Take 12 Recovery Radio

A MONTY'MAN'S MEDITORIALMaking amends is much more than simply stating they we are sorry. Amends comes from the word amendment, "To Change". In recovery we change our behaviour, we don't just say we are sorry.

Sound Bite Contest, Exposing a Corrupt Treatment Program, The Weekly Whine, Stupid Criminals and SCRATCHING THE SURFACE OF STEP FOUR. These are the topics we will be discussing on this week’s Take 12 Recovery Radio Show with Co-Hosts Toni J., Denver W., Marv R., and the Monty’man. Closing song: Banking On Forever by Dave AaronIMPORTANT NOTE: The word "disease" only appears once in the first 164 pages of the Big Book. It is important to note that the first 164 pages are the program of action AA suggests in order to recover from alcoholism. The personal stories to follow are not the "Program" they are simply personal stories of experience, strength & hope. The word does appear again in the personal stories Bill W. said, “Henrietta [wife of A.A. Number Three, Bill Dotson] the Lord has been so wonderful to me, curing me of this terrible disease that I just want to keep talking about it and telling people.” [Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., 2001, p. 191]

A MONTY'MAN'S MEDITORIALListening should be easy but it's not. We hear many things but how well do we listen? We certainly can't listen when we are talking. Recovery fellowships are known for the talking, but perhaps the listening would be much more complimentary.

A MONTY'MAN'S MEDITORIALAs we walk through recovery we become more self-aware each day. It is not always easy to see ourselves as we really are. We need the fellowship, we need to stop blaming and we need to learn to take a good look deep within our own spirits and hearts.

MONTY'MAN'S MEDITORIAL. Are you tired of yourself? Do you feel like others tire of your issues? The good news is that your creator never tires of you. He never gets fed up and wants to stop listening to you. God desires you to be with Him always, regardless of your issues. That's good news!

Step Three states that we made a decision to turn our will and life over to the care of God as we understood Him. What do we mean by "As we understood him"? There seems to have been some confusion on this issue. How important is it that we take this vital Step? Do we have to understand God to take this Step? Also, WIN stuff including Recovery Music. We welcome Cody D. to the show and have fun with Wizard of OZ trivia.

A MONTY'MAN'S MEDITORIAL. Sometimes in recovery, we go off the beam. Does our Higher Power understand when we go wayward when we lose our way and get lost?

"Cheer up, snap out of it, I thought you would be better by now". So many voices, so many things to consider, when will it all be silent? Do you experience a lot of noise in your recovery? The truth is, people will say all sorts of things to try and fix us, solve our problems and even cure us.

Those of us in recovery have been looked at with great scepticism, fear and doubt. We need someone to believe in us, to take a risk on us and to hold us as valuable. We need someone to look at us differently.

A MONTY'MAN'S MEDITORIALSome would say, "Take what you need and leave the rest", but do we even know what we need? How important is it to recognize what it is that we truly need?

Step Two states: "Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity". Is coming to believe a process or do we simply believe in this power because of our need? What obstacles keep us from believing and how important is it that we be convinced of these statements for our recovery? Also, win the sound bite contest and get STUFF! Recovery Stuff. Closing Song: I Surrender by Amanda Broadway

Question: Do you want to get well? Do you want to recover? Are you ready for the life recovery will request of you? Perhaps we should consider this question carefully.

Are you a perfectionist? Most folks in recovery are to some extent. Would it surprise you to know that God does not expect you to be perfect? Learn to be mercy-full to yourself, Easy Does It!

In recovery we talk about taking a personal inventory of our character defects and character qualities, but have you ever taken an inventory of your losses in life. I have. Life is much more than our losses. Even in our loss we can experience joy.

With all that is going on in our world today, many of us are deep in sorrow. The good news is God says those of us who mourn are blessed indeed. It's alright and natural to mourn our loss, our pain, our old life if we are in recovery or have turned over a new leaf.

Join the Monty'man, Toni, Denver and Marv as they open up the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and reveal the vital importance of the First Step in the Twelve Step recovery model. What do we mean by powerless? What do we mean by unmanageable? Is there more to the alcoholic or narcotic addict than simply choosing to stay clean or sober? have we lost the power in choice or do we have the ability to clean up our act. What is Step One really about? Also, WIN STUFF and play the new Sound Bite Game.Closing Song: The Shrink and the Drunk by Michael Purington

Has your grief wiped you out? Are you exhausted by your sorrow? Turn to the one who understands and can carry you in your time of grief. there is an ever-flowing love that is waiting for you in your pain.

A MONTY'MAN'S MEDITORIAL Close to the brokenhearted shares how God is not disappointed in us when we are sad, depressed or broken. he is never far away and loves us regardless of our emotions.Provided by the National Association for Christian Recovery.

Sometimes we are forced for the sake of our recovery & sobriety to walk away from a job, a relationship, a 12 Step support meeting or even a place of worship. These choices we make can save our life but can be extremely emotional and painful to make as they are often met with cold responses and separated from those we love. "When It's Time To Leave" is a vital topic to explore for those of us in recovery. Closing Song: STAND UP by Freebo. www.FreeboMusic.com

Are you the kind of person who is willing to engage in helping others who are hurting? Do you use words and actions that will bring comfort and healing or are you harsh and critical when you see someone less fortunate than yourself? This show speaks to the importance of having compassion as a vital part of our own recovery process. Closing song: "Say Yes to Life" by Kelly Z.