Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness around the world.

August 18, 2006

Today’s Queue Stories

This Warmth Around My Arms

Ellie Braun Haley

On the first of December, 1977, the doctors had diagnosed Lavinia West’s father’s illness as liver cancer. He, knowing his time was short, asked to be taken home to die. Lavinia stayed with him to look after him. They were able to sit and have a number of long talks prior to his death. However, Lavinia had never shared the same type of closeness with her father as she had had with her mother. After his death, she was troubled because she was never positive where her father was spiritually.
“I was sure about my mother, but my dad, I wasn’t. It was a few months after he died, I wondered why I can pray for mom but not for dad.”
“I went up to receive Communion (Sacrament) and wondering about it. I was kneeling at the Communion railing and about to have Communion when almost … It was like somebody put their arm around me and I knew right away that it was my dad, because he was great, he would always put his arm around you.’
“I knew right at the Communion rail … this warmth around my arms and I could feel his presence there. I knew that my dad was okay. I knew that he was in heaven, that things were fine. I also knew as I sat there, don’t turn around, because he’s not there. I just felt this real comfort. Ever since then, I’ve never had a problem. I always knew where my dad was, and that everything was fine. I can always remember the warmth of his arms around me.”

Stories by Ellie Braun-Haley from her book,
A Little Door, A Little Light.
Available at http://www.eaglecreek.org/doorpdf.html
also available at evrcanada.com
also available at http://alittledoor.inframind.net/ellie-braun-haley.html

BOOK REVIEW
I have read the book, A Little Door, A Little Light, a book filled with after death communication stories, and I wished to recommend it to you ...

A Little Door, A Little Light is a delight to read. The contents are set out in such a manner that it makes the book an easy read and an easy reference.

The fact [that] each story is an account of one person's experience and many people's experiences are recorded in this book makes it multidimensional. These are ordinary people, people with a particular story to tell and this is what gives the book its own special charm.

The author, Ellie Braun-Haley is very receptive to what ordinary people have to say. She is committed and dedicated to a purpose and her purpose has been realized with the publicaton of this book (although it should be noted that she continues to gather and record stories).

I have known Ellie Braun-Haley for approximately ten years. Ellie is spiritual, exuberant, altruistic, bubbling with energy and is a pleasure to know. Co-author for the book is Dr. Shawn Haley, a teacher and talented writer.

The book, A Little Door, A Little Light is an easy book to recommend to others to read. Do read it!

Sincerely Yours,
Betty Stonehouse
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
~**~**~

Life After Death

Ellie Braun Haley

In Ellie Braun-Haley's talks on Life After Death, she discusses angel activities and the wondrous events that can take place minutes or hours before a loved one dies. She speaks openly and frankly about the threshold of death and the contact that is being made across that threshold, including:
• Is the incidence of communication from the dead increasing?
• Can the spirit leave the body before doctors pronounce the patient dead?
• Can heavenly messages cause warm sensations or electrical sensations?
• Who can have a communication (a vision)?
• Is there actual proof or evidence of Life After Death?

Mrs. Braun-Haley has collected hundreds of true stories, many kept secret for years and years, of the deceased returning to their loved ones after death.

Ellie Braun-Haley, author of the book, A Little Door, A Little Light provides a startling and insightful look at subjects we hesitate to ask about yet yearn to know more about. The book was written to plant a seed of hope, a hope for more!_

FOR MORE REVIEWS AND FOR TESTIMONIALS VISIT
Available at http://www.eaglecreek.org/doorpdf.html OR
http://alittledoor.inframind.net/ellie-braun-haley.html

Ellie is editing her next book in the area of Divine Intervention. Book title is Seeds of HOPE. If you have a story you wish to share contact Ellie shaley@ telusplanet.net (be sure there is no space after the @ symbol)

About Ellie Braun-Haley

Inspirational Speaker and Author of:
"A Little Door, A Little Light"

Ellie Braun-Haley has presented talks and workshops in Oaxaca, Mexico, and in many Canadian cities from London to Edmonton. She is an articulate and energetic speaker. She presents with warmth and sincerity and often shares some of the humorous aspects of the topic‚ whatever that topic may be!

~**~**~

COOKING UP TROUBLE

By,

Kathleene S. Baker

The wind was howling something fierce!  One would think the Santa Anna winds had moved to San Saba County in Central Texas.  It had blown non-stop for days at The High Lonesome lease and showed no signs of letting up, not even for opening weekend of Turkey Season. 

Good ole boys from every corner of the state had packed their hunting gear, and headed to the hill country.  Among the multitude were my brother Marland, and my husband, Jerry.  Great white hunters never give up hope, and they continue with plans made months in advance.  No weather report is about to stop them. 

To their dismay, there would be no “calling of the turkeys” with the howling, blustery winds.  When all else fails, hunters can always concentrate on thinning out the wild hog population, or taking out a few rattlesnakes, not to mention whipping up a few artery-clogging meals and reciting tall tales while they hang out in “the shack.”  Yep, that rickety old building is home away from home, and it is more than worthy of the nickname.  Speaking of rattlesnakes, they’ve been known to make their way inside “the shack!” 

Even when hunting isn’t successful, supposedly there is work to be done, such as repairs on deer stands and feeders.  One can only guess if there’s any truth to that, but it sounds good, especially when those strong, male providers return home with no game. 

Jerry and Marland had been waiting anxiously for buddy number three to arrive.  Oh, happy days!  The more the merrier!  Besides which, Scott is known as the lease “Chef,” so he’s always given a hearty welcome.  His nickname really doesn’t seem to fit, since he is 6 ft. 6 in. tall and an X-Army Ranger.  Regardless, he can cook up a storm.

At long last, here came Scott, kicking up a plume of dust as he drove over the rugged terrain.  “Hey, Scott, we’ve been waiting for you,” said Jerry, as Scott stepped out of his truck.  They shook hands, slapped each other on the back in typical male bonding, and headed toward “the shack.”

Hearing voices, Marland rushed outside to help unload.  Soon they had the new supply of grub put away.  Each grabbed a Corona, kicked off their boots, and flopped down on their respective, rickety bunks.  They began catching up on the latest news, telling a joke or two, probably a lie here and there, and then one by one drifted off to sleep.  It was “siesta time” at The High Lonesome.

When they awoke, a spectacular sunset splashed vivid streaks of color across the big Texas sky.  They decided to take “Bubba Jeep” to the highest hill, where they could observe the changing shades of the sunset as long as possible.  And yes, even vehicles have nicknames at The High Lonesome!  

They scrambled to pull on their boots, not wanting to miss a minute of the colorful event unfolding outside.  Suddenly, Scott froze!  With a look of horror on his now very pale face, he whispered, “Oh no, this is not good.”  Reading Scott’s mind and body language, Marland grabbed his pistol.

“Slow and easy, Scott,” Jerry advised.  “Pull that boot off slow, pal!”

Scott cautiously hobbled outside, and gently pulled off his boot.  He extended his arm as far from his body as humanly possible, and then began shaking his boot violently!  Then something hit the ground, Scott jumped sky high, and if not for his belt he’d have jumped right out of his britches!  “What the…” he stammered.

The creature didn’t move, so Scott carefully inched closer, only to discover an innocent gecko!  “Oh my God, nothin’ but a harmless little gecko,” he said trying to catch is breath.  “Guess I knocked it silly, as it’s not moving.  Don’t think we’ll be needin’ that pistol!” 

Marland reached down, picked it up, and then he and Jerry finally let go.  They had nearly choked to death while trying to stifle their laughter!  Yep, it was just a simple rubber gecko they had planted earlier.  To think – a cheap Wal-Mart toy nearly sent the Army Ranger to an early grave, and had the other two doubled over laughing like boys in junior high.

Scott simply stared at them in disbelief.  “All that, and the blasted thing was rubber?”  He didn’t say one more word; he simply stared at them with a perplexed look on his face.

“Ok, fun’s over, everyone get your boots on and let’s go.  Sun’s gonna set before we get to the top of that darned hill.”  Marland was trying to hurry things along now; he had his new camera with him and was determined to capture some priceless photos of the remarkable sunset.

They dashed back inside, sat down, and began “booting up.”  When Scott got to his second boot, he paused, looked at the others, and then gave it a good shake.  Sure enough, out flopped another scary critter; this time a snake!

“What the crap is wrong with you guys, anyway?  Are you nuts or just sick, very sick!  I’ve about had it with both of you.”

Jerry and Marland simply looked at each other with their eyes twinkling.  They had Scott

right where they wanted him – in a tizzy!

Scott began again, “I guess you know payback is hell.”

There was a slight pause and no one uttered a sound.  “Oh yeah, and one other thing!  Ya know the saying ‘that old dog won’t hunt.’  Well guys, tonight this old Chef won’t cook!”

©2005 Kathleene S. Baker

Lnstrlady@aol.com

www.txyellowrose.com

~**~**~

~**~**~

Poetry Section

~**~**~

Whole Heartily Salty
Carol Dee Meeks

Following Christ can be risky,
trying, testy, even frisky.
Following Him, and change is costly.
Following Him can also be deadly.

We are to be in total submission to Him.
We are to lose all worldly ambition for Him.
In the world where there is good,
we need to embrace it like Jesus would.

We need to savor and spread Christ's favor
like salt in our foods bringing us flavor.
For salt preserves the food we eat.
Our spice sends light to those we meet.

A man in construction will plan his plot.
A warrior in war will perfect his shot.
They'll be precise and accurate.
They'll be models and moderate.

Just as we should when we follow Christ.
Just as we should when we focus on Christ.
If we give Him our heart, body, and soul,
He'll reward us abundantly at His Super Bowl!

© 2006 Carol Dee Meeks
c_pmeeks@hotmail.com
http://home.midsouth.rr.com/kmhomepage/homePage.html

~**~**~

Frost On The Pumpkin
Carol Meeks

As summer closes her eyes
and the sun falls to sleep,
warm days say her goodbyes.
The sun fades from his peak
like a half century photo.
Then Autumn seizes control.

The hours of daylight shorten now.
Mature foliage takes a bow
as shimmering, glimmering leaves
rain down on frozen ground of trees.

Water vapor collects, freezes
on objects bare and exposed,
like deposits of feathery ice
that drips when faces of warmth squeezes.

The "Frost on the Pumpkin's"
season is near.
The Big One, the big One,
heed His call, hear.

© 2002 Carol Dee Meeks
c_pmeeks@hotmail.com
http://home.midsouth.rr.com/kmhomepage/homePage.html
 

~**~**~

 Like David
Carol Meeks

I serve the Lord because He cares.
He brings me out of my despairs.

He lifts me up from miry clay
and plants my feet on rock each day
When I falter, He holds my hand
with solid base on which to stand.

He gives to me, new songs to sing,
in praise and trust to Him I cling.
King David's psalms bring faith and hope.
His writings teaches me to cope.

God brings me out of my despairs.
I live for Him because He cares.

© 2006 Carol Dee Meeks
c_pmeeks@hotmail.com
http://home.midsouth.rr.com/kmhomepage/homePage.html

Readers Feedback

Going Home By Debra Shively touched something in me, of days gone by. Vividly written. I could almost smell the fireworks, feel the tree...and the pain. Well done Debra! 

aro

“The Lucky One-“---This is a wonderful story!  My husband does not care for pets but somehow this place has become home to three dogs, three cats, three horses and birds at the bird feeder.  He worries about all of them---------though he would deny it.  My  Feigning indifference to outcomes of ownership has been a primary strategy to dealing with his distaste for the furry ones.             Louise

Dear Helen

I just loved your story about your Uncle Bill and your poem... it brought back some

happy memories of when my folks were still here with me.  God Bless you and Dowd for being so kind to make your uncles last days filled with love and caring.

Love to you and your husband,

Barbara J. Ervin-Weymouth

I loved Paula Booher's poetry "Wishes do come true". I hope every one's wishes come true.

S K Jandu

Senior Writers

Chief writer: Sharon Bryant

Chief researcher/historian: Hartson Dowd

Agee, Vance; Apted, Violet; Baker, Kathy; Batt, Al; Berry, Nell; Blaine, Pamela; Boda, Ginger; Booher, Paula; Buhagiar, Victor; Cassady, B.J.; Costner, Joan Clifton; Cavalera, Robyn; Crider, Mark; Dees, Mary; Deming, Barb; Doherty, Maria;  Dowd, Hartson; Dowd, Helen; Gilbert, Robert, Jr.; Gold, Ron; Goodier, Steve; Grisham, Mary-Ellen; Braun-Haley, Ellie; Harris, Kathy Anne; Henry, Linda Ann; Hunt, Sharlett; Hymes, Christina; Jacobson, Gary; Kiser, Roger Dean; Kerens, Claudia; Kevin, Tim; Jenkins, Pamela; Liles, Norma; Lily Jodi Flesberg; Lock, Joyce; Marlor, Janice Bumbalough; Mazzella, Joe; Mizrany, Mary Carter; Morris, Deepak; Ojeibge, Georgewaters; Petry, Dianna Doles; Roberts, Susan; Shiveley, Debra; Shaw, Bob; Sims, Richard; Streidel, Saskia; Swarner, Ken; Vaknin, Sam; Verhoeff, Jan; Walker, Bill; Walker, Joe; Warner, Gordon, K; Walsh, Sue; Weymouth, Barbara J.; Whirity, Kathy;

Wainland, David; Westerfer, Clara; White Robert;

Storytime Tapestry Staff

Carol Roach - Founder/publisher

Thelma Hartselle - Co-Founder, Moderator

Clara Westerfer – moderator

Bob Johnston - moderator