MISSION STATEMENT

It is the goal of your Central Office Steering Committee to monitor and improve upon the quality of services provided by the office and its workers.

The Steering Committee meets regularly to review Policies and Operations in order to improve its services to our A.A. Community.

www.aa-acadiana.org Email the Central Office at: centraloffice@aa-acadiana.org

Plug-in-Jug

News

Published Monthly by:

Acadiana Area Central Office, Inc.

Located at: 115 Leonie St.,

Lafayette, LA 70506 Phone: 337 991-0830

(24 Hours) Mail all

Contributions to: P.O. Box 52186

Lafayette, LA 70505

Office Hours: Monday—Friday 11:00AM-5:30PM Sat. 8:30-12:30

COPYRIGHT © 2014

Acadiana Area Central Office, Inc.

March 2014 COR Meeting

Sunday, March 16, 2014 1119C Johnston Street

Lafayette, LA

6:00 PM

Want to contribute an item to the Plug-In-Jug? Email us at plug-in-jug@aa-acadiana.org, or send it to the Central Office, by the 4th Friday of the month.

To include a flyer with the Plug-In-Jug mail-out, please provide 100 copies and a $15.00 donation to defray postage expense to the Central Office.

COR AGENDA: Nominations for Steering Committee

Positions.

Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will

and our lives over to the care of God as

we understood him.

Tradition 3: The only requirement for AA

membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Copyright © A.A. World Services, Inc. Reprinted with permission.

Copyright © A.A. World Services, Inc..

Reprinted with permission.

9th Annual FELLOWSHIP OF THE SPIRIT SOUTH

Friday March 28— Sunday 30th

Registration begins Friday 8:30 am

Holiday Inn, Lafayette 337-233-6815

Workshops/Speakers/FOTSS Picnic

Register online at FOTSS.COM

Contacts: Belinda F. chair@fotss.com or Ray R. cochair@fotss.com

Acadiana Central Office 2013 Chili Cook-Off Saturday March 15 Fellowship 6:00 pm

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church-Ramsey Hall 400 Camellia Blvd.-Lafayette

Register Your Group Team Now!

20th Annual

Serenity by the Sea

“A Weekend of Fellowship, Food, & Fun”

May 2, 3, 4 2014

Grand Isle High School, Ludwig Lane

Contacts: Charlie (225) 413-3055

Jeannie S. (225) 413-1724

Keith (985) 856-3126

25th SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA SPRING ROUNDUP

“25 YEARS ONE DAY AT A TIME” May 24, 25, 26

Sponsored by The AA Groups in District 12 On the North Shore

“The Clarion Inn & Suites” 501 N. Hwy 190 Covington, LA 70433

www.district12AA.com

New Way Group Presents…

A NEW WOMEN’S A.A. BIG BOOK STUDY

Thursdays 6 pm

St. Francis Hall (middle bldg.) Room 5

Breaux Bridge, LA

T

-Shir

ts

Ra

ffle

COME VISIT OUR BOOK STORE! If you own a Fourth Edition of the

Big Book...You are missing out!

Experience, Strength & Hope

A book filled with personal sto-

ries from the First, Second &

Third Editions of the Big Book

ACADIANA CENTRAL OFFICE NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Nominations for the following positions will be held at the March 16, 2014 COR Meeting.

Chairman: 2 years continuous sobriety and previously served

on Steering Committee Vice Chair-at least 2 years continuous sobriety Secretary-at least 2 years continuous sobriety

Activities Chair-at least 2 years continuous sobriety.

Elections Committee: David R. 337-852-6724

Monique L. 337-523-4414 Luke F. 337-831-2819 Allen G. 337-990-1063

*All Officers should be familiar with the A.A. Service Structure

from groups to GSO, along with a good understanding of the

Acadiana Central Office By-Laws.

2

Stories From The Grapevine...

Submit groups history or your personal story to centraloffice@aa-acadiana.org or mail them to:

Acadiana Central Office 115 Leonie Street Lafayette, LA 70506

Under a Shining Moon A newcomer has a Third Step experience, that opens her up to a new life!

I have read the story of the burning bush and I thought it might be that, just a

cool story that probably was made up and added to over time. I am not sure I

ever thought that story had anything to do with God talking to anyone.

I was 18 years old and had been going to AA for two months. … Many of the members had been

talking about going to the round up that is in Moorhead every August, … I couldn't think of a reason

to not go, a road trip sounded good, better than staying at home and trying not to drink. … The

speaker was one of the best speakers I've ever heard. … I remember being coaxed to the dance

floor and I never left until the band finished. I couldn't remember having this much fun.

… We talked in small groups until a guy told us to get into a circle. We counted off and there were

63 of us. He then told us we were going to do something that had come to be very special for him—

… He called it the Third Step Prayer, he said "I know many of you are new and maybe don't know

what this prayer is, but someday you will, until then just ride the wave of those of us who do know

it." It was dark in the parking lot, and the moon was shining very brightly over us. We joined hands

and he said "God," and the rest of us joined in and said a prayer in unison. I had closed my eyes, I

had never heard this prayer before—the Moon's light seemed to intensify and I was suddenly above

the circle outside my body—I could no longer feel the hands holding mine, but I could see them. …

The moonlight seemed to bounce off each person in the circle. I didn't hear anything—I only "felt."

I sensed a presence, although nothing was visible next to me. … Then very suddenly, I was re-

turned to my body to hear an "amen" in unison. I felt my hands being squeezed by the two people

at my sides and I opened my eyes to a different world than I had left. A calm and peaceful world. …

I would like to think this was a spiritual experience, as it seemed to move my spirit to a new and

different place. It's been 30 years since that experience, it's never happened again and I really

don't expect it to in that format. I think I needed what God provided me that night—an opening in-

to a new life. One that started with the other 62 people whose hands I joined—…. I think of that

day long ago, the day that I became committed to experiencing life—sometimes by myself, some-

times through others, but always as fully as possible. I don't want to miss a thing! I firmly believe

now that I am a spiritual being that is afforded a short human experience with the goal to be of ser-

vice to God and my fellows. I really believe this human experience is to help me grow closer to God

and develop my relationship with him.

I think you need to have an experience where you find a deeper you, mine just happened to be

with God. … I say the Third Step Prayer at least once a day and when I do my eyes are closed—my

hands clasped together and I smile as I think of that hot August night in a parking lot in Minnesota

that lifted my spirit eternally.

Lisa R., Aberdeen, S.D.

Copyright © A.A. Grapevine Inc.

Reprinted with permission. Excerpt

3

Activities : Dennis B. NOT PRESENT! Jon M. stated we will vote on how judging will take place in Old Business.

COMMUNICATIONS: Allen G. reported

For the month of January: 713 visitors made 1298 visits to the website

Meeting Lists were downloaded 1067 times.

Plug-In-Jug issues were downloaded 84 times.

The Events/Calendar page was viewed 147 times.

Total visits for 2014: 713

CONTACT: Yvonne A reported that she did visit the Abbeville and New Iberia Groups promoting the Chili Cook Off and elections

DISTRICT 13C: Jamie G. reported that Mike S. had to step down as DCM due to health issues (keep him in your prayers); she is now the new DCM of 13C; Anyone interested to serve as alt. DCM or 13C Treasurer should attend their business

meeting held at Turning Point 3pm every third Sunday or contact Jamie G. Jamie also reported that their District will be vot-

ing on a new budget for T&C/CPC/PI & Special Needs. Jamie announced a Newsletter is in the works for GSR’s to take to

their Home Groups each month which will have up to date reports from the district.

DISTRICT 13E: Luke F. reported that they are planning their first workshop of 2014 on Saturday May 17th at The Clifton Chenier Center in Lafayette. The workshop will be focus on positions at the District level such as Treatment & Corrections

and the AA Service Structure.

DISTRICT 9: James G. reported that Veterans in Sobriety is struggling to be “Self Supporting.” He stated that most at-tendees are appointed by the court for “outside” issues and needs a slip signed. Occasionally 40 plus individuals are in

attendance, as a result, coffee expenses are up and less than $20 is collected in such a large group at one meeting. He

questioned if there was any way to have the Judicial System support this issue? Marlon W. (Living Sober) stated that he was

saddened this was happening to the Veterans Group, and the issue is not at a level for COR discussion.

Acadiana Central Office COR Meeting

Minutes from February 15, 2014

The meeting was called to order by Jon M. and opened with the Serenity Prayer. Everyone introduced themselves and their positions.

Linda F. reported the minutes from the January meeting. An error on the PIJ March calendar was pointed out that 13C’s meeting was listed on the 5th Sunday and should be the fourth Sunday.

Treasurer’s Report: David M. reported

Ending Bank Balance $ Total Income $ Total Expenses $ Net Income $ New Bank Balance $3,000.00 Old Prudent Reserve Balance $ Prudent Reserve Transfer $ Interest Paid to Prudent Reserve $ New Prudent Reserve Balance $

Office Manager’s Report: Linda F. reported 12-Step Calls (Office) : 7 12-Step Calls (Ans.Svc.): 1

Meeting Info Calls: 76 Meeting Info Calls (Ans.Svc): 24 Walk- Ins: 83 Office Information: 15 Al-Anon Info: 10 Other Calls: 16 Meeting Lists Mailed: 6 Meeting Lists Faxed: 1 Internet Inquiries : 6 Sales of Merchandise: 76 PIJ Subscriptions: 11 PIJ Mailed: 78

STEERING COMMITTEE GROUP NAME COR/ALT.

Abbeville Area James B.

Chairman Jon M. Any Lengths. Josh S.

Vice Chair Pending Any Lengths Candi R. (alt.)

Treasurer David M. Faith Group Michelle P. (alt.)

Secretary Pending Freedoms Choice Kirk W.

Activities Chair Dennis B. Gulf Coast Group Chris M.

Contact Chair Yvonne A. Living Sober Marlon W.

Communications Chair Allen G. Reflections Julia S.

Office Manager Linda F. Scott Group Steve H.

Step by Step Sharon M.

OTHERS Sun Up Julie K.

13C DCM –Jamie G. Abbeville Area-Scott C. Surrender Shaunna C. (alt.)

13E Liasion-Like F. Abbeville Area-Adam M. Vetarans in Sobriety Larry/James G.

Scott Group-John L.. 12 at 12 Jeremy C.

4

Central Office Steering Committee Meeting 2nd Saturday 10:00 am 115 Leonie Street—Central Office

Central Office Representatives (COR) Meeting 3rd Sunday 6:00pm 1119C Johnston St.

District 13E Business & Gen. Svc. Meeting 2nd Wednesday 6:00pm 300 E. Martial Ave.

District 13C Business Meeting 4th Sunday 4:00pm 210 8th St. - Turning Point

District 13C General Service Meeting 4th Sunday 3:00pm 210 8th St.—Turning Point

District 9 Business Meeting 1st Wednesday 6:00pm 206 N. Liberty - Opelousas

F.O.T.S. South Planning Meeting 1st Sunday 4:00pm 210 8th St. - Turning Point

C. C. C. Planning Meeting 3rd Sunday 3:00pm 210 8th St.—Turning Point

Acadiana Area District and Conference Business Meetings

Office Data for February 2014: 12 Step Calls Office: 3

12 Step Calls (ansv): 2

Meeting/Office: 79

Meeting (ansv): 34

Walk Ins: 56

Office Info: 6

Al-Anon Info.3

Other Calls: 10

Meeting List Mailed: 1

Meeting List Faxed: 2

Internet Inquiries: 0

Sales of Merchandise: 47

PIJ Subscriptions: 4

PIJ Mailed: 36

Office Manager’s Report Volunteers for February 2014:

Cindy R. (Reflections) 1

Gilbert W. (3rd Street Park) 8

Candi R. (Any Lengths)

“Your Service is Appreciated”

Linda F.

Sick Bay: Jo C. Sun-Up

Ola B. Last Chance Acceptance

Claire W. Hub City

Danie B. Downtown Group

John H. Sun-Up

Jack B. Freedom’s Choice

Courtney M. Freedom’s Choice

Carlos B. Last Call Group

Bob C. Sobriety & Beyond

TO VOLUNTEER AT THE CENTRAL OFFICE

CALL LINDA F.

(337) 991-0830

Monday-Friday 11:00am-5:30pm

Saturday 8:30am-12:30pm

“Things we CAnnOT ChAnge” IN MEMORIUM:

Thomas H. 8/24/91*

“Area Group of Breaux Bridge”

Francis B. 4/1/06*

“Abbeville Area”

Larissa T. 11/11/11*

“Abbeville Area”

*Sobriety Date

Jamie G. (13C DCM) suggested he contact Holly-The Louisiana Area A.A. Delegate. James also reported that he visited all

groups in District 9 to promote the Chili Cook Off and reported on the election for Steering Committee positions. No one

seemed to be interested in holding a position at this time.

OLD BUSINESS: Jon M. reported that Allen G. will oversee the Elections Committee, and asked for one more COR to ful-fill Elections Committee; Luke F (Primary Purpose) volunteered his service. (Nominees must attend the March COR meet-

ing as nominations will be closed at that time. CORS are to take nominees back to their groups and vote on their behalf at

the April COR meeting. The list of Nominees will be in the April PIJ The newly elected officers will begin their term at the

June COR meeting)

The COR’s were asked to bring to their group on how to judge the Chili Cook Off; either by panel or attendees,

17 out of 18 raised their hands in favor of judging by a panel. Michelle P. (Faith Group) asked how the panel is chosen.

Linda F. replied in the past, the panel was formed of District Officers and officers of the Steering Committee.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded and carried. Jon M. closed the meeting with The Lord’s Prayer.

*****District 13C Officer Position Needed*****

District 13C is in need of an alternate D.C.M., If the D.C.M resigns or is unable to serve for any reason, the alternate steps in. The alternate D.C.M. assists the D.C.M with responsibilities at district and area meetings. 2 years of sobriety

is required; If you have any questions, please contact Jamie G. 281-782-6370

5

The Acadiana Area Central Office, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

Your donations are tax deductible up to $3,000 per AA member per year.

Individual donations are accepted

TWO BUCKS IS THE NEW DOLLAR!!

Acadiana Central Office

2014 FINANCIAL REPORT

FINANCIAL SUMMARY — FEBRUARY 2014

Have you been able to stay away from a drink because of

AA? Have you gotten your life back? How much is that worth to you? In the rooms, we AA members agree that our sobriety is an undeserved gift from a higher power.

While the message is free, our Central Office has expenses to carry the AA message. For those of us who can afford it, it is our responsibility to put more than a dollar in the basket. Many of our members go beyond this! However, many more

do not. Where we used to give $1, we must try to give $2. And those of us not giving at all, we must try giving something and have faith we will be taken care of for helping. It works, it really does. Are you giving more to the coffee chain on the

corner than to the program that gave you your life? Part of spiritual growth is adapting to reality. The reality is the world is more expensive and a buck doesn’t go

far enough. Let’s get real, let’s get sober and give a little more!

Group Donations February YTD

Total Regular Income $2,115.56

Total Sales Income $2,012.14

TOTAL INCOME $4,127.70

Total Regular Expenses $2,666.43

Total Sales Expenses $1,338.86

TOTAL EXPENSES $4,005.29

NET INCOME $122.41

Checkbook Balance $3,122.41

Prudent Reserve Transfer Amount -$122.41

New Checkbook Balance $3,000.00

Prudent Reserve Starting Balance $9,706.40

Prudent Reserve Transfer $122.41

Interest Paid to Prudent Reserve $0.24

New Prudent Reserve Balance

$9,829.05

12 at 12 Group $0.00 $52.00

3rd Street Park $0.00 $0.00

A Design For Living $125.00 $125.00

A Vision For You $0.00 $661.11

Abbeville Area $0.00 $0.00

Acadian Gr. $0.00 $0.00

Any Lengths $0.00 $0.00

Back to Basics (N.I.) $0.00 $0.00

Beginning AA New $0.00 $0.00

Boulevard Gr. (Opelousas) $73.56 $73.56

Brown Baggers (Morgan City) $0.00 $0.00

Dry Dock $0.00 $0.00

Eunice Solutions Gr. $0.00 $0.00

Faith $0.00 $0.00

Freedoms Choice $0.00 $0.00

Hang In There (Scott) $0.00 $0.00

Hub City $0.00 $0.00

Kitchen Table $171.00 $282.00

Last Call Group $0.00 $20.00

Last Chance Acceptance $0.00 $0.00

Living Sober $0.00 $0.00

Mamou Group $10.00 $10.00

Morgan Avenue Group $0.00 $0.00

New Way (Breaux Bridge) $600.00 $600.00

Northside Gratitude $0.00 $0.00

Opelousas Group $10.00 $20.00

Primary Purpose $144.62 $219.62

Progress Not Perfection (Laf.) $0.00 $0.00

Rayne Group $0.00 $0.00

Reflections $150.00 $150.00

Scott Group $82.00 $152.00

Serenity Group Church Point $0.00 $0.00

Serenity (N.I.) $0.00 $0.00

Sisters In Sobriety $0.00 $0.00

Sober Chicks $0.00 $0.00

Solutions (Ville Platte) $0.00 $0.00

Step By Step $0.00 $0.00

Sunday Morning Fellowship 200.00 200.00

Sun Up $414.06 $639.20

Surrender $0.00 $42.95

The Gulf Coast Group $0.00 $100.00

Veterans in Sobriety $0.00 $2.00

We Agnostics $0.00 $0.00

Willing To Believe (Duson) $0.00 $0.00

Young Drunks $0.00 $0.00

Total Group Donations $1,980.24 $3,149.44

April 2014 Birthdays 1126 Years of Sobriety

6

Anniversaries are based on group registration dates as recorded by the A.A. General Service Office (GSO) in New York.

Want to update your sobriety date? Call Central Office 991-0830 or e-mail us at centraloffice@aa-acadiana.org.

Acadiana Groups Celebrating Anniversaries in April

13-C 4/7/1948 1948 66 yrs. Lafayette Group Lafayette

13-C 4/21/1982 1982 32 yrs. Freedoms Choice Group Lafayette

9 4/6/1983 1983 31 yrs. Mamou Group Mamou

A.J.L. 4/2/90 Dry Dock 24 yrs

Aaron L. 4/3/11 Living Sober 3 yrs

Al B. 4/14/97 Dry Dock 17 yrs

Anne S. 4/25/07 The Gulf Coast Group 7 yrs

Annette G. 4/5/08 Brown Baggers-Morgan City 6 yrs

Barb B. 4/12/08 Faith Group 6 yrs

Ben R. 4/18/06 Step By Step 8 yrs

Bill C. 4/1/85 Hub City 29 yrs

Blaine F. 4/16/02 Abbeville Area 12 yrs

Bob A. 4/4/09 Sun Up 5 yrs

Bob R. 4/17/91 Sun Up 23 yrs

Brandy M. 4/1/13 Any Lengths 1 yr

Brent N. 4/27/10 Any Lengths 4 yrs

Brian D. 4/3/03 Courage To Change 11 yrs

Brian G. 4/6/10 Sun Up 4 yrs

Bubba G. 4/23/09 Sun Up 5 yrs

Casey A. 4/18/04 Faith Group 10 yrs

Cathy U 4/18/10 Sisters In Sobriety 4 yrs

Cayle 4/9/05 Sun Up 9 yrs

Chad B. 4/23/12 Hub City 2 yrs

Charlotte B. 4/11/95 Step By Step 19 yrs

Chris R. 4/10/07 Primary Purpose 7 yrs

Chris R. 4/19/08 6 yrs

Christopher C 4/5/10 New Way 4 yrs

Christy S. 4/8/10 New Beginnings Henderson 4 yrs

Cody B 4/18/10 Kitchen Table Group 4 yrs

Craigh L. 4/4/01 Step By Step 13 yrs

Danny G. 4/15/02 Sun Up 12 yrs

David R. 4/28/11 A Design for Living 3 yrs

Debbie M. 4/12/87 New Way 27 yrs

Dwayne S. 4/17/10 Sun Up 4 yrs

Francis D. 4/1/06 Abbeville Area 8 yrs

Frankie R. 4/12/08 Primary Purpose 6 yrs

Garrett 4/27/90 Dry Dock 24 yrs

Glenda B. 4/24/94 Primary Purpose 19 yrs

Jace B. 4/9/85 Duson Willing To Believe 29 yrs

Jackie B. 4/4/01 Sobriety & Beyond 13 yrs

Jacob G. 4/5/07 Progress Not Perfection 7 yrs

James O. 4/26/87 Mamou Group 27 yrs

Jamie L. 4/1/12 Primary Purpose 2 yrs

Jennifer F. 4/1/13 Faith Group 1 yr

Jill D. 4/24/11 Mamou Group 3 yrs

Jo C. 4/3/00 Sun Up 14 yrs

Jodie T. 4/20/10 Step By Step 4 yrs

Jody H. 4/19/92 Sun Up 22 yrs

Joe K. 4/18/10 Back To Basics New Iberia 4 yrs

Joe M. 4/13/99 Abbeville Area 15 yrs

John B. 4/21/11 Dry Dock 3 yrs

John T. 4/9/88 Duson Willing To Believe 26 yrs

John T. 4/21/89 Truman Group 25 yrs

Joy D. 4/18/02 Courage To Change 12 yrs

Keith G. 4/28/88 Dry Dock 26 yrs

Kennith R. 4/21/01 Abbeville Area 13 yrs

Kirt C. 4/1/10 Twelve At Twelve 4 yrs

Kyle M. F. 4/21/13 Primary Purpose 1 yr

Laurel G. 4/5/05 Hub City 9 yrs

Lauri M 4/11/09 Reflections 5 yrs

Leigh R. 4/7/05 Step By Step 9 yrs

Leroy I. 4/3/12 Duson Willing To Believe 2 yrs

Liz W. 4/20/01 Step By Step 13 yrs

Major L. 4/21/01 Abbeville Area 13 yrs

Malcolm L. 4/15/10 New Way 4 yrs

Manson C. 4/5/97 Abbeville Area 17 yrs

Margaret A. 4/20/82 SMF Group 32 yrs

Mark C. 4/24/99 Courage To Change 15 yrs

Michelle W. 4/1/11 A Design for Living 3 yrs

Mike R. 4/1/13 Faith Group 1 yr

Monica S 4/1/10 The Gulf Coast Group 4 yrs

Morgan L. 4/10/03 Serenity Group N.I. 11 yrs

Murray M. 4/9/85 Abbeville Area 29 yrs

Nancy F. 4/10/06 Sun Up 8 yrs

Nikki L. 4/7/12 Scott Group 2 yrs

Paul F, 4/29/02 Abbeville Area 12 yrs

Paul P. 4/4/88 Courage To Change 26 yrs

Paul S 4/9/08 Sun Up 6 yrs

Philip B 4/20/09 Sun Up 5 yrs

Raquel B. 4/18/03 Abbeville Area 11 yrs

Raymond D. 4/30/88 Last Chance Acceptance 26 yrs

Renee B. 4/24/10 Hub City 4 yrs

Ric M. 4/1/88 Any Lengths 26 yrs

Robert F. 4/4/00 Truman Group 14 yrs

Ron T. 4/1/85 Brown Baggers-Morgan City 29 yrs

Ronnie M. 4/26/11 Primary Purpose 3 yrs

Rosie H. 4/18/82 Area Group Of BB 32 yrs

Ryan R. 4/10/02 Courage To Change 12 yrs

Samuel S. 4/24/08 Sun Up 6 yrs

Samuel T. 4/24/92 Sun Up 22 yrs

Shannon H. 4/26/07 SMF Group 7 yrs

Sue P. 4/17/04 Sisters In Sobriety 10 yrs

Thelma M. 4/13/03 Opelousas Group 11 yrs

Travis L. 4/28/12 Any Lengths 2 yrs

Troy F. 4/1/97 Solutions Gr. Ville Platte 17 yrs

Vaughn S. 4/11/13 Any Lengths 1 yr

Vicki L. 4/7/11 Any Lengths 3 yrs

Virginia B. 4/1/13 Any Lengths 1 yr

Wardway L. 4/4/83 Abbeville Area 31 yrs

Surrender, Not Submission After a relapse, she changed the way she prac-

ticed the program

After a weekend long relapse, I realized a couple of things. I

needed a new sponsor, one who worked the Steps. I needed to

go to some different meetings, women's meetings in particular. I

needed a home group. I needed to be more careful around peo-

ple, not wear my heart on my sleeve. … I had to figure these

things out for myself; no one told me. … I came to understand that I had mistaken

"submission" for "surrender." I thought I had surrendered, but all I had done was to sub-

mit to what I thought of as a bunch of rules. I tried my best, I truly did, but yet I drank

again. > Surrender felt completely different than submission. It involves the sense of will-

ingness, as opposed to compliance. I no longer had to comply with the rules; I understood

or was willing to try to understand why they were the way they were, and to incorporate

them into my ways of thinking and acting. I was not doing this to please someone else; I

was doing it to save my own life. The needed change came naturally; I was less needy

once I surrendered. > Surrender is a sort of reframing of my thoughts…., but when it

comes to our obsession with alcohol, we cannot win against our body chemistry. That is

the physical part of the disease, and that is beyond our power to change. What we can

change is our thinking, so when I surrender, I am changing my thinking about alcohol. > I

now surrender my will to a Power greater than myself, in all things large and small, one

by one. I don't need to know what that Power is, except that it can keep me sober. … The

phrase "life on life's terms" is so helpful. … On the other hand,…: I am very blessed … to

have eyes to see and read. … to have fingers to type. … to have a heart and mind to take

in all of this and make use of it, to love all of you, my friends in recovery. … I am blessed

with my very human life, with all its frailties and pitfalls, with its alcoholism …, because

my spirit gets to experience life.

Life comes with a lot of beauty and goodness. When I can be aware and grateful, I am

probably experiencing my HP's will for me. … Right now big fluffy clouds float in a bright

blue sky outside my window. It is early fall … But it's my favorite time of year. I'm sober, I

can appreciate beauty and goodness, and I can smile and laugh. I am not suffering from

the effects of my alcoholism today; I am enjoying the benefits of my

sobriety. —Gigi, Springfield, Ore.

7

NOTES FROM AROUND THE WORLD...

TRADITION THREE CHECKLIST The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.

1. In mind, do I prejudge some new AA members as losers? 2. Is there some kind of alcoholic whom I privately do not want in my AA group? 3. Do I set myself up as a judge of whether a newcomer is sincere or phony? 4. Do I let language, religion (or lack of it), race education, age, or other such things interfere with my carrying the message? 5. Am I over impressed by a celebrity, a doctor, a clergyman, an ex-convict? Or can I just treat this new member simply and naturally

as one more sick human, like the rest of us? 6. When someone turns up at AA needing information or help (even if he can’t ask for it loud), does it really matter to me what he does

for a living? Where he lives? What domestic arrangements are? Whether he had been to AA before? What his problems are?

Concept III: As a traditional means of creating and maintaining clearly defined working relation between the groups, the Conference, the A.A. General Service Board and its several service corporations, staffs, committees and executives, and of thus insuring their effective lead-ership, it is here suggested that we endow each of these elements of world service with a traditional “Right of Decision.”

Copyright © A.A. Grapevine Inc.

Excerpt Reprinted with permission.

I let a Higher Power take over.

8 Want to add an A.A. event to the Central Office Calendar?

e-mail us at: plug-in-jug@aa-acadiana.org

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

FOTSS

Planning

4pm Turning Point

3 4

5

District 9 Business Meeting

6pm

206 N. Liberty

Opelousas

6

7

8

9

10 11

12

District 13E

Business Meeting 300 E. Martial

6 pm

13

14 15 Central Office Chili Cook Off

6:00 pm

St. Barnabas

16 CCC Planning

3 pm

Turning Point

***************

COR 6pm

Pink Building

17 18 19

20

21

22

23

District 13C

Gen. Ser. 3 pm

Business 4pm Turning Point

24

25 26 27 28

FOTSS

28th-30th Holiday Inn-Lafayette

www.fotssouth.com

29

FOTSS

Picnic:

11:15am-1:15pm

Holiday Inn-Lafayette

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

District 9 Business Meeting

6pm

205 N. Liberty

Opelousas

3 4 5

6

FOTSS Planning

4pm Turning Point

7 8 9

District 13E

Business Meeting 300 E. Martial

6 pm

10

11

12

13

14 15

16

17

18 19

20

CCC Planning

3pm

Turning Point **************

COR

6pm (elections)

Pink Building

21 22 23

24

25 26

27

District 13C

Gen. Ser. 3 pm

Business 4pm Turning Point

28 29 30 May 1 May 2nd-4th

Serenity by the Sea

Grand Isle, LA

Apr

il M

arch

2014

2014

30 FOTSS

Holiday Inn 31

Central Office Closed