Member: helene b.
Location: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 23:00:27
Only when I was prepared to surrender completely, without any reservations, was I able to start healing and to get sober. I try to surrender in other areas of my life and this year I'm learning to do that on a new level.
At the start of the year, I was in such turmoil & my life seemed to be getting worse by the minute. I prayed on Jan. 2 and asked God to take over because I just couldn't cope anymore. I said that I truly wanted his will, not mine to be done & that I would accept ANY outcome.
Within a few hours, my partner walked out of my life. A few days later, God made sure that I got information re things that my partner had been doing behind my back. I began to understand that God had begun his task in my life.
Shortly after, my only child had to be hospitalized for major surgery in another city. What was supposed to be 1 week ended up being 6 weeks in the hospital. I had to be by her side at all times. I had been left in a financial mess when my partner left, and now I couldn't run my business for 2 months!! But God knew what he was doing. One day, the phone rang in the hospital room and I was offered a lucrative contract by the Ministry of Education. They offered me this laptop and I was able to write from the hospital. These people did not know me and had received my name from someone... I believe it was true divine intervention.
I felt that my life needed direction. I had been at odds with choices between my business and my teaching career. I had thought of resigning. Upon my return, I once again received a call asking me to prepare workshops to present in schools for education week. God's message is loud and clear. I did not solicit any of these education contracts. I guess he still has plans for me in that field.
Although I don't relish the thought of going back to the classroom, I've got total faith in God, I've surrendered my whole life to him. Where he leads, I will follow.
Now that I've let go, all is fallling into place. My daughter is getting better. My finances are reorganized and my life has good orderly direction... even with the flood in my basement and the broken furnace that I had this week. Everyone, including myself, is amazed at how I can take it in stride and even laugh at it all.
The greatest miracle is that I'm still sober. Drinking didn't even enter as an option. That is a true miracle.
I've been sober for many years now, but it's a journey, not a destination. Finally, the tongue in my mouth is starting to match the tongue in my shoe. I believe I'm finally growing up, learning to live in reality and live life on life's terms. The promises do come true, if we surrender it all to God and stay sober, just for today.
This poem best explains how I understand Step 3:
Fear not those things which God has sent, Though troublesome they seem, For he knows best what must be done To lead you to your dream.
He'll test your strength to make you strong For what's not used grows weak, And strip you from what pulls you from The highest goal you seek.
He'll show you that where faith is placed A harvest soon is grown, And what you'll learn is that in time You reap what you have sown.
For all that's His belongs to you To do with as you will, But when you give it back to Him He does your dreams fulfill
helene b.
e-mail: heleneb@cyberbeach.net
Member: Thomas, L.`
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 03:30:07
Thomas, Alcoholic
Step three. I wish I could peak around the corner some time to truely know that the direction I am going in is God's will.
I honestly try to live my life by doing the next right thing and that sometimes means doing things that dn't feel good at the time I'm doing them but I know it is the right thing. I have faith if I live my life this way God will take care of me.
Love, Thomas
Member: Amy G.C.
Location: Switzerland
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 05:37:43
Amy, alcoholic. When step 3 finally happened it was a miracle, turning my will over, only then did I quit drinking. But this is a step I have to keep returning to in all areas of my life because sometimes we think we are in charge of destiny, when are we? I too wish I could know if I were doing Gods will in the other ways, I know he loves me for not drinking but there is so much more tuning up needed. Turning my life over...Amy
Member: Josh J.
Location: Portland, OR
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 13:02:41
Good Morning Everyone. I have 9 days sober now and I feel like a walking miracle. God has blessed me with so much throughout my entire life and I know I used to be an ungrateful slug. I have not started going through the steps yet for I am still on the lookout for the sponsor God is going to provide for me. I've been to 11 meetings in 6 days and they are my lifeline. I believe this 3rd step is going to be a 24/7 ordeal. A week ago Friday I woke up with a so-so hangover (I've had MUCH worse, believe me), but I was so pissed off at myself for once again drinking myself into oblivion. As I walked around my place trying to recall events of the night before and who to apologize to, I completely realized right then that there was no way I could ever stop drinking. I went down on the floor and literally cried. I told God that I could not do it and pleaded with him to do it for me or at least help me.
I felt the fear leave me almost immediately, yet I was still unsure if I was going to get through the day without drinking. I knew about AA, (my grandfather had 40+ years sober when he passed away last year) but I didn't know if it was for me. I went to a gathering that evening for the mother of a friend who had passed away. My friend was ever the hostess offering drinks to everyone as soon as we walked in. I thought, (sheesh!) "This is it". I turned to this girl next to me that I hardly knew and said "I'll have one if you have one."
She said, "Josh, I would, but if I had one, I wouldn't be able to stop." We talked for a long time, and she hugged me and told me should would pray for me. I need to remember to keep surrendering everything over to God. If I do, the miracles will continue. I love being shocked by God. Love and Peace and a MIRACULOUS 24 hours, ~Josh
Member: Erv
Location: Wolf
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 22:23:07
Good evening, my name is Erv and I'm an alcoholic.. I try to give it all to God everyday.. I like what Helene said about step three.. Great poem too.. I threw my back out two days ago, and God has slowed me down to a snails pace.. I even thank Him for that.. It is giving me time to reflect on where Erv is today.. Have a great week everyone, Erv
Member: Sanders W
Location: Graceville, Fl.
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 23:45:40
Hello all,I am very definately a real alcoholic and my name is Sanders. I enjoyed your comments Helen and I feel we have to re inforce step three each day. I feel that all steps except step one are ideals we strive towards perfection for, but of course never reach. I do feel the closer we come that goal the more serene and at peace we will be because I look on the entire program of AA as a PROCESS of alligning my will with God's will so they become one and the same. If that could be attained perfectly, we would have perfect peace and perfect serenity. There would be no more conflict with anything or anybody and what would be left is peace. The first step is the only one we can and, I feel, MUST be taken 100% with no reservations if we are going to be able to attain an degree of sobriety. The start of this process in step 2 where we realize that we are helpless to do anything about the situation we are in and that something other than ourselves will have to help us. This, to me, is where step 3 comes in to play. I make a commitment to God, of my understanding, to go through the PROCESS, steps 4 through 9. My sponser used to say he heard people say there is nothing to this step because all you are doing is making a decision. He then quickly added you make a decision to go to the bathroom and don't act on it and you are in a world of trouble. The big book tells us to think well before taking this step and to be sure we are ready. It refurs to "this vital step" and goes on to say it won't last unless we imediately get into step 4. That is what my book told me concerning this step and this is how it worked for me. Thanks for letting me share and God bless. P. S. I can't get over how many people are from other countries and I'm allowed to share with and take from them. I believe the first three were from Canada, Switzerland and Poland. That is quite an assortment. Love all of you.
Member: MIKE W
Location: SAUDI ARABIA
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 00:22:48
HI MY NAME IS MIKE W. AND I'M AN ALCOHOLIC, STEP THREE FOR ME IS A DAILY EVENT (OR AT LEAST I TRY). SOMEDAYS IT'S EASY, SOMEDAYS IT'S HARD. WISH THERE WAS AN EASY ANSWER, BUT THAT'S WHY I'M AN ALCOHOLIC...ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THE EASY WATOUT. THANK GOD FOR AA. EACH DAY IS A DAY THAT I NEED TO HAVE GRATITUDE THAT I'M SOBER, AND CAN BE OF THIS WORLD. PRAYER IS THE ANSWER THAT WORKS FOR ME, IF I REMEMBER TO UTILIZE IT. ODAAT MIKE W
Member: Dale B.
Location: Deadwood,SD
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 01:05:57
My name is Dale and I am an alcoholic. It has been a while since I have went to an actual meeting. Many reasons my job at night, smoke and either I have changed or my group did. The topic is a good as I had a problem with my ex-wife's boy friend whoe would not let me to talk to my daughter on the phone as he thought 10:15pm was too late. I became a little angry and said something I should have not said that I am her f. Father and he hung up. So I am glad my son in law hooked us on the internet, so I can use this. Thanks for sharing the poem. It fits.
Member: Gregg B
Location: Spokane, Wash.
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 02:26:10
My name is gregg and I am both alcoholic and chemically dependent. My story is simular to many others that have been afflicted with the disease, and as I listen or in this case read the various testamonies from individuals just like myself, I realize the necessity to continue a cohesion with others in this program.
I have found myself once again in the early stages of recovery from a relapse that nearly ended my life, and of course did create a measurable amount of tragity, death, and typical loss.
I've been sober now for nearly five and a half months. In this short amount of time, I struggled hard to regain all of the things that I had recently lost, such as material things like my housing,my job,and my true friends. But aside of all of that I had struggled to regain an even more important and necessary loss which was my spiritual cohesion and moral charicter.
In order for me to get these areas of my life together, I have began attending a non- denominational Church with a Christian friend whom I attend college with. I devote my Saturday nights to attend church and then follow up with a discussion over coffee. I feel that this, in some way, replaces my need to attend AA or NA meetings. I know from the past that when I did'nt take action and consistently go to those meetings I found my sobriaty in jepordy once to often, until I was in relapse.
I feel content at this point with the new involvement that I have with this church. I have also noticed I am not as depressed as Iv'e been in the past. This may not be a substitute for the fellowship of AA/NA however, one day at a time, I'm moving in a possitive direction. I THINK.
Would appriciate feedback or e-mail. Gregg Scorpio@lahmen.com
Member: Gregg B
Location: Spokane, Wash.
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 02:29:40
My name is gregg and I am both alcoholic and chemically dependent. My story is simular to many others that have been afflicted with the disease, and as I listen or in this case read the various testamonies from individuals just like myself, I realize the necessity to continue a cohesion with others in this program.
I have found myself once again in the early stages of recovery from a relapse that nearly ended my life, and of course did create a measurable amount of tragity, death, and typical loss.
I've been sober now for nearly five and a half months. In this short amount of time, I struggled hard to regain all of the things that I had recently lost, such as material things like my housing,my job,and a good friend. But aside of all of that I had struggled to regain an even more important and necessary loss which was my spiritual cohesion, moral charicter, and my emotional well being.
In order for me to get these areas of my life together, I have began attending a non- denominational Church with a Christian friend whom I attend college with. I devote my Saturday nights to attend church and then follow up with a discussion over coffee. I feel that this, in some way, replaces my need to attend AA or NA meetings. I know from the past that when I did'nt take action and consistently go to those meetings I found my sobriaty in jepordy once to often, until I was in relapse.
I feel content at this point with the new involvement that I have with this church. I have also noticed I am not as depressed as Iv'e been in the past. This may not be a substitute for the fellowship of AA/NA however, one day at a time, I'm moving in a possitive direction. I THINK.
Would appriciate feedback or e-mail. Gregg Scorpio@lahmen.com
Member: Carlos E
carlos E
Location: san digo ca
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 14:36:24
im Carlos and im an alcoholic.since i put my life in gods hands things change a lot,now i dont need to worry for my future or past as long i stay in touch with god and with you guys i know that every thing will be o.k!
Member: Dave C.
Location: Falls Church, Va.
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 17:15:10
Someone once told me that if I actually had ALL the facts I would know God's will for me.
Member: Judyrose M.
Location: Boston, MA
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 19:49:50
Hi I'm Judyrose and I'm an alcoholic. I find that sometimes, if I'm uncertain whether what I'm doing is God's will or my will..., If I share with another alcoholic what my plans are...I get a good indication...Oh Hell what do I know...cARLOS FROM SAN DIAGO SAID IT BEST!
MY GOD SEEMS TO WORK THROUGH OTHER DRUNKS...SO I FIND I CONSTANTLY TURN TO OTHERS IN THIS PROGRAM FOR MY ANSWERS!!!!!!!!!
Member: Chris W
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 20:30:42
Hi everyone! I'm Chris and I'm an alcoholic. I remember when I first started thinking about this step how scared and frustrated I felt about it because I didn't have a concept of God that I was comfortable with. An oldtimer told me it was the willingness that was important and I didn't need much, he said don't try and understand God, don't try and figure him/her/whatever out just try a bit of willingness and start with the step 3 prayer in the Big Book. And I still don't know today what God's will is, but I have faith now, someone to turn to when all hell breaks loose, serenity that I never had before except when I drank. I am so grateful for AA, thanks.
Member: Amy G.C.
Location: Switzerland
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 01:25:40
Josh, I had a similar experience in having to fall on my knees to really accept step 3 and what a powerful experience, I will never forget it. I just asked that if he existed he would somehow show himself to me. Within a week I had voluntarily checked into a great Charter RAPHA (Christian based 12 steps) and it saved my life, I then became a missionary, metmy swiss zoologist husband and now live day to day in peace and sobriety in the alps, which is cool though I too thank goodness for the net because there are no English meetings here...anyway I also want to mention to Gregg who is finding his christian activities to help replace his need for AA, I too did such a thing when I did not have the net here for 2 years but I can`t tell you how good it feels to read wise words such as those of Sanders(wish it were Florida here) and chuckle, I guess a feeling that my Christian friends who I love all very much canot truely understand unless they know the program well. Still turning my life over but away for a week, Amy G.C.
Member: fayla
Location: galena ks
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 02:43:16
my name is fayla' its been a great life being sober i hope it never goes back to the way it was i half to remember to let go and let god and one day at a time but most of all who loves you baby' god and your family in aa thats where you find real love and someone who will always be there for you and you can take that to the bank love fayla fayla
Member: Bonnie C
Location:
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 03:41:29
Hi I'm Bonnie and I'm an alcoholic, My prayer was, God take me and make me a productive human being or let me die, nothing happened, i had another Bud and changed the channel, 1 week later someone poisoned my wine and I called a friend after i barfed on my foot and she took me to my first meeting the next day on 5/30/80 and I haven't had a drink, drug, smoke(mj), or mind or mood altering perscription drug since. mother's death at 12 days sober, sick kids, runaway kids, divorce, bankruptcy, homelessness from having the dream home, being burglarized and all treasures taken, lost jobs-careers, lost love-lust, lost friends, etc, the past 17 yrs has gifted me with many opportunities to embrace the pain and grow spiritually. for the past 3+yrs I have had joy in my life daily and it is not because of any person, place or thing. It is because of STEP THREE where I picked up my partner in this new way of life. thank God for AA and thank AA for my God. God, Please bless all who enter here. bonzoc@webtv.net
Member: dan
Location: kelso, washington
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 14:02:04
Hi, I am Dan, and I am an alcoholic. Reading your statements is enjoyable and educational. I hope that I can maintain my soberity as many of you have. Got a meeting at noon. dan
Member: alyn w
Location: ontario canada
Date: 08 Apr 1998
Time: 16:37:23
Hi i am alcoholic and name is alyn (canada) Step 3 was very confusing to me when i first came around to a.a. i did not understand what my will and my life meant.But after talking to a few oldtimers about the step,they suggested that i try turning my thoughts and actions over to my H.P. who i choose to call god.And when I do that things seem to be ok but when i try to run the show usually I am at dis ease!!So back on my knees i get ask god for help.After being around for a few 24 hrs now my thoughts and actions have changed alot!! thank you a.a. for showing me the way!
Member: Lee P
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Date: 08 Apr 1998
Time: 19:40:52
Hi, I am Lee, and I am a grateful, recovering alcoholic, just learning to remember "Thy will, not mine, be done". With all the miraculous demonstrations of the sheer power of "doing the next right thing", it is hard to deny that it is my Higher Power that drives my bus.
A brief hello to Chris W. from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - I am new to the program, and have signed into the Winnipeg Women's Group as my homegroup, the Assiniboine Group as my second choice, and am looking to meet other people outside of these two. I am a bit shy about walking in to a new clubroom alone. Should Chris W. or any other Winnipeggers care to drop me some e-mail:
I would appreciate any suggestions of your favorite groups around the city...Anyone else who wishes to drop me a line, you need not be from Winnipeg...; )
Thanks for letting me share.
Member: John C
Location: Ohio
Date: 08 Apr 1998
Time: 22:58:54
Hi, I'm a drunk and my problem is john. I'm a pretty intelligent guy, so it only took me about TEN YEARS to figure out step 3. Sometimes quickly, frequently slowly. I tried and to turn my will over to god, but it was like going into a sharp turn on the freeway and letting go of the steering wheel. So for yrs. I would turn it over, Take it back, Beat myself up. Insanity. Then it finally dawned on me. Just like you told me a thousand times, it's just a decision. A decision to work the rest of the steps. I CANNOT ON MY OWN TURN MY WILL OVER TO GOD. The ONLY way I can successfully turn it over is by working the rest of the steps. So now when I ask someone what step they're on and they give me the stock answer "uh step 3 ", I come back with "well then pick up a pencil and start writing my friend". Some people really hate that, but that's how it works.
Member: Jip
Location: USA
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 01:25:34
I'm Jip and I'm an alcoholic.
Hello gang. I wish all well in their efforts to stay clean. I myself am interested in discussion of treatment options and what works best & intellectual issues related to dealing with alcoholism. I'm
Jipigu@hotmail.com
and would enjoy any advice / insight. As a non-AA-member and a religious skeptic I'll be polite and keep my mouth shut from here on out...
Best wishes
Member: John C
Location: Ohio
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 11:44:54
to Jip I just spent 30 minutes or so writing you an e-mail and when I sent it, it came back with "permanent fatal errors in the address" If the error was yours keep comming back. Unfortunately there is a deadly virus on the 'net that comes disguised as returned e-mail and will crash and burn my and anyone elses hard drive, I deleted the message and I don't have time to type it again. Sorry. Get a copy of the AA big book and read the 1st 164 pgs,
Member: Sanders W.
Location: Graceville, Fl.
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 14:42:55
Hi Jip, I am very definitaly a real alcoholic and my name is Sanders. In answer to your question all I can tell you from my experience in this program is that all our intellectuals are still out there practicing. I have seen lots of people who were too SMART to get the program but never have I seen anyone too dumb to get it Good luck to you If you are for real.
Member: Sanders W.
Location: Graceville, Fl.
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 14:57:18
Hi Jip, I am very definitaly a real alcoholic, and my name is Sanders. In answer to your question, it has been my observation since I have been in AA. that all our intellectuals are still out there intellualizing. I have seen many people who were too SMART to get this program but I have never seen anyone too DUMB to get it. If you are serious, and I doubt you are, get the big book and read it as you were told a couple of scrools up and if you are not, then I truely feel sorry for you. In either case, I will pray for you because we are serious about getting and staying sober and trying to help others achieve sobriety.
Member: MIKE W.
Location: SAUDI ARABIA
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 20:09:53
HELLO EVERYONE, MIKE W. HERE ALCOHOLIC. ILIKE WHAT CHRIS W SAID, IT REALLY STRUCK A CHORD WITH ME. I TOO HAD TROUBLE WITH ACCEPTING THE WHOLE GOD THING. I WASN'Y A NON-BELIEVER, I JUST HAD NO CONCEPT OF REAL FAITH. I WAS TOLD AS TO TAKE IT EASY, COME UP WITH MY OWN CONCEPT OF A GOD, AND DO HIS/HER/IT'S WILL AS TO WHAT I THOUGHT IT WAS. IT HAS WORKED. I'M NOW 5+ YEARS SOBER, I PRAY IN THE AM, PM, AND EVEN IN-BETWEEN SOMETIMES. I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH FAIT, AND WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE MY HP'S WILL, BUT THROUGH THE FELLOWSHIP OF AA, YOU GOODPEOPLE KEEP ME POINTED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. I LIVE IN ANACORTES WA, BUT I'M CURRENTLY IN SAUDI ARABIA ON DEPLOYMENT (US NAVY), THERE ARE NO MEETINGS HERE, BUT THANK GOD FOR AA ON THE NET!!!!!!!!!!TO ANYONE NEW, I'LL PASS ON WHAT HAS WORKED FOR ME, GET A BIG BOOK AND READ IT ROUTINELY, PRAY (OR AT LEAST TRY), GO TO MEETINGS, AND GET INVOLVED IN AA (SERVICE). THANKS TO YOU ALL FOR MY SOBRIETY, ONE DAY AT A TIME. ANYONE CAN E-MAIL ME AT runner_71192@yahoo.com
TALK AT YOU ALL LATER.....MIKE W
Member: Barb B
Location: the Burg, W PA
Date: 10 Apr 1998
Time: 16:00:25
Hi everybody, greatful for the fellowship this afternoon, just a short response, as on my way to chair meeting, As I said in discussion, only 2 choices Higher Power or Ego. Pick one. How to get to higher power? Ask Him, seek, or as one of my AA cohorts always says, Trust God, clean house, help others. And Greg, I did a few years of that Christin Church, and there is nothing wrong with that, just that I stay sober by helping another alcoholic, nothing insures sobriety like intense work with another alcoholic. The Bible says the harvest is white, and ready and there it is... in the rooms where they need to hear there is a God and "I" ain't him. Happy Easter,
Member: louis
Location: gatineau,quebec,canada
Date: 10 Apr 1998
Time: 23:34:45
louis,a drunk.i'd rather believe in a H.P and be happy today,then not believe and be in HELL where i was before.my life may not be 100% but it's a 100% better then it was .lmxuser1@hotmail.com
Member: Lesli D.
Location: MN
Date: 10 Apr 1998
Time: 23:52:58
Hi, everyone, I'm Lesli and I'm an alcoholic. Step 3 for me is a reminder that this is a WE program -- "I" by myself could not get me sober. WE did it...by listening to others' guidance, I became sober. By continuing to listen to others, I found a higher higher power that knows much better than I what is good for me. And for that, I am eternally grateful for the last 6,000+ Days I have been sober.
To Jip -- Listen to Sanders -- there are no sober "intellectual" recovering drunks. Don't mind-f___ yourself by getting into your head--get into your heart and you will find your life. Step 3 is about turning it over...Turning your life over to a Higher Power...that can be God, Buddha, your best friend, (not a good idea), your AA group. If you want to get sober....find some trusting people and surrender your will. It's a scary leap, but well worth it.
This site is great!! I'm glad I found it. Blessings to all!!!
Member: Linda P.
Location: Fresno, California USA
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 00:05:25
Hi everyone, this is my first time on-line. I was very grateful to find a meeting. Although I can not see your faces, or hear your voices, it was wonderful to read and feel a part of AA world-wide!
Gregg I was able to identify with the relapse experience. A lady in AA told me a wise piece of advise that I took to heart. She simply stated that the only thing she saw that really worked in others lives which had similar experiences was to read the Big Book from cover to cover as if being read for the first time. That there would be words, phases, and stories that would speak to me as never before. As so that was true. I can not remember the actual Chapter, but a man relates about his relapse, and his enlightenment was this, "he had to redouble his spiritual activities." This information I read many times, but only as words on a page. Now that the relapse experience was mine, these particular stores and solutions really stood out.
Step 3 was a turnaround for me. Church is where the surrender took place. Since my sobriety would be contingent on my relationship with God, it became an increasing need and desire to seek him and know him better. Not every person takes that option, but it was wonderful.
Church however has not replaced AA meetings. There is no conflict in my heart to doing them both. I feel as though each enhances the other, and feel both are necessary for me to lead a well balanced life sober. I thank God and this program for my sobriety. I am a survivor what was hopefully my last drunk that could have taken my life. But by the Grace of God go I. Good luck Gregg from Washington.
.
Member: Gregg B.
Location: Spokane, Washington
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 01:09:41
I want to thank both Linda from Cal.and Barb from Berg., for their feedback.
Turning my will and my life over to God " as I understand him" requires daily action. Through this daily action I am becomming more aware of not only what I can do to better myself but also where I may be more helpful to others.
I continue to enjoy this meeting place, It works and just wanted to say thanks.
Everone have a safe and happy Easter...
Member: Donna Z.
Location: Daytona Beach,Fl
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 09:42:03
Hi Family, Donna, an alcoholic here. Lovin that 3rd Step. For me, my most important since surrender was never in my dictionary! My sponsor asked me to invite God into my heart, and for this sick alcoholic, all I could think to do was picture a little door in my heart and I said to Him "The door is open, Do You want to come in?" and He did. He's sooo sweet.
Member: Kevin G.
Location: Brooklyn, NYC
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 12:48:06
Hi everyone,
First time in the meeting and would like to say hello to everyone.
The first time I heard people saying "turn it over" I had no idea what they meant, and used to get upset at hearing it. I'd ask them how they did it, and I never seemed to understand.
I realized that if I asked God for help before an action or at the the beginning of the day I could deal better. That helps me understand the 3rd Step now. One of my old sponsors used to say "show up, shut up and listen."
Take it easy.
Kevin
Member: Mona S.
Location: Washington
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 20:14:57
Hi there everyone... I wanted to share a poem that I wrote when I finally turned my will over to the care of God as I understood him --
When I was a child So young and so small "GOD" was only a word.. Like "naptime" or "doll." Then I turned six my daddy died Christmas day, When I asked what "died" meant- They said "God took him away." Life started throwing me hard times needing help, I started to pray... I begged God to save me make all the bad things go away. As the years slowly passed and all the demons grew, I learned that no one would save me, and real people were few. I began using drugs hid the pain deep within, I didn't care where I was going... Refused to look where I'd been. The pain built up inside of me for the next twenty years, Then one day I felt myself drowning in my confusion and fear. I dropped to my knees with a lost anguished moan, I screamed out to God HOW COULD YOU LEAVE ME ALONE? I lay there and cried on that cold prison floor, Then I saw Jesus walk in my mind's OPEN door. He wrapped me so gently with the warmth of his light... He whispered "I waited my child, till you gave up the fight. I've been right here beside you trying to guide you each day... but in your pain and your suffering you pushed me away. I cried at your suffering but there was naught I could do. You needed to unlock that door before I could step through. So today - listen to my promise and believe in your heart.. by following my guidence you can make a new start. With my unconditional love, my child I'll help you face new trials each day and when they are needed... I'll send special angels your way.
So my friend as you read this know that I thanked Heavenly Father today... For giving me this blessing and sending you my way...