I am new to the board and happy to know about you folks. A little background: I live in Kerrville, TX, am married with 4 kids, and have been continuously sober just under 2 years. I am a Big Book "Fundamentalist" and have yet to find one lie in between the title page and page 164. I only make one disclaimer. If anything I ever say here does not reconcile with what's in those pages, pay no attention to it. Today I am actively taking 4 men through the work, pray and meditate everyday, attend regular meetings regularly, and have a "job" within my home group. The beauty of it all is that I started out HAVING to do all that. Now, with an awakened spirit, I GET to and it's the coolest life ever. I DO NOT stay sober one day at a time, I live life one day at a time.
Hello Cajunhorn and welcome to the board. You remind me of my sponsor and great friend "Big Book Bob". He, like you, is a self proclaimed big book thumper. I got sober in 12 & 12 book step meetings, not better or worse, mostly the same, but a little different. So please feel free to quote away, I'm rather enjoying it. Glad that you're here.
Dean
-- Edited by StPeteDean on Sunday 12th of July 2009 06:44:50 PM
Aloha Cajunhorn...Regardless how you got it and do it, if it works keep working it. That it works for others after you give it away to others also means it works!!
An earlier sponsor taught me to find and use (including the BB of course) anything that helps me gain and maintain my sobriety...therefore I have. I'm grateful to him with my life for his direction.
Glad to have you here and keep coming back. (((((hugs)))))
Welcome to the forums! I read the story Diamond. I dont get the point of it.. What happens after he asks for the wealth to give the diamond away?
Well, it's a meditation by Anthony De Mello, so it's not really meant to have an ending in the traditional sense that you're looking for. I can tell you what I get out of the story, but by no means is it THE answer.
It's 12th Step stuff. The man thought he was rich because he had possession of the biggest diamond in the world, but then he sat with it, turning it over and over in his hands. He thought that "ownership" of such a thing would bring him happiness, but it did not. Then, after careful contemplation, he realized that the truly "wealthy" man was the mystic who gave it away so freely to him. Hence, he took the stone back to that fella and asked him, "Can you give me the riches that made it so easy for you to give that stone away to me?". Just like AA, we've been given a wonderful gift, but the only way to truly enjoy the gift is to turn around and continuously give it away to others. Enlightened self interest. I still want mine, I've just got to make sure you get yours first.
Welcome to MIP, Miles. I appreciate & respect your recovery & the message you are carrying. I feel I am recovered as I have retired from the debating society. My Higher Power is here & I don't have to question or tie a ribbon around it. I have no excuses for any of my mistakes today. Maybe explanation & understanding but I am always accountable. Being imperfect, I always will be & responsible, I am. I will be gentle with others & speak my truth for myself. I don't like to compare or make competition. I know God is in charge & it is up to me to listen. Keep coming back & setting your example. Godbless, Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
Hi Cajun!! Good to meet you. This is indeed a great place to be when online. You sound very grateful in your recovery, and I have to say I am very grateful too. I don't think any of us here who are staying sober and living a better life as a result would doubt anything the Big Book says. Pretty awesome way of life, if you ask me!
Thanks for stopping by, and please stay awhile! The cyber-coffee is always on.
Joni
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.