From Loneliness To Solitude – Daily Meditations January 4 -6 By Henri Nouven

Henri Nouven, in his classic book Reaching Out, has a powerful way of describing the new ‘response ability’ we can experience ‘with God’ as we encounter our loneliness. He outlines what he describes as this movement from loneliness to solitude. These three daily meditations along with their reflection questions may be a good way toContinue reading “From Loneliness To Solitude – Daily Meditations January 4 -6 By Henri Nouven”

What a Sponsor Is and Is Not – Grapevine Article December 2004 By Hilary T.

The opportunity to help another alcoholic work the Steps and live in the solution keeps me in the heart of what recovery is all about. It has helped me to feel a “part of”–something I had tried to do for years. But it turned out to be as simple as sharing my experience, strength, andContinue reading “What a Sponsor Is and Is Not – Grapevine Article December 2004 By Hilary T.”

Remedy for a Lonely Holiday – Grapevine Article December 2025 By Chuck H.

With his wife away and daughter in the hospital, this newcomer’s Christmas was looking bleak. AA to the rescue. I’ve always wondered if our emotions and feelings are closer to the surface during the Christmas season than other times of the year. Is this because I’m reminded of the hope and joy that Christmas represents?Continue reading “Remedy for a Lonely Holiday – Grapevine Article December 2025 By Chuck H.”

A Practice Of Thanksgiving – Daily Meditation November 27th By Richard Rohr

Gratitude is strongest, clearest, most robust, and radical when things are really hard. —Diana Butler Bass, Grateful  During a time of crisis, historian and author Diana Butler Bass shares an experience of committing to a practice of gratitude:   I did the only thing I could think of doing—simply saying “thanks” as I went through the day. IContinue reading “A Practice Of Thanksgiving – Daily Meditation November 27th By Richard Rohr”

A Suggestion for Thanksgiving – Grapevine Article November 1949 By Bill W.

I found this article timely and compelling as we read and study Tradition 11 today in our Thursday Twelve & Twelve meeting. I’ve added bold highlights to a few paragraphs that resonate for me from this article Bill W published in the November 1949 Grapevine over 75 years ago. We should note that this articleContinue reading “A Suggestion for Thanksgiving – Grapevine Article November 1949 By Bill W.”

Applying The St Francis Prayer To Our Inside Job Of Reconciliation & Healing By Allen Berger

As many of you know, Allen Berger is a leader in Emotional Sobriety. His book 12 Essential Insights For Emotional Sobriety is featured prominently in the Emotional Sobriety section of the gugogs.org website. He is a Gestalt therapist with over 50 years of sobriety. Very recently Dr. Berger gave a very powerful talk about how to apply the St.Continue reading “Applying The St Francis Prayer To Our Inside Job Of Reconciliation & Healing By Allen Berger”

Friendship In Recovery- Each Day A New Beginning February 14th

Friendship of a kind that cannot easily be reversed tomorrow must have its roots in common interests and shared beliefs.–Barbara W. Tuchman The gift of friendship has been extended to each of us sharing this program. Our interest is common: we want to stay abstinent. And we share the belief that a power greater thanContinue reading “Friendship In Recovery- Each Day A New Beginning February 14th”

Some Longtime Views – Grapevine Article March 1984 By P.O.

MAY A SPECIAL shaft of serenity shine upon some alcoholic who thought up and shared that pleasant word “long-timer” instead of “old-timer.” I must reciprocate with some long-time views! One month ago, I shared my thirty-fifth AA birthday on a Sunday night at a meeting in Rondebosch. There was no banquet, no bells, not evenContinue reading “Some Longtime Views – Grapevine Article March 1984 By P.O.”

Cold Land Warm Hearts – Grapevine Article December 2023 By Keith J.

How would they find alcoholics to help in a small, remote Arctic town? One guy had a terrific solution Moving north to a remote community is something I never thought we would do. We heard depressing stories about the cold, dark winters and leaving everything and everyone behind, but God had an assignment for meContinue reading “Cold Land Warm Hearts – Grapevine Article December 2023 By Keith J.”

I Stand At The Door – Recovery Poem By Sam Shoemaker (Who Bill W Describes As A Co-Founder of AA)

In our monthly speaker meeting, Rachel M. read this powerful poem written by Sam Shoemaker who Bill W describes as an AA co-founder. You may also find Sam’s Grapevine article entitled ‘“The Spiritual Angle of AA” worthwhile. Sam Shoemaker(1893-1963) was an Episcopal priest who was instrumental in the Oxford Group and founding principles of AlcoholicsContinue reading “I Stand At The Door – Recovery Poem By Sam Shoemaker (Who Bill W Describes As A Co-Founder of AA)”