We have entered the world of the Spirit. Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness. This is not an overnight matter. It should continue for our lifetime.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. p. 84

The word "entered" and the phrase "entered into the world of the Spirit" are very significant. They imply action, a beginning, getting into, a prerequisite to maintaining my spiritual growth, the "Spirit" being the immaterial part of me. Barriers to my spiritual growth are self-centeredness and a materialistic focus on worldly things. Spirituality means devotion to spiritual instead of worldly things, it means obedience to God's will for me. I understand spiritual things to be: unconditional love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control and humility. Any time I allow selfish- ness, dishonesty, resentment and fear to be a part of me, I block out spiritual things. As I maintain my sobriety, growing spiritually becomes a lifelong process. My goal is spiritual growth, accepting that I'll never have spiritual perfection.

My thoughts on March 13th Reading

This reading is found in the chapter about the promises, all the promises are guarantees if we follow the path of those who came before us, the first time in my life I knew freedom and happiness was when I surrendered to my disease,

I reached my bottom hopelessly lost in the disease of alcoholism wanting to die more than live, today I can see how my experiences have benefit many others in their journey in recovery I do not regret my past, I can not close the door on my past

least I forget, and return to it to again become hopelessly lost, today I have lost interest in many selfish things and do care very much about others, I think a lot less about myself, I do think a lot more about others in my life and recovery

My whole attitude has changed working the steps, my outlook upon life is fantastic, I can remember that fear of people and financial insecurity, hiding when someone came to the door knowing it was someone looking for money

today God does provide me with everything I need, things that used to baffle me I know how to handle these situations thru Gods help, I realize that God is doing for me what I could not do for myself, in my drunken past, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly

I managed to straighten out my financial situations, all the promises have came true in my life, they have worked because I did that foot work for all these promises to become guarantees for me today Gods gifts are endless as long as my mind is open to Him and His gifts

I am no longer a victim of myself I have the love and respect of my family and friends, God gave me the gift of choice to choose how I want to live, I have that choice every morning, another Gift from God the willingness to go to any lengths to stay sober

Willing to change my attitude and myself toward all, making amends to those I harmed, all became possible because of doing the working steps four thru nine I have Gods gift to accept my life as it should always have been turning my will over to His care

thank God for freedom of bondage of myself give freely and you shall receive Gods gift

God bless you Al M

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