August 16

Wisdom for Today
Be Careful. The temptation to drink or use again never leaves. The temptation will always be there, but know that when we face the urge to get high, many have gone before us. They have had to face these same urges and made it. The program does
not promise to eliminate our desire to use alcohol or drugs. Just that by using the tools we will have the courage to say no to our desires. Gratefully, old-timers say that it does get easier over time. Yet all of them can account for times when the desire to use
raises its ugly head again. Sometimes it is just a passing thought and at other times it may be more difficult. Do I trust that my Higher Power will give me the needed strength and wisdom to walk away from my unhealthy desires?
Meditations for the Heart
I know that my life in recovery is not trouble free and that I will have to face difficulties along the path of life. The program gives me the ability to face these difficulties with an inner peace. Serenity comes from following God’s will. This is a hard lesson to learn but over time it becomes apparent that by following the will of God I have no worries. The struggles I have last for only a moment when I continually turn them over to God. All I need to do is the next right thing. Do I trust God to give me what I need in the face of trouble?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,

Should I face difficulties today, God help me to trust that you are with me. Help me to be wise in the decisions I face. Strengthen my faith and guide me to the people who will help me along the way.

Amen

August 17

Wisdom for Today
Sometimes it just seems easier to blame others or focus on them instead of myself. It is a natural defense to make others responsible for our plight in life. Yet as long as I focus on others and their responsibility for my problems I remain sick. I have to look at my part in whatever the situation or problem is. My sponsor once told me that, “The problem is not your disease, the problem is you.” He was right, the problem usually was me. Blaming others got me nowhere. It was only when I would take responsibility for my problems that I would make progress. Learning to change the things I can is a necessary lesson in recovery. Am I willing to take responsibility for my part, rather than blame others?
Meditations for the Heart
In silence I can learn the meaning of God’s will for my life. Learning to listen for that still, small voice that exists within can lead me to make wise decisions. But listening without action leads nowhere. Knowledge alone does not produce change. Change occurs when I am willing to put it into action. Simply knowing I am an addict or alcoholic does not mean anything. Simply knowing I have character defects does not lead to change. I must take what I learn and put it to use. Am I willing to use the knowledge I gain from others and from God to better myself? Do I really listen?
Petitions to my Higher Power
This day Oh God, help me to be quiet and listen to your guidance. Help me to listen to those who have more experience in recovery than I. Give me the courage to change the things I can.

Amen

August 18

Wisdom for Today
Very early in the program I started to receive gifts from others. Gifts of hope, a sense of relief, direction; I fit in. I began to hear slogans like, “It works if you work it.” It took me a while to begin to understand what that meant. I don’t know if it was because my brain was so cloudy from years of alcohol and drug abuse or it was because I simply wanted an easier, softer way; but it took some time before I became willing to use the tools I was being given. I could see that it worked for others who were willing, yet I resisted.

Finally, it began to sink in. Acceptance and surrender to a Power outside of myself is what I had to do. So I got to work and began to use the tools. Have I been using the tools the way I have been shown? Have I surrendered to a Higher Power?
Meditations for the Heart
The program provides us with seeds of hope, and truth, and faith. We are given the tools. Yet, we must use the tools to nurture the seeds and keep the weeds out of our garden. There are sunny days and other days that are filled with rain. Both are needed
to grow the seeds of sobriety. Am I using the tools or am I waiting for someone else to do the work for me?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God, I don’t know whether today will be filled with sunshine or rain, but I can trust that you will walk this path with me. Give me the wisdom and strength I need to use the tools so that I may reap a bountiful harvest.

Amen

August 19

Wisdom for Today
Desperate measures require desperate action – right? When I first walked through the doors of the program I was desperate. I was desperate to find a way out. I wasn’t really sure that my substance use was the cause of all my problems, I just knew I wanted to find a way out of all my pain. I was running around frantically looking for the answer. I wanted to find the magic. I could see in the eyes of the people at meetings that many of them had found what I was looking for. Why was it so difficult to find the answer? All I wanted was a way out!

Then one day an old-timer looked at me and said, “Quit running!” I didn’t understand what he had said. “Quit running, you will never find a way out like that.” He was right I had to quit running. It was only when I slowed down that I began to realize that no one had found a way out, but they had found peace in the middle of the storm. Have I quit running?
Meditation for the Heart
Sooner or later all addicts and alcoholics realize that the program is not a cure for their disease, but it can teach them a new way of living. Addiction continues to raise its ugly head from time to time even in recovery. It affects our thinking, our emotional response to situations, and our behavior. Our initial response may be to want run. In fellowship with others in the program and in turning our life over to “a Power Greater” than ourselves, we begin to realize that there is peace in the storm. Rather than desperately trying to find a way out, we begin to look for “His” guidance and peace in the middle of our pain and fear. Do I believe that I can find this peace if I stop running?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God

The program tells me to take it one step at a time. It does not tell me to run. Lord, help me this day to look for you in all that I do. Grant me the peace and serenity that is promised. Help me to know that nothing you ask is to hard.

Amen

August 20

Wisdom for Today
Wrestling, struggling, and fighting with the idea that I was an alcoholic or drug addict was my nature. Even when I first started attending meetings I was fully convinced that I was done fighting. At first I spent a lot of time trying to prove that I was different. I wanted to show myself and others that I was unique. But, slowly over time I began to see more and more evidence that I too had this disease. When I was finally convinced that I indeed was addicted to alcohol and drugs I began to look for the answers to recovery. I had a lot to learn and I had a lot to unlearn. I began to open my ears to the knowledge of others in the program. I picked up one resource after another. The more I read, the more I heard, the more I asked questions, the more I began to develop a sense of hope. I found myself fighting less often. I became more accepting of the “suggestions” given to me.

Today I still find that I can drift back into that state of terminal uniqueness. I still find there are times that I feel like my story is different. Fortunately, the fellowship of the program brings me back to reality. Am I still fighting?
Meditations for the Heart
There are things that are worth fighting for. Am I fighting for the right things? God has helped me recognize that I am worth fighting for. I did not always believe that. There was a time that I felt totally worthless. When I do have to go into “battle,” I need to remember to put my helmet on. I have to carry my shield. The wisdom of the Program is my helmet and openness, willingness, and truth is my shield. I have found these things do protect me from harm when I go into battle. I no longer have to run in fear and hide. Do I pick my battles wisely? When I do go into battle, do I strap my helmet on tight? Do I remember to carry my shield?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,

Help me this day to be open to the wisdom of others. Help me to choose my battles wisely and help me to know that I do not need to go into any battle alone. God help me to trust that you are with me each step of the way.

Amen

August 21

Wisdom for Today
We all traveled different paths to arrive at the door of opportunity that recovery offers. The same is true regarding our concept of “God as we understand Him.” Many of us claimed to believe and have faith when we were active in our addiction, but our behavior did not match our words. We may have asked for God’s help but we did not accept it when His hand reached out to offer help.

As we enter the 12-step program, we all start in different places with regard to our spiritual faith. Yet, one thing is sure, we all need to grow in this area. Some of us can crawl, others walk, and still others may be able to spiritually run right from the start.
Do I realize that I need to grow spiritually if I am to succeed at abstinence?
Meditations for the Heart
Our journey toward spiritual health often begins in a place of weakness. Yet, it is in this place of weakness that we are most receptive to grow in faith. The program offers plenty of evidence that it works. We can see that many before us have used the
steps to grow and stay in recovery. Faith begins with a willingness to accept this reality and begin to trust that the steps indeed can lead me out of insanity. Opening ourselves to the concept of “God as we understand Him,” can indeed be where we find hope in the middle of hopelessness. Do I recognize that I can no longer be my own Higher Power? Am I willing to open myself to the spiritual principles of the program?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
It seems strange to call out to you this way. I always looked for a quick fix. Help me today to be open to the spiritual principles of the program. Increase my willingness to have faith.

Amen

August 22

Wisdom for Today
In his song, the singer Eli writes, “God weeps too.” Sometimes our experiences along the path of recovery bring us to a place where we find ourselves filled with grief and despair. Tears may well up inside of us or may flow freely. At times like this it is helpful to know that we are not alone. God may cry with us, or for us, or even because of us, but He is always there with us. Do I believe that I am not alone? Do I trust that God will give me strength at the times I need it most?

When I find myself filled with despair, loneliness, or grief I can be assured that someone in the Program will listen, comfort, and guide me to a place of acceptance. I believe that God puts these people in our lives because He cares for us. Do I believe that God cares for me?
Meditations for the Heart
Sometimes I want to cry because of the things I have done. At other times I want to cry because of what has been done to me. Regardless of the reason, I have learned that the sadness, loss, or self-disgust that I experience is only temporary. Each day that I use the steps and each day that I follow the principles of the Program brings healing. It is not a cure, but it is healing. Can I trust and believe that God wants to bring healing into my life?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,

Walk with me this day and help me to know and trust that you will provide for me everything I need. I know I can never have everything I want in this life, but you continue to show me that I can have every thing I need. For this I am grateful today.

Amen

August 23

Wisdom for Today
Good and bad things happen in recovery. Life is like that. The trick is finding a way to be content, serene, at peace regardless of the cards you are dealt. It would seem easy to do this when things are going well, but it isn’t as easy as it looks. When every thing is great it becomes easy to become grandiose, cocky, or arrogant claiming credit for the good things that are happening.
On the other side of the coin, it is easy to get remorseful, resentful, or on the pity pot when everything is going badly.

Finding the inner calm and serenity requires that we acknowledge God’s handiwork in our lives. When things are good we need to thank God for the blessings and gifts we receive. And when things look the worst, we need to recognize that God’s hand is there to help us along the way. Do I give credit where credit is due?
Meditations for the Heart
The longer I stay clean and sober the more I recognize God’s presence in my life. I have become convinced that nothing I have achieved and nothing I have survived was done without His presence and help. At meetings I not only hear the “Promises” of the program read but I see them become reality in my life and in the lives of many others who walk the walk. Things that used to absolutely baffle me now seem simple because of the 12 steps. It is simple. No one said it would be easy. Have I come to believe that a Power greater than I is working for and with me in my recovery? Do I look for evidence that this is true in my life and in the lives of others?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,

Today let me see the evidence that you are active in my life. Fill me with gratitude and help me remain focused. Walk with me step by step one moment to the next. Help me to encourage others who walk the same path. Let me accept encouragement from others.

Amen

August 24

Wisdom for the Day
When I walked into my first meeting I was carrying a heavy load. All the years of dishonesty, guilt, shame, and pain. I had been foolish enough to carry that load everywhere I went. It had gotten so heavy that I was slumped over from the burden. I could not look at myself in the mirror. As time passed I began to learn from others in the program that not only did I not need to carry the burdens from the past but I did not need to carry the fears associated with the future. All I needed to carry was the burdens of the day. Man is only strong enough to carry today, and he does not need to carry that weight alone. With the help of a Higher Power and other recovering addicts I have found that the burdens of life are much easier to carry. By working the steps and following the advice and wisdom of others on the path of life I can find it possible to stand up straight again.
Meditation for the Heart
Each day brings new possibilities and new challenges. Not every day is pain free. Yet the longer I stay clean and sober, the more I trust that God will only give me what I can carry. The load I carry today is much lighter than the one I used to carry. This is not to say that I don’t have problems. Recovery is all about exchanging my current problems for a better set of problems. Then I must take those problems and exchange them for a new set of problems. Recovery does not eliminate
problems, it just makes it much easier to deal with the ones I have today. Have I found it easier to carry the burdens I have this day? Am I still trying to carry the past and the future?

Staying in close contact with my Higher Power is one of the easiest ways to lighten my load. Turning over the burdens of the past and the fears of the future to God makes it possible to deal with the burdens of this day. Am I willing to let go of the past and not fear the future?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
As I begin this day, help me to be rid of the past and to trust that You will guide my footsteps into the future. Help me to focus on just this day and to accept the burdens I am given. Help me make the choices to keep my load light. Guide my footsteps into the future. Help me walk through this day with courage.

Amen

August 25

Wisdom for Today
When I was drinking and using I liked to buy people drinks and turn others on. It made me feel important and accepted. I was using them for my own gain. It helped me hide what I was really feeling. The thought of being helpful to others never occurred to me. At the time helping others seemed like a game, a way to make friends. I really didn’t want friends; I just wanted to hide
behind the mask of self-pleasure.

When I came into the Twelve Step program I found out that helping others was really a way of helping myself. I began to experience genuine happiness and felt needed. I found a new humility in recognizing that I was no different than the people I was helping. I needed there help too. Am I willing to help others?
Meditations for the Heart
In recovery, I have found it necessary to constantly restore my energy and my faith. I have found out that God as I understand Him is the storehouse of this energy. By following His will for me, I have found that not only is life easier, but I am restored. Today, I will work to recognize that I am on a journey and that God provides the direction. I have to walk the path of recovery and God points the way. Along the path He gives me opportunity to help others. Am I willing to follow God’s direction?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,

Today let me walk with you. Show me the way and point the way so that I avoid the pitfalls that may exist along the way. When I am given the opportunity to help others, guide me in a way to truly be helpful. Keep me in your presence.

Amen

August 26

Wisdom for Today
The ship is sinking and we want to get out of this situation alive. Our only hope is to make it to the lifeboats. We hurry to get in and breathe a sigh of relief when we realize we are safe. But then reality sets in…

Twelve step groups are like our lifeboat. When we first get there we are still scared, but soon we breathe a sigh of relief. At least we are safe. At least we are alive. But then reality sets in. When it does we have some choices to make. We can grumble and complain that we don’t have enough room in the boat. We can insist on steering the boat. We can cry and feel like it is still hopeless. Or we can do our part to help out.

Helping others is a way to help ourselves and asking for help is a way of helping ourselves. Can I rejoice in the fact that I have made it into the boat? Do I do my part to help others or do service work in the group? Do I trust that as long as I stay with the boat that eventually I will make it to “dry” land?
Meditations for the Heart
Having a seat in the lifeboat of the Program is something we should try to be grateful for. Many addicts and alcoholics go down to the murky depths of despair or die in the raging sea of addiction as the ship sinks.

Often times we are tempted to ask, “Why Me?” Why did I even get on this ship? Why am I stuck out here? The “why me” question is a good question to ask. We need to ask, “Why me, why am I one of the few that got a seat in this lifeboat?” Am I truly grateful to be one of the “chosen ones” to get a seat?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God

Today I pray that I may walk in God’s grace. It is given freely each day. God, help me to know that it is enough for today. Help me to trust that if I stay in the boat, you will see me safely to dry land.

Amen

August 27

Wisdom for Today
When I was most action in my addiction to alcohol and drugs, I would joke around and tell others and myself that I liked being “abnormal.” Being normal was not something I desired. This was a part of my own denial and dishonesty with myself. As my disease progresses I became more and more abnormal. It became quite frightening.

When I started the recovery process, not drinking or using seemed abnormal to me. As time went by recovery began to seem more and more normal to me. I began to enjoy life, even when there were bumps in the road. I found a healthy humility that provided me with courage and wisdom I did not know I had. Do I believe that being “normal” is okay?
Meditations for the Heart
In recovery I have been given many gifts. I have also experienced some difficult situations. Over time I have learned that all things I experience in life are for me to draw in closer contact with my Higher Power. When I experience the good things in life and receive the “gifts” of recovery, I need to have gratitude for the Grace that my Higher Power has offered me. When I am walking through great struggles, and there are those, I need to know that my Higher Power is right there with me each step of the way. In these times He provides me with strength, courage, and wisdom. The very things I need most in my struggle. Do I live life as an example to others? Do I express gratitude for the help I receive?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,

Sometimes I forget to be grateful for all that you have done in my life. I know that I would not even be in this world had you not protected me from myself. Let me be reminded of all that you do in my life today. Help me to trust that you will continue to help me when I need it.

Amen

August 28

Wisdom for Today
It is easy to get wrapped up in an attitude of self-depreciation. When we first enter recovery it is easy to see all the negative in our lives. As an addict or alcoholic it is easy to put ourselves down and beat ourselves up. The all or nothing attitude prevents us from seeing all the wonderful and good things that are also a part of who we are. If we see no good in ourselves, we cannot recognize the strengths that God has already given to us.

These gifts are a part of who we are. I can look back and see how hard I was on myself. I abused and battered myself with self-hatred. Then one day my sponsor asked me, “Does God make junk?” I had to realize that indeed, God had given me many gifts. I had to recognize that I had value. Do I value myself?
Meditations for the Heart
The more I looked at myself, the more I realized that I truly was a complex individual. There was the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects to who I was. I needed to gain balance in seeing myself. When all I did was focus on the negative aspects of my being I felt hopeless. I considered myself to be worthless. When I gain balance in my self-perception I began to see many strengths that I could build on. I also began to find the courage to change the things I could. Do I have balance in how I view myself?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,

Today help me gain a healthier perspective of myself. Let me recognize all the good that is in me. Let me see the gifts you provide. Give me courage to change the things I need to change.

Amen

August 29

Wisdom for Today
Surrender is something I need to do each day as I start my day. I cannot afford to start my day saying to myself, "I'm in control." I have to remind myself each day that I am an alcoholic and an addict. I have to remind myself that this is a problem that I have turned over to God. I have to remind myself that I have surrendered to His will. It is important for me to do this because it reminds me that I have given my addiction problem over to God's hands, because it certainly does not belong in my hands.
I have to remind myself that it is in this act of surrender that I have given up the option to return to drinking and drugging. The act of surrender frees me so that I do not have to worry about relapse anymore. As long as I follow the will of my Higher Power, I can be confident that I will not return to my old ways. As I have walked down the path of recovery, I have found that there are many other problems that I have needed to turn over to God. Each time I do this, I find that I am led to a new place in my recovery process. Often times I am surprised by the outcomes. I am led to my Higher Power. Do I take the time to surrender anew each day?
Meditations for the Heart
I will try to grow a little each day; for if I am growing in my recovery, I am not wilting. In order to keep growing, I have to work the soil. I must keep the weeds of resentment, fear and arrogance out of my garden. I must water the seeds of hope and honesty. I must seek out the light of openness and willingness. It is only when I work the steps and fertilize my recovery with meetings that I can be assured that my garden will grow. I continue to be amazed by the growth I have seen in myself and in others in the program. Each time I go to a meeting, I try to remind myself that the room is filled with miracles. What astounds me the most is that I can see that I am one of those walking miracles. Today I will look for the miracles that God creates in my life.
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Again this day I fully surrender my will and my life to You. Help me to be confident in the care that You provide. Help not only me this day but all of the addicts and alcoholics who seek You out. Give me the tools I need to work in the garden today.
Amen.

August 30

Wisdom for Today
When I first walked through the doors of the program, I thought that drinking and drugging were my only problem. I assumed that if I stopped using that my family, work, legal, and financial problems would magically disappear. I was wrong. I had lots of work to do. I wanted to hurry up and fix all my problems. Soon I found out that I needed to slow down. I needed to trust the process. I was told that I really only had two problems – staying clean and sober, and all the rest. If I didn’t stay clean, I had no chance of fixing any of the other problems I had.

With sobriety, I soon found that my other problems were disappearing. Later, I found out that in addition to my practical problems that I also had problems with my character. These defects of character continued to be problematic until I was ready to let go. I had to learn to trust that God would finish the work He started. Am I willing to trust God and His process?
Meditations for the Heart
Patience was something I was not good at. I had this attitude – I want what I want and I want it right now. Recovery has a way of teaching patience. I soon found out that all my troubles would not be fixed in one day. It would take some time to correct the problems I was experiencing. My character would not magically change. I had to be willing to work at it. I had to practice patience. Am I willing to practice the principles of the program? Am I willing to follow the directions I am given?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,

Today teach me to be patient and help me to trust Your process. Help me to realize that You are still at work and that You are not finished with me yet.

Amen