“Yes, but you haven’t turned your will and your life over to God’s CARE.”

Three readings. A song that says the rest. And inspiration for whatever this day is here to teach.

A lone surfer riding inside a great curling wave

Read — the readings that opened the day

A Deep Breath Of Life

Alan Cohen

Carrying the past with us; guilt, resentment & criticism of self or others for past deeds, is far more debilitating than any momentary error. Any energy we invest in reliving or resenting the past detracts from the life at hand. We ask for Your help to cut them now and be free. We ask ourselves, ‘What memories or false beliefs have I been carrying?’ God, I offer any pain I have inflicted on myself. Show me the grace I’ve missed, that I may know Your love completely and to take refuge in Your peace and be free.

Adapted from A Deep Breath Of Life

God Calling

A. J. Russell

It is not circumstances that need altering, but ourselves, and then the conditions will naturally alter. Spare no effort to become all I would have you. Follow every leading. I am your only Guide. Endeavor to put from you every thought of trouble. Take each day, and with no backward look, face the day’s problem with Me, and seek My Help and guidance as to what you can do today.

Adapted from God Calling

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day It is not circumstances that need altering so much as yourself. After you have changed, conditions will naturally change. Spare no effort to become all that God would have you become. Follow every good leading of your conscience. Take each day with no backward look. Face the day's problems with God and seek God's help and guidance as to what you should do in every situation that may arise. Never look back. Never leave until tomorrow the thing that you are guided to do today. Prayer for the Day I pray that God will help me to become all that He would have me be. I pray that may face today's problems with good grace.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Many years ago, having coffee with 2 mentors Charles Chircirillo & Stan Grant, we were talking about progress in recovery. Charles leaned over and said, “Steve, I really don’t think you’ve done the 3rd Step!” WTF, I was surprised and got really defensive.

“What the hell do you mean? I’ve done that prayer a 1000 times.” He looked at Stan, who always had a bit of a smirk on his face, and then said, “Yes, but you haven’t turned your will and your life over to God’s CARE. You’re missing out on how much you’re loved and cared for.” Stan then chimed in, “Steve likes to borrow trouble!” Wow, they were both right. I did another inventory: I wrote down ideas, beliefs and mistakes that were blocking me. And I've continued doing that for freedom.

Today, on the phone with one of my brothers’ best friends and business partners, we spoke openly about our frustration & regrets about not being able to help.

I shared how hard it is for me to let go of blame, of not being able to help him change. He kistended awhile, and then said, “Steve, everyone tried; I’ve spent countless hours rehashing what I could have said or done. Bob was going to do what he wanted. And he didn’t want help. At some point we have to let it go.”

The 3rd Step prayer came to mind. It doesn’t say anything about alcohol or drugs. Instead, it asks us to give God our difficulties and all things blocking our Spirit from shining bright with Love.

Funny, I came here with an alcohol & drug problem; today, those are in the rear-view mirror, but the challenges to move forward in love & freedom are all unlocked in the 3rd Step. “Let my Love Open the Door to Your Heart” is a love song between me and God. Who knew?