Inside This Issue What That Was, and Seemed to Be Getting Help from That Program

October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10

Experience, Strength, and Hope in Orange County

A Spiritual Experience of the Educational Variety

At the age of forty-three, I had been drinking 24/7 for many years. Mis- “moment of clarity” that could only have come from that Spirit of erable and tired of running the show, I was the Universe, who I eventually called God. out of answers. I was probably headed for disaster, but I had no idea how to fix me. That next day I was driving down the freeway I was pretty sure I was not an alcoholic be- at about noon when I noticed a highway patrol cause I had never gotten a DUI or suffered any car in my rearview mirror. It didn’t really both- of the tragedy that I saw in my father’s life. I er me; I was driving the speed limit and follow- had custody of my two kids, a struggling busi- ing all the rules of the road. Ten minutes went ness, a decent apartment and had the love of by, and that car was still in my rearview mirror. a really good woman. How could I be an alco- I decided that it might be wise to exit the free- holic? Alcoholics lost jobs due to their drink- way and shake this guy. ing. They got arrested by the police, lost their wives and children, were constantly embar- As soon as I moved to the exit, his lights went rassing the family and were obviously very Original artwork by April G. on. I got really scared, and yes, I had been drunk on most occasions. I never really felt drunk, just drinking in my car out of my favorite red coffee cup. As I mildly numb. Truthfully, alcohol was my medicine, and I couldn’t imag- pulled to the side of the road, I was so nervous that I spilled scotch ine life without it. Life is hard. Why would I ever try to stop drinking? on my pants. I understood then that I was going to be arrested. Continued on page 3 My former wife had called one night to speak to the kids, and she had told me that her husband, a medical man, had just gotten back from a treatment facility. She was attending Al-Anon, though I had no idea Inside This Issue what that was, and seemed to be getting help from that program. She even suggested that I might benefit from a Twelve Step program, which A Spiritual Experience of the Educational Variety 1, 3 struck me as odd. I was not an alcoholic. I assumed she meant some- Service Board Information 2 thing like a “church” thing, which I didn’t think was for me (I have since Our Principles 4 come to realize that churches do a lot of great work with alcoholics). Central Office Activity/Web Stats 6 Overcoming Economic Insecurity 7,15 It was about that time that I became aware of the fact that scientists Self-Knowledge or Spiritual Answer? 8 had identified several genes that can make one more susceptible to the Step One: The Awakening 9 disease of alcoholism. I had the realization that I, in fact, might be head- Diving Into AA 9 ed down the same road as my father. That really scared me because as a October Pamphlet of the Month 9 child I swore to myself that I would never end up like my “old man,” yet Sam’s Our Man 10 here I was drinking ‘round the clock. I later learned that I was having a Step Ten: Beginning of the Maintenance Steps 11 August Donations 12, 14 I later learned that I was having a “moment of clarity” Speaker Meetings 13 that could only have come from that Spirit of the When Will I Feel Like I Belong Here? 14 Universe, who I eventually called God. Statement of Income and Expense 15 Word Search 16

October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10 Welcome 2020 Public Information Committee: Meets the 4th Monday of the month at SERVICE BOARD 7:00PM, Central Office, 1526 Brookhol- low, Suite 75, Santa Ana Chair, Stacey A. [email protected] Group Relations Committee: Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Purpose: The Lifeline Committee is a 6:30PM, the Costa Mesa Senior Center, group of AA members charged with the Vice Chair, Glen R. 695 West 19th St. (30 minutes before the responsibility of producing and distrib- [email protected] Intergroup meeting) uting the Orange County Lifeline. The [email protected] Lifeline Committee: Meets the 1st Lifeline is published monthly and is sup- Thursday of the month at 7:00PM, ported solely through contributions from Treasurer, John R. Central Office, 1526 Brookhollow, Suite 75, the AA groups and members of Orange [email protected] Santa Ana (October will be via Zoom, ID: County. The Lifeline proposes to meet 949 463 6384, no password) the following needs of the Orange County Secretary, Lance S. Special Events Committee: meets the AA membership: to inform AAs of service [email protected] 2nd Wednesday of the month at opportunities, events, and announce- 6:00PM, the Costa Mesa Senior Center, ments; to share experience in recovery, Central Office, Rosie G. 695 West 19th St. (1 hour before the Inter- unity, and service; and to report the ac- [email protected] group meeting)

tions, finances, and meetings of the Or- South Orange County H & I meets the ange County Intergroup Association and Group Relations, Chelsea P. 3rd Wednesday of the month at other Central Office committees. [email protected] 7:00PM (new members’ orientation) and 7:45PM (business meeting), Laguna Beach Canyon Club, 20456 Laguna Canyon Road, Lifeline Editor: Jennifer J. Lifeline, Chris R. [email protected] Laguna Beach [email protected] Orange County H & I meets the 2nd ORANGE COUNTY Public Information, Marti H. Sunday of the month at 4:00PM and CENTRAL OFFICE [email protected] 6:00PM, Garden Grove Alano Club, 9845 1526 Brookhollow, Suite 75 Belfast Drive, Garden Grove PublicInformationCommittee@oc- Santa Ana, CA 92705 aa.org (Orientations for institutions is at 3:15PM, followed by the Institutions meeting at Phone: (714) 556-4555 E-mail: [email protected] 4:00PM, Hospitals orientation starts at Special Events, Melissa A. Website: www.oc-aa.org 5:15PM, followed by the Hospitals meeting SpecialEventsOCAAIntergroup at 6:00—One year of sobriety required.) Office hours: Mon-Fri: 9AM-7PM; @gmail.com Saturday & Holidays: 9AM-1PM The Central Office Committee meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at

Hospitals & Institutions, Tara E.& 6:00PM, Central Office, 1526 Brookhol- SOUTH COUNTY OFFICE low, Suite 75, Santa Ana 30011 Ivy Glenn Drive, Michelle R. [email protected] Suite 104 The OCAA Technology Committee

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 meets by Zoom on the 1st Monday of the

Phone: (949) 582-2697 month at 6:00PM. Meeting ID: 159 765 Technology, Brian P. E-mail: [email protected] 117, Password: ocaatech [email protected] Office hours: Mon-Fri: 10AM-5PM The Orange County Intergroup Assoc. usually meets the 2nd Wednesday of the For information about General Service, month at 7:00PM, Costa Mesa Senior Cen- please go to the Area 9 website, ter, 695 W. 19th Street, Costa Mesa (This www.msca09aa.org. month it is via Zoom (ID: 616 903 638, Password: ocaa)

For more information on any of the above committees, please contact Orange County Central office at (714) 556-4555. Thank you to our board and committee members.

2 October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10 Continued from page 1 A Spiritual Experience of the Educational Variety

Incidentally, I had just seen a businessman in a coat and tie sitting on the curb, hands cuffed behind his back, as I drove by the mall in my neighborhood. The thought occurred to me that I never wanted my kids to see me like that. As I waited for the officer to approach the car, I lowered the passenger side window and waited. Then I rolled all the windows down immediately to remove the smell of alcohol.

The officer began, “Have you been drinking today, sir?” Immediately, I answered, “Why, no, officer, why do you ask?” He repeated his question and added, “Because as you exited the freeway, you crossed over the solid white line.” I replied, “Sorry; thank you for telling me. I didn’t notice.” He paused a minute and said, “Be more careful in the future.” I thanked him, and he drove away. I knew that I had “dodged a bullet.” I was shaken to my core.

That afternoon, I called Alcoholics Anonymous. A sweet elderly lady referred me to a meeting Join the Lifeline Committee! in Canoga Park, which I attended the next day. I was scared to death and wasn’t sure that this was for me. I walked in, dressed in my “lame” white shirt and tie to see a crowd of very intim- Lifeline Committee members can help read, write, idating old “biker” types, “tats” and all. An old man asked, “Are you lost, sir?” I immediately said, “You know, I think I am.” I walked out the back door and was completely sure I didn’t edit, create, design or simply offer suggestions for belong there. I have since discovered that I was an AA “snob,” thinking that I was better than the Lifeline. The Lifeline Committee usually meets them. I have come to understand that if I had stuck around, those gentle “bears” would have on the first Thursday of the month at Central Office taken me under their wings and guided me to sobriety. I knew that I had to do something. It (1526 Brookhollow Dr., Ste. 75, Santa Ana), was fear that brought me to the doors of AA. I was not like my father yet, but I could soon be just like him. The next day I called that same AA office and got that same sweet lady and though we will be having our October meeting via asked, “Is there somewhere else I might go?” She referred me to a large men’s stag. Zoom (ID: 949 463 6384, no password).

At my first meeting, I heard some things that gave me hope that I could have a better life. I If you’d like to submit an article, poem, or cartoon heard that I had to start accepting the fact that I was not doing a very good job running my life. I also heard that happiness was an inside job, not fancy cars and a big house. Happiness to be considered for publication, please send all was all I ever wanted. I learned that these guys had learned a way of life that allowed them to submissions to the email address below by the be “comfortable in their own skin.” I identified with the feeling of being “restless, irritable 15th of the month for the following month (e.g., Au- and discontented.” I decided that, even though I didn’t think that I was an alcoholic, I would gust 15th for the September issue). The best arti- do whatever these guys told me to do for ninety days. I would go to an AA meeting every day cles are under 600 words and are usually much for the next three months. I also decided, for the first time in my life, to go home and try not to “drink myself to sleep,” just for tonight. Then what happened was a free gift from a God shorter. If you are unsure of what to write, you can who I had denied for twenty-three years. A young man came up to me and asked, “Did you think of a great share at your favorite meeting. You get a sponsor? You really need to get a sponsor before you leave this meeting.” This made can write on a topic like how you chose your spon- me very uncomfortable, but I did it anyway. That man was to save my life. sor, your concept of a Higher Power, or tell your

What was the “Force” that gave me just enough willingness to take direction that night? story. Not a writer? A committee member can inter- What was the “Force” that provided me an example where I was headed if I continued to view you and write your story. You will have final drink? What “Force” caused my former wife to share with me her experience with alcohol- approval on anything published. Please email ism, just at this time in my life? What “Force” was it that made me aware of the genetic com- [email protected] for more information. ponent of alcoholism, just at this point in my life? What “Force” was it that caused me to witness the businessman in handcuffs in my neighborhood that day? What “Force” was it that caused that highway patrol officer to pull me over, that day? What “Force” gave me a moment of clarity? What “Force” was it that gave me the willingness to make that call? What Central Office Help “Force” was it that made me realize that I had better do something right now, before I got distracted by life’s other problems? What “Force” warned me that this moment might not Answer calls, build newcomer packets, sell litera- come again, and I had better not screw it up? ture, and enjoy talking to other alcoholics. We will All of these things happened in the matter of a few days. Though at the time I didn’t know train you. Shifts are available at both offices. what was happening to me, I later learned that this was God, the Spirit of the Universe, the Higher Power. I had just experienced it, and it was real for me. The only thing that was re- Santa Ana (714) 556-4555, starting at 9AM. quired of me was to be “willing.” I came into AA as a confirmed agnostic. I lived my life as if I were in charge of my very own universe. I have since learned the folly of my thinking. It has Laguna Niguel (949) 582-2697, starting at 10AM. been over thirty years since those early days, and I have experienced that same benevolent power many hundreds of times. I don’t need faith; I have experienced it. Usually 3 hour shifts, 2 years of sobriety desired

Bob R. 3

October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10 Our Principles

Step Ten: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong how to make AA more effective. We do not enter into public controversies promptly admitted it. because we know AA will perish if we do, like the Washingtonian Society. We conceive the survival and spread of AA to be of far greater importance Having worked Steps One through Nine, we now come to Step Ten. We face than our backing a cause. Recovery from alcoholism is life itself; it is imper- the acid test. Can we stay sober, keep emotional balance, and live to good ative that we preserve our means of survival. purpose in all conditions, fair or foul? A daily look at our assets and liabili- ties, and a desire to learn and grow by this means, are a necessity for us Concept X: Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal alcoholics. The Fourth Step enables us to settle with the past, and we are service authority – the scope of such authority to be always well defined, really able to leave it behind us. Now today’s challenges must be met and whether by tradition, by resolution, by specific job description or appro- faced. Although all inventories are alike in principle, the time factor does priate charters and bylaws. distinguish one from another. There is a spot check inventory, taken at any time during the day, whenever we find ourselves getting tangled up or side- In Concepts I through IX, great detail has been laid out to define the sever- ways. Then there is the one at the end of the day, when we review what al authorities of the AA Groups; the Conference; the Trustees; and active happened today. We create a balance sheet, marking up what we have service corporations. The effort has been to ensure that the authority in done well, and debiting where we did not do so well. Were we unkind in each level is equal to the responsibility. We have tried to relate these lev- thoughts and actions? Were we dishonest? Were we unloving? Were we els, one to another, in such a way that this principle is maintained through- intolerant of others? It is a spiritual axiom that every time we are disturbed, out. Each level has ultimate authority and delegated authority: Delegates no matter the cause, there is something wrong with us. The byproduct of over Trustees; Trustees over the General Service Board and their wholly this daily exercise is that we identify where we are wrong, admit it to our- owned corporations; the directors of these corporations over their staff. selves, to our Higher Power, and to another alcoholic. We take the neces- The principle of ultimate authority and delegated authority runs clearly sary Steps to correct the situation, thus keeping our side of the street clean. throughout our structure. Ultimate authority is necessary because all our This is the essence of character building and good living. This keeps us on service affairs and activities have to head somewhere for final responsibil- sobriety’s path and growing spiritually as individuals in emotional sobriety. ity. This informs each worker or each classification of servants who the An honest regret for harm done, gratitude for blessings received, and a final“ boss” is. The delegated authority within each level of the organiza- willingness to attempt better things for tomorrow should be permanent tion allows the organizations to function without the “boss” having to ap- assets that we seek. prove each action taken. The use of ultimate authority should be only in emergencies. This would be where delegated authority has gone wrong: it Tradition Ten: Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; has become ineffective or it constantly exceeds its defined scope and pur- hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy. pose. Then a reorganization may be called for. We must ensure an abun- dance of ultimate authority to correct or reorganize, but we must be Since Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935, it has never been divid- equally sure that our trusted servants have a clearly defined delegated ed by a major controversial issue. Members of the fellowship have not tak- authority to do their daily work and to complete their responsibilities. All en sides on any question in an embattled world. As if by some deep instinct, of this is implied in Tradition Two. Here we see the “group conscience” as we of Alcoholics Anonymous have known we must never, no matter the the ultimate authority and the “trusted servants” as the delegated authori- provocation, publicly take sides in any fight—even a worthy one. This does ty. not mean the members of AA have all gone peaceable and become one big happy family. We still squabble, usually because we have differing ideas on Bill F. How Am I Doing? Tradition Ten: Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

1. Do I ever give the impression that there really is an “AA opinion” on Anabuse? Tranquilizers? Doctors? Psychiatrists? Churches? Hospitals? Jails? Alcohol? The federal or state government? Legalizing marijuana? Vitamins? Al-Anon? Alateen? 2. Can I honestly share my own personal experience concerning any of those without giving the impression I am stating the “AA opinion”? 3. What in AA history gave rise to our Tenth Tradition? 4. Have I had a similar experience in my own AA life? 5. What would AA be without this Tradition? Where would I be? 6. Do I breach this or any of its supporting Traditions in subtle, perhaps unconscious, ways? 7. How can I manifest the spirit of this Tradition in my personal life outside AA? Inside AA?

(Reprinted with permission from the AA Grapevine) (Traditions Checklist available from Central Office)

4 October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10

A donation of any amount is a generous way to celebrate the gift of sobriety and support your Central Office. Feel free to share this information with your meetings.

In keeping with AA’s Seventh Tradition, we only accept October AA Birthday contributions from AA members or groups.

You can pay online at www.oc-aa.org with Patricia S. Fountain Valley 50 years Paypal or Venmo (QR code above).

Checks and money orders can be sent to: ORANGE COUNTY CENTRAL OFFICE 1526 Brookhollow, Suite 75 You can celebrate an AA birthday in the Lifeline with a donation to Central Office. Santa Ana, CA 92705

Please join us at the Orange County Intergroup Meeting

2nd Wednesday of each month, 7:00PM

Info: 714-556-4555 www.oc-aa.org

The October Intergroup meeting will be held via Zoom. Meeting ID: 616 903 638 Password: ocaa

5 October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10

Looking for a service commitment 809 CENTRAL OFFICE ACTIVITY TOTAL CALLS August 2020 you can do with your phone?

12 Step Calls Meeting Info General Info Customers OFFICE VOLUNTEERS (MAIN + SATELLITE) 10 282 178 112 CALL FORWARDING VOLUNTEERS 7 203 128 0

GENERAL STATISTICS FOR OC-AA.ORG Visit August 2020 www.oc-aa.org PAGE VIEWS for an Total Page Views per Month 41,024 updated The Orange County Central Office call for- Avg. Page Views per Day 1,323 meeting warding program insures that our help line Avg. Page Views per Visitor 3.09 phones are answered by volunteers 24/7. schedule, news, During hours when the Central Office is VISITORS closed, calls are forwarded to a call for- Total Visitors per Month 13,256 Lifeline, and warding volunteer’s home or cell phone, where the volunteer answers the calls just First Time Visitors 3,551 other events. as if they were sitting in Central Office. This Returning Visitors 9,705 allows Central Office to save money because we do not have to use an answering service. More importantly, the caller will be Note: This traffic reporting system is different than before. It only tracks main pages talking to a member of Alcoholics Anony- and not every sub-page. mous. Two years of sobriety are suggested to volunteer for this service. Please call the Central Office Manager in Santa Ana at (714) 556-4555 or the Satellite Office Man- ager in Laguna Niguel at (949) 582-2697 to sign up for a brief orientation session.

SHIFTS: Monday—Friday •6AM—9AM •6PM—9PM VISIT YOUR CENTRAL OFFICE •9PM—6AM Saturday and Holiday: •6AM—9AM Get 20% off one book of your choice •1PM—4PM •4PM—7PM with this coupon! •7PM—10PM •10PM—6AM Sundays •6AM—10AM (One per person per month, please) •10AM—2PM •2PM—6PM •6PM—10PM

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6 October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10 Overcoming Economic Insecurity

All of the Ninth Step Promises had come true for me except for the which way to go next. A man came out of his house and asked what I fear of financial insecurity. No matter how much money I possessed, was looking for. I explained what I was doing, and he invited me to I still had this feeling of impending doom. stay in his drawing room for the night – he This dilemma plagued me for years, and was an architect and trusted me with all of while I was reasonably happy in most are- his tools. as of my life, financial insecurity was constantly with me. One day, I was thirsty, but the water in town was full of sulfur and not drinkable. One day, while thinking deeply about how Suddenly, a woman appeared from behind I could overcome this fear, I thought about me holding a glass of ice-cold pure water. I the evening that I surrendered my life and once passed a pear tree and asked the my will over to the care of something larg- woman who lived there if I could pick some er than me. The result was life changing. pears. She said I could after I came in for My life was revolutionized. I no longer had dinner. Following the dinner and some fel- the desire to stop drinking; it was just re- lowship with the family, I picked about a moved. I decided to do the same thing regarding financial insecurity. dozen pears and was on my way again. I reasoned that if I let go and surrendered the whole monetary thing, I might be free from that, too. What happened next was also life As I traveled, I would find a few tools on the shoulder. I picked up a changing! screwdriver and pliers and took them into a small grocery store and asked if I could trade them in for a box of cereal. The owner said to I decided to give away my car, all of my money, clothes, and anything me, “I know you. You won’t take the best, and I want you to have the else I possessed. I kept the clothes I was wearing and my bicycle. I best; so keep your tools.” She took me by the hand and walked me rode my bicycle from Miami to Washington, D.C., with nothing but through the store while filling a large bag with delicious food. I my old bicycle. I even threw away my driver’s license. I became a thanked her and was on my way out of the store when her husband nobody with nothing. I had to depend entirely upon God for food, came in and introduced himself as the local minister in town. He said, water, shelter, and identification. “You know, we’ve always been taught that it is better to give than to receive, but if we don’t receive, the giver won’t be blessed.” Today I The trip lasted ten days. During that time, I would pray for lunch, and don’t refuse anything given to me. If I don’t want it, I receive it any- a minute later I would find a little brown bag with an apple and sand- way and later pass it on to someone else I know who would like it. wich in it. I prayed for a place to stay when I could see rain coming up ahead. Moments later, a car pulled up, a man got out and said, “I One day I was hungry and said, “God, this is pretty selfish of me, but I saw you riding past my motel. We are not filled tonight, so you can have a craving for pizza.” I was silent for a minute or two, and a voice come back and stay with us overnight at no charge.” When I got back inside of me said, “Go to the first pizza place you come to and ask for to the motel, I realized that was right where I had said that prayer. pizza.” I walked in, and the host said, “May I help you?” I said, “Do you have any leftover or burned pizza I could have?” He said, “Follow me.” On another occasion, I was standing at a corner trying to figure out He sat me at a table, gave me a menu, and said, “You may have whatever you like.” I ate my pizza and was on my way again.

I decided to give away my car, all of my money, clothes, A man riding a high-tech bike, dressed in his snazzy racing Lycra outfit and anything else I possessed. I kept the clothes I was passed me, so I said, “Hi!” as he whizzed by me. He did not reply in wearing and my bicycle. I rode my bicycle from Miami kind, but when I caught up to him at the next gas station checking his tire pressure, he talked to me and kindly said, “It looks like your tires to Washington, D.C., with nothing but my old bicycle. I are a little low. Let me put some more air into them.” He did, and even threw away my driver’s license. I became a no- wow! I was flying! What a difference the right air pressure makes! body with nothing. I had to depend entirely upon God for food, water, shelter, and identification. Continued on page 15

7 October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10 Self-Knowledge or Spiritual Answer?

Growing up in a home where alcoholic behavior ran rampant, my per- ism. This was a deep, dark hell that had robbed me of my marriage, spective of an alcoholic was far from reality. Inuring the chaos and my children, moral and philosophical convictions . . . and most of violence as a protective shield of escape, I had unknowingly con- all, it had robbed me of my relationship with the God of my child- doned unacceptable behaviors of abuse. That first drink in my moth- hood. I had experienced a powerful encounter with Him at ten years er’s womb had damaged my potential to grow up as a stable, well- of age, and now all these years later, alcohol was my god. It had balanced child. My mother administered hot tod- mastered my soul, and my spirit was being held hos- dies (whiskey, honey, and water), thinking this was tage against my will. I had been robbed by self- a cure. She didn’t know that this was setting me up knowledge that told me my nerves were shaky be- to spiral down into the hell of alcoholism. Nineteen cause my husband and children were in the way of years later, I would begin to learn that I was my drinking. “absolutely unable to stop drinking on the basis of self-knowledge” (Big Book, p. 39). By now, my nervous condition required more seda- tives and more alcohol to calm my nerves (self- As I grew out of the toddler years, my mother knowledge). I was hospitalized on two different oc- turned from hot toddies to the family doctor. She casions for nervous breakdowns. The doctor did not was searching for a solution to my tormenting mention alcohol, just prescribed more and stronger bouts of pneumonia, asthma, allergies, allergic medications. My mind stayed fixed on the idea that rhinitis, pleurisy, and a host of unending upper- this madness and terror just needed another drink. respiratory challenges. The doctor prescribed vari- The mental and physical torture were a living hell. ous medications, which brought short-term relief. At eight years of age, the doctor suggested that a That living hell led me to unending attempts to stop tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy would help since drinking, for I could not stay stopped. Weary, des- both of those body parts were infected, so my pairing, and suicidal, I met a man who was eight mother agreed to the surgery. years sober. This began my journey into the rooms of AA, as I went to meetings with him to be support- Briefly, there seemed to be some relief from the ive of him. We met, married, and divorced within a incessant coughing that was caused from the up- matter of three months. Self-knowledge had failed per-respiratory afflictions. Then headaches began me once again, for I thought a “man” would be the to torment me, so the doctor prescribed more and various other medi- answer to all my problems. When I saw that this had only added to cations. All throughout my growing-up years, I took prescribed medi- my problems, I ran to my doctor to get more pills. That wise doctor cations for the excruciatingly painful headaches. would not prescribe more pills. He prescribed an alcohol rehab next door to where his office was! At nineteen years of age, my ninth-grade sweetheart and I were married. He was six months older than I was and had been drinking beer, I am deeply grateful that my doctor had a spiritual answer which along with over-the-counter (OTC) uppers and downers. I knew noth- brought hope for my declining moral and bodily health. His spiritual ing about those OTC pills but soon found myself joining him in ingest- answer saved me from the morgue and from being incarcerated in ing them to go to sleep and to stay awake. It wasn’t long until I joined a state mental institution like my brother and sister had been. him in drinking beer and quickly advanced to hard liquor and partying. Self-knowledge that twisted and tortured my brain had failed for half The more I drank, the more I found that I had to drink. The excruciat- of my life. I’m now in the second half of my life and in a phase of ing headaches increased, along with unending kidney and bladder development where I receive strength, inspiration, and daily direc- infections and other painful mental and bodily functions. I did not tion from the God of my understanding. Self-knowledge will always know that the disease of alcoholism had picked up right where it had fail me, but His spiritual answers begin and end with a daily re- left off with my last hot toddy as a toddler until twenty-one years later, prieve from self-knowledge to a fit spiritual condition, contingent on when my self-knowledge had spiraled me into the insanity of alcohol- the maintenance of the Twelve Steps that I apply to every trial and every challenge, that I am faced with. The God of my understand- Self-knowledge will always fail me, but His ing has ALL knowledge and ALL power to guide me to spiritual answers for everything that I need. His guidance always is the same: spiritual answers begin and end with a daily to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety, and to reprieve from self-knowledge to a fit spiritual allow Him to continue to fit me to be of maximum service to Him condition, contingent on the maintenance of and the people about me. This keeps me out of self-knowledge and the Twelve Steps that I apply to every trial and allows me to be of service as a channel of His spiritual answers. every challenge that I am faced with. Effie R. 8

October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10

Step One October Pamphlet of the Month THE AWAKENING

A new day is dawning and the sun has risen. Won’t someone save me from this alcohol prison! Chaos and obsession, I yearn to leave behind. Being selfish and self-centered is my life’s design. All my friends and family caught in a twisted swirl. So many lies and excuses, I so constantly twirl. Always drinking the poison from the devil’s cup. After decades of boozing, my life is corrupt. All I see behind me is a path of destruction. Rarely a relationship, more like drunken seduction. Waking up with a hangover. Pardon me, what’s your name? Never again, I would promise. What a vicious game. As for honor and reputation, I’ve thrown it all away. At times I don’t deserve to even breathe another day. Powerless over alcohol, will someone help me, please? My life is unmanageable and I have a disease. I admit I have a problem and want to start anew. I’m ready to make the changes and to be authentic and true.

Sue S.

Diving Into AA

As I listened to her story, she said: “I’ve tried everything. It’s better than alcohol or edibles, my drink/drug of choice is now Listerine.”

“I liked the buzz from the Listerine; when I woke up, the date was 4/20. Figured I’d never forget that date; what I consumed was way more than plenty!”

“So I decided to give it to God, though I heard not His gentle voice. I surrender it all; no more white-knuckling. Diving into AA again, is my only choice!”

“For it’s here I learn how not to be controlled, by a substance, every time I’m feeling hurt. Or when I get angry, and need a crutch. How agnostic and atheist Know I can no longer, with these chemicals, flirt.” AAs have found long-

lasting sobriety I guess I know in my heart, that He wants me to come to Him. And He’ll give me rest and accountability, in AA’s fellowship, where I’m learning to swim!”

Anonymous 9 October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10 Sam’s Our Man Tenth Feature of How AA Became the Way AA Is Today

[Editor’s note: Each month this year your Lifeline Committee Group, and they began meeting at the home of Bill and his wife, will be introducing you to some of the people responsible for Lois. creating Alcoholics Anonymous into the society we know as AA today. This is a chance for both old-timers and newcomers to The first three Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, the starting point learn more about our collective history.] for sobriety in the AA program, were inspired, in part, by The Oxford Group and Sam Shoemaker. According to AA Archives, Rev. Samuel Moor Shoemaker III, DD, STD Bill explained, “the early AA got its ideas of self- (Born December 27, 1893; Died October 31, examination, acknowledgement of character de- 1963) Married to Helen Smith Shoemaker. fects, restitution for harm done, and working with others straight from the Oxford Groups and Sam helped struggling alcoholics by providing a directly from Sam Shoemaker.” refuge for them and by supporting Bill W. with spiritual principles, which influenced the Twelve Bill and Sam remained friends for many years, Steps and the nature of our program. and Sam was very helpful to AA during its fledg- ling years. Bill considered him to be one of our Sam was a priest of the Episcopal Church. He founders. was considered one of the best preachers of his era, and his sermons were syndicated for distri- [Editor’s note: Read more about Sam Shoemaker Rev. Sam Shoemaker and our early beginnings in the books, Pass it On, bution by tape and radio networks for decades. Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers, and AA Comes of Age, availa- Sam served as the rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in New ble for sale at Central Office, 1526 Brookhollow, Suite 75, in San- York City, the United States headquarters of the Oxford Group ta Ana, (714-556-4555), or the South County Office, 30011 Ivy during the 1930s. Glenn Dr., Suite 104 in Laguna Niguel (949-582-2697),

www.oc-aa.org.] In 1917, he went to China for the YMCA and met Frank Buch- man, founder of the Oxford Group. Upon his return he became * * * involved with Calvary and built Calvary House (a hostel), and Calvary Mission, a place for “down-and-outers,” and the place Note: Your Lifeline Committee, as a service to our AA communi- where Bill surrendered. ty, compiled this article. Thank you for your continued support.

Calvary was a place for Oxford Group meetings, and several alcoholics would go there seeking spiritual help. Eventually, Bill Readers’ Forum felt that the alcoholics needed to be set apart from the Oxford What do you think about the Oxford Group’s ideas of self- examination, acknowledgement of character defects, restitution Sam helped struggling alcoholics by providing a for harm done, and working with others? Can you see how refuge for them and by supporting Bill W. with those ideas influenced our Steps and our program? spiritual principles, which influenced the Twelve Steps and the nature of our program. Please send your comments on this article or anything in the Lifeline to: [email protected].

October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10 Step Ten: Beginning of the Maintenance Steps Understanding the Disease of Alcoholism Takes Time

we were wrong promptly admitted it” (Big Book, p. 59). I believe After being in the program for a while, it occurred to me that initial- that most of the members of AA who actually go through the ly, there was no way I could have performed all the measures sug- Steps, as suggested in the Big Book, have been doing this to some gested in the Steps on my first go-around. Coming from an alcohol- degree since they became aware of it in the Fourth and Fifth ic’s approach to the issues we plan to address, Steps. The reason why they reintroduced us to we eventually come to understand that we this topic in the Tenth Step was to make it clear can only give it our best effort to start the that we will continue to do this for the rest of process. Understanding the disease of alco- our lives. We are never finished when it comes holism takes time. We can, however, establish to taking the Steps. a framework without concluding that we have completed the Steps. There is a line that we cross if we are com-

mitted to the goal of becoming the best we can As we continue to grow in the program, more be in life. We stop asking, Why must we do all will be revealed about the Steps taken. That is the things that the program suggests? We start where Step Ten becomes the opportunity to asking the question, Why wouldn’t we do these revisit past Steps and fill in the empty spaces things that result in freedom of the mind? as we evolve. That does not mean that we cannot address those issues when we become The biggest misconception that we have is the aware of them. If we stay sober long enough idea that, somehow, we are responsible for to get to this level of understanding, we will becoming an alcoholic, and this is simply not the continue to repair our broken relations with case. Alcoholism is a disease that we did not others and clear up legal, marital and financial problems that can have the capacity to decide to become afflicted with when we be a distraction when it comes to looking at the deeper rooted were born. You might say that alcoholism is a byproduct of guilt, emotional, mental, and spiritual issues. shame, and low self-esteem based on habits and deeds of the

past. When we took our first drink, it did something for us that it We cannot ignore the need for upkeep and maintenance in the did not do for the normal person. It masks all our fears and insecu- program any more than we can ignore the upkeep and mainte- rities temporarily but does not erase those embarrassing behav- nance when we purchase a new car. Brake shoes wear thin, oil gets iors from our minds and our conscience. We behaved poorly as we dirty, coolant evaporates, etc. The same effect takes place in the evolved through our adolescence and young adulthood due to the process of recovery. If we become complacent at any level of this fears and inhibitions associated with alcoholism. process, as it often happens, we may relapse or miss out on the promises set forth in Step Nine. Who could fault the person who discovers they have a disease,

takes it upon themselves to treat that disease, restores and ac- In Step Ten, we “continued to take personal inventory and when counts for all the faulty behaviors that stem from that disease, makes restitution and becomes a model citizen? This is the natural We cannot ignore the need for upkeep and development that evolves as the result of taking the Steps and maintenance in the program any more than we can continuing the upkeep and maintenance process. I thank God that ignore the upkeep and maintenance when we the program of Alcoholics Anonymous has taken one hell of a load purchase a new car. Brake shoes wear thin, oil gets off my mind, and I am at peace mentally when my head hits the pillow at night. dirty, coolant evaporates, etc. The same effect takes

place in the process of recovery. Rick R.

October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10 Group Contributions to Central Office, August Su 7:00P-Thers is Solution, 31872 PCH $216 AUG YTD Sa 10:00A-Veterans in Rec., 12453 L $62 $62 Th 12:00P-(W)'s BB Study, 26051 Marg. $252 Mo 12:00P-BB Study, 20456 LCR $100 ALISO VIEJO ^ ^ Sa 10:30A-F Troop, 9845 Belfast $25 Th 8:00P-Stand/Door, 26051 Marg $75 Mo 6:15P-(W)'s Perspective, 20456 L $105 Mo 7:00P-Women's P.A.I.D. $77 HUNTINGTON BEACH ^ ^ NEWPORT BEACH ^ ^ Mo 6:30P-(W)'s BB Stdy, Wesley $418 ANAHEIM ^ ^ Dly 6:00A-Early Birds, 19092 Beach Bl $404 $1,104 M-S 6:30A-Jumpstart Disc, 414 E. 32nd $397 $1,355 Mo 6:30P-BB Study, 20456 LCR $175 Th 7:30P-A Way Out, 1515 W. North $250 Dly 7:00A-Hggrs/Bill Sees It, 8200 Ellis $714 M-F 6:30A-Chicken Coop Round Table, $500 Mo 7:00P-S/Coast (M)'s, 340 S/Ann's $300 ANAHEIM HILLS ^ ^ Dly 8:00A-Hggrs II, H.B Lifegrd Tower $923 M-F 12:00P-Beginners, 414 E. 32nd $182 Mo 8:00P-(M)'s Stag, 20456 LCR $380 We 7:00P-Just the Black Print, 4101 E. $259 $611 Su 9:00A-On/Beach, Lifegrd Tower 11 $240 M-F 12:15P-Shark@Aquatic, 1Whitecliffs $1,160 Tu 12:30P-(W)'s Disc, 20456 LCR $350 BREA ^ ^ Su 10:00A-Sober Sharing, 19092 Beach $80 $129 M-F 2:00P-Nwprt Nomads, 414 Old Nw $10 $420 Tu 6:30P-(M)'s Beg, 31872 PCH $991 BUENA PARK ^ ^ Su 7:00P-Triangle Grp, 19092 Beach Bl $50 M-F 5:30P-Fish Out'a Water, 414 E. 3 $500 We 7:00A-Whale Watchers (M)'s, PCH $2,019 CAPISTRANO BEACH ^ ^ Su 7:30P-Disc, 9812 Hamilton Ave. $113 Su 7:15A-(M)'s Early Risers, 798 Dover $240 $488 We 7:00A-6th Sense in Action, 20456 L $60 Su 9:30A-Sandy Survivors, Doheny SB $60 Mo 12:00P-(W)'s Bill Sees It, 18631 C $70 $350 Su 9:30A-Sandy Survivors, On/Beach $400 $810 We 7:00A-(M)'s Book Study, 1042 Te $610 We 7:00P-Doheny Group, 27002 Camino $276 Mo 5:00P-Men's Book Study, 19092 B $150 Su 6:00P-Primary Purp Grp, 798 Dover $246 We 6:00P-Beg Disc, 20456 LCR $3 CORONA DEL MAR ^ ^ Mo 6:00P-Read n Chat, 7641 Talbert $75 $138 Mo 12:30P-Back Bay (M)'s, 2401 Irvine $674 We 8:00P-(M)'s Part, 21632 Wesley $123 Mo 7:00P-Chicks/Feather, Pacific View $144 $301 Mo 7:00P-(W)'s Sans, 18631 Chapel Ln. $100 Mo 7:00P-Over 40 Disc., 1099 Bayside $300 We 8:00P-So. Coast Speakers, 286 St. $2,288 Tu 6:00P-(W)'s 12x12, 3233 Pacific View $70 Mo 7:00P-Thank/Sharing, 9932 Hamilt $150 Mo 7:00P-(M)'s Disc, 1 Hoag $769 Th 6:00P-(W)'s Stag, 20456 LCR $253 $412 Tu 7:00P-CDM (M)'s Stag, 611 Heliot 3,000 $3,140 Mo 7:30P-(M)'s BB & 12&12 KIS, 1912 $234 Mo 8:30P-Balboa Island SS, 115 Agate $450 Th 8:00P-Do or Die, 20456 LCR $168 $600 We 7:00A-(W)'s B/B, 3233 Pacific View $722 Tu 6:00A-(W)'s BB Study, 19092 Beach $100 $100 Tu 6:00P-Castaways (W's) BB, 798 Do $270 Fr 6:55A-(W)'s Workshop BB, 20456 $429 Th 6:00P-Happy Hour (M)'s Pacific View $120 Tu 1:00P-Harmony (W)'s, Beach/Den $160 We 5:45P-Rigorous Honesty, 5001 Nwpt $30 $30 Fr 12:00P-Q & A, 20456 LCR $211 COSTA MESA ^ ^ Tu 6:00P-Newcomer Topic, 19092 Be $20 We 7:00P-Steps&Trads, 2200 San Joaq $314 Fr 6:00P-Happy Hour Disc, 20456 LCR $150 Dly 7:00A-As Bill Sees It, 2845 Mesa $100 Tu 6:30P-Sundowners Part. 6622 Lakev $100 We 8:00P-Recovery Radicals, 1 Hoag $50 $50 Fr 8:00P-Here & Now, 21632 Wesley $310 M-F 6:45A-Morning Meditat, 254 Victoria $1 Tu 7:00P-(W)'s Serenity BB, 2721 Del $116 Th 9:30A-(W) SOS, 2200 San Joaquin H $150 Sa 7:00A-(M)'s 6,7,10,11 Step, 1042 T $381 M-F 10:00A-Big Book Study, 2040 Pla $10 $50 Tu 7:30P-Newcomer (M)'s Stag, 9812 H $20 $120 Th 7:30P-Balboa Spkr Grp, 414 E. 32nd $291 $291 Sa 12:30P-Into Action, 20456 LCR $50 $170 M-F 12:00P-Noon Rec, 784 Victoria $135 $170 Tu 7:30P-(W)'s Discussion, 8200 Ellis $100 $180 Fr 7:00P-Fri Nite Light BB, 1 Hoag $118 Sa 7:00A-Whale Watchers (M)'s, PCH $100 $649 Su 8:45A-Chow Hooligans, 2040 Place $117 We 10:30A-Slogan Sisters, 9812 Hamilt $31 $81 Sa 8:00A-Easy Risers, 2100 Mar Vista $392 Sa 8:00P-Canyon Club Spkr, 20456 $350 $800 Su 7:00P-Sun Night Speaker, 1701 W. $75 We 1:00P-(W)'s 12&12 Stdy, 9812 Ham $50 $100 Sa 8:00A-Castaways Men's, 798 Dover $720 Sa 8:00P-Living Sober Spkrs, 428 Park $260 Mo 6:00P-As Bill Sees It, 2040 Placentia $50 We 2:00P-Seniors & Friends, 2721 Del $120 $300 Sa 11:00A-Participation, 414 E. 32nd $100 LAGUNA HILLS ^ ^ Mo 6:00P-(M)'s BB, 2015 Charle St $130 We 6:30P-(W)'s SS, 7641 Talbert $101 $101 Sa 8:30P-Hoag Hut Spkr, 3900 PCH $750 M-F 7:30A-Sobriety, 23802 A D C $240 $1,215 Tu 6:00P-(W)'s Sole Purpose, 2040 Pl $83 We 7:30P-Triangle Grp BB, 18631 Cha $50 ORANGE ^ ^ Su 5:00P-11th Step Med, 23802 ADC $50 $250 Tu 7:30P-Men's Last Gaspers, 695 W. 1 $218 $218 Th 10:00A-(W)'s BB Stdy, 18631 Chapel $60 $120 Su 11:00A-BB Study, 2191 Orange-Olive $64 $192 Su 7:30P-Legacy Grp, 23802 ADC $275 $2,175 We 12:00P-High Noon Step, 183 E. Bay $105 Th 7:00P-11th Step Disc., 1912 Florida $50 $175 Mo 12:00P-12x12 Steps&Trad, 2191 Or $100 Mo 6:00P-(W)'s Disc., 23802 ADC $172 We 6:00P-Pass it On (M), 2015 Charle $100 $190 Fr 10:00A-Step Sisters, 18631 Chapel $180 $381 Mo 7:00P-Fri. on Mon., 261 N. Glassell $60 Tu 7:00P-(M)'s Stag, 23802 ADC $600 We 7:00P-Men's Stag, 2015 Charle St. $120 $188 Fr 6:00P-MIS/Men in Solution, 18631 C $150 $350 Mo 7:30P-Speaker, 2191 Orange-Olive $46 Tu 7:30P-By the Book, 23802 ADC $210 $1,130 Th 5:30P-(W)'s Its/Book Study, 2040 $45 Fr 6:30P-BB Stdy, 16400 Springdale $100 $190 Tu 7:00P-(W)'s Keep It Simple, 1310 E $234 $382 Th 7:00P-Stop in Time, 23802 ADC $300 Th 6:00P-Women Help Wmn, 2607 Willo $105 $371 Fr 8:00P-HB Downtowners, 2721 Dela $40 We 12:00P-Crawl/No One, 2191 Orang $170 Th 7:00P-(W)'s Candlelight, 23181 Ver $180 Th 6:30P-Book Club, 2850 Fairview $5 Fr 8:00P-Finally a Friday, 19092 Beach $125 $125 We 7:00P-Alkies Only, 1111 W. Town $50 Th 7:30P-Central Fact BB, 23802 ADC $95 Th 7:00P-12 Steps & 12 Trads, E Bay $167 Sa 7:30A-(M)'s Book Study, 19092 Beac $70 We 7:30P-Forever Non-Prof, 2191 Orang $77 Sa 7:00A-Warmer-Upper, 23802 ADC $249 $714 Th 7:30P-Men's Stag Candlelight, 1701 $540 $540 Sa 9:30A-Charle St. Overflow, 9812 Ha $80 $220 Th 7:00P-How It Works, 121 S. Center $20 $20 Sa 9:00 AM-(W)'s SS, 23802 ADC $50 Fr 7:00P-Q&A, 183 E. Bay $36 $36 Sa 9:30A-(W)'s BB Study, 19092 Beach $76 Th 6:30P-Ladies Night, 300 N. Rampart $507 Sa 11:00A-Acceptance Grp, 23802 $100 Fr 6:30P-Family After, 1701 Baker St. $87 $267 Sa 10:00A-(W)'s BBStdy, 2721 Delaw $120 $411 Th 7:30P-777 (M) Beginners, 395 S. Tu $120 Fr 7:30P-Creative Share, 2525 Fairview $120 $480 Sa 7:00P-Sat Nite Live BB, 18631 Cha $150 $250 LAGUNA NIGUEL ^ ^ Fr 7:00P-As Bill Sees It, 161 S. Orange $75 Sa 9:00A-(W)'s Working/Solution, 333 H $65 IRVINE ^ ^ Mo 7:00A-(M)'s Stag B2B, 30071 Ivy G $232 PLACENTIA ^ ^ Sa 3:00P-Goat Hill Step/Trad, 275 Victo $10 $95 Dly 6:30A-Sunrise Sobriety, 4400 Barr $3,523 Mo 10:30A-(W)'s 12X12 Stdy, 27802 El $335 RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA ^ ^ Sa 6:00P-Sat. Night Refugees, 2144 Th $526 Dly 7:00A-Solu Grp Mar, 5001 Newport 2,462 9,392 Mo 5:30P-(M)'s What's/Purpose, 30111 $240 Su 7:00P-Old Time AA 12&12, 30605 Flo $240 CYPRESS ^ ^ M-F 6:30A-It's/New Morning, 4915 Alton 1,000 2,155 Mo 8:00P-12&12 Stdy, 30071 Ivy Glenn $150 Mo 7:00P-(W)'sSta/Sober, 30382VCD $245 We 7:00P-(W)'s SS, 4111 Katella $60 Su 10:00A-Donut Mtg, 6670 Alton Pky $963 Th 5:30P- Mixed Meditaion, 29102 Cr $70 $70 Mo 7:30P-Charter(M)'s, 30605 Ave de la $563 DANA POINT ^ ^ Mo 5:00P-(W)'s Blue Book, 5001 Newp $44 $719 Fr 7:00A-Back to Basics Men's, 30120 $200 Tu 7:30P-Old TimeAA BB Stdy, 30382 $519 Dly 7:00A-Hard Core Harbor, 34451 Ens $750 Mo 6:30P-(W)'s BB & 12x12, 4949 Alton $200 $200 Fr 10:30A-(W)'s Disc., 30071 Ivy Glenn $269 M-F 6:30A-Att & Grat, 30605 Ave D/L Fl $801 Su 9:30A-DP Harbor Spkr, 34699 Gldn $200 Mo 6:30P-Easy Does It, 4949 Alton $476 Fr 7:30P-Here & Now, 24360 Yosemite $95 Th 6:30P-All About the Book, priv. res $90 M-F 7:00A-The AA 54 Mtg, 24707 Dana $157 Mo 7:30P-(W)'s Disc., 15 Orange Tree $85 $322 Sa 8:30A-(M)'s Meditation, 29102 Crw $50 Th 7:30P-11th Stp Spt Disc, 30322 VCD $120 $330 Mo 5:00P-The Ladies Grp, 24642 San $358 Tu 12:00P-(W)'s BB Stdy, 5101 Alton $25 Sa 6:00P-Candlelight, 27802 El Lazo $301 Sa 10:30A-(W)'s BB Stdy, VCD $488 Mo 5:30P-(W)'s Disc, Ensenada & DPH $253 Tu 6:00P-W's Courage To Change, 1 $208 LAGUNA WOODS ^ ^ SAN CLEMENTE ^ ^ Tu 7:00A-Tues Morning (M's) BB/SS, 3 $126 Tu 7:30P-(M)'s of Irvine, 4949 Alton $100 Dly 7:30A-Do It Sober, 24442 Moulton $451 $3,436 Dly 6:30A-What's Good, 929 Calle Negoc $274 Tu 2:00P-Seniors & Friends, 25332 Ya $200 We 6:30P-BB & 12x12, 18422 Culver $122 $734 We 1:15P-(W)'s BB Stdy, 24351 El Toro $150 Su 7:00P-Sandy Bottom, 35522 Cam We 7:00A-(W)'s Harbor B/B Study, 246 $150 Th 6:30P-(W)'s Gypsies, 1 Sunnyhill $211 Fr 10:30A-Top/Hill Gang, 24252 El Toro $50 Cap $210 $535 We 7:00A-(M)'s Gloria Dei BB, 33501 S $150 $150 Fr 7:00A-Solutions, 5001 Npt Coast $975 LA HABRA ^ ^ Mo 7:00P-N.O.I. (M)'s, 119 Estrella $750 Th 9:30A-(W) Back to Basics BB, 33501 $230 Fr 10:30A-Over 50 Grp, 4400 Barranca $20 M-F 6:15A- Topic Disc, 631 N. Euclid $200 $740 Tu 7:00A-Step Sisters (W), 101 Ave Del $162 Fr 10:00A-Only Black Print, 33501 Ston $42 Fr 12:00P-(W)'s Alton Noon, 5101 Alto $155 LAKE FOREST ^ ^ Tu 6:00P-SOS(W)'s Disc, 190 Ave La P $331 $535 Fr 11:30A-(W)'s B 2 B Grapevine, 33501 $221 Fr 12:00P-(W)'s As Bill Sees It, 5101 $130 We 7:30P-Back To Basics, 23262 El $175 We 7:00P-Shark Tank, 1201 Puerta del $250 Fr 7:00P-Fri. Night Grapevine, 34451 E $600 Fr 5:30P-On the Way Home, 15 Org $128 LA MIRADA ^ ^ Fr 12:30P-Voluntary Part., 929 Calle N $600 Fr 8:00P-Fight Club, 33501 Stonehill $111 Fr 7:00P Winning Tkt Bk Stdy, 6650 A $100 $100 LAS FLORES ^ ^ Fr 7:00P-(W)'s BB & SS, 202 Ave Aragon $160 FOUNTAIN VALLEY ^ ^ Fr 8:00PWild Bunch, 5001 Newport $150 LOS ALAMITOS ^ ^ Fr 7:00P-Friday Knights, 35522 Camino $433 Dly 6:00A-Solutions, 16581 Brookhurst $48 Sa 9:15A-SS, 5101 Alton Pky $188 $787 Dly 7:00A-Surrender is Freedom, 10961 $327 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO ^ ^ Dly 8:30A- How it Works, 16581 Brook $50 LAGUNA BEACH ^ ^ Sa 6:00P-Sat Night Lite, 4111 Katella $275 Dly 6:00A-Taking a Trip, 21891 Camino $405 $739 Tu 7:00P-TWNMBD, 16581 Brookhurst $30 Dly 7:00A-C Club 7AMs Att Adj, 20456 L $60 $1,113 MISSION VIEJO ^ ^ Dly Various- San Juan Meetings $499 We 7:30P-Disc, 10280 Slater $140 Dly 7:05A-Attitude Adj, 31872 PCH 2,872 5,245 Mo 7:00P- (M)'s Talking/Steps, 26558 $300 Su 5:00P-1 Hr Top Disc, 32222 Del $341 FULLERTON ^ ^ Dly 12:00P-AA Daily Noon, Zoom $50 Mo 7:00P-(W)'s 12 x 12 Study, 26051 $347 Tu 5:00P-(W)'s SS, 32202 Del Obispo $202 GARDEN GROVE ^ ^ M-Sa 7:00-Keep Coming Back/Ruby's, $60 We 9:30A-(W)'s Topic, 26051 Marguerite $150 Tu 6:00P-(M)'s Stag/Munchies, 32202 De $1,904 Tu 8:00P-Back/Basics, 9845 Belfast $100 $100 Su 6:55A-Keep It Simple, 20456 LC $354 $613 We 8:30P-Missionaries Disc, 26558 Ma $120 Th 5:30P-Joy/Sobriety, 27124 Paseo $60 Fr 10:30A-(W)'s (C)12 & 12, 9845 Blfst $30 Su 10:30A-Sun Q&A Serenity Hill, 3187 $309 Th 12:00P-(W)'s Disc, 26558 Marg. $100 Continued on page 14 12 October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10 Speaker Meetings

Anaheim Laguna Niguel Orange (Continued)

7:30PM, Thursday 7:30PM, Sunday A Way Out (Speaker with open participation) ZOOM 7:00PM, Sunday Salvation Army Church Laguna Niguel Speaker Meeting Sunday Night Speakers Meeting 1515 W. North St. (Opens at 7:00, meeting starts at 7:30) River 47 Church Meeting ID: 451 797 737 (no password) 250 S. Prospect St. Costa Mesa Contact: Eddie P.

7:00PM, Sunday Newport Beach Sunday Night Costa Mesa Speaker Mesa Verde United Methodist Church 8:00PM, Saturday 1701 West Baker St. 7:00PM, Monday Saturday Night Visiting Speakers Monday Night Newport Speakers Meeting 1111 W. Town and Country Rd. 414 E. 32nd St. (St. Matthew Ecumenical Catholic Church) Contact: Ashleigh L. Contacts: Glenn H. & Chris W. 7:30PM, Saturday Back to Basics Speaker Meeting Dana Point 414 E. 32nd St. Contact: Nicole A. Rancho Santa Margarita 8:30PM, Saturday 9:30AM First Sunday only each month ZOOM Dana Point Harbor Monthly 7:30PM, Friday Hoag Hut Speaker Meeting Speaker Birthday Group Roads End Participation (Opens at 8:15, meeting starts at 8:30) Wind & Sea Restaurant upstairs 30322 Via Con Dios @ Meeting ID: 883 0210 2487, Password: 077787 Dana Point Harbor Santa Margarita Pkwy. Contact: John H. Contact: Cheri K. Huntington Beach Santa Ana/North Tustin Orange 6:30PM, Wednesday 7:00PM, Sunday Coed Mischief Management with Childcare Sober & Crazy Speaker Meeting Speaker with open participation 8:00PM, Friday 12881 Newport Ave. St. Wilfreds Church-Sanctuary Friday Night No Puffers Contact: Megan H. & Hilary K. 18631 Chapel Ln. Community of Christ Church

395 S. Tustin St. 7:00PM, Saturday Contact: Ryan B. HOW Hall Saturday Night Lite Speaker Meeting 19092 Beach Blvd. #G & H

Laguna Beach Visit Sunset Beach 7:00PM, Saturday 8:00PM, Saturday Rule 62 Speakers Living Sober Speaker Meeting www.oc-aa.org 16865 Pacific Coast Hwy. Guild Hall 428 Park Ave. @Catalina (behind church) for an Contact: Paul D. Contact: Jordan B. updated Villa Park To have your speaker meeting or event 9:02AM, Sunday meeting Podium Participation Speaker listed (or updated with Zoom meeting Meeting with Q & A IDs and passwords), please send schedule, news, 17885 Santiago Blvd. (City Hall Comm. Room—behind Rockwell’s) information to Lifeline, and Contact: Roxanne B. or [email protected] by the 15th Mike L. of the month. other events.

13 October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10

Continued from page 12 ID# 703 904 0918 $15 Jim G., Laguna Beach $60 Receipt #2354 CK #1085709984 $120 Th 7:30P-(M)'s Q & A/Gator Mtg, 32202 $447 ID# 630 174 0918 $15 Joann F., Laguna Beach $20 Receipt #2390 CK #0095261968 $233 Sa 6:30A-Eye Opener, 32202 Del Obispo $1,000 ID# 625 144 4413 $202 Jodi C., Aliso Viejo $50 Receipt #2428 CK #1827 $67 Sa 12:00P-(W)'s Jaywalkers, 32202 Del $46 Wed. Beg. ID# 763 7627 2910 $75 $75 Joe S., La Habra $20 Receipt #2431 CK #17-948002704 $200 Sa 6:00P-Keep It Simple, 31461 Rcho V $100 Sunset Mtg ID# 553 789 870 $167 $167 John H., HB $25 Receipt #2458 CK #19-036820815 $114 SANTA ANA ^ ^ Interview w/Lady Lush $110 $110 John L., MV $20 Receipt #2476 CK #3771 $195 Dly 7:00A-Early Birds, 2425 N. Tustin $645 Laguna Beach Zoom $500 $1,931 John W., San Clemente $500 Receipt #2484 CK #1835 $97 Dly 12:00P-Nueva Luz, 2525 N. Grand $35 Surf City Sobriety $100 Jolene B., Costa Mesa $40 Receipt #2947 CK #1399 $300 Sa 10:00A-Desire to Stop, 1752 S. Main $140 $330 MISC. DONATIONS ^ ^ Julie B., Costa Mesa $40 Receipt #2968 CK #PayPal $197 SEAL BEACH ^ ^ OCCO Piggy Bank $30 $54 June (B.J.) L., Irvine $150 Receipt #1000 CK #3296 $120 Mo 7:30P-Speakers, 500 Marina $99 IG Coffee Basket $58 Kabral C. $10 Receipt #1034 CK #20892759265 $105 We 7:00P- BYO Coffee BB, 148 10th St. $100 Canyon Club $235 Katie & Greg W., SJC $50 Receipt #0515 CK #591 $25 We 7:30P-(W)'s SS, 138 8th St $53 Southern CA AA Convention $250 Kelley D., Costa Mesa $5 $25 Receipt #0536 CK #2586864726 $155 Th 6:00P-Ladies Power Hour, 148 10th $30 Southern CA Men's Banquet $893 Kirk G., San Clemente $30 Receipt #0554 CK #4318 $53 SILVERADO CANYON ^ ^ District 15 Area 9 $600 Kiyoko S. $50 $50 Receipt #1049 CK #1375 $188 SUNSET BEACH ^ ^ AOCYPAA $168 Lawrence H., Irvine $50 Receipt #1059 CK #5441 $33 Su 9:00A-Sober On/Sand, End of 16th $35 PERSONAL DONATIONS ^ ^ Liam D., Aliso Viejo $20 Receipt #0583 CK #1043 $38 Su 5:00P-Sundowners, 16865 PCH $60 Anonymous $697 $3,339 Liz F. $20 Receipt #0599 CK #596 $25 Su 7:00P-11th Step Study, 16865 PCH $50 $150 Allison S. $10 $10 Lyn, Orange $100 $200 Receipt #0625 CK #0048262209 $365 Mo 7:00A-BB Study, 16865 PCH $114 Andrea C. $20 Marilyn C., San Clemente $100 Receipt #1151 CK #5909 $358 Tu,Th 7:00A-Disc, 16865 PCH $69 Andrew H., FV $20 $20 Martina R., Irvine $5 Receipt #0701 CK #8130 $100 $100 We 7:00A-Attitude Adj, 16865 PCH $55 Ann B., Laguna Beach $26 Mary O., Laguna Beach $50 Receipt #0702 CK #6510 $100 $100 Th 7:00A-Disc, 16865 PCH $100 Anne Mc., Mission Viejo $20 Meka K., Irvine $20 TOTALS $24,891 $133,415 Th 5:30P-(W)'s Meet, 16865 PCH $30 Annette F. $25 Michel R. $50 Fr 12:00P-Disc, 16865 PCH $75 Antony J., Laguna Beach $25 Mike C. $150 When Will I Feel Like I Fr 6:00P-(M)'s Never Had It So Good, $231 Ashley B., Laguna Hills $2 Nick M., HB $16 $44 Sa 9:15A-Lucky 13, on beach @ Broa $150 Barbara B., Laguna Beach $50 Patty M. $25 Belong Here? Sa 7:00P-Rule 62 Spkrs, 16865 PCH $133 Barbara Y., HB $50 Peg M. $15 TRABUCO CANYON ^ ^ Barri B. $10 Peter A., Irvine $20 Mo 10:30A-(W)'s Steps/Reflections, 3 $100 $351 Becky K., Laguna Beach $100 Rachel B. $5 $5 The earnest young man asked me when TUSTIN ^ ^ Becky R., Orange $100 Rachel M. $2 he would feel like he belonged in AA. I Dly 6:00A-Foothill Early Risers, 19211 $181 Betsy S., Tustin $50 Rainer F. $6 remember thinking that way in the Dly 6:00A-Attitude Mod, 1221 Wass $334 $1,401 Brandon B. $60 $60 Rebecca B., San Clemente $50 $50 beginning. Though I certainly feel like M-F 5:30P-Tustin Rush Hour, 555 N. $214 Breanne W., Costa Mesa $1 Rebecca S. $20 $20 one of the gang now, I remember won- M,W,F 12:00P- Spiritual Experience, 1 $300 Brian P. $100 $100 Rena M., Costa Mesa $250 $385 Su 7:00P-Sober & Crazy Spkrs, 1834 L $88 Brian W., RSM $20 Richard B., Westminster $50 dering if I’d ever be able to walk into a Mo 7:00P-(M)'s BYOB, 1201 Irvine Bl. $60 $120 Bruce H., Costa Mesa $10 Richard K., San Clemente $278 meeting and feel comfortable. When I Tu 7:00P-Tustin BB Stdy, 225 W. Main $445 Bruce M., Lake Forest $40 Richard W., Vancouver WA $14 was asked to breakfast after the We 7:00P-(W)'s Solutions, 19211 Dodge $287 Bryan B., Newport Beach $50 $150 Rik B., Westminster $50 meeting with the “cool kids” of my Carol C., SJC $25 Rob H., Laguna Niguel $200 Fr 6:00A-(M)'s Morn. Coffee, 225 W. $60 home group, I thought I’d feel like I had Fr 6:30P-It's in the Book, 225 W. Main $334 Chris J., Laguna Niguel $200 Ronald S. $20 $20 Sa 7:30A-Tustin Acceptance, 225 W. M $420 Chris M., Newport Beach $200 Rose W., Fullerton $25 arrived. I mostly felt awkward and like I VILLA PARK ^ ^ Christian H., Mission Viejo $25 Rosie G., Costa Mesa $30 $100 didn’t have anything to offer. When I Su 9:02A-9:02 Spkr/Part, 17885 Sant $257 Christine L. $30 $30 Sam S., NB $44 took a commitment at a meeting be- WESTMINSTER ^ ^ Clark C., Orange $30 Sean H., San Francisco $4 cause the guy next to me nudged me, I Mo 7:30 PM-12x12 Beg., 15750 Magn $146 $146 Connor O. $5 Shannon S., Dana Point $25 did it. I felt more like a part of the WHITTIER ^ ^ David B., Fullerton $10 $40 Shelley L., HB $5 YORBA LINDA ^ ^ Deborah S., Laguna Woods $15 Stephanie S. $7 $7 group because people learned my Dly 6:00A-Attitude Mod, 19771 YL Blvd. $20 Don T., UK $5 Stephen D. $20 name, but I still never felt like a “real” M-S 6:00A-New Start, 19002 YL Blvd. $100 Ed F., Laguna Niguel $100 $100 Steve L., Irvine $100 AA. I even wondered if other people UNLISTED GROUPS ^ ^ Ed S. $30 Steve S., Laguna Beach $20 were faking the happiness they all Anonymous Meeting $282 $668 Edward H. $100 Suzanne C., Garden Grove $20 seemed to have. Charle St., CM $0 Edward W., NB $100 Terri L., Mission Viejo $50

Mon San Juan Noon $40 Eileen W., Buena Park $50 Thomas G., Mission Viejo $50 Mo 6:30P-(W)'s Living Sober, LH $77 Enoch K., Irvine $10 $50 Thomas M., NB $200 One day, I was talking to someone after Mo 7PM Keep it Simple, Orange $53 Fraser J., HB $40 $80 Tom H., Santa Ana $160 the meeting who was having a hard Slogan Sisters, Wed. H.B. $45 $228 George R., Laguna Niguel $15 Tom P., HB $20 $90 time. He had less time than I did, and I Sunset Mtg/Zoom $5 Glenda K., Anaheim $30 Tony & Nancy F., CDM $1,000 found myself saying, “Keep coming Tony S., Anaheim $16 Thurs. Night 11th Step $10 Greg C., Laguna Beach $10 back.” I said it with all sincerity, and it Wed Double Winners $100 Greg W., Dana Point $200 Troy B., Mission Viejo $200 Vanessa $25 $25 came out of my mouth naturally. I Sun. Men's BB, How Hall $300 $300 Gregory A., Orange $100 WANDERING GROUPS ^ ^ Heidi D., Orange $50 Veronica R., Orange $5 $30 realized then that I was a real AA. I We 7:30P- Rolling Men's Stag BB Study $239 Jack $50 Victoria M., Laguna Niguel $300 belonged. The proverbs no longer ZOOM MEETINGS ^ ^ James H. $50 $50 Vincent H., HB $20 seemed corny, they were the truth and GR Sponsorship Zoom Meeting $100 Jamie C., Aliso Viejo $80 Wanda M., Laguna Beach $75 a way to give back what was so freely 7:30AM Zoom HB $201 Jeff S., HB $80 Wil L., HB $25 given to me. Willa C., Laguna Beach $50 $200 Monday Zoom $20 Jennifer J., Costa Mesa $5 $25 Sun Night Virtual Fellowship $150 $150 Jennifer L., RSM $20 IN LOVING MEMORY ^ ^ Anonymous Group 173749-09-18 $20 Jill B., Irvine $20 In Memory of John E. of Santa Ana $25 Group 761036-09-18 $20 Jim C., Fountain Valley $50 $125 GROUP INFORMATION REQUESTED ^ ^

14 October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10

Continued from page 7 Overcoming Economic Insecurity ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS That guy knew his bicycling and saved me a ORANGE COUNTY INTERGR0UP ASSOCIATION lot of energy with the right amount of air. STATEMENT OF INCOME & EXPENSE PERIOD ENDING 08/31/2020 UNAUDITED I passed a sign that said, “Blueberry Farm ahead.” I stopped by and told them I was on Aug 20 Jan - Aug 20 my way to Washington and asked if I could Ordinary Income/Expense please pick a few blueberries. They said, Income “Help yourself; you may have all you want.” I Birthday Donations 0.00 1,137.65 did and ate so many I had a blue spot on my Group Donations 22,845.50 122,203.12 stomach the next morning! Individual/Fellowship 1,945.24 12,813.45 Interest Earned 4.40 63.88 I always had a place to sleep. I always had Literature Sales 5,216.00 53,599.15 enough food. I always had a place to get Shipping and Delivery Income 0.00 9.90 cleaned up. This trip was the experiential Uncategorized Income 0.00 5,466.00 proof I needed to be sure God would always Total Income 30,011.14 195,293.15 take care of me. I have been completely free Cost of Goods Sold of economic insecurity for forty years with or Cost of Literature Sold 4,359.15 43,903.29 without money. Money is OK, and it’s nice to Inventory Adjustments 0.00 -301.60 have for sharing with others, but money is not Shipping / Misc. Adjustments 0.00 -6.66 the place where happiness resides. Happiness Total COGS 4,359.15 43,595.03 is in our hearts and minds and at the edge of Gross Profit 25,651.99 151,698.12 helping each other. When I share with you by Expense speaking and listening, I am happy and ener- Accounting 0.00 9,335.00 gized. We are both blessed. Auto Expense (all Mgrs.) 0.00 252.33

Bank Charges 0.00 11.90 I believe that if God is everywhere, then He is Convention & Svs Event Expense 0.00 140.54 certainly within you and in me. When I talk or Copier Expense (Canon Copier) 0.00 165.24 listen in a meeting I am talking with and lis- Credit Card Expense 237.90 1,682.03 tening to God. That night of my very first Freight and Shipping Costs 0.00 100.00 meeting, I talked and listened and knew our Insurances 236.90 1,882.24 communication was different than ever be- Intergroup Expense 0.00 939.30 fore. It was not brain-to-brain but heart- to- Internet Expense 66.51 998.96 heart. Even as an atheist, I felt surrounded Lease Expense 581.51 4,390.76 and comforted by a Love I had never felt "LIFELINE" Expense 728.00 8,739.00 before. Bill calls it “The Language of The Heart.”* Maintenance & Repairs 160.00 1,983.19 Offices' Supplies & Expenses 268.73 2,461.98 Following that trip, I was the happiest, richest Outside Service 0.00 0.00 man in town. Ten years after that, I met and Payroll Tax Expense 553.78 5,311.33 married my wife. Two years after our mar- Postage 3.33 444.98 riage, she found a note where she had written Public Info Expense 0.00 1,991.00 down all the characteristics she wanted in a Reconciliation Discrepancies 0.00 -0.04 husband. I fit them all. One of the character- Reimb. Health 250.00 3,750.00 istics was that he had to be economically Rent Main/Satellite Offices 2,488.24 27,462.48 secure. She said to me, “You are the most Returned Checks 0.00 67.45 financially secure person I have ever met,” Salaries 8,816.63 59,625.71 even though I didn’t have much money. To- Sales Tax on Lease 24.05 244.67 day she laughs and says she forgot to write Special Events Expense 0.00 3,152.79 down that he had to have money, too. Haha! Taxes & Licenses 0.00 164.74 During our thirty years of marriage, we have Telephone Expense 757.76 4,691.00 had a lot, and we have had very little, but Utilities 43.73 316.76 through it all we have been deeply in love and Volunteers Coffee & Water 24.00 282.65 oh, so happy. Website Expense 2,460.99 6,522.83 Total Expense 17,702.06 147,110.82 Anonymous Net Ordinary Income 7,949.93 4,587.30 Other Income/Expense *Check out the literature at Central Office for Other Expense 0.00 0.00 your copy of the book, Language of The Heart. Net Other Income 0.00 0.00 You’ll be glad you did. Net Income 7,949.93 4,587.30 15 October, 2020 Volume 51, Issue 10

October Word Search

Name______Email address ______or phone number

Word Search Competition

Complete the word search (these words from the Big Book or the 12X12 can be forwards, backwards, up, down, or diagonal), and make sure to include your name and phone number or email address. Take a picture and email it to: [email protected], or mail the completed puzzle to Central Office at 1526 Brookhollow Dr. Suite 75, Santa Ana, CA, 92705. If your answers are correct, your name will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a free book of your choice from Central Office.

DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 15th

Congratulations to August’s winner, Debra V.!