FERNANDO G.  A Retreat Participant Tells All. On this episode of the Came to Believe Recovery Podcast we welcome Fernando Gonzales who recently went through the Came to Believe Recovery Retreat in Nevada City, CA. Fernando shares what was different in this retreat compared to modern methods of working the Twelve Steps. He was surprised to learn that the early AA’s took people through the Steps in three days or less. Fernando shares his experience of doing just that at the retreat and that anyone can apply these principles and recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Closing Song: I Came to Believe performed by C3 Worship. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

IN ALL OUR AFFAIRS, The Monty Man and Roger discuss various topics including the importance of spirituality in recovery, the concept of carrying the message to others, and practicing the principles of the 12 steps in all areas of life. They also touch on unrelated subjects such as furry costumes and their experiences with American Idol. The conversation emphasizes the need to live a principled life and share the message of recovery with others. In this conversation, Roger and Monty discuss the importance of making the decision to be happy and the misconception of powerlessness in recovery. CLOSING SONG: By Ray Stevens #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook 

WHAT IS ACCEPTANCE? Walking Through the Language of the Heart, Episode #72. Join Chris S. and the Monty’man as they take you through a journey into the Grapevine Writings of Alcoholics Anonymous Cofounder, Bill W. You will grow to appreciate Bill’s foresight and wisdom and the love he had for the fellowship, the insight he had into its possible pitfalls and his heart to keep its focus on its primary purpose. A new episode each Friday until the series completion. #aa #na #celebraterecovery #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #traditions #addiction #bigbook

PROBLEM AREAS WITH ADDICTION. In this episode of the Came to Believe Recovery Podcast, the hosts address listener comments and clarify their views on pet peeves and the powerlessness over alcohol. They also discuss their recent retreat and the importance of being cautious in early recovery when it comes to attending parties and events where alcohol is present. The hosts share their personal opinions on non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails, emphasizing that what works for one person may not work for another. They also touch on the importance of sponsorship and having guidelines in recovery. In this conversation, the hosts discuss problem areas and how to navigate them in recovery. They touch on topics such as social events, old friends, family members, and times of day that can be challenging for those in early recovery. They emphasize the importance of finding healthy alternatives and filling free time with positive activities. They also address the issue of dishonesty in recovery and the need for honesty and accountability. The hosts encourage listeners to stay spiritually fit and seek support from sponsors and the recovery community. Closing Song: Make Me New by After the Chase. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

THE RECOVERY GUY. Robert Parton, also known as the Recovery Guy, (www.recoveryguy.org) discusses the importance of spirituality in recovery and the cellular level of addiction. He emphasizes the need for a power greater than oneself and the daily reprieve from a hopeless state of mind and body. The conversation explores the concept of being recovered versus being cured and the role of accountability and service in recovery. They also touch on the legalization of drugs and the need to examine the reasons behind wanting to change the way one feels. In this conversation, Robert Pardon and The Monty Man discuss addiction recovery and the importance of valuing oneself and one's relationships. They share personal stories of overcoming addiction and making life changes. They also talk about the role of spirituality and the concept of a higher power in recovery. The conversation emphasizes the importance of listening and being present for others in their recovery journey. Closing Song: I Am My Own God by Michael Purington. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

THIS MATTER OF FEAR. Walking Through the Language of the Heart, Episode #71. Join Chris S. and the Monty’man as they take you through a journey into the Grapevine Writings of Alcoholics Anonymous Cofounder, Bill W. You will grow to appreciate Bill’s foresight and wisdom and the love he had for the fellowship, the insight he had into its possible pitfalls and his heart to keep its focus on its primary purpose. A new episode each Friday until the series completion. #aa #na #celebraterecovery #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #traditions #addiction #bigbook

A LEGACY OF LOVE. A Montyman’s Meditorial. What are we passing down to our children? What type of legacy are we granting them as they grow. A positive spiritual legacy or an abusive resentful legacy of bitterness. Closing Song: He Found Me by Ben Fuller. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

LET’S TALK TRIGGERS. On this episode of the Came to Believe Recovery Podcast, the team talks about some of the triggers that have affected them in the past, why they don’t any longer and how we can prevent them from knocking us off our emotional center. Are triggers real? Are they forever? What about pet peeves and the things that so easily beset us? Can these things cause us to return to our active addictions or can we revert to other inappropriate behaviors?  Closing Song: I Surrender by Amanda Broadway. #triggers #petpeeves #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

BASIC PRAYER & SIMPLE MEDITATION (A Steps 10 & 11 Discussion). This episode discusses the importance of prayer and meditation in recovery. The hosts emphasize the need for spirituality and the role it plays in maintaining long-term sobriety. They highlight the simplicity of prayer and meditation and how it can bring peace and freedom. The conversation also touches on the concept of obedience leading to freedom and the importance of practicing principles in all areas of life. In this conversation, Monty and Roger discuss the importance of obedience and communication with God. They share personal stories and insights on how to maintain a close relationship with God through prayer and meditation. They emphasize the need to fill our minds with positive and holy thoughts, and to appreciate the beauty of God's creation. The conversation concludes with prayers for surrender and the removal of character defects. Closing Song: You Make Everything Beautiful, Rebecca St. James & For King & Country. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

TERMINAL UNIQUENESS. A short Montyman's Meditorial. Have you ever felt like you were the odd man out, or that you would never fit in? Do you feel that you just can't measure up and will never move past your character defects and inappropriate behaviors? This Meditorial is for you. #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook

STEP 4 – WHAT’S ALL THE FEAR ABOUT?  In this episode of the Came to Believe Recovery Podcast, Tom, Roger, and The Montyman discuss the Fourth Step of the 12-step program. They emphasize the importance of understanding the purpose and process of the Fourth Step, debunking common misconceptions. They share personal experiences of how the fourth step helped them gain freedom, joy, and a renewed mind. The hosts also highlight the need for sponsors to guide sponsees through the Fourth Step and encourage them to rely on a higher power for character defects removal. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the nature of fear and the importance of focusing on the truth rather than false evidence. They emphasize the need to understand the root causes of our behaviors and to address them in a thorough inventory. They also highlight the power of surrendering to a higher power and the transformation that can come from following the 12 Steps. The hosts encourage listeners to challenge their fears and to dream big, knowing that they have the support and guidance of a higher power. Closing Song: Get a Bigger Pan by Karen Taylor-Good. #stepfour #higherpower #aa #na #alcoholicsanonymous #recovery #recovered #alcoholic #twelvesteps #wedorecover #narcoticsanonymous #addiction #bigbook