With all due respect and consideration to our friend JJ, this feels timely and I’m not sure why…
Originally found at Silkworth.net where it is published without a clear attribution I can find;
Reason, Season, And A Lifetime
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you will know exactly what to do.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go..
Some people become friends and stay awhile…
leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts…
and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!!!

– well, I’m really just kiddin’. I am curious though to see how many AA folks know that these designations apply to other folks in AA;
Delegate – no, it’s not supposed to be political.
Alternate Delegate
Area Chair
DCM
GSR
Alternate GSR
PICPC
Trustee
Regional Trustee
Trustee at Large
Non-Trustee and even a Non-Trustee Director
More mundane…

Yes Sir… committees, reports, financials, preservation of history, appointments, commitments, etc.
How many of you have seen the upside down pyramid? Do you know that AA members actually are the final voice for whatever happens in AA? Yes, that’s you!
Sadly, for me < please note, I heard this weekend that the GSR’s are the most important people in Alcoholics Anonymous. My perception of that is that we will still do anything to accomplish what we want to accomplish which includes manipulating egos to garner votes.
GSR’s have an invaluable responsibility to Alcoholics Anonymous. That responsibility is to bring the voice of AA, …read more

This weekend in Macon, Georgia.
We get to discuss the business matters of Alcoholics Anonymous in the state of Georgia and vote on measures brought to the assembly’s attention.
“We” being folks who’s home groups have graciously voted them in as group GSR’s. An honor.
I’ll be back late Sunday and give you an idea of what we spoke about.

Found at the AA History Lovers Group at Yahoo! (which were obviously reprinted from elsewhere).
Prayers in the Big Book Prior to the Stories
[page:paragraph]
12:6
For a brief moment, I had needed and wanted God. There had been a humble willingness to have Him with me – and He came.
13:2
There I humbly offered myself to God, as I then understood Him, to do with me as He would. I placed myself unreservedly under His care and direction. I admitted for the first time that of myself I was nothing; that without Him I was lost.
13:4
I was to sit quietly when in doubt, asking …read more

Thanks again to the folks at the AA History Lovers Group at Yahoo!
There are far more than Twelve Promises written in the Big Book “Alcoholics Anonymous.”
This is a listing of only those relating to the First Step (please, some may be a stretch – utilize, don’t analyze);
First Step Promises:
1. How many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism. (Title page).
2. Who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. (foreword 1st edition xiii)
3. To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book. (foreword 1st edition xiii)
4. We are …read more

Looking for something to write about and, once again, I found it at Barefoot’s World;
“The Twelve Steps As Ego Deflating Devices”
By Dr. Harry M. Tiebout – sub-titled “What Does Surrender Mean?”
“For reasons still obscure, the program and the fellowship of AA could cause a surrender, which in turn would lead to a period of no drinking. It became ever more apparent that in everyone’s psyche there existed an unconquerable ego which bitterly opposed any thought of defeat. Until that ego was somehow reduced or rendered ineffective, no likelihood of surrender could be anticipated.”
Wow – bitterly opposed any thought of defeat! …read more

The last couple of days I’ve reprinted “How To Listen To God” written by John E. Batterson and reproduced at Barefoot Bob’s web site here. It was long enough I had to break it down into three parts. This is the last – the last few suggestions then the results.
“How To Listen To God”
Suggestions and results…
6. TEST
When the flow of thoughts slows down, stop. Take a good look at what you have written. Not every thought we have comes from God. So we need to test our thoughts. Here is where the written record helps us to be able to …read more

Yesterday I duplicated the beginnings of “How To Listen To God” written by John E. Batterson and reproduced at Barefoot Bob’s web site here. It is still my opinion it is worth it to repeat and pass it along far and wide.
“How To Listen To God”
Specific suggestions…
With the basic elements as a background, here are specific suggestions on How to Listen to God:
1. TAKE TIME
Find some place and time where you can be alone, quiet and undisturbed. Most people have found that the early morning is the best time. Have with you some paper and pen or pencil.
2. RELAX
Sit in …read more

John E. Batterson wrote this and Barefoot Bob has reproduced it at his web site here. It is simply my opinion it is worth it to repeat it and pass it along far and wide.
“How To Listen To God”
Preparations and conditions…
These are a few simple suggestions for people who are willing to make an experiment. You can discover for yourself the most important and practical thing any human being can ever learn – how to be in touch with God. All that is needed is the willingness to try it honestly. Every person who has done this consistently and sincerely …read more