I am not because of what I am. And for that I'm for ever greatful. Thanks for being here for me. May God bless every one and keep you all safe. Bye.


Member: Dave C
Location:
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 08:45:15

Comments

Tony

You aree lucky in many ways. You sound as if you have found salvation on God which is the way.

I am today wrestling with a bad hangover and although I know I need help cannot take the right steps. That is why I say you are lucky, you recognised the problem and dealt with it.


Member: bill. h
Location: manchester
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 09:26:22

Comments

my names bill and im an alcholic. i stopped drinking after going to aa for 6 months when i asked god(as i understand him)to make it stop and i meant it. i awoke with a knowledge of my illness. i havent drank now for 9 years by the grace of god. you cant do it on your own,let go, let god.he'll look after you.god bless you all.bill


Member: Dave C
Location: London
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 09:34:23

Comments

Bill

What is the first step?


Member: Marsha W
Location:
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 09:39:33

Comments

This is my first post here. I'm Marsha and struggling with the realization that I am an alcoholic. I hope and pray for God's help and His Grace. I hope and pray that He will take the desire to drink from me and see me through the days ahead. I'm glad I found this site and will continue to return here.


Member: Dave C
Location: London
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 11:42:10

Comments

I am a frequent visitor to these pages .... and for me the largest single issue is that I wrestle an ongoing debate in my mind as to whether or not I am an alcoholic.

If I drink two or three beers I am okay and get up the next day. If I drink more, I am lethargic, suffer nervousness in the morning and invariably have to take a morning drink.

I guess the question is: 'am I in control?' to which the overwhleming truth is 'no I am not'. I need then to take steps and meet people from this fellowship with whom I can share experiences. The I feel I can conquer this illness


Member: Susan B.
Location: KY
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 12:35:47

Comments

Grace of God? Yes, I know the grace of God. The grace of God is you and I that are so blessed with the gift of being sober today. I was sober six months, by the grace of God, in that short time I was blessed enough to get a small taste of the freedom and serenity that comes from being sober. I chose to let self will run riot, and I drank again, but by the Grace of God, I was able to put the drink down again and start over. Many do not get that chance, and if I drink again I may not get another. I believe I have been given another chance by the grace of God to help others, to set an example for others as I know so many who still are suffering that would give their "eye teeth" to have 6 months. If they would only work this simple program, the grace of God would be theirs too. Thanks for letting me share


Member: CAP
Location: MN
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 12:54:37

Comments

Hello,Christine, Alcoholic/Addict.

I came into AA with what I thought was no belief. I had self-will run riot. Someone told me to use anything that I felt comfortable with to talk to, other than myself. First, I had to become willing and I was very much so. When I questioned myself about being so willing was when I realized there was something other than my ego working for me. This allowed me to become open minded, which opened the flood gates for me into a new way of life.

It took lots of practice to retrain my mind. Throughout the day I would ask myself, " Is this my will or God's will? " I soon could feel the answer in my gut. This to me is God's grace working within me. The day I quit asking myself this question is the first day towards a relapse. I know from experience. I ask daily or as much as I need for his knowledge and the power to carry that out.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. Christine.


Member: Whitney C.
Location: east coast
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 13:20:53

Comments

hi, i am whitney crawford, this may not be completly on the topic! but TERRY!!!! ITS BEEN 2 WHOLE MONTHS FREE!!!!!!! arent you excited?? i am!


Member: Bill M.
Location: Georgia, USA
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 13:45:07

Comments

I'm Bill, alcoholic. Dave, one of the best meetings in London was a church on the corner of Radnor Walk and Kings Road, in Chelsea. There is also a Clinic across the street that can give some you a list of all the AA meetings..Seems like it was called Where to find It. In the beginning I was sure that I could do it on my own. I walked out of the movie Days of Wine and Roses and promised to never go to another movie with Jack Lemon as the plot was so unreal. It was about a couple giving up everything to be able to drink. Went around the corner to a bar and complained louldly about the terrible new movie. I drank another four years, knowing that I was in serious life or death situation. At my first meeting they were very gentle with me and suggested that I put some time between me and my last drink, come to meetings, and my life would get better. With all the wisdom I have today, there is none that I treasure more than that bit of wisdom as I haven't had a drink since then. It took me years to realize tthat when I arrived they were practicing unconditional love and I was not sure what that was. They shared their Hope with me and later I was able to gain Faith, they didn't charge me, thats Charity. The way they were able to tell me about sobriety made it seem very attractive. After a number of years I can assure you the best is yet to come. If no ones told you today that they love you, well, I love you. All my best. Bill M.


Member: Dave C
Location: London
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 16:30:49

Comments

Bill

A million thanks .... I have jusst called the fellowship near London and will be at my first meeting this week.

I start this journey in hope .... thanks

David C


Member: Dave C
Location: London
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 16:31:19

Comments

Bill

A million thanks .... I have just called the fellowship near London and will be at my first meeting this week.

I start this journey in hope .... thanks

David C


Member: walter D
Location: mid west.
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 17:00:08

Comments

i think god saved my life last sat. i got my first ouil. for some reason i beleave had i not gotted arrested i would have died. this is my first contact with aa.


Member: Leigha
Location: USA
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 18:18:54

Comments

Paula Here Alcoholic, Dry since January, when I feel weak, I pray for strength from god, I am looking for a AA meeting place here today (in my hometown), and have just found one to attend. I am learning about God's Grace day by day and try not to look at the Journey ahead, Just look at today, The day god let me see today with my children....


Member: Paula L.
Location: USA
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 18:19:17

Comments

Paula Here Alcoholic, Dry since January, when I feel weak, I pray for strength from god, I am looking for a AA meeting place here today (in my hometown), and have just found one to attend. I am learning about God's Grace day by day and try not to look at the Journey ahead, Just look at today, The day god let me see today with my children....


Member: Larry W.
Location: Jackson,  MI
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 18:24:11

Comments

This is my first meeting on the web. After reading other members comments I must say that this will be a good replacement for my regular meetings when I can't make it to them. As for the Grace of God I think it was my will that make me an alcoholic and I thank God and his will that He showed me that it was time to quit drinking, no more hell for me. Alcoholics Anonymous is the way He showed me to stay sober.


Member: Jeff K.
Location: Ohio
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 18:59:52

Comments

I'm Jeff alcoholic & addict This is my 1st meeting on here. I'm glad to says by the grace of god I have been sober 10yrs. And my grandchild have yet to see me pick up a drink or drug . That is by the grace of god and the people in the fellowship .Glad you are all here.


Member: Phil A
Location: UK
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 19:38:28

Comments

Dave C

Dave you have already taken the first step by admitting you have problem.....Good luck with your first meeting. If you are were like me i.e a periodic drinker it may take a little longer to come to terms with it, but do not worry all is not lost. I went to my first meeting unsure didnn't listen much as I was still suffering the consequences after my last drinking spree that was four days after my last drink, went to a meeting the next day and picked up one hell of a lot of things I thought nobody else ever felt, well now its been a little over four month and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Peace and Serenity to all


Member: Jim H
Location: Lebanon Pa.
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 19:51:28

Comments

I bought a new truck in 1987 and had it ten years, trading it in on a 1998/ There ws 183000 miles on that truck. 90% of those miles were put on while I was drinking/ drunk. I drove drunk. I drove in black outs.Once I drove for three days in a black out. I DID NOT earn GOD's Grace. It was there all along. I am sober 3 1/2 years and with your help and God's Grace I'll stay sober today... Thank YOU AA and thank GOD for with out you all I'd be alost soul tormented for ever and ever. Stay long enough. The miracle will happen!!!!!


Member: JCP
Location: W.Pa.
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 20:01:47

Comments

One day at a time. Easy does it. It's in the long run, not a sprint.

I spent a long time in AA believing I was not going to make it -- even after I had drunk daily for years and then had run up a string of days, weeks, months sober.

They said look after tomorrow and let the rest wait. Good thing I was wrong and (so far) they were right. I was the one still trying to prove it.


Member: Joe A.
Location: Portland, Oregon
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 20:55:59

Comments

Hi, friends in sobriety. Joe A. from Portland here. By God's grace and only by that grace, I have been able to make amends to myself as well as others.

I no longer abuse myself as I once did, and by doing that, I make amends to myself. Upon arrival in AA, my life was a shambles and I hurt in every area of my life--mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically and financially. By the grace of God, I have learned a new way of life and I don't hurt any more! God, life is nice when you don't hurt! When I got here, I was a rage-a-holic, extremely angry at everything and everyone. Thanks mostly to the principle of acceptance which my higher power has helped me learn to use, I go about with a quiet heart and a peaceful mind almost all the time.

When I got to AA, I did not know how to live, was afraid to die and couldn't stand it. For more than 28 years now, I have been evolving further and further away from the man I was when I get here. The further from that man I get, the better my life.

None of this would have been possible without the grace of God.

I hope everyone in AA continues to make amends to themselves instead of sabotaging their recovery by taking a drink or drug. Recovery is do-able, but only by the grace of God.


Member: Tom A. 7/25/60
Location: Carlisle, AR
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 21:30:37

Comments

Good Evening!

My name is Tom A. and I am sober today by the Grace of God. Thanks dj for the topic. My first home group was the Ocean View Group and they met in the Ocean View United Methodist Church in Norfolk, Virgina. I arrived at the meetin about 3 hours early and the first AA member I met was Billy T. and he welcomed me with open arms. As he set up for the meeting that night, he hung a banner over the front of the podium and it said "But for the Grace of God" the first cliche I learned in AA and it is still working for me one day at a time! I really appreaciate all who post on this site and again thank you dj for reminding me of that early experience in AA.

Enjoy Your Sobriety Today!

God Bless - Tom A. ate@gte.net


Member: Don F
Location: NH
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 23:28:54

Comments

To all, and especially to Bill M. of GA, regarding absurdity of the plot of the Days of Wine and Roses, in his mail above. I remember my non-drinking parents, and probably others, speaking of someone who drank up a fortune, or a business, etc., and wondering to myself "Gee, booze doesn't cost that much does it? I mean compared to a paycheck?" I had to drink and finally get sober, before I understood how alcoholic thinking led me to buy out of grandiosity, and sell in desparation, not with alcohol in my veins when I signed the deal or made the decision, but just an entirely wrong-headed thought process. I had to come, come to, and come to believe how alcohol had affected me. The Don that came into these halls used the worldly tools of pride, envy, lust, greed, intelligence, strength, fortitude, manipulation of others, and medication of self.

The new Don will not have to drink as long as I use the spiritual tools of Honesty, Openness, Willingness (HOW it works) humility, acceptance of my true abilities, the ability to ask for help, patience, and gratitude for what I have, instead of coveting or envying what others have. The challenge is to not take back self-will, and lose the use of these tools.


Member: John B.
Location: Brampton, Ontario Canada
Date: 17 May 1999
Time: 23:57:25

Comments

Hi, John B. Alcoholic. For the grace of God I am sober 5 days now. For many years I took an 'I don't care' attitude. I was very selfish and didn't care what God, family and friends thought of me. My Wife was starting to resent me and my drinking. Co-workers having to do my share of the work. Being totally disgusted with myself, I decided that something had to change. I placed my life in the hands of God and have faith that he will show me the way to sobriety. For the Grace of God I am sober today.

Thankyou for letting me share with you today.


Member: Walt  L.
Location: NorCal
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 00:34:44

Comments

Walt....alcoholic. I know for certain that if you have the knowledge of Alcoholics Anonymous then you have recieved the Grace of God. The other thing that I know is that it is entirely up to you what you do with it. I pray that you will grasp and develop a manner of living that has saved literally millions from the pit of insanity represented by all the things that the twelve steps will overcome. My life to today is the best it has ever been, because I'm the best I have ever been. All because of the Grace of God. Via con Dios.....


Member: Robin G.
Location: San DIego.
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 01:00:09

Comments

But for the grace of god......... I was a messed up scared fo the world suicidal little girl and never even dreamed of being able to live life on lifes terms...... when I got to AA all I wanted was to stop hurting and be able to feel my own feelings without having to use or drink or want to die........And through coming into the rooms, working the steps, hanging out with the fellowship I have recieved a hell of a lot more then I ever imagined. I never even thought I could be happy......and today I still struggle sometimes but I am happy and for 8 years have been able to handle my own feelings without having to use , drink or try to harm myself......but for the grace of god I would still be that sad girl.


Member: Lisa M
Location: California
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 01:05:36

Comments

I have been back and forth in the program over the last nine years. Looking over the past years, I have come to realize that I have lost a total of three years of my life and my childrens, to alcoholic behavior. My grace of God comes in the form of another alcoholic placing a mirror in front of me, bringing out the worst possible behavior, provoking me to rages and violent behavior at all costs. The grace of God has kept me out of jail, kept my children in my custody, kept my job, kept my childrens respect, kept my life here on earth...all when I did everyhting possible to destruoy all of my most precious gifts. This is my first meeting since having this realization and I am so grateful to find it on the internet. I have not been able to get a baysitter and have not been able to make a meeting. I am so grateful. I have four days today and every day gets clearer. I get sadder when I see how clearly the man that I love, who drinks heavily and enables me and who tells me it's OK to drink, even after I have begged him to help me stop. He doesn't want his drinking buddy to go away. God help me to be strong. I need support. I need someone to tell that it's NOT OK to drink. I have everyhting to lose. I go into rages and do really unforgiveable things. I have such anger and I can't hold it in when I drink. I have the most beautiful children in the world and I love them more than life itself, yet alcohol somehow takes over my soul and it possesses me to endanger them by my actions. No I don't hit them, I drive when I have drank and I am in a violent relationship. He tells me that I am bad and I can't stop in one breathe and in the other he says you can still drink. The grace of God is the small voice inside your heart that whispers to you when everyone else is shouting. Thank you God for 4 days. 4 days without a rage attack, anger or pain. I am so grateful.


Member: BUDDY S
Location: CALIF
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 02:10:33

Comments

LISA THE GRACE OF GOD AND YOU WILL KEEP YOU SOBER!!DONT GIVE IN AND LET ANYONE TALK YOU IN TO DRINKING .HANG IN THERE TI'S WORTH TI TO STAY SOBER...GOD BLISS


Member: Girlfriend
Location: Long Beach
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 02:10:46

Comments

I was addicted to Vicodin, for over two years. I couldn't get out of bed untill I had a cup of coffee and 5-6 Vicodins (ES),of course. Now I hold on to my dog and my new man. I quit going to meetings loaded and by the grace of God, He has taken the obsession and the detoxification, away, I never thought it would ever happen to me. Now I can wake up instead of coming too! Hang in there if your going through withdrawals and the sweats, they will pass. Thanks to God!


Member: CAP
Location: MN.
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 09:38:57

Comments

Christine, Alcohic/Addict. Here again.

By the grace of God....I am sober.

Lisa M...This site has been a God-send for me, but I also know I have to go to meeting. I need the personal contact with the fellowship to trully keep me honest. The personal energy of other alcoholics gives me strength.

Like you, I have also been in & out of the program for 9 yrs. The fellowship knows me, sometimes better than I think. I'm grateful that someone will take me aside after a meeting and make suggestions. I usually always come away with a new self awareness.

I pray that little voice (GOD) will become louder. Keep coming back and get to a meeting!

Peace, Christine


Member: Melissa
Location: Atlanta
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 10:23:36

Comments

hi family, Melissa here grateful alkie and addict. That is the first time I have said "grateful" when referring to my disease. This is a wonderful topic. A friend of mine told me that he has a diffrent twist to the "there but for the Grace of God go I", instead he thinks "there I go" he sees he suffering of another and relaizes he too is suffering. We all hurt and get angry and lash out. It is part of our disease. We need to recognize that the hurt in others may be within us too. I had never thought of that. Sometimes I get so involved in others I completely forget that I too need to be attended to.

Joe: Thank you for continuing to say exactly what I need to hear. I never thought of putting my name on the list of people that I should make amends to.

Phil: As always, I love to hear you share love. Talk to you soon.

Everyone, I want to let you know how much I appreciate your words of kindness and strength. Today is my 40 days, and I could never have done it without the fellowship of the program. If anyone would like to contact me, I am mbrown@sark.com. Feel free to email me.

I wish you all a blessed 24 hours.


Member: kevin withrow
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 10:36:28

Comments

Hi My name is kevin, could someone tell me when there are online meetings times and dates. I work shift work so my attendence at regular meetings is sporadic. Even though I have been sober for a few twenty fours I still need to here about people like my self.If someone out there would send me meeting times I would greatly appriceate it. A second thought that I have is something that disapoints me o\it is a saying that seems strange to me. At meetings I here "those people outside AA don't understand. I find it difficult to seperate myself from " those people because I have to work in the world where everyone is not an alcholic. Bill w said that we are to become happy and usefully whole members of society. If I seperate myself from non alcoholics, then I am saying that I am different, and that is what got me drunk and kept me drunk for many years. Have a happy twenty four


Member: Nev S.
Location: u.k Swansea
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 10:41:49

Comments

I've been on one now since last Friday I can't stop cause I hate the shakes (what cures you kills you) I will stop but I hate it got a load of vera's (valiums) to counteract the withdrawls been doing great until I scored some coke nobody can help me only myself I can't stand mental hospitals life is crazy!


Member: Chris C.
Location: Ottumwa, Iowa
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 11:30:54

Comments

Thanks for sharing, Nev. Keep coming back. I was always told that God helps those who help themselves. It was a lie. God helps those who can't help themselves. That's you and me, Nev.

Hi everybody. My name is Chris and I'm an alcoholic.

I spent my 1st 6 months of sobriety trying to EARN it. By going to meetings. By working the steps. By being a good boy. I didn't realize that nobody (including me) was worthy of a spiritual awakening. And I realized that God loved me when I was a sneaking, lying little kid. When I was a proud, atheistic, fall down drunk. When I am a struggling man of faith. His love never faltered. Never changed.

This program does not make me WORTHY of a spiritual awakening. It makes me WILLING to accept this free gift.

God bless. Take care. Nev. I'm praying for you.


Member: Susan B.
Location: KY
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 11:50:33

Comments

Lisa M., You just told my story, a few variations..I did got jail for losing my temper...15 years for me trying to get sober...enabling husband who drinks heavily at times...beautiful 2 1/2 year old child whom I don't want raised in this crazy environment...stayed sober six months...it was great...laxed on I what i was told to do...slipped one night..was able to put back down again by the Grace of God...on day 9 again. Hang in there...it is worth the struggle now..JUST DO THE PROGRAM>>>GO TO FACE TO FACE MEETINGS ASAP. If you wanna talk, let me know and I'll get you me e-mail address. You are worth it and you deserve it!!


Member: KELLIE B                                  k  
Location: RENO
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 11:57:43

Comments


Member: KELLIE B                                  k  
Location: RENO
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 12:07:17

Comments

LISA M YOU HAVE TO WANT TO GET SOBER FOR YOURSELF. DONT LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT YOU CAN DRINK OR NOT THAT HAS TO BE YOUR CHOICE. IF YOU HONESTLY DONT WANT TO DRINK ANYMORE AND THE CHOICE IS TRULY YOURS THEN I WOULD SUGGEST HITTING YOUR KNEES AND ASKING GOD TO REMOVE THE OBESSION TO DRINK. HONOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN. YOU NEVER HAVE TO DRINK AGAIN IF YOU DONT WANT TO!


Member: Jean-Claude T.
Location: Belgium
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 12:58:58

Comments

My name is JC and I'm an alcoholic. I was a drunk, nearly a dead bum. I've become a sober human being, walking on the path of a decent groove, by the Grace of God and the help of AA. I was out in the woods this weekend. I heard nothing but the songs of the birds, the stream flowin' and the wind in the trees. I thought to myself it was God's music. I felt happiness and peace of mind. Thanked God (as I concieve Him) for the life I led, so now I can more appreciate being surrounded by His blessings. Thanks for letting me share. JC


Member: Christine I.
Location: Gutterpunk
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 14:18:23

Comments

This is absolutely amazing. I never believed I would be on the computer, at work, or for that matter anywhere else getting involved with AA. For me, I know this is my higher power working in my life giving me the desire to stay sober, the joy I have for life today, and the willingness to go to any lengths. I am truly grateful.


Member: Nev S.
Location: U.K. wales
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 14:20:33

Comments

After being banged up in Portland borstal camp for 12 months I understand I beat the shit out of this Cardiff scum then I got blocked for two weeks (solitary confinement) then they stuck me in a padded cell for three days in a straightjacket fed me on only milk which I refused and then I was put into a padded cell that was about 20ft high hands tied behind my back left to rot until I admitted that I was not going to kill anyone. I finally realised I could not beat the bastards and no I didn't go to church I joined the AA 1985-86 but I've gone off the rails again?


Member: Cheryl Faith H.
Location: New York State (Mid-Hudson Valley)
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 17:32:47

Comments

Hi Everybody, My name is Cheryl Faith and I'm a grateful cross-addicted alcoholic. After almost nine years of so-called "sobriety" (I didn't pick up a drink or a drug), I decided I was cured and "went out" at the end of Oct. of last year. Then I started to go to meetings again, sometimes reeking of beer, but nobody threw me out. Instead, they told me to keep coming. I started to use all the tools I learned in my first five years (I stopped attending meetings after that, since I found an all-encompassing job and I just couldn't find the time; didn't "need" meetings any more anyway). Finally, after much praying for HP to give me the willingness to surrender, and the willingness to have my faith grow, it happened! Dec. 13, 1998 was my last drink. It's very different this time. "Going out" was more horrible than I ever thought it would be, but my surrender each morning (and sometimes several times throughout the day) feels so much more real this time, a day at a time. I have beautiful people who speak to me, and in their eyes I see God; my heart connects with theirs and we're there for each other. One of my favorite friends is Pablo R., who led me to this website. Pablo, I'm very grateful to you. You've helped me more than you know.

I was in the UK during the first week in April of this year, and I attended an evening meeting in Stratford Upon Avon. If anybody on this list remembers me, I'd love to say hello! I was at the meeting with my husband and we were the ones with the funny American accents. I also fell asleep for about ten minutes during the meeting, because of jetlag.(I hope I didn't snore too loudly!) But I'm so grateful that AA is everywhere, and now even in Cyberspace. Thank you to all of you. Sorry if I've been a bit lengthy.


Member: Joe B.
Location: Dover DE.
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 17:48:53

Comments

Hello all. My name is Joe and I am an alcoholic. I've gotten back in the program last week after 7 months out again, only by the "Grace Of GOD". First time here thanks for being here.


Member: wayne F
Location: Texas
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 18:57:43

Comments

Wayne, alcoholic. Welcome Joe B. in Dover. Glad you made it back; would like to hear more of your story. Sobriety is God's give to us what we do with it is our gift back. The H in HOW for me is humility.


Member: Bob.B.
Location: N.Ireland
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 19:44:20

Comments

Hello everyone. Bob. B. recovering alcoholic, thank you for the topic dj and everyone else who shared. I believe that it was God's Grace (LOVE) that led me to recovery in AA and I believe that it was God's Grace that led me to this site and all you good people. May we all stay willing to accept God's grace today.

Grateful, Bob.B.


Member: JB
Location: Minneapolis
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 19:57:49

Comments

J grateful alcoholic. What a great topic! And I would like to welcome the newcomers, hang in there, one day at a time, go to meetings (f2f) and get a sponsor. I am here because of the Grace of God which I didn't deserve and I love life now. The promises will come true if you work the program. I love you all and keep coming back!


Member: dave a
Location: mo
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 20:59:26

Comments

well,where do i start? first of all, i am an alcoholic.....THAT WAS HARD!!!! do you all realize how long it has taken me to say that? of course you do! i feel so alone, i don't know even where to start to fix this problem. in reading your comments, i see that pretty much everyone has either been to meetings or posted here. i have tried (in vain) to stop drinking, sometimes successful (so i thought) sometimes not (always, i have come to realize) i enjoy drinking, want to stop, but do NOT have the willpower to do it alone. i believe (VERY DEEPLY) in God and consider myself a Christian yet still have difficulty "letting go" and "letting God" The reason I am appealing you you fine people is that first of all i am somewhat proud and know i do not have to confront you in person to ask for help, secondly, i need some encouragement (or ass-chewing) to give me the courage and humbleness to go to one and then...........well, God's will


Member: richard m.
Location: sarasota,florida
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 21:23:13

Comments

hello all who read this post..my name is richard , i am an alcoholic ......the grace of god works ...do not try to figure that out either !!! this post is at least for susan ..i hope you find this web site ..please email if you do !!!!! anybody else may email me to .....if you wannna!!!!!!rjpmoody@webtv.net


Member: bob f
Location:
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 21:41:40

Comments

hello. I'm new to this. I'm responding right now just to see how it works. no pun intended. my alcoholic mind won't let me have the patience to wait until i have something to say


Member: Tim
Location: The beach California
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 21:50:28

Comments

What a beautifull experience having God reach out to everyone thru cyberspace. I've gone from the dumpster to a huge house of my own and from begging to owning my own company, All thru the Grace and Mercy of the 1 Above. Keep on truckin, Remember it isn't time, but rather the love...


Member: ELVIS
Location: CALIF
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 22:03:59

Comments

BUDDY aka ELVIS .junkie and drunk well it's day two of being sober and now i fell like climing the walls but im not going to drink....i had some help today from melissa she told me i was loved and i was worth saving i guess you can't get closer to god grace then that thank you melissa love you to and all. well i,am going back to watching the bugs come out of the walls god bliss you all..


Member: girlfriend
Location: Long Beach  Ca
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 22:05:29

Comments

Its the vicodin girl, again. Im also an alcoholic, of course , going-out is definately not worth it but i guess we all have to fall hard to learn what we allready know. All the women are telling me to stay away from the men in the program. well much to my suprise i met this really cool guy, and he is my "drug". just kidding. i know the whole deal but love hits us at unexpected times thats for sure. its been helping my ugly detox. it will all get better "one day at a time". thanks for letting me share. The California guy is the guy i like . He is a stoned fox, not literally, ok im rabbling .


Member: Steve F.
Location: Wenham, MA, USA
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 22:12:38

Comments

My name is Steve. I'm an alcoholic.

Welcome to all the newcomers to this site: Marsha W., Dave C., Walter D., John B., Nev S., Dave A., and to all those coming back in to AA.

I too am a newcomer, with just under 90 days in AA. I was afraid of what might happen as I headed to my first AA meeting, but by the grace of God, I knew I had to be there, so I just went. I sat, I listened, I came back. I sat some more, listened some more, and kept coming back. I started talking to people after meetings, and started reading the AA literature, including the book of "Alcoholics Anonymous." As a result, I have learned more about myself in 3 months than I had in 53 years of living and struggling with the disease of alcoholism.

I have a long way to go towards recovery, but I know AA is the right place for me. And I know that it was only God's grace that got me there.


Member: Nigel H
Location: Wales
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 22:42:15

Comments

am I o.k.? I dont know? could anyone please tell me?I only drink 3 days a week and seem to be drinking more and more.it's mainly on the weekends and then through the week I feel like shit and crave for the weekend again. I usually drink myself unconcious but mainly only drink at nights, but am now beginning to do more and more alldayers. also my life seems to be in a mess and i'm getting lots of bad luck. My main problem is that I can only get women when i'm drunk, and I am good at getting them but I can't chat them up when sober so how can I stop drinking. Have I got a problem or should I just try and cut down?


Member: Joe  N
Location: Livonia  MI
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 23:12:16

Comments

Hi I'm Joe an alcholic and drug addict. This is my first meeting on the web.Today's my ninth year in this wonderful program. Unfortunately I was unable to attend a meeting here in my home town tonite so I thought of searching the web for a meeting. God has a plan for all of us, just believe and it will all work out. He challenges us daily with many obstacles be stong and willing and we will survive one day at a time. thanks for letting me share. Know God Know Peace No God No Peace


Member: Nev S.
Location: u.k. Wales
Date: 18 May 1999
Time: 23:21:14

Comments

Thanks Chris c for giving me hope I did'nt think anyone cared i've dropped a few valiums and i'm feeling really mellow the last message I wrote about Portland I cant even remeber, the brandy has worn off now and i'm weening myself off on week beer thers no point drooling on the past it's time to move on!


Member: Lisa M.
Location: California
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 02:04:48

Comments

Thank you to everyone who responded to me. I am Lisa M. and I am an alcoholic. Today is day 5 and it sure has been tough. The man I love is playing these terrible mind games. He has moved out and told me that he's contemplating whether or not he wants to be involved with me. All of this pain when I am trying to stop drinking and make positive changes. I feel so sad yet I don't have time to feel sad. I have a high pressure job which I can't blow right now. I have full custody of my kids. He wants to leave because of my violent reaction and behavior because of the alcohol. Yes, I am the one who he has told could drink. He himself is in denail I believe so he can't accept my disease. Oh God, I am so sad, it hurts in my heart, I really love him. I know what I am doing is the right thing and I DO want to do it for me. I am scared. Having to be perfect all the time is a tough balancing act. I will go to a face to face meeting on Thursday (first day I can get a babysitter). It is so helpful to have this site to be able to go to. By the grace of God, I have made it 5 days. It has seemed like an eternity. I wish I could say I am peaceful and happy, but today was extremely rough. I feel like I don't have anyone, at least that I could talk to you about this. I am the one that appears like she has it all, when in reality I am teetering on the edge. Or maybe not. Maybe it is apparent and I just don't know. My happiness seems to be buried deep down and the only time it surfaces is when I am with my children. That's if I can be calm enough not to let the overwhelming task of being a single mother stress me out too much to appreciate them. That's what I want. This is a very tough road when you are going it alone. When will it get better? When will I care enough about myself not to let someone else destroy me? When will this sadness end? God please help me get through another day without drinking. Thank you all for this site and this meeting. God Bless You All.


Member: Robert W
Location: West Coast NewZealand
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 04:11:55

Comments

Hi Robert here an Alcoholic

The Grace of GOD?

Good Topic, Iam sober today by Gods grace

It is important for me to remember that God will help all who are willing to help themselves. There are no free rides. This is a program of Action.

At the end of the promises it is written.

"We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do fore ourselves"

For me that was the desire to drink was taken away. The monkey was off my back at long last.

The members that have shared recently that they are struggling and still drinking, the biggest gift I have received from AA is the concept of "one day at a time" TRY IT. It works if you work at it.


Member: LORIELEE D
Location: MURPHYS,CA
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 06:34:30

Comments


Member: LORIELEE D
Location: MURPHYS,CA
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 07:00:19

Comments

HELLO, AA BUDS LORIELEE HERE. GRATEFUL ALCOHOLIC. GODS GRACE CAME TO ME IN A PADDED CELL ON MY 7TH DUI, EVEN IN MY DRUNKEN STUPOR I REMEMBER SAYING OH MY GOD HELP ME!, SAYING THOSE 4 WORDS CHANGED MY LIFE. MY GOD THEN WAS A PART TIME EMERGENCY GOD. BUT THIS TIME IT WAS DIFFERENT, HE DID FOR ME WHAT I COULD'NT DO FOR MY SELF. THAT WAS ALMOST 5YRS AGO, I NOW KNOW A LOVING AND FORGIVING GOD. LIKE THE PROMISE'S SAYS YOU'LL BE AMAZED BEFORE YOUR HALF WAY THROUGH. I KNOW I'AM AMAZED! AND THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.. SO FOR YOU NEW COMMERS, DON'T USE NO MATTER WHAT, AND YOU WILL GET THUR YOUR NO MATTER WHAT'S BY THE GRACE OF GOD OR YOUR HIGHERPOWER OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL LORIELEE D.


Member: LORIELEE D
Location: MURPHYS,CA
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 07:01:23

Comments

HELLO, AA BUDS LORIELEE HERE. GRATEFUL ALCOHOLIC. GODS GRACE CAME TO ME IN A PADDED CELL ON MY 7TH DUI, EVEN IN MY DRUNKEN STUPOR I REMEMBER SAYING OH MY GOD HELP ME!, SAYING THOSE 4 WORDS CHANGED MY LIFE. MY GOD THEN WAS A PART TIME EMERGENCY GOD. BUT THIS TIME IT WAS DIFFERENT, HE DID FOR ME WHAT I COULD'NT DO FOR MY SELF. THAT WAS ALMOST 5YRS AGO, I NOW KNOW A LOVING AND FORGIVING GOD. LIKE THE PROMISE'S SAYS YOU'LL BE AMAZED BEFORE YOUR HALF WAY THROUGH. I KNOW I'AM AMAZED! AND THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.. SO FOR YOU NEW COMMERS, DON'T USE NO MATTER WHAT, AND YOU WILL GET THUR YOUR NO MATTER WHAT'S BY THE GRACE OF GOD OR YOUR HIGHERPOWER OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL LORIELEE D.


Member: tony g
Location: ma
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 10:40:31

Comments

alcoholism sucks,it really screwed me up with the law and especialy with my emotions i couldn"t face anything good or bad without a snoot full of booze.BUT if it wasn"t for being an alcoholic and reaching my point where i didn:t want to go any further(4 dui"s..job and home on the line ect..)came the grace of God,i always beleived, but now i rely.know i am a grateful alcoholic,because if i didn"t go this far down i wouldn"t have reached out to God and aa.i can"t run it ,you can"t run it .God runs it may you find him know.....aa is a tool kit,that helps you see this .it"s strange to me that the worst thing that happened to me(my alcoholism)ended up being one of the best things to happen to me.a spiritual life is a good life,but booze blocks it out.God bless us all!my name is tony i"m an alcoholic.


Member: rachael c.
Location: md
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 13:49:35

Comments

i am 32 days sober and hope i with the grace of god i will stay sober.. once i opened my heart and let god take over it has been easier for me. i wish to find some cyber meetings if any one has any info on that could you email me at rc4evr2@aol.com.. thanks in advance


Member: CAP
Location: MN.
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 13:50:50

Comments

Christine, Alcoholic/Addict.This site helps me get out of bed in the morning. Everyone, keep coming back.

Comments to Lisa M.;I don't know the answers to your questions about when this will change or stop, but I do know it will if you work the program and surrender to God's will. When I catch myself asking when will this depression lift? I change my thinking and tell myself I know it will lift, I know things will change. In the mean time I practice patience by talking about my feelings. Quoating part of April 6th reading from " The language of letting go. By Melody Beattie. " Being patient does not mean we go through the sometimes grueling process of life and recovery without having feelings! Feel the frustration. Feel the impatience. Get as angry as you need to about not having your needs met. Feel your fear. Controlling our feelings will not control the process! We find patience by surrending to our feelings. Patience cannot be forced. It is a gift, one that closely follows acceptance and gratitude. When we work through our feelings to fully accept who we are and what we have, we will be ready to be and have more. This a really good book, if you don't already have it. I hope this helps and that you post again soon. Ask for help in your meeting Thurs., maybe find a temp. sponsor. and by all means be honest about your situation. You have done a great job here on the site but face to face may be difficult. Know that you are in my prayers.

Peace & Love to All, Christine.


Member: michelle b
Location: nashville
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 16:07:40

Comments

Grace of God - Sometimes I forget that I have it. Friday I will celebrate 1 year again. I started drinking again after nearly 8 years. In a few short months, it was worse than I could have ever imagined. During this week last year, I was so drunk, in and out of blackouts and I could not make the decision of whether I wanted to live or die. I think that for a split second God gave me one more chance. I surrendered once more. I can't believe I'm still sober. Life is good, actually, it's great, but sometimes I forget to be grateful for simply being sober. There was a time when I couldn't stay sober for one day. I thought I had to figure it out, I thought I had to do something. All I had to do was accept God's grace. It says in How It Works, that there is ONE who has ALL power. That one is not me. I agree with someone who said that there are no free rides. It has been much harder this time. Every day I have to take action to stay sober. I can't just sit around and do nothing or I will drink and die. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: matt        
Location:
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 22:31:33

Comments

I know if was not for my higher power. who i call god. I would not be here to tell How A.A. my higher power My sponcer. Has help me in Many ways. Thank you all for your support


Member: matt    l    
Location: washington state
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 22:32:21

Comments

I know if was not for my higher power. who i call god. I would not be here to tell How A.A. my higher power My sponcer. Has help me in Many ways. Thank you all for your support


Member: matt    l    
Location: washington state
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 22:32:42

Comments

I know if was not for my higher power. who i call god. I would not be here to tell How A.A. my higher power My sponcer. Has help me in Many ways. Thank you all for your support


Member: BUDDY
Location: NORTHERN CALIF.
Date: 19 May 1999
Time: 23:41:50

Comments

BY THE GRACE OF GOD IM SOBER AFTER 3 DAYS...thanks for letting me say that everybody.it feels real good to say that. peace & love to all


Member: Bob C.
Location: Sunporch,Nebraska
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 00:02:31

Comments

I got court ordered into AA,2 meetings a week for 1 year,no i did not want to be an alcoholic at an AA meeting,sure i got drunk every time i drank,but me an alcoholic?i wasnt sound asleep sittin in my piss like that old man at the other end of the bar.What i did do was roll onto the floor every morning and crawl around like an animal on the floor so i wouldnt have as far to fall when the seizures and convulsions hit...i talk to guys in jail every week ,some of them in theyre teens and early twenties that already know they are alcoholics...if i knew then what i know now ,anyway i let them know there is somewhere they can go if they decide to quit and find they cant do it alone,man there are alot of potential members out there!For any of this AA stuff to mean anything to me i decided that it was Gods grace that i suffer from chronic alcoholism so that in turn i could be saved from the hopeless state of mind i was in and in turn carry the message of recovery to the still suffering alcoholic,we give it away to keep it...it just makes sense.thanks for letting me share.


Member: ALICE A
Location:
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 06:40:10

Comments

My name is Alice, and I am an alcoholic. I've been sober for four days and I seem to be coping well. However, I wake up each morning and run to the computer to this web site, so that I can get throught the day. It was the Grace of God that brought me here, and is keeping me from picking up that famous one beer. Pray for me, the weekend is coming.


Member: Sue.M.
Location:
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 06:53:00

Comments

I thought that I may get some insight and support from AA on the web however all i have read about is the Grace of God. I dont wish to swap one crutch for another. Sadly dissolusioned by the site there was one comment from Dave C of london - I know how you feel I live my life, I hold down a good job I have evenings when I may have only one or two drinks more evenings than most though I would have a bottle of wine, go to bed and feel tired and lethargic the following day, I am fed up with it but when I get home from work I need a drink Do I have an aclcohol problem -Yes I suppose I do why can't I drink in moderstion and without feeling tired the following day?


Member: Sarah B
Location: the heartland of America
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 09:32:08

Comments

Sue M.: Only YOU can know if you have a problem w/alcohol. I also drank like you descibe your drinking. It was fine on those nights that I "only" had 2 beers. But why did I have to have that whole bottle of wine the rest of the nights? (& it was a RARE night when I didn't drink). I also was a high functioning drunk, never missing work, never coming to work drunk. Now however through the grace of the all incompassing love that permeates our world, or God, or your HP, or the god of your understandinding---whatever has a core meaning for YOU---I was able to see what I was doing to myself & others because of my use of alcohol. I COULD NOT have done that if I had stayed in my alcoholic thinking. Something (and you can believe what you want, wherever for you the grace comes from) helped me understand what I needed to do, & that was to stop drinking. Only you can do that. It is a marvelous internal turning about...that for me is "grace". It is always there for you. You don't have to earn it. It is there all along. You just have to be at a point where you can open to it & let it in.

Since I stopped drinking, my life has gotten so much better. I'm clearer in my head at work, I'm smoothing out difficulties w/my significant other which was not possible when my personality was altered by alcohol, and I am not tired in the morning! Morning is now a great time for me. How much time we lose, how much of our lives we lose when we are drinking.

I know what you mean when you said you are fed up but feel like you have to have a drink when you get home from work. That was me too. It was a habit, and habits can be changed if you want.

I'm thinking about you & wish for you the best that life has to give. Keep coming back. The topic changes every week. There is much to share. This is my first post after visiting this site for six weeks or so. Your comments moved me to share. I hope it helped. You (or anyone) may e-mail me at seekinglight50@hotmail.com

Thanks for letting me share & thanks to everyone for being there.


Member: CAP
Location: MN.
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 10:44:28

Comments

Christine, Alcoholic/Addict.

Sue M.; I hope you come back. This site also has a 12x12 meeting and in afew weeks they will be on Step 1. This site also has AA links. Check them out. In the beginning I had to be willing to swap one crutch for the other. Hard to swallow in early sobriety at times. Alcoholism is a cunning, baffling and all powerful disease. In my opinion that's why you feel the need to drink after work and why you can't always drink in moderation. Why do you feel you need to drink after work? I know I thought I needed to because I was bored or didn't like what I was feeling and knew acouple (3-20) would change that. It was like I was on automatic pilot when I left work. I'd wake up in the morning feeling tired (hangover) and swear to myself I wouldn't repeat yesterday. By noon I was counting the hours before I was off to repeat yesterday. No will power right? No, ALCOHOLISM! I had to become sick and tired of being sick and tired before I was ready to embrace a new way of living. Now, I'm going to use the topic, but by the grace of a power greater than myself I got sober. Hope to hear from you again.

Christine


Member: Mike W
Location: OH
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 10:47:18

Comments

Hi, I'm Mike and I'm an alcoholic. I have been in and out of AA for several years. And I am finally trying and wanting to stick with it. Reading your thoughts has helped me to know this. With the help of my HP, I'll keep coming back. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Lisa M.
Location: N. Calif.
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 11:13:04

Comments

Hi, I am Lisa and I am an alcoholic. I am writing this from work so I am trying to be careful. My computer went down at home last night. Thank you, Christine for your words. I will get that book. You are inspirational. I am at day 7 and am feeling and acting better. I really wanted a drink last night but I didn't for the grace of God. I get shaky sometimes, but I feel clearer. I will ask for patience. Thank you all for this site. I don't feel quite as alone here. Another miracle, my boyfriend has not had a drink in 3 days and has acknowledged this to me, which I think might be the first step. I hope I can set an example. His father died of alcoholism and his sister died of an overdose at 34. I love him very much and pray that he will stop drinking. This is the first time since I have known him, that I have seen him go without a drink for more than a day. Thank you God. God Bless everyone and you are all in my prayers.


Member: Susan B.
Location: KY
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 11:17:38

Comments

CHRISTINE: You go girl! Some Good Stuff you're spreading. Keep at it, friend!


Member: Rich R, slowly recovering compulsive person
Location: graceland
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 13:00:20

Comments

grace of god - what a topic - i love it


Member: bill
Location: manchester. u.k.
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 15:45:54

Comments

my names bill and i'm an alcholic. i eventually stopped drinking after going to A.A. for 6 momths. i 'hid'my drinking and even got a sponsor and started on the steps. i thought when i've done these i'll be alright. during a three day blackout my only memory is of clasping my hands together and asking god to please let this stop. when i eventually came round my head was full of all the things i had done instead of the things i had'nt done. it was a revelation, all the denial was taken away along with the need to drink. the most frightening thought was how the hell could i have this illness and not even know. ithought denial was just saying you didn't do it, i didnt know it could lie to you, i didnt know it could kill you. that day was on christmass eve, 8 years ago by the grace of god, and by the grace of god it keeps getting better. god bless us all.


Member: Sanders W.
Location: Graceville, Fl.
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 16:59:55

Comments

Hi All Ya'all I am very definately a real alcoholic andx my name is Sanders. I have read some very good post on here want you all to know that I am one of you and I too like this topic very much. When i came into AA I didn't want to be an alckie either but that didn't change the fact that I wasx one. I fought it for 7 1/2 years before I could put together 3 months and in that period I got 100 to 150 white chips and that was 24 uyears ago in Sept. After I finally was able to stop drinking I didn't like the idea of a higher power either but that had nothing to do with the fact that one was tak=ing care of me till I became capable of making decisions for myself. After 5 years of white knuckled sobriety I fially was able to surrender to a God of my understanding and since then my life has never been better or happier. I started to seek what this new found power had in store for me each day anfd when I followed it things went much better and today the single most important thing in my life is my relationship with my God. I ahve a very personal and loving relationship and till you have it you can't unsderstand it sanmd when you get it youwant it for everyone. I have found that there is nothing in this world I can do to make God love me any more and there is nothing I can do to msake God love me any less and that is what isso amazing about grace. God loves you and so do I. sanders@wfeca.net ICQ# 14412521


Member: Lisa l
Location: canada
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 18:02:40

Comments

I have been reading this discussion group for weeks now and find it a great comfort. Until I read the comments from Sue and Lisa, I really didn't think that I could identify with anyone here. I don't work the steps...except #1. I used to try and get a quick cure, or magical "pill", or a one day solution...It frustrates me that it is a lifetime commitment. I want to be able to have that "1" drink after work and stop there, but something leads to the second and then the last that puts me to bed. This of course is alcoholism, but what can take the place of that first drink? GOD? I don't think so. I have been brought up Catholic and go to church every Sunday, but He isn't talking to me. I keep waiting...someday, the power that everyone is talking about has to come and get me...but how long does it take? When do you feel that surge come over you that says He has given me the willpower to change my habits and let me free to live a content and sober life? Am I waiting for something that won't happen to me? Thanks to all that share on this website. Keep talking and I'll be sure to hear.

Lisa


Member: Jennifer S
Location: WNY
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 18:28:45

Comments

Hi. My name is Jennifer and I am an alcoholic. Lisa - There's no way in hell you could get me to make a lifetime commitment to anything... and if by some odd chance you paid me enough to get me to verbally commit myself to something that lasts a lifetime, you might have had my words - but I'd never see it through. AA taught me to make my commitment for TODAY. Not tomorrow, or next year, or my 75th birthday.... just today. That sure makes life easier. Ever hear the saying "If you have one foot on yesterday and one foot on tomorrow... you are peeing on today"? SO TRUE!

Grace of God... I'm here, aren't I? God's the coolest.


Member: Tony
Location: MN
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 19:34:52

Comments

Lisa

Go to some AA meetings in your town if possible.


Member: CAP
Location: MN.
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 19:41:05

Comments

Christine, Alcoholic/Addict.

Lisa l; Replace that first drink with God? I couldn't at first. The first word in the 1st step says, " We ", at first not taking that drink meant I needed to go to lots of meeting and start reading AA books, along with making phone calls to sober people. If you are fed up with your drinking, know that there is a different way to living. In the beginning I had no belief that God could relieve my desire to drink & drug. I had to use the thought of a safe place in my head to go to and talk about my feelings. It felt very uncomfortable at first, but I was willing to accept the suggestion from someone in the program. After awhile of doing this I realized this was what people were talking about as a higher power because I was staying sober. We as alcoholics love to make things so complicated and it takes practice to retrain our minds to keep in simple. This program is simple but requires action. It's HOW this program works, H=Honesty O=Openess & W=Willingness. I hope you keep posting, I'll listen and reply.

Peace, Christine


Member: Kay H
Location:
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 21:17:21

Comments

I've just found this site - thank you all for sharing. Lisa - Things got better for me when I stopped worrying about the tomorrows. I concentrated on the today - and if that was too long, I concentrated on the hour. For many months it was an hour by hour decision not to drink - for that hour. And then on to the next. Early in my recovery I heard a woman say - some of us were chosen. I didn't know what she meant at the time. Today, after 8 sober years, I KNOW God chose me because I couldn't do it on my own. The support of fellow alcoholics in AA has also been a gift from God. Today I choose not to drink - because I know I cannot do so safely. You can make the same choice today. I wish you peace. You can do it. Kay H


Member: Lisa l
Location: Canada
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 21:38:23

Comments

Kay, Christine, Tony and Jennifer...thanks for your words of support and obviously...words from experience. I suppose what is bothering me is the HP concept. I can take it day by day and week by week, but I see it as a struggle, not as a gift that a HP has given me. It has been ME that has struggled through the hours,days and weeks without a HP guiding me. Maybe I am too new at this and some day I will by able to say "By the Grace of God" but I can't yet. It is tough not to look into the future and say "lifetime" of sobriety. This too will come with experience in the program. Thanks Lisa


Member: JJS
Location: PA
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 21:44:54

Comments

Lisa- It WILL happen. It has for me. I got a sponsor, worked the steps, and did what was suggested as best I could a day at a time. My life today is beyond anything I could have dreamed. Keep comin back It Works.


Member: Lupe K.
Location: Iowa
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 21:58:38

Comments

Hi, I'm Lupe, an alcoholic. The grace of God is a great topic. I agree with Pablo. R. I grew up believing God was a punishing God. I believed there was no way God could forgive all that I had done. But, by the grace of God and the fellowship of AA I have been sober since 9-30-93. Today, I know God is a part of my life. First with sobriety and every day I give my life to him. I begin my day placing my children back into his open hands so I can work on my life and live today to the best of my ability. God's grace is always available. It's so easy to get. All we have to do is put one foot forward and just ask for it and it is there at our beckon call. Thank you all for sharing.


Member: Bill B
Location: Indiana
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 22:37:50

Comments

Been sober going a little more than 3 years now.. and find a new reason each day to stay sober.. many thanks to my higher power, family and friends..and especially to all who post at this location.. I read here daily but haven't shared too much.. that will change.


Member: CAP
Location: MN.
Date: 20 May 1999
Time: 23:44:58

Comments

Christine, Alcoholic/Addict. Back again.

Lisa l.; Many people struggle with the concept of a HP. I've heard act as if until it happens. Suggestion, think of a place that is dear to you. Mine was amongst cliffs at the ocean, place I loved to go when I lived in CA.. Take afew minutes out of your day to go there and visualize the feeling of the ground beneath your feet, smell the air, hear the sounds, etc... When I first thought about trying this I thought, yeah right like I have the time. Than like a day later I heard someone talk about all his wasted time planning his drinking and drinking. Some whats afew minutes doing something that may benefit you beyond your beliefs? This place I went to and still go to became the place where I would talk about my feelings and get some peace, something I never dreamed I could achieve. In hind sight that was the start of my contact with my HP. Try not to read too much into your conception of what God or a HP is. Keep it simple. It took me 2 yrs. before I could comfortably say God or HP. Re: you are in control of doing this to yourself without the guidance of a HP. I also felt this in the beginning. We alcoholics tend to be self-centered. Once I opened myself to the program and suggestions of other recovery alcoholics I could see that I had to go through what I did to receive this gift of sobriety. My HP has been there all my life. I just didn't know how to tap into it's power. I had to experience all that I did to get to where I'm at today. You will here lots of us say that and it is the truth.

I know you can do it. Keep it simple and start with tiny baby steps. You one day will be able to look back at this time in your life and see what us recovering people are talking about. You'll experience the miracle.

Grateful Alcoholic/Addict, Christine


Member: rachelm
Location: Australia
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 03:29:15

Comments

This was my first time on here and I found it very interesting reading, I look forward to sharing some comments in the future... I have been sober for 9 years and I think that is God's Grace, for sure....


Member: Avril G
Location: Driffield UK
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 05:15:17

Comments

By the Grace of God and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, all of you lovely people are here for me today. Thank you all for showing me that the life which I all too often take for granted is down to the grace of God. I began writing down all the names of people on here who had given me a reason to be grateful today, but the list became far too long, so {{{ALL OF YOU ON HERE}}} Especially the newcomers, either to this site, or to sobriety THANK YOU!! I wish each and every one of you well in the quest for sobriety. Believe me, please, this really is the easier softer way. July 11th (God-willing)will be my 9th sobriety anniversary, and I share this for no other reason than to let you know that if THIS alkie can recover, then this thing REALLY DOES WORK. Someone said earlier, "I am trying to find out how it works" Well, IT WORKS very well, thank you. If anyone wants to e-mail me, I will welcome your friendship. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Whitney C - I reckon your post has EVERYTHING to do with the subject under discussion. 2months free?? BY THE GRACE OF ????? Great stuff, Whitney. Keep on keeping on. ALL of you, I need you so much.

Goodie@tesco.net


Member: Kay H
Location: Maine
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 07:55:10

Comments

Kay here - recovering alcholic - I'm grateful for this site and the words and love you share. Christine thank you for saying what I know in my heart. That the power of something grater than me has helped me to get to where I am today. And I agree that in the beginning it didn't matter that I didn't understand HOW it was happening. I had to focus all of my energy on not taking the first drink. The understanding came later when the fog lifted. Peace to you all. Kay


Member: Robert B.
Location: Boise  Idaho
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 08:35:03

Comments

Hi. My name is Robert, and I am an alcoholic.

Welcome to all the newcomers. Some of you will get and stay sober, and some will not. It all hinges upon our willingness to accept the Grace of God. By that Grace I live today... Clean and Sober for 16 years. By my will power I encountered only defeat.... I drank obsessively; compusively; daily to a state of nightly oblivion. Through grace,and with the valuable guidance of AA's Twelve Steps, I live a fairly normal life: I work, I play, I rest.

Congratulations Steve-- by now you've got all 90 of those days-- a true gift of the spirit.

Thought for today: Your arms are too short to fight with God..... SURRENDER!

Peace Robert


Member: Terry B
Location: Ca
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 10:36:43

Comments

Back to day 1 please pray for me thanks..


Member: Camo
Location: deep South
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 11:00:54

Comments

I am alive and have the option of enjoying that.

That is God's grace--no human power could have given me that after all the years of bad choices, but He is giving it to me and all I have to do is let go and let Him. I spent years thinking I was a hopeless cause and was sick enough to not care when I realized that it would eventually kill me. There were times when I even said it was all like watching a bad movie--I didn't care how it ended, I just hoped it would end soon. If I put my will and life in the hands of God he lets me grow and live instead of just surviving. That is a miracle.


Member: Hollywood
Location: Cambridge Idaho
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 12:26:18

Comments

My name is Hollywood and I am an alcholic. The way my life of drinking was going I know there was no end. I had visited the progrom in years past, but did not understand nor did I want to understand. Eight months ago I completly hit my bottom. So when the program was introduced to me again I was open minded and willing to learn and change my way of life. It is only through the grace of God, that He allows me to stay sober and to live life on lifes terms. Today I realize that this is a good thing. This is the only way it can be now. After coming this far I want what other people have and that is long term sobriety and the chance to help other's who need it. The grace of God is his will. Use it to your best. Thanks everyone and may we all by His grace stay sober for another twentyfour Hours.


Member: Steve  M
Location: ANTIGUA WI
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 14:19:02

Comments

Hi Steve alcholic Thanks for the topic . I believe the grace of God is out there for anyone who asks for it. To me its like a radio wave I won't get it until I tune into it. The day I asked God for help is the day that I tuned in . I knew why me cause I asked and was ready God bless Peace and love Steve


Member: jed s
Location:
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 15:36:32

Comments

Interesting


Member: jed s
Location:
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 15:37:03

Comments

Interesting


Member: Amy J
Location: S W Iowa
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 15:48:50

Comments

I'm Amy

I know that only by giving up I will receive. This is where God's grace comes in for me. I am only human and have human weakness. God gives me the gift of sobriety today because I asked. I just hit six months and have not had this much joy in forever. God's grace is a gift and all I have to do is look for the signs that it is there. Its easier for me to do that with out my blood shot eyes. My gratitude lists daily show me how much God gives. Thank you aa and thank you who pray for the still suffering.


Member: Alan
Location: MO
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 18:59:24

Comments

When I think about the grace of god the words and thoughts that come to my mind is mercy forgivness the abilty to have a daily reprive and the strengh to forgive myself and others both of which I am not perfect at. I remember being in my room filled with ciggeratte butts and a couple of bottles of colt 45 hidin undernith my bed the sink filled with blood from the night before and the morning after do to bad dental care and other things. It was on this day that I remember crying like a baby cruling up in a ball and saying god help me then getting up looking around the room and starting to cry all over again. Then getting on my knees and saying god if you really are there and you can hear me help me or take me now kill me for I do not wish to live like this anymore. And as crazy as it may seem to some a feeling came over me and a thought in my head said go get help do it know which I did . I entered a treatment center the next day . After talking it over with some very careing and loving people . It has been ten years since then have gone thru many differnt life adventures some I wish never had occured yet how would one learn with out them. Grace it is like the song goes amazing you know it when its there you can't explain it to others in the right way but they know its just amazing peace blessing be with you and yours and another 24


Member: Lisa l
Location: Canada
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 20:25:53

Comments

Christine...I wish that you could be one of the people that I meet at a meeting. I keep trying to find someone that can relate to my addiction...Lisa also has the same addiction that I can relate to. Please be there to talk to. When you talk about the Grace of God, maybe it is something that is an after thought. Perhaps I have to work and feel the steps before I can really say it was a HP or a GOD that led me from where I am today. I know I can do it..I can not drink, but the peace of mind must come from the Grace of God that I do not have yet. I have been sober for 3 months and hated every bit of it. Sure my life is better and I feel and look better but deep down I am still wanting and waiting for the small reward for all of this stressful work. Thanks Lisa


Member: Lisa l
Location: Canada
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 20:28:58

Comments

Terry...Keep on going!


Member: Lisa l
Location: Canada
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 20:43:42

Comments

I don't want to talk about the Grace of God anymore...does anyone know a chat goup that I can ask some questions about Antibuse.

Your help and info is appreciated! Thanks Lisa


Member: George T
Location: Michigan
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 20:54:29

Comments

Hello. I'm George. I am an alcoholic.

When I was a little boy, grace fell from heaven like little specks of stardust and gathered around a persons body enveloping them and was carried by them as an aura. Fifty years later I have come to realize that grace is a balance and poise that comes from being sober. Disgrace, then, is being drunk and unable to stand on my own two feet.

It is the grace of a fine dancer or great speaker who measures each step or word with precision and power. In the end they too seem to have an aura about them that seems to all who see or hear them to hover as little specks of star stuff around them.

On the other hand a drunk has no grace. He flops and flails around seeming unconcerned with what he says or how he looks. Indeed the hallmark of the drunk is clumsiness and ineptitude in words and deeds.

But that is only real grace. The Grace of which we speak when we choose it for a topic of discussion in our weekly meetings is a gift of God. And it is ours if we ask for it.

"Please God grant me the Grace to be sober today and let your shining glistening Love fall upon me."

Love and keep coming back.


Member: MaryJ
Location: Seattle
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 20:58:53

Comments

Hi,

I'm Mary and an alcoholic. I like the topic the "grace of God" because without it where would we all be?


Member: Deanna
Location: Texas
Date: 21 May 1999
Time: 23:54:41

Comments

Deanna here, alcoholic.

The grace of God is something I hold very dear to me. When I was drinking the only time I needed god was when I was worshipping the porcelain god. "Just make me stop puking and I won't drink again!"

Today, I can ask for guidance to handle a problem and then I get the hell out of the way. What he does for me may not be the beat-all end-all, but he gives me what I need. That's alot more than I had for a long time, Just today I was scared and so afraid that my financial security was going down the drain. Before, I prayed to win the lottery. Today I asked him to hshow me how to handle the situation. I didn't win the lottery, but I did solve the problem in a manner that I needed. Once I had that off my mind I could concentrate on the rest of the 24 hour reprive God gave me because I didn't drink yesterday. This program, all the new sober friends I have, and God have given me a new life that I want. I no longer have to sit in fear. and I don't have to drink. Thanks for letting me share.

Deanna


Member: Tim C
Location: Upper Michigan
Date: 22 May 1999
Time: 00:05:06

Comments

I have been sober for some time and have recently seen firsthand what the power of booze and drugs can do to us when we don't work the steps. I think many forget the 12th step and giving it away to keep it. A co-worker's complete degredation has really shaken me to my bones and I am no stranger to the "four horsemen". This has caused me to really examine my gratitude and my beliefs. Any help is gratefully accepted.


Member: Connie
Location: Missouri
Date: 22 May 1999
Time: 00:45:09

Comments

Hi Everyone,

For the grace of God, he put all these alcoholic on the same page, to share there experience strength and hopes. I been just sticking with the stuffed shared on the coffeepot, but for some reason my higher power directed me over here. I read so much really good shares here. This is where I need to be, so I can look at me instead of how everyone else is not working there program. My sponsor always told me if I want to learn in life stick with those folks in AA who want the same things you want in life. By the grace of God, I have those kind of people in my life. My higher power is with me, day in and day out. He is there to guide me through those obstacles that come my way. And when I am stuck and not sure what way to Go, That is when he carries me, as long as I remember to let go of what is going on. Sometimes I just hold so tight, that I end up falling right on my face. Thank you for the topic.

My problem is Connie and I am an Alcoholic


Member: CAP
Location: MN.
Date: 22 May 1999
Time: 08:24:01

Comments

Christine, Alcoholic/Addict.

Lisa l: For chat rooms look up "alcoholism support groups. " I think there are afew among the listings. The first 3 months in the program the 1st time was shear hell. I talk about that at metings sometimes. The agony slowly started to lift and by 6 months I was most more comfortable and yet still didn't trully feel the program. It will come. I was told in treatment that for every yr. of using it would take a month for the fog of alcoholic thinking to lift. Be patient, kind and loving with yourself. In taking the 1st step I came to see just how much time/energy I invested in my use. I say it took me 18+ yrs to walk into that forest, how can I possibly turn around and walk in a day. This program is a program of ACTION and that is what you are doing, the footwork to a happy, joyous and free life. Keep up the hard work. It will happen, the promises in the BB tell me so.

If you would like to chat via e-mail, let me know and I will post my address.

Happy 24 to All, Christine


Member: John M
Location: Ventura
Date: 22 May 1999
Time: 10:19:53

Comments

My name is John and I am an alcoholic. I had a Bill W. "text book" spiritual experience which was necesary for me to sober up. For years I lived with confusion and self-doubt and had no faith in anything. Attempts to stop drinking only confirmed my lack of control and weakness. Only when I had compleyely given up on life and attempted to drink myself to death, only to even fail at this, was I somehow open to finding God. Something kept me alive during my best attempts at self-destruction. My misery ended instantly with my surrender to God and my life has been changed since. I was always looking for one thing that was more important than all the ups and downs of human condition and I found it in an unshakeable faith in God, who saved my life for a purpose I may not understand but do not question. Surrendering my will, desires, and fears to God was my solution to my previous life of hopelessness. AA alone could not keep me sober without this spiritual transformation that arose out of the pain I endured .


Member: N.M.
Location: CA
Date: 22 May 1999
Time: 12:20:43

Comments

Hey friends check this page out. N.M.http://home.switchboard.com/friendsofchip


Member: quiet bill
Location: arizona
Date: 22 May 1999
Time: 12:44:23

Comments

To Lisa l in Canada and about antibuse. I`m so glad I reread your postings . It was a shame cause I wrote abouy my good experience with antibuse but my LAL didn`t print it. It seems you are really in better shape than I ever was at 3months, going to meetings, helping others, and having feelings for us all.Of course you made me remember whrer I came from and it was very good for me last night.Hope you have a sponsor,they`re a blessing to all of us and continue meetings. I had a prayer for you last night,meetings and more meetings. As some young people tell me "continue to learn" one day at a time.


Member: Jack B.
Location: Atlantic City,New Jersey
Date: 22 May 1999
Time: 14:09:53

Comments

Hello My Name Is Jack,I Am An Alcoholic.This Is My First Time On the Internet.I Have Been Sober For 4 Months Now,I Have Decided To Comeback To The Rooms,Because I Got Sick&Tired Being Out There,Yes I Am Still Going Through Trials & Tribulations,Least I'm Not Drinking At All I Will Be Coming Back.


Member: Roy S.
Location:
Date: 22 May 1999
Time: 19:05:10

Comments

I have no doubt that it's by the Grace of God that I am alive today. There are many times in my life that I put myself in a position that could have gone very badly, but somehow didn't. That "somehow", I now realize, was the Grace of God. Even though I have been through a tremendous amount of trials and tribulations, it's nothing compared to what could have been without a guiding hand. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Julie B.
Location: North Carolina, USA
Date: 22 May 1999
Time: 21:37:23

Comments

My name is Julie. I've just recently admitted to myself that I have a drinking problem. I quit cold last Monday morning at 4 AM., pouring all of my beer, etc., down the drain. Today is Saturday and I'm still not drinking. I am trying to get through this weekend sober. Thank you all for sharing. All of you/your stories and this site is God's grace illustrated. Thank you all.


Member: jayne d
Location: kentucky
Date: 22 May 1999
Time: 22:44:32

Comments

hello! jayne alcoholic. first time hear. thanks for all the comments. only by the grace of god i have not had a drink today and by the help of my husband. i've been struggling. soon to be 9 months sober and i thinking a glass of wine would be a great reward. so tonight i will get on my knees to thank god for keeping me sober on more day, ask him for help tomorrow, and i'm thankful i found this discussion group. i'm new at this. well thanks for letting me share. god bless you all and keep coming back.


Member: tony g
Location: ma
Date: 23 May 1999
Time: 00:57:21

Comments

hey julie b. very good, make a stand! now take it up to a nother level,go to an aa meeting and just listen ,listen to see if anything sounds familiar .while your their get some raffle tickets and if your lucky number is picked get the" big book".that book will help you so you won"t buy beer to replace the stuff you dumped.beleive it or not...it is that simple.say prayers too....you will be amazed!!post back on your progress!!......don"t think to far into the future,just today....i"m tony i"m an alcoholic!


Member: tony g
Location: ma
Date: 23 May 1999
Time: 00:59:27

Comments

hey julie b. very good, make a stand! now take it up to a nother level,go to an aa meeting and just listen ,listen to see if anything sounds familiar .while your their get some raffle tickets and if your lucky number is picked get the" big book".that book will help you so you won"t buy beer to replace the stuff you dumped.beleive it or not...it is that simple.say prayers too....you will be amazed!!post back on your progress!!......don"t think to far into the future,just today....i"m tony i"m an alcoholic!


Member: tony g
Location: ma
Date: 23 May 1999
Time: 01:02:35

Comments

hey julie b. very good, make a stand! now take it up to a nother level,go to an aa meeting and just listen ,listen to see if anything sounds familiar .while your their get some raffle tickets and if your lucky number is picked get the" big book".that book will help you so you won"t buy beer to replace the stuff you dumped.beleive it or not...it is that simple.say prayers too....you will be amazed!!post back on your progress!!......don"t think to far into the future,just today....i"m tony i"m an alcoholic!


Member: tony g
Location: ma
Date: 23 May 1999
Time: 01:06:30

Comments

hey julie b. very good, make a stand! now take it up to a nother level,go to an aa meeting and just listen ,listen to see if anything sounds familiar .while your their get some raffle tickets and if your lucky number is picked get the" big book".that book will help you so you won"t buy beer to replace the stuff you dumped.beleive it or not...it is that simple.say prayers too....you will be amazed!!post back on your progress!!......don"t think to far into the future,just today....i"m tony i"m an alcoholic!


Member: tony g
Location: ma
Date: 23 May 1999
Time: 01:14:15

Comments

hey julie b. very good, make a stand! now take it up to a nother level,go to an aa meeting and just listen ,listen to see if anything sounds familiar .while your their get some raffle tickets and if your lucky number is picked get the" big book".that book will help you so you won"t buy beer to replace the stuff you dumped.beleive it or not...it is that simple.say prayers too....you will be amazed!!post back on your progress!!......don"t think to far into the future,just today....i"m tony i"m an alcoholic!


Member: tony g
Location: ma
Date: 23 May 1999
Time: 01:21:25

Comments

hey julie b. very good, make a stand! now take it up to a nother level,go to an aa meeting and just listen ,listen to see if anything sounds familiar .while your their get some raffle tickets and if your lucky number is picked get the" big book".that book will help you so you won"t buy beer to replace the stuff you dumped.beleive it or not...it is that simple.say prayers too....you will be amazed!!post back on your progress!!......don"t think to far into the future,just today....i"m tony i"m an alcoholic!


Member: Tony T.
Location: La.
Date: 23 May 1999
Time: 08:19:48

Comments

Hi, Tony T. here, I just want to tell Nev. S. that he can't do it. Thinking that only he can help himself is to say that he has the power to chose to stay sober. That's the greatest lie of any alcoholic. Lack of power is our problem, we don't have the power to chose to stay sober. If that would be the case I would just chose not to drink and that would be the end of that, I would not need AA, God , or you people. Boy I would have missed out on a lot. Nev. S. please get help, go to a meeting, God, works through people, let Him help you. Only you can stop God form helping you and healing you. God is a perfect gentlmen he does not go where he is not wanted. Chris C. I agree with you completly. God's grace is a gift I don't earn it , I open myself up to it. It's freely given and not earned Wish you the best of luck Nev. S. God bless to all, bye for now.


Member: Geri W
Location: Va.
Date: 23 May 1999
Time: 14:04:35

Comments

Geri, a very grateful alcoholic here.

For the next week can we talk about humility - and its difference from humiliation?

The most humble thing I do each morning is ...


Member: A.
Location:
Date: 23 May 1999
Time: 14:51:53

Comments

HI Alice here, and I am an alcoholic. I was sober for five days, but fell down yesterday, and had two beers. But it was the Grace of God that I did not have twenty-two. It seems when I get annoyed or frustrated I reach for the cold "Coors" Light. I pray that next week will be easier.


Member: BW
Location:
Date: 23 May 1999
Time: 16:49:52

Comments

God's grace is given freely and we must accept it openly. We can not earn it nor can we lose it--it is a constant. Alcoholism has wrecked almost all facets of my life and it was only through God's grace, reading the bible, praying, and focusing daily to "change" for the better that i now have 19 weeks clean. I pray that God may finally use me to help others in whatever way he might choose.


Member: Leighton T
Location: N.Y
Date: 23 May 1999
Time: 19:40:39

Comments

Hi i'm leighton, addict/alcoholic. Thanx all for sharing, I've been going a lot on the " Came, Came To, Came to believe" saying that means a lot to me. Right now i am coming to believe, and i am taking every suggestion from my sponsor and from sober peers and i am praying to a Higher Power now, even though i am not quite sure where or what it is. However in the 2ns Step, where "we came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity", my power greater than myself is A.A. and the people in the rooms and their miraculous recoveries and examples for younger people like me is incredible, thanx for letting me share

 

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