Today's Gift, from the book A Woman's Spirit by Karen Casey

As most know I am a recovering alcoholic/drug addict and God willing will be clean 6 years on March 11. In this reading it talks about the principles of this program, being the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. These principles are faith based and most of the big book of AA is based from the book of James, Faith without works is dead. I cannot give what I do not have and I have to give it to keep it. AA has given me a way back to my God, one that I truly never had in my life. Church was not an option in my past, today I love the fellowship of other Christians. I praise Him for taking me from the depths of hell and giving me the opportunity to work with other women who have the same affliction of addiction. He allows me to walk before them as an example. Never do I want to go back into that black whole, Crack Addiction ain't nothin but the devil. Oh Lord, I praise you and I thank you. Help me Lord as my journey sometimes is not easy. However my worst days are never as bad as being on the pipe and in total darkness. Thank you Jesus!!!! You have recovered me from a seemingly hopeless state of mind. I have a daily reprieve contigent on my spiritual journey. My man addiction is being lifted Lord only by your grace that I become a whole and righteous woman, I need nothing to validate who I am today. A beautiful child of God, a daughter to our King. Amen and Amen, on my knees before You I humbly ask for Your will and that You guide me and show me Your will.


When we really understand the fact of separate realities, we will stop spending so much time and energy trying to change the reality of others.
--Jane Nelsen

What makes us want to control others, not just their actions but their opinions too? Do our personal views need the validation of everyone for us to feel adequate?

Coming to believe that we all have valid perspectives on every experience is akin to coming to believe that there is a Higher Power in charge of our lives. It takes willingness to suspend our assumptions and adopt the principles of this program.

It's liberating, even exhilarating, to realize that we all see situations a bit differently. It's like going from a black-and-white picture to Technicolor. Our experiences are enriched as we view them with new attitudes.

How I see my experiences today is up to me; how my friends see theirs is up to them. My view may complement theirs, but it's mine, solely.

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
John 13:34,35 "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."