Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

September 10, 2006

Today’s announcements

There are two special happy birthday wishes to celebrate today; happy birthday, Lee Elliott: meeee@comcast.net  and a very special happy birthday to my finance, Hikmat Ibraham: hikmat@bellnet.ca

Prayers are need for the husband of Joyce Lock:

 Hubby's collar bone isn't presently healing, as they're not even connected to each other (bones having shifted).  But, in just over a week, he has to go back to work anyway.

He'll have check ups over the next few months, surgery being a last resort - as they say it's quite risky. Joyce

Now onto the good stuff!

Today’s Queue Stories

~**~**~

Learning Life Lessons Through Education

Martha Jette |

Back in 1982, I returned to college for the second time. I had decided to upgrade my skills, as office work was just too boring. Once I was in any office for more than a week, I knew the routine frontward and backward. And so I embarked on a three-year journalism course that I knew would inspire me, plus force me out of my proverbial shell. 

After all I'd been through with Joe and my ensuing breakdown of sorts (see story The Smell of Fear), I wasn't quite sure if I had any intelligence left. I was more than a little unnerved by the 36 courses (interviewing, writing, photography, politics, as well as the history of everything!) that I would take in order to graduate. To be a good journalist, one must know what has happened in the past in order to understand what is happening today and to editorialize on what may happen in the future. 

There were 35 students in our first-year class. The second year, there were about 20. I knew that would happen, as many students in the first year were so young and spent a great deal of their time partying and throwing spit balls around the classrooms. As for me, I was determined to do well. Even though I had a demanding three-year-old at home and a 13-year-old going through puberty and running away from home every second month, I dedicated every spare moment to my studies. The third year, there were only a dozen students.

In the end, I graduated top of my class with the Dean's Award! Obviously, my 36-year-old brain was still functioning at peak performance. I was invited to a special ceremony sponsored by the Windsor Press Club to receive my award. What an experience that was! I sat at the head table with David Suzuki right next to me! For those who don't know, David is a well-known environmentalist, who has written a number of books (Metamorphosis is one of them.) and had a television show for a number of years. He still goes across Canada on speaking engagements to encourage people to actively save the environment. 

Immediately after graduation, I packed up everything and moved from Windsor to Hamilton, Ontario. I had found my siblings (a story for another day) and wanted to be close to them. I was already familiar with Hamilton, so I was not concerned about finding my way around. After a few short weeks here, I hooked a job as editor of Arts and Entertainment Forum, a monthly magazine showcasing the areas talent in everything from live theatre to rock bands and local artists. It was quite a thrill to see all of this entertainment and then write my reviews. As well, I took pictures, laid out the magazine and saw it off to press. 

A few days into this great job, I was contacted by one of the local papers asking if I'd be interested in working for them. Naturally, I said moving over immediately wouldn't be fair to my new employer. However, a year later with them still pursuing me, I decided to take the plunge. Thus I became the Entertainment Editor for a string of local papers under the Brabant chain. It was awesome! I saw many more shows, plus was relieved of the duty to personally get the paper out. 

I learned so much during that time. As you can imagine, I'd never seen or heard an opera or the philharmonic orchestra. As well, I came to love live theatre so much. Often, I took my younger daughter along, so she got quite the education too! I also got to meet and interview Eddie Raven! For those who don't know, he is a country music star. While I never was much into the country sound, I was thrilled nonetheless to meet him. 

Eddie was quite personable and down to earth. He even told me about a run-in with the paranormal that he'd had while on the road. Though I can't even remember it now, I thought that was pretty damn cool! Before I left, I managed to get a picture of Eddie and I. I still have it and tried to upload it, but it is in a different format, so unfortunately, I can't share it with you. L He was a real cutie! 

I think I really came into my own over this time. I had always been so shy and introverted. With my new career, however, I seemed to blossom, which was my hope in the first place. I learned that it was fine to be me and others would still like me. My second education, plus my new career really had taught me a great lesson.

Martha Jette

jettemartha@hotmail.com

Martha Jette is an author/editor from Hamilton, Ontario with four published
books. For more information, please visit:
http://www.freewebs.com/paranormalbooks.
For her latest release, Playing With The Devil, go to:
http://www.angelfire.com/planet/pwtd.

~**~**~

His Name Was John

Martha Jette

A simple name, but it turned out to be one that would tear at my heart like no other. I met John soon after I returned to Hamilton from Windsor in 1986. No, he wasn't tall, dark and handsome. I take that back! Yes, he was very handsome, but at 44, his hair had already turned gray. The eyes were deep, deep brown and the smile was contagious. It took me about five seconds for my heart to react and become totally smitten with this man. 

John and I immediately began dating and during our second month, he proposed. John bowled with his brothers and some friends, so at their annual bowling banquet, he got down on one knee in front of family and friends on the dance floor and asked me to marry him. I leapt into his arms and of course, answered yes!

I thought my life had really turned around. I had a great job, two terrific daughters and now a wonderful, stable and fun-loving man to make my life complete. I was so in love with John and with life itself. Who could ask for more?

John and I did everything together. He loved to dance, as did I. We saw shows and live theatre, went to fairs and festivals, swimming at the beach and so on. Every minute with him was heaven. I adored him with every breath I took. Then one day, I got a call from a woman I'd never met.

"Leave John alone," she said. "He's mine and we're engaged."

I was stunned. How could this be? I spend nearly every day with John. This just wasn't possible. Of course, I told her I didn't believe it, so she told me where she lived and invited me to come to see her. We could talk. Shaking, I agreed and hung up the phone. 

That day, I learned that John was living a double life. This woman showed me her ring and even some of John's things in her apartment that I recognized. My heart was broken and I sobbed for days and only managed to control myself at work. Though he called, I refused to speak with him.

Finally, he showed up at my door. Those big, brown eyes and contagious smile. What could I do? John explained that the woman was like a mother to him and they were just friends. The ring meant nothing. After some discussion and passionate kisses, I forgave him. 

For the following year, it was up and down with John. Sometimes, I couldn't get a hold of him – he disappeared for days at a time. I had my suspicions, but could never really prove anything and I can't tell you how many tears I shed. I clung onto the hope that it was all my imagination. During that time, we moved to Dundas to share an apartment together, since I was working in that town at the time. Then, one night the other shoe fell. He wanted to go out and I got in my car and followed him. He drove up the mountain to where the "other woman" lived and went into her apartment. Not wanting a terrible confrontation, I left a note on his car letting him know that I knew where he was and likely, what he was doing as well. 

Needless to say, the truth finally sunk in and I knew for sure that he was being unfaithful. It was truly heartbreaking. He was my dream man – the one I wanted so much to spend the rest of my life with. How could he do this to me? 

As with anything in life, time heals but it took a good year for me to get over him and even think about seeing anyone else. Even though I no longer hurt inside, I still reserved as small space in my heart for him and it is stillthere today. A short time later, I heard through his brother's wife that he living with someone new, so the "other woman" wasn't the chosen one after all. A few years later, I got the news that John had cancer and was struggling to survive. 

In the summer of 2002, he called me. He wanted to see me, since I just lived a few blocks away. How he knew that, I'll never know. Anyway, I went to see a man who was just a shell of his former self, but he still had those big, brown eyes and contagious smile. I felt very sorry for him as I could clearly see that cancer and time had worn him down. The part of me that still loved this man longed to hold him. The funny part is that John thought he could get his way with me, so I didn't dare get close to him. I excused myself to use the bathroom and saw "woman" things all over the place. Still a player! I couldn't believe it. 

On January 1, 2005 I read John's obituary in the newspaper. I couldn't believe he was gone. Today, when I think of John, my heart still aches just a little bit for what might have been. Why would any man want to be a "player" pretty much until the end? I find this so hard to fathom. However, I have no doubt that today, he looks down from heaven finally knowing just how much he hurt me. I am also sure he hurt quite a number of women during his lifetime. I wonder how that makes him feel.

Martha Jette

jettemartha@hotmail.com

Martha Jette is an author/editor from Hamilton, Ontario with four published 

books. For more information, please visit: 

http://www.freewebs.com/paranormalbooks.


For her latest release, Playing With The Devil, go to: 

http://www.angelfire.com/planet/pwtd. 

~**~**~

Poetry Section

~**~**~

Written for the innocents and those who will never have their soul's taken away.

"THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH"
by Mary Carter Mizrany©
  ?¤??`*:»«:*?`?¤??`*:»§«:*?`?¤??`*:»«:*?`?¤?

When tragedy and trauma blast us,  it is the Lord brings us
through.    Usually, when the dust has settled, I ask myself,
WHAT is the Lord trying to teach or show me?
I  must then go to my Father and his Word for answers:

From  Romans 5:3~5   I find . . .
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also,
knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love
of God is shed abroud in our hearts by
The Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

It is NOT easy to "glory in tribulations" ~ they HURT !!!

For this pain  I  find . . .
Psalm 103:1~5
Bless the Lord, O my soul:  and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;  who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Let us keep in remembrance that GOD is on our side:
whom shall we fear?   IF God be for us; who shall be against us?
For we know that all things work together for good to those that love
the Lord and are called according to his purpose.


We ARE the "Called according to God's purpose"  ~
God has chosen us not the other way round.  
When we are wounded, let us run into the arms of
our Father; trusting and depending upon him to nurture us
revealing the whys and wherefors to us, sweet angelfamily:-)
Let us pray:

?¤??`*:»«:*?`?¤??`*:»§«:*?`?¤??`*:»«:*?`?¤?

Oh ~  blessed  Heavenly  Father,  here we  are  again  lifting  our  hearts  with
praise  before  Your  throne  of  Grace.

Father,  your  children  DO  need  your  wisdom.   We  thank you for
your  WORD . . .  unchanging  and  irrefutable, precious Father.

Sometimes  we  allow  PRIDE  to  stand in our way, Holy Father.
We  don't  SEEK  your  wisdom  as  you've  told us  to do.
Blessed  Father,   burn  that  dross of  PRIDE  out  of  us,
we  pray.   RESTORE  within  us,  oh,   Lord,
a  RIGHT  SPIRIT.   Help  us, Oh,  precious  Father,  NOT  to  have
a  stiff  neck  and  unyielding  spirit.

Help  us,   Holy  Father,  to  so  yield  ourselves  to  Your  Spirit, that  ONLY
to  please  YOU  will  be  our  goal.  Help  us  to  remain  in  YOUR  presence
and  not  rush  away  before  we've  received  ALL  that  YOU  desire  to
instill  in  us,  blessed  Lord.

Cause  YOUR   WORD  to  be  carved  upon  our  hearts  that  we  may  not
sin  against  YOU,  Father  God;  nor have  bitterness  in  our  hearts.

HEAL  each  one  who  reads  this  devotional,  dear  Father;  those  who
are  in  bondages  of  any  kind,  we   speak  YOUR  WORD  of  LIBERTY  to
them  now,  in the mighty  name of  Jesus  Christ.   Those  whose  bodies
are  in  need  of  healing;   we  ask  YOU  to  send  YOUR  WORD  and  heal  us.
For Jesus was wounded for our transgressions;  bruised for our iniquities;
the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we  are
healed!
Father,  we  are  believing  YOU  for  restoration  of   ALL  the  enemy  is
trying  to  steal  from  us.  Help  us  to  SEEK  YOUR  FACE  and
YOUR  WISDOM  in  every  situation,  we  pray.

In  that  name  above  every  name,  JESUS CHRIST,
we  COMMAND  you,  satan,  to  LOOSE
GOD'S  property  right  now !   You  have  NO  authority, satan,  to  touch
ANY  of  GOD'S  children.   We  adjure  you,  satan,  in  Jesus'  mighty name,
to  GET  THEE  BEHIND  US  ~  NOW !

Thank  you,  our  precious  Heavenly  Father, for  blessings  without  number  you
rain  upon  us.    Thank  You  for  liberating us  by  the  POWER  of  YOUR  Holy  Spirit  and  the  BLOOD of  Jesus  Christ   and  the  WORD  of  our  TESTIMONY ~
Hallelujah  &  Praise  Your  Name,  Jesus, in  whose  name  we  offer   our
prayers
to  You,   Father  God.   Amen  and  Amen


   ?¤??`*:»«:*?`?¤??`*:»§«:*?`?¤??`*:»«:*?`?¤?

Mary is a published writer whose works include
On Wings of Faith Ministries,  through which she creates
and sends a bi~weekly devotional to a membership of 7,000+.
Mary's writings can be found in books, poetry anthologies,
many websites online and other venues.
http://www.onwingsoffaith.com
Do visit Mary's webhome to receive blessings from the Lord.
Love in Jesus,
Mary Carter Mizrany

musingByMary@aol.com

~**~**~

Lead us in Prayer

Norma Liles

Dear Father, I thank you for this day,

For all of the blessings you send my way,

As I continue to sin but you show me

That this is not your will be done.

I see some family problems coming along

But I try to ignore with a smile and a song

In my concerns I turn to you, Lord

To you, dear One and your Word.

You are there for me before I ask

But I still need to kneel and request

That you take this burden from me

And toss it away in the deepest sea.

God grant that this day be the day

When all problems flee far away

To allow me to worship and pray

Thank you, Lord, for hearing my say!

NormaLee Liles ©

hoopla214@yahoo.com

Norma is an Ohio native, senior citizen; happy in her own skin, loves the Lord God Almighty, her family, her friends and her computer; pretty much in that order! Her hobbies include reading, writing poetry, stories, a few songs; loves to sing; and prefers southern gospel music. She is retired from the business world where she worked as a data entry operator/supv; is number nine of ten children; is looking fwd

to her next birthday which will welcome #77. (Oct)

Her writings have been featured on: Starfish, Driftwood, Sandollar, Morning Spirit Lift, Prayer of God, Jan Karon, American Poetry Writer's League, Lucy's Inspiration, Faithful Hope reading room, Poetry of Today, Hope in Him, Bonnie's Place, America will remember, News Moose, Penworm Prayer Warriors, Angels on Earth, Canadian Memorial page, Eternal Ink, Heartcatcher and senior writer for Storytime_Tapestry.

~**~**~

Hypothesis
Gautami Tripathy

you say i have both your attention, your heart
but not appreciative enough about that.

when have i said otherwise, how can you surmise
all that I did say? gut wrenching feelings i disguise

from you, never letting you know, hurting inside.
with a smile on my lips, no pain showing outside

i return to you again and again, without rhyme
or reason. loving you mindlessly is no crime

why do i then feel so sad? why does the pain
is such that i feel numb? my thoughts drained,

my mind empty, my heart so full, spark of hope
still alive. What will i do, how will i cope?

when you go away again, never to look
back. i must seek some answers in life's book.


 (c)gautami.tripathy 2006


i wrote it sometime back when i was in very black mood
but haven't got around polishing/editing it. posting
it here in the original form i wrote. please feel free
to critique....

s_gautami@yahoo.com
http://firmlyrooted.blogspot.com 

Readers Feedback

 Yea and Nay By Steve Popoola: Steve’s story about the yester year quite true. It is a good story to ponder on.  The issue of our children facing more challenges is scary but it is just the simple truth.  I see lots of youths (teens especially) looking so gloomy about their future.  But with Jehovah Lord God all things are possible to them that believes in the redemption blood of Jesus Christ.

GEORGEWATERS OJEIGBE – Lagos, Nigeria

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