"We found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him." pg 46 AA book.
What a relief it was when I first read this in the book. For me it was the defining moment in my relationship with God. Over the years I have built upon this simple statement of faith and encouragement from the book. It released years of fear and pressures about who God was. This was the AA founders experience that was the building block for my faith which has become so strong today.
Thanks Gonee...for me those are filed under subject titles of mercy and margin. HP has always given me free reign and always laugh when I come running back home. Keep on keeping on.
"We found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him." pg 46 AA book.
. It released years of fear and pressures about who God was.
Some great thoughts Gonee. When I came to AA nobody was forcing their conception of God upon me, but I believe I saw God at work in their lives and I then wanted him in my life.
__________________
Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
I spent the first 28 years of my life being terrified of God, and as a result I tended to keep a distance because I didn't want to do the "wrong" thing and piss God off. Only in the past couple years have I come to believe that perpetually thinking about God and praying, despite the tone and the topic, will bring me more peace. I recently read somewhere that "you cannot insult God or hurt God's feelings." And that if it means staying connected, you can shout at God, curse at God, and get all of the anger and frustration out of your system until you are once again brought to the place of peace and love. I dunno, but it works for me.
-Adam
-- Edited by AdamMoz on Wednesday 5th of June 2013 07:49:16 AM
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When every situation which life can offer is turned to the profit of spiritual growth, no situation can really be a bad one.-Paul Brunton
I think I wrote that in a way that wasn't particularly articulate (sorry - I was rushing). What I meant by that, and what I think the book was indicating, is that God has a fundamental awareness of who we are so we may as well be real with God. I think there's a difference between mocking and hating, and being completely honest - even when those feelings are "bad." If God is all-knowing, all-encompassing, and merciful, it doesn't make much sense to run away from or try to deceive God, despite what's going on for us. If we go to God in our pain and frustration, as well as our love and appreciation, we're going to be much more connected and enveloped in that universal love and intelligence. God, in various forms, has saved my life many times and I do not desire to mock or be angry with - but there are times when I need to go to God like I would my best friend and vent. I think the real point was that you don't need to tip toe around God or God's feelings, because, fundamentally, God sees and knows all already. For me, it was realizing that God was there for me when I sought God out, in whatever mental state, that allowed me to develop the lasting bond and the faith. When I lived in constant fear and deception, I was miserable and put my faith in booze. Again, apologies for being inarticulate about that.
-Adam
-- Edited by AdamMoz on Wednesday 5th of June 2013 10:25:49 AM
__________________
When every situation which life can offer is turned to the profit of spiritual growth, no situation can really be a bad one.-Paul Brunton
I was merely pointing out that there are tons of things 'in print' that can and will, mislead us as to what God thinks or how He/She feels ... and for me, there is only one authority when discussing that subject, and it is the 'Holy Bible' ... period ... This is my source for 'deep spiritual bonding' ... and I highly suggest it for anyone wanting to improve their 'conscious contact' with God ...
Early in the program my sponsor asked if when I prayed, if I meant it? ... I said 'NO' ... that's why I wasn't praying ... I wasn't going to be a hypocrite ... ... ... he said that that has absolutely nothing to do with it ... He told me that by praying, it was the 'ACTION' that I was taking that was going to cause all these things to happen that I had no idea was going to happen ... and once you take this action, and cause all these things to happen, that you had no idea that was going to happen, then what YOU think needs to happen, will never need to happen ... ... ... aargh! ... he also said that God wasn't going to depend on me for my relationship with Him/Her ... he said that God would take care of that all by Himself ...
This goes along with what you just said ...
P.S. There are also a ton of books out there that are 'inspired' by God, the AA BB being one of those ... All I'm saying is that we should educate ourselves on what the Good Book contains so as to not be mislead by what somebody chooses to print ... just because we see something in print doesn't make it the 'truth' ... (same thing in the pulpit, just cause we hear some idiot professing to know God and His will for us doesn't make it true ... we should be compelled to learn the 'truth' for ourselves ...)(how many people do you know go to church and come home checking out the preacher's lesson in the Good Book to verify it's the real thing ??? .)(sorry, I started rambling!!!)
-- Edited by Pythonpappy on Wednesday 5th of June 2013 03:00:08 PM
__________________
'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
I spent the first 28 years of my life being terrified of God, and as a result I tended to keep a distance because I didn't want to do the "wrong" thing and piss God off. Only in the past couple years have I come to believe that perpetually thinking about God and praying, despite the tone and the topic, will bring me more peace. I recently read somewhere that "you cannot insult God or hurt God's feelings."And that if it means staying connected, you can shout at God, curse at God, and get all of the anger and frustration out of your system until you are once again brought to the place of peace and love. I dunno, but it works for me.
-Adam
-- Edited by AdamMoz on Wednesday 5th of June 2013 07:49:16 AM
I have no idea where you got this Adam, but the only book I believe when it comes to what or how God feels about something comes from what Dr. Bob called the 'Good Book' ... (the Bible) ... If you're interested, read Galatians 6:7
__________________
'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
I think I wrote that in a way that wasn't particularly articulate (sorry - I was rushing). What I meant by that, and what I think the book was indicating, is that God has a fundamental awareness of who we are so we may as well be real with God. I think there's a difference between mocking and hating, and being completely honest - even when those feelings are "bad." If God is all-knowing, all-encompassing, and merciful, it doesn't make much sense to run away from or try to deceive God, despite what's going on for us. If we go to God in our pain and frustration, as well as our love and appreciation, we're going to be much more connected and enveloped in that universal love and intelligence. God, in various forms, has saved my life many times and I do not desire to mock or be angry with - but there are times when I need to go to God like I would my best friend and vent. I think the real point was that you don't need to tip toe around God or God's feelings, because, fundamentally, God sees and knows all already. For me, it was realizing that God was there for me when I sought God out, in whatever mental state, that allowed me to develop the lasting bond and the faith. When I lived in constant fear and deception, I was miserable and put my faith in booze. Again, apologies for being inarticulate about that.
-Adam
-- Edited by AdamMoz on Wednesday 5th of June 2013 10:25:49 AM
Adam,
Sounds like a good description of God as you you understand him. There is no right or wrong answer. I choose to believe that what you wrote above was as much God inspired and what we might find in any other book written by humans.
The thing that attracted me to AA was simplicity of the handful of suggested prayers.
Pg 87 "We are careful never to pray for our own selfish ends. Many of us have wasted a lot of time doing that and it doesn't work. You can easily see why."
Praying "only" for a knowlege of his will and the power to carry it out
__________________
Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
Great thread here. Adam, you have made several points that I absolutely agree with. Many years ago I lost faith in my HP (whom I choose to call God). I cursed Him and made a conscious decision to turn my back on faith. It was about this time that booze entered my life and became my new god almost instantly. I believe that my HP was always with me, and there were several circumstances in which I felt I had some sort of guardian angel with me. Still, I chose my new god over all else. It came to a point where this was no longer of my choosing- booze was making all the decisions for me. It was a very dark place to be, and I eventually lost all faith in booze, life, or myself. For me, the moment I looked to God again as the only source of help in desperation, He answered- and I haven't drank since. Recently, I felt myself going to that dark place again. Once more- my HP was right there when I opened my soul enough to let Him back in. Lesson learned. It is NEVER my HP who turns his back on me, but me choosing to not ask for guidance, or me attempting to take my will back- which is when things begin to get all twisted and dark for me. I still at times fight this or feel unworthy , or question why my plans are not working out or my expectations not being met. It's when I lose trust in my HP that the insanity begins for me. If that makes sense.
This makes perfect sense ... fantastic share ... you remind me of the times I felt I had lost God in my life ... but it wasn't God who was lost, it was me ... God was right beside me every step of the way, only I chose not to let Him/Her in ... when I finally did reach out for help, He/She was just on the other side of the door to my heart, waiting for the invitation ...
your post was beautifully stated ... it shows tremendous growth in wisdom ...
Love you and God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
