A Blueprint for living

 

 “…Now that the Lord your God has given them rest as he promised, return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan. But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” ~ Joshua 22:4-5

The Hebrew tribes who chose land
on the east of the Jordan
had done their share in conquering
the Promised land and Joshua
is sending them home
with instructions to keep the commandment
and the law that Moses
the servant of the Lord gave them:
to love the Lord your God,
to walk in obedience to him,
to keep his commands,
to hold fast to him
and to serve him
with all your heart
and with all your soul
Micah said something similar,
many years later putting bookends
on the Old Testament: And what
does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and
to love mercy and
to walk humbly with your God.

Ask Enough of Life

 

You do not ask too much of life, but far too little. When you let your mind be drawn to bodily concerns, to things you buy, to eminence as valued by the world, you ask for sorrow, not for happiness. ~ Schucman, Dr. Helen.  A Course in Miracles. Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition.

How much do you want of life?
Are you satisfied with life today?
Were you yesterday?
Do you expect to be tomorrow?
Do you ask too much of life?
Enough?Anything?
Do you feel it’s your place
to expect, to wish, to strive for?
On what level are you comfortable
making wishes? Do you wish
more easily for yourself? for someone else?
for the good of all?
Are you asking for sorrow, not for happiness?
Do you want to change wishes, expectations,
acceptable standards?
Are you asking enough of life?

My Bad

 

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

But there is One who has all power—that One is God. May you find Him now! ~ Galatians 2:20-21 (NIV)

Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous (Kindle Locations 906-908). 

Who would choose to set grace aside?
God’s unmerited love…
would you decline just because
you had not earned it,
it felt like charity?
(Insert graphic,
hand raised, guilty.)
A being possessing all power?
Who would not seek out and find
this greatest of great,
this source of, well, all power?
But how intimidating, how humiliating…
who would decline to search for the source?
(Insert graphic,
hand raised, guilty.)
The law I understand,
the give and take,
punishment for failure,
judgment for those who prove
they deserve it…
beyond a reasonable doubt.
Who expects justice through the law?
(Insert graphic,
hand raised, guilty.)

God, I’m drawn to wrong answers
but they don’t give me peace, happiness.
Teach me to accept grace, to seek
the source of all power,
and to know the law gains me nothing.

Image Copyright : rawpixel 

A Better Level of Life

 

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ~ Galatians 2:20-21 (NIV)

Like myself, he had admitted complete defeat. Then he had, in effect, been raised from the dead, suddenly taken from the scrap heap to a level of life better than the best he had ever known! (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 11)

Throw in the towel, I’m done.
It’s okay, though.
I’m not the star, just the understudy.
I’m here, ready to be of service
but when I stand back and watch,
when I just take orders
and do my best,
excellence happens
and I bask in it,
a part of it,
the beneficiary,
but blown away
by the results.

I can’t believe what a work or art
you can craft
from the raw material
that is me.

Not Needing Attention from Others

 Not needing attention from others is far different than not wanting someone’s attention. Being dependent on getting someone’s attention holds us hostage to every relationship and situation we find ourselves in. It doesn’t allow us to work in equal partnership with others. It doesn’t free us to be who we are in the moment. We will be on guard to be who we think we need to be in order to stay in the good graces of our “captor.” We are not really living when that’s our path. ~ Casey, Karen. Let Go Now (p. 62). Mango Media. Kindle Edition.

Do you want attention from someone else?
I do. Some days I get it. Usually these days
I get at least a thank you, often with “very much” tacked on.
Do I need attention from someone else?
Not really. These days I’m aware he knows
I do lots for him he could/should do for himself…
Does it feel good when my help is acknowledged?
Of course. I can acknowledge I’m going above and beyond real needs.
Not needing attention from others is far different
than not wanting someone’s attention.
But I’m not in need of appreciation.
I can acknowledge I’m going the extra mile!

Image Copyright : Mykola Kravchenko

A Daily Reprieve

Now if, as we seek the real truth about justification, we find we are as much sinners as the Gentiles, does that mean that Christ makes us sinners? Of course not! But if I attempt to build again the whole structure of justification by the Law then I do, in earnest, make myself a sinner. ~ Galatians 2:17-18 (Phillips)

It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85)

Out of alignment
I reclaim my course,
tried, proven untrue,
but so logical, so cogent, so clear.
And so wrong.
Of myself I am nothing.
I become something only when
abandoning myself
I yield to God, to a higher will
a greater good
to the real truth.
The gifts received, recovery gained,
persist conditionally
dependent on my choice
of acceptance or rejection
each this day.

I give up, God.
I still can’t run my life. 

It’s in your hands. 

If You Can’t, God Can, So Let Him

“We are Jews by nature and not sinners from among the Gentiles; nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified…” ~ Galatians 2:15-16 (NASB)

“…I knew from that moment that I had an alcoholic mind. I saw that will power and self-knowledge would not help in those strange mental blank spots. I had never been able to understand people who said that a problem had them hopelessly defeated. I knew then. It was a crushing blow.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 42)

 

Impossible.
Can’t be done.
Never in a million years —
I know because I tried a million times.
It’s no more my nature to be good
than it’s to be expected
those monkeys can type
Shakespeare’s writings.
But those “in the know”
call the monkey-feat
the mathematical term “almost surely.”
Sure.
In a pig’s eye.
Sure.
In God’s hands.

I can’t, God.
But you can.
If I turn loose, you will.  Won’t you? 

Here I Am, God, Available, Willing to be used

 

As a result, other Jewish Christians followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. ~ Galatians 2:13 (NLT)

I fancied myself a leader, for had not the men of my battery given me a special token of appreciation? My talent for leadership, I imagined, would place me at the head of vast enterprises which I would manage with the utmost assurance. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 1)

Managing with the utmost assurance —
yep, rings true, I’ve been there.
Peter, simple fisherman transformed
to key carrier, not just for a meeting
but to the kingdom all in a few short years.
How fearful he must have been,
how often.
Do I need a report from his POV?
No. No need to take his inventory,
just mine.
When I find myself a leader
by vote of peers or default,
my responsibility lies not
in keeping waters calm
but in being qualified to lead,
allowing that to come from
a power far greater than I,
and seeking daily the power’s directive
and
the will and courage
to lead there.

God, I offer myself.
While I’d prefer anonymity,
I’m willing to yield
to your plan.

Our Leaders Are Trusted Servants

 

When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. ~ Galatians 2:11-12 (NIV)

For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern. (Alcoholics Anonymous, Tradition Two)

Tough call, leaving trivial behind.
Hard job to set aside old prejudice,
see people as people —
not as Jew or Gentile,
not male, female, old, young,
hale, infirm, addict, “normie,”
straight, gay, citizen, stranger.
If behavior stands up, rings true
before God,
why censor it
before disapproving others?
Who is a leader?
One who talks, influences, coerces?
Or one who takes the high road,
the ethical path
no matter what vocal others think?

God, when you show me what’s right,
walk with me,
shoving me in right direction
when you must
but hopefully filling me with
conviction and replacing fears.

This Much and More

 

Give me, O Lord, heavenly wisdom, that I may learn to seek Thee above all things and to find Thee; to relish Thee above all things and to love Thee; and to understand all other things, even as they are, according to the order of Thy wisdom. ~Kempis, Thomas à., The Imitation of Christ (Illustrated) (p. 135). LiberWriter.com. Kindle Edition.

To seek Thee above all things and to find Thee;
to relish Thee above all things and to love Thee;
and to understand all other things, even as they are,
according to the order of Thy wisdom.
Seeking God is invaluable yet
finding God even  more-so.
Relishing God above all else satisfies
but loving God? would not that totally not sate all insecurities,
calm all turmoil?
God, don’t let me settle for good
when you willingly offer superb to us at every instant!

Thomas à Kempis

Building a Habit of Recovery

 

All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along. ~ Galatians 2:10 (NIV)

Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness. This is not an overnight matter. It should continue for our lifetime. Continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84)

Keep on keeping on.
Do good, do the next right thing.
Repeat.
Repeat again.
Habits are made of repetition,
patterns are woven of row upon row
of same same.
Tradition is habits and patterns passed,
spread, adopted as norm, as right.
Yet practices change, customs evolve
and right can morph to wrong
unnoticed, undeterred.
Continue
persist
carry on
consciously, intentionally,
holding on to good,
to the next right thing.

God, I can carry on
one hour,
one day,
diligent in doing what I know is right.
Make it true, Lord,
make it true.

 

Proper Perspective

 

James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. ~ Galatians 2:9 (NIV)

All sections of this country and many of its occupations are represented, as well as many political, economic, social, and religious backgrounds. We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 17)

Gentile, Hebrew,
stock speculator, proctologist,
white collar, blue collar, skid row bum.
Colleagues sharing interest
in good news,
a loving god,
a supportive community
contributing, involved in
recovery for self and others, knowing
all are bundled. Each gains momentum,
power, velocity, veracity
from his fellows’.
Republican, Democrat, Libertarian,
fierce partisan positions mean nothing,
remain unspoken
in light of even-more-integral,
more essential matters.
Shared recovery,
indescribably
wonderful.

God, thanks for essentials
that can place lesser matters
in proper perspective.

Carrying the Message

 

On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. ~ Galatians 2:7-8 (NIV)

When you discover a prospect for Alcoholics Anonymous, find out all you can about him. If he does not want to stop drinking, don’t waste time trying to persuade him. You may spoil a later opportunity. This advice is given for his family also. They should be patient, realizing they are dealing with a sick person. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 90)

Who cares who carries the message
so long as the carrying is done?
Well, I must admit to the lingering conviction
a message not channelled through me
must of necessity be inferior.
What if explanations lack the pertinence,
applicability, feel irrelevant?
Who will invigorate the word,
encapsulate Nirvana?
So, what makes me believe in me but my arrogance,
my ego?
It’s not my message to carry.
I am a tool, available for use
in building.
My bondage to self, my difficulties
are removed, and victory over them
may humiliate me
yet
be the message to be carried.

God, who cares who carries the message?
Let be true I don’t.
Let me be willing
to be humbled
and used.

 

None of My Business

 “My Son, be not curious, nor trouble thyself with vain cares. What is that to thee? Follow thou Me.(1) For what is it to thee whether a man be this or that, or say or do thus or thus? Thou hast no need to answer for others, but thou must give an answer for thyself. Why therefore dost thou entangle thyself? Behold, I know all men, and I behold all things which are done under the sun; and I know how it standeth with each one, what he thinketh, what he willeth, and to what end his thoughts reach. All things therefore are to be committed to Me; watch thou thyself in godly peace, and leave him who is unquiet to be unquiet as he will. Whatsoever he shall do or say, shall come unto him, for he cannot deceive Me. ~ Kempis, Thomas à. The Imitation of Christ (Illustrated) (p. 129). LiberWriter.com. Kindle Edition.

(1) refers to John 22:21-22, When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (NIV)

Peter was accustomed to Jesus’ special treatment.
But Jesus told him it was none of Peter’s business
what others might receive. You, Peter, and I
have no need to meddle, to direct people how to act,
to know their relationship with God…
We need not answer for others, we need only give an answer for ourselves.
God doesn’t need my help. He needs only my heart!

Image by Heartlight
(R)

Tools of Simplicity

 

As for those who were held in high esteem — whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism — they added nothing to my message. (NIV)

An alcoholic who has recovered, but holds a relatively unimportant job, can talk to a man with a better position. Being on a radically different basis of life, he will never take advantage of the situation. (Alcoholics Anonymous: the “Big Book,” Kindle Locations 1861-1862, “To Employers”)

Wisdom has nothing to do
with intelligence, education.
Recovery doesn’t come by degrees
made up of letters and periods.
Intelligent we are in many respects
but insane – lunatics —
where addiction is involved.
certain simple things,
commence on a simpler level,
follow a few simple rules.
Simple, not easy, achieved only
with the destruction of
self-centeredness.
Then comes wisdom,
when intelligence, education,
experience have become tools
of simplicity.

God, please block my smarts
until I grasp simplicity.

Working It God's Way

 

I’ve been sober several years, kept that way by submitting my natural will to the Higher Power and that is all there is to it. That submission wasn’t just a single act, however. It became a daily duty; it had to be that. Daily I am renewed in strength and I have never come to the point where I have wanted to say, “Thanks, God, I think I can paddle my own canoe now,” for which I am thankful….

I have been fortunate to be surrounded with friends ever ready to help, but I firmly believe any man can get the same result if he will sincerely work at it God’s way. ~ The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. 1st and Second editions “The Salesman” Kindle Edition.

That submission wasn’t just a single act, however.
It became a daily duty; it had to be that.
I’ve struggled for years in Recovery
from compulsive overeating. Seventeen months ago
I truly committed myself to a food plan
that has proven to be transformative.
Despite unbelievable proof of it’s efficacy,
I’ve struggled the past two weeks,
failing to eat as planned most days.
I know how to do this.
I need multiple times daily
to aver, “I can’t, God can, I’ll let God!”
So far, so good, today. Thanks, God!

Staying the Course

This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. ~ Galatians 2:4-5 (NIV)

Soon A.A. was beset by these very problems on every side and in every group. But out of this frightening and at first disrupting experience the conviction grew that A.A.’s had to hang together or die separately. We had to unify our Fellowship or pass off the scene. (Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book Kindle Locations 97-99, foreword to the second edition.)

Holding on to truth, holding out for purity
staying the course
without apostasy.
Truth wields a mighty sword, impervious,
indestructible
yet truth can fall to insidious mutation,
to good intentions, to obfuscating clarification.
A good thing, a godly thing, a god thing
we have here.
God knows how we can keep it!

God, save us from the conviction
we can always tweak
something for the better. 

Trusting God

 

Then I [Moses] said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”

In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God, who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go. ~ Deuteronomy 1:29-33 (NIV)

More than a hundred years ago
John Sammis wrote,
“Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.”
Are we like the Israelites wandering through wilderness
as God proves time after time he’s got the com[mand.]
Are we afraid to trust God,
having abundant proof of His trustworthiness?
A being is trustworthy if He is respectful, honest,
consistent, grateful,
positive, and selfless. God is all those.
This is the time to let go of fear.
Wait.
Feel the confusion and chaos,
then let it go.
The path will show itself.
The next step shall be revealed.
God has the com!

Life 101

Enmity swirls and builds,

bitter words displease,

bate, reciprocate, expand.

Practice perfect peace.

Doubts swarm, self-effacing

grinding stones without release

wilting confidence, moral.

Practice perfect peace.

Trust adheres to cohorts

as to Teflon, fails to seize,

slides back as misplaced hope.

Practice perfect peace.

Despair is kudzu creeping,

spreading, a malignant disease

freezing movement, weighing tons.

Practice perfect peace.

Isolated, crowded out,

a leaf blown far from other leaves,

friendless, forgotten, forlorn.

Practice perfect peace.

Ancient words from different days:

knock, it opens; a simple “please”

yields what is sought if you but

Practice perfect peace. 

Fire Sale

 Discontinued

habit
cheap
worn thin
useful for
avoidance
wasting time
numbing life.
May cause
wasted hours
days
months
lifetimes
Benefits
retired
fired
escapists.
Discontinued
habit
available
Bargain.
Free
Except for life lost 

God's in Charge; I'm Not

 

And they supported me and did not even demand that my companion Titus be circumcised, though he was a Gentile. ~ Galatians 2:3 (NLT)

He may demand that the family find God in a hurry, or exhibit amazing indifference to them and say he is above worldly considerations. He may tell mother, who has been religious all her life, that she doesn’t know what it’s all about, and that she had better get his brand of spirituality while there is yet time. (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 128)

Running the show,
setting the rules,
 being in charge,
taking command.
This is how recovery works,
and you better do it right.
No.
They are suggestions, not commands.
It’s how we did it,
how many have found recovery
but you may find a different
road to the same place.
This one works for me.
I love you and hope you find
a path as right for you
as I have found for me.

God, let me understand
I’m not in control.
Help me to do your will
and be open to it differing
from what I think it is.

Everything I Need Today

 

“Everything I need shall be provided today. Everything.” Say it, until you believe it. Say it at the beginning of the day. Say it throughout the day. ~ Beattie, Melody.The Language of Letting Go: Hazelden Meditation Series (p. 66). Hazelden Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.*
Do you have a morning routine to start your day
where you want to go?I try to start days with,
“I can’t. God can. I’ll let Him!”
How about, “Just for today,
I’ll do the next right thing!”
Or this idea, “Everything I need
shall be provided today. Everything.”
Set the tone for your day.
Commit to a good one!

 

*Trust and Obey lyrics by Don Moen

No Basis for Contention or Argument

      

Then fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem again, this time with Barnabas; and Titus came along, too. I went there because God revealed to me that I should go. While I was there I met privately with those considered to be leaders of the church and shared with them the message I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement, for fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I was running the race for nothing. ~ Galatians 2:1-2 (NLT)

Nothing would please us so much as to write a book which would contain no basis for contention or argument. We shall do our utmost to achieve that ideal. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 19)

United, a common front,
of one mind.
Consensus?
Majority?
Plurality?
We are a diverse group,
people who would not ordinarily mix
yet there’s a friendliness,
a fellowship,
an understanding
uniting us,
divergent people
facing a common problem,
a problem so huge,
so overwhelming,
so devastating
difference makes no difference.

God, in recovery
I’m no longer different,
no longer alone,
among friends I’ve never met,
in the in-crowd. Thanks.

A. Instrument of Peace

 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me. ~ Galatians 1:21-24 (NIV)

After several failures to find others, a fourth turned up. He came through an acquaintance who had heard the good news. (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 158)

Our reputation precedes us,
follows us,
defines us among people we’ll never meet.
What do they say of us?
Does it matter?
“What you think of me
is none of my business.”
But is it really true?
Does it matter what people say?
What if they say it about me
as a member of the fellowship?
What if my behavior
is the only view some people have
of the rooms?
Do they stay away,
not wanting what we have?
Do they praise God
because of me?

God, let me be an instrument
of your peace.

Of Authority

 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. ~ Galatians 1:18-20

(NIV)

We are greatly indebted to the doctor in attendance there, for he, although it might prejudice his own work, has told us of his belief in ours. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 162)

Older, wiser,
or at least more experienced.
We’re not alone,
not required to rely
on ourselves,
to look to God and no human.
More will be revealed,
not only through prayer and meditation.
Revelation comes through folk
of all ilk,
not just older, wiser.
Sometimes through fools,
though the mouths of babes.
God can use anybody —
especially when I’m convinced
I’m better, smarter, more advanced
than God’s chosen.

God, thanks for lessons,
both the content and
the messenger.