My Trust is in God
Dear Fellow SA Members, 2011 was financially a very good year for SAICO operations. We finished the year with a $4,088 net gain compared to a budgeted $4,300 net loss. Total revenue exceeded budget by just under $15,000 (6.4%). Increased literature sales and ESSAY subscriptions accounted for $12,500 of the revenue excess. Convention revenues accounted for the remainder.
Dear Fellow SA Members: We have received requests to check different websites that offer free PDF downloads of the SA White Book and sell SA literature from locations other than SAICO online and SA Publications.
This past November, many of us celebrated the blessings we enjoy as citizens of the United States. Tradition has it that the early British settlers held a Thanksgiving meal with the natives who had helped them bring forth a bountiful harvest that year.
A summer convention in Nashville? Yes! The convention hotel has great air conditioning and plenty of room for us all. Come join us in what promises to be a very spiritual weekend.
I absolutely loved the SA/S-Anon convention In Midlands. I learnt a massive amount about myself—from all the people I shared with and from all those who shared with me. I’ve never experienced so much experience, strength, and hope as I did during those two days. I was sad that it had to end!
Two years ago, I was wondering what I could do to bring my recovery to a new level. I wanted to get past the phase of just not acting out. I wanted to get closer to my Higher Power. I wanted to do service, but I didn’t know where to begin.
When I first arrived at the Newark Convention in January, I was uncomfortable. I’m used to being the planner of events, the director of the play, but here I was just another attendee. I was out of my element. In my addiction, I was boisterous, always surrounded by people (not necessarily friends).
Today, January 14, 2012, I am five years sober. It seems impossible! Before, I had a 35-year addiction, in which I was always looking for something new, exciting, and different—getting bored with what I had and always searching for something better. I went through two marriages and two divorces and ruined every relationship I ever had.
Well, it happened again. I sat waiting in the parking lot because the person who has the key did not show up. Perhaps someone has decided that, since this was a holiday, everyone would be busy with family and would not get to a meeting. I did not get that message.
Even though I have almost nine years of sobriety and a lot of service work behind me, I know that I can still be deceived by lust. For me, the crux of the program is still, fundamentally, surrendering lust in all areas. As my former sponsor used to say, “You’re a smart guy, and despite this you can stay sober.”
