Prayer and Meditation

There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer.
Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit.
But when they are logically related and interwoven, the result is an unshakable foundation for life.
-- As Bill Sees It, p. 33


Prayer asks the question.
Meditation listens for the answer.

Five Rules To Remember in Life

1. Money cannot buy happiness, but its more comfortable to cry in a CORVETTE than on a bicycle.

2. Forgive your enemy, but remember the asshole's name. (A personal favorite)

3. If you help someone when they are in trouble, they will remember you when they're in trouble again.

4. Many people are alive only because it's illegal to shoot them.

5. Alcohol does not solve any problems, but then neither does voting for the Democrats.

Spirituality

Spirituality is an awakening -- or is it all the loose ends woven together into a mellow fabric?
It's understanding -- or is it all the knowledge one need ever know?
It's freedom -- if you consider fear slavery. It's confidence -- or is it the belief that a higher power will see you through any storm or gale?
It's adhering to the dictates of your conscience -- or is it a deep, genuine, living concern for the people and the planet? It's peace of mind in the face of adversity. It's a keen and sharpened desire for survival.
- Came To Believe . . ., p. 5


Spirituality is the essence of being. It can shape reality.

Growth

The essence of all growth is a willingness to change for the better and then an unremitting willingness to shoulder whatever responsibility this entails.
- As Bill Sees It, p. 115


Change is inevitable, growth is optional.

The Arrogance of Authority

A DEA officer stopped at a ranch in Texas , and talked with an old rancher.  He told the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs."

The rancher said, "Okay, but don't go in that field over there.....," as he pointed out the location.        

The DEA officer verbally exploded saying, " Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me!"      
Reaching into his rear pants pocket, the arrogant officer removed his badge and proudly displayed it to the rancher.         
"See this fucking badge?!  This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish.... On any land !! No questions asked or answers given!!  Have I made myself clear......do you understand ?!!"   

The rancher nodded politely, apologized, and went about his chores.     

A short time later, the old rancher heard loud screams, looked up, and saw the DEA officer running for his life, being chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull......

With every step the bull was gaining ground on the officer, and it seemed likely that he'd sure enough get gored before he reached safety.  The officer was clearly terrified.

The rancher threw down his tools, ran to the fence and yelled at the top of his lungs.....                         

(I just love this part....)             
"Your badge, show him your fucking BADGE........ ! !"

The Irish Blonde

   An attractive blonde from Cork, Ireland, arrived at the casino. She seemed a little intoxicated and bet twenty thousand dollars in a single roll of the dice.

   She said, "I hope you don't mind, but I feel much luckier when I'm completely nude." And with that, she stripped from the neck down, rolled the dice and with an Irish brogue yelled, "Come on, baby, Mama needs new clothes!"

   As the dice came to a stop, she jumped up and down and squealed... "Yes! Yes! I won, I won!" She hugged each of the dealers, picked up her winnings and her clothes and quickly parted.

   The dealers stared at each other dumbfounded. Finally, one of them asked, "What did she roll?" The other answered, "I don't know - I thought you were watching."

MORAL OF THE STORY

Not all Irish are drunks, not all blondes are dumb, ..... but all men... are men!

Perfection

We are not saints.
The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines.
The principles we have set down are guides to progress.
We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.

- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 60

Give Time . . . time.