“No matter how much time I have clean and sober, it works every time. I find my way home when I get off my throne!”

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

Francis and the Natural World

“St. Francis experienced the natural world filled with God’s presence. He saw & taught that “nature mysticism” that all things are as a likenesses of God. Almost without exception, the greatest wonders in the spiritual journey occur during extended times of silence in nature, where human power or rituals are not in control. It clears and opens new pathways into a deepening intimacy with the Divine.”

Adapted from Francis and the Natural World

God’s Resting Place

“I love spending time in my garden feeding and pruning my beautiful flowers. One day, as I was busily snipping away, a neighbor stopped by. She commented, “Oh! Your plants are so beautiful, it seems such a shame to cut them back.” I replied, “I know how you feel, but the excess must be removed so they can grow stronger and healthier.” Later I thought that perhaps my plants feel pain, but God and I know it’s part of the plan and I’ve seen the results. I was quickly reminded of my precious A.A. program and how we all grow through pain. I ask God to prune me when it’s time, so I can grow.”

Adapted from Daily Reflections

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day “There is wonderful illumination of thought given to those who are spirit-guided. To those who are material-guided, there is nothing in God or a finer life to appeal to them or to attract them. But to those who are spirit-guided there is strength and peace and calm to be found in communion with an Unseen Lord. To those who believe in this God they cannot see but whose power they can feel, life has a meaning and purpose. They are children of the Unseen Lord, and all human beings are their brothers and sisters. Prayer for the Day Today, I pray that I may be spirit-guided. I pray that I may feel God's presence and power in my life.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

The readings above made me reflect back on my first steps into the rooms of recovery. Where was I going? How was this going to help me? Now, after many years looking back, I see that I was entering an unknown new world. You introduced me to “the realm of the Spirit.” I thought I had experienced that world drunk & high. I loved it until it was unbearable and had no where else to go. You took me by the hand and opened up a book to a new world that had depth and weight; you told me it would pay countless dividends if I gave away the entire result. At the Speaker Mtg. in Show Low last night, the room was packed. Vans from recovery houses brought newcomers looking for a solution. There were many with longtime sobriety as well. It was Saturday Night alive! What is it that happens here? Someone shares their experience strength and hope. My experience using and drinking left me with no strength or hope. Somehow, I discovered it in these rooms; raw honesty, true emotion, and richness of New Life was evident. I stepped outside of my normal pattern of living and was, as the book says, reborn! At first, I wondered if this was a cult or if you were trying to Baptize me! No, you just shared your experiences and offered me a way out. No matter how much time I have clean and sober, it works every time. I find my way home when I get off my throne!