Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

Dec 23, 2006

Our Christmas, Channukah, Kwanzaa, New Years, holidays Contest 

Today’s Announcements

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Today’s Contest Stories

~**~**~

Year 1995 For Me

Carol Meeks

Christmas is the holiday above all others. My shopping and decorating have
to be finished by the 13th of December or they fall into an attitude of
maybe next year.

I have celebrated Christmas forty years without my mom, but I still remember
her passion for this grand day. "The greatest holiday of all," she would say
year after year. On December 13, 1964, she went home to spend eternity with
her Lord. That Christmas was like study hall at high school before finals,
but without purpose. I still recall the pain taking down a half- decorated
tree. It took almost a week to retire its ornaments into their boxes of
slumber until next season's awakenings. I didn't think I could ever decorate
another Christmas tree.

God was good to me. He sent me a spouse that shares the same birthday month
as my mom's. They are so much alike. At times, it almost causes me pain, but
it does bring me a peace I can't explain. He understands my December 13th
dilemma.

In early 1995, my husband insisted I start submitting my poetry to magazines
for publication. Writing grew to be my passion but I shared it only with
him. I wrote about our sons, him, and activities that filled our lives,
never about my mom. I did get a few poems to see print and it started a
chain reaction. I was invited to share my success (small-town talk) with the
English classes at school. One of the students called a friend of hers that
worked in a newspaper office in a neighboring town. I never understood the
significance of her call to her friend.

One late day in June, my phone rang. It was a reporter from the Roswell
Daily Record. She wanted to come interview me for a story concerning my
poetry. Wow! I remembered the student telling me she contacted her friend at
the newspaper office. She came, we had a snack, and she disappeared into the
heat of that June summer day.

I purchased a Roswell newspaper every day for the next two weeks. The story
wasn't there, so I went about my business forgetting this interview had
taken place.

One morning my boss walked up to my desk. Christmas decorations were
everywhere but I was feeling blue. He said to me, "Carol, that's a nice
story about you in the paper this morning."

"What?"

"The story in the Roswell paper, it's a nice write-up."
"I haven't seen it."

"You need to get a copy and read it."

I went to lunch early. At the newsstand, I purchased six copies. My story
made the paper on December 13, 1995. I broke the speed limit getting to
Pat's office. I laid the paper on his desk and pointed to the date. He
grabbed me in his arms as he shut the door to his office. We stood there
crying, hugging, crying, embracing, for the remainder of my lunch hour.

Christmas has a new meaning for me now. I enjoy my mom's passion for this
grand day. And if the decorating and shopping aren't finished by December
13, Pat and I finish them together. It is no longer a burden. The story in
the paper was for my mom. A very Merry Christmas to her from the Lord she
served when her feet touched the ground of His creation. I know He made it
happen. My pain is softer as well. (I've even won a poetry contest with a
poem I wrote about her).  He truly is an awesome Savior and is the reason we
celebrate the greatest day of all holidays.

© 2003 Carol Dee Meeks
c_pmeeks@hotmail.com
http://home.midsouth.rr.com/kmhomepage/homePage.html             

~**~**~

No Room

Bill Walker

missourisage@yahoo.com

I am sorry, woman but there is no room or beds in this inn. you might try the stable. A good man and friend of mine said he would have given her his bed if he had been the inn keeper. Known him, yes I can believe that.  I have read his wonderful written words, his articles of much thought, and compassion for others. His articles of compassion for all things, great and small. I think he has true heart for all things made by the Lord God. I think also he would not care for me to name him, but he has many that look forward to what brother Joe has written.

There was a reason, there was no room at the inn for the lady.  This would have got things off to a bad start, if the red carpet had been rolled out for her. It was so meant that this child should be born in as low a place as could be found. A stable if you will.  If you will read the book of Isaiah.  You will find much of the life of the man called Jesus.  He was to be born of woman, he was to live a very humble life, and he was to die a horrible death.

Before I go to deep here, I would like for you to stop and think about a few things. If a very humble man would walk into your house, store, or meet you on the street, just how would you treat him?  Would you take note of him?  Now I will make it harder for you to give an answer. Say this humble man was standing on one street corner, and across the street, stood some person of great importance, like King George.  Which would you run to and bow and scrape?  You can bet your last dollar, that if Queen Mary would have come to this inn in the royal buggy, some one would have got kicked out of a room and sent to the stable.  Then the stable would have had no room.  Good thing the old Queenie didn't show up that night.  The night the animals talked, the night the animals came to see the new born baby. I believe there is something in Isaiah about that also, the animals that is. 

If you will take your Bible and read Isaiah, the chapter is 53.. Set down, with a good cup of coffee, read it slow and think.. It is all there, or a good part of what you need to know about the things that was to come. The things that did happen to a very humble man.

I dare say, nothing has changed. If that man, that humble man came walking into your high and mighty church right the very minute that  the preacher is wound up on something.  He might get the same treatment he did about 1,970 years ago. I am wrong about the might get.. to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.. it would be to do all over again. All would be screaming, let him be crucified. Who is this man that says he is the Son of God? If he was the Son of God we would have seen him coming riding a White Horse, not on a lowly DONKEY.  I guess today, the saying would be, he would be riding in a White Limo, not a old 1948 army Jeep with an American Flag on it.  That is an American Flag on one fender, cross from it on the other fender would be the Flag of Israel.  You did know the United States was the first nation to welcome the nation of Israel.  Just as soon as the word reached the White House, that Israel was now a nation.  President Harry S.Truman said "WELCOME.  We will stand by you from this time on, in thick or thin."

Back to the no room.. It had to be that way, no room at the inn, but we have a stable out back,  maybe the animals can make room for you.  You see I worked the animals in again my good friends. I think the animals made room for Jesus here on earth.  Jesus is going to make room for God's animals in Heaven.

Tinker and Poo; The Boys Write

http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?&isbn=0-595-35741-5   

~**~**~

Poetry Contest Corner

~**~**~

The Birth of a King

Author: N. Berry   12/17/01

I remember in years gone by,

the wonderful time of the year,

was the time we sang about the birth

of our precious Lord so dear.

The songs of happy bygone days,

the songs of peace on earth,

and the most wonderful songs we sang each year,

were the songs of our Savior’s birth.

I remember the songs about Sleigh Bells,

White Christmas and fun songs to sing.

But the songs that became so precious to me,

were the songs of the birth of our King.

Silent Night, holy night, the songs of Christmas cheer,

Deck the halls, We Three Kings,

Away In A Manger, we hear.

The sweetest songs of Christmas,

are songs that bring joy and mirth,

that sing of our Lord and Savior

and tell of His wonderful birth.

Praise Him, praise Him, praise the newborn King.

Praise for the Babe in the manger,

praises to Him we sing.

Praise Him praise Him, tell of His wonderful birth.

Tell of the wise men who followed the star.

Nell Berry

lberry001@centurytel.net
~**~**~

Seasons Change

By Nell Berry   12/06/06

Once again the seasons change,

bringing an end to things.

The falling leaves Nature brings.

Winter arrives on cold north winds

awakening Jack Frost on icy wings.

Once again we feel the softness of snowflakes

on our skin;

 feathery fingers like angel wings

of softness to eyelashes cling.

Once again our thoughts are stirred,

our hearts begin to sing.

In every heart there is joy and hope

for peace on Earth.

Every girl and boy is filled with Christmas cheer

as Christmas Day draws near.

Every Mom and Dad begins to hear,

“All I want for Christmas is….”

and the list is long and clear.

Once again our hearts are stirred

as children hang on every word,

to get a hint of things unheard;

the gifts from their hiding place

to another; to another transferred.

Grownups still are seeking;

childish habits still repeating.

Every heart excitedly beating

with joy; the Spirit of Christmas defeating

thoughts of sorrow, grief and weeping.

Christmas Day is here at last.

Memories of Christmas past

tales of Christmases will cast

a fairy tale ending much too fast.

Till next year when it begins again,

the Spirit of Christmas songs we sing

and all our hopes and dreams will bring

Christmas once again.

Nell Berry

lberry001@centurytel.net 

~**~**~

Did Mary Really Know?

By Nell Berry     12/06

Did Mary really know the Miracle she produced?

Did she try to explain or give an excuse?

Or did she simply just in the Lord put her trust?

Did she believe what the Angel proclaimed

that through her, the Savior of the world would be named?

Was she ever plagued with doubts?

Was she afraid of being found out?

Did she hear what she thought she heard?

Is this the fulfillment of God’s Holy Word?

She must have asked the Lord why.

Did she ever get depressed and cry,

“Lord, I’m no special person,

how can I carry this burden?

I’m just a lowly maid, why on me this responsibility you’ve laid?”

No, Mary knew from the start,

God’s Holy Spirit had touched her heart.

The Father chose her for this Miracle of birth;

to send His Son to save sinners on earth.

To be the propitiation of man;

Jesus, God’s Salvation Plan.

Jesus, His only son to die on a cruel cross,

to take our place, He paid the cost.

That’s why we celebrate this Christmas morn,

to give glory to God and worship His Son.

Nell Berry

lberry001@centurytel.net

Author: Nell Berry, mother of four, grandmother of nine and great grandmother of two.

Interests: Writing poetry/song lyrics, short stories, cooking, crocheting, sewing, and spending time with her family.

Writing credits: A book, Growing Up In Missouri and Other Short Stories, available from Publish America, publishamerica.com, amazon.com, b&n.com.

Married to the same man for 56 years.

Loves the Lord and gives Him the glory for all she is or ever hopes to be.

Readers Feedback

 Hi Carol,

I am honored you posted my work in your newsletters.......and I want to
add......MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYBODY......GOD BLESS you each and everyone.

And Tannia...............thanks for your nice comments.  I appreciate
them......carol dee meeks

Contest Submissions that have been posted only, this means only the stories that have been published in Storytime Tapestry and not the articles that are still waiting in the queue.  The list gets bigger each day as more and more stories are added.

Please refer to the archives: http://archives.zinester.com/98907 if you want to reread an article before voting.

Name:                            Title:                              Date published

Ortiz-Lopes, Tannia           From Devine To Human                                     Dec 17 (see special treat)

Blaine, Pamela                     The Very Best Gift Of All                 Dec 17

Shaw, Bob                             Buttermilk                                                           Dec 17

Aro                                         A Visit From Tanner Claus                              Dec 17

Joseph, Brian                       The Gift of Giving                                                Dec 18 (see special treat)

Walker, Bill                         Rainbow Ridge Special Report, Gizzy             Dec 18

Gold, Ron                              Christmas Kindnesses                                       Dec 18

Gold, Ron                              A Merry Jewish Christmas                              Dec 18

Haley, Ellie Braun               Mother                                                                   Dec 19(see special treat)

McCallum, Arnot                The Little Red Sock                                            Dec 19

Bryant, Sharon                    The Meaning                                                        Dec 19

Bryant, Sharon                    The Shoe Store                                                    Dec 19

Byrant, Sharon                    You Walk With Angels                                     Dec 19

Berry, Nell                           A Christmas Prayer                                           Dec 19

Foster, Leeuna                     Tis the Season to go Shopping                          Dec 20

Gifford, P.S.                          A Very Special Christmas                                Dec 20

Mazzella, Joe                       Through His Eyes                                               Dec 20

Meeks, Carol                       The Most Reverent Night                  Dec 20

Meeks, Carol                       A Baby Boy Was Born                                       Dec 20

Meeks, Carol                       Christmas Day                                                     Dec 20

Newman, Bruce                   The Glue of The Universe                  Dec 20(see special treat)

Meeks, Carol                       Oh Israel, Oh Israel                                           Dec 21

Meeks, Carol                       Even The Animals Know                                    Dec 21

Meeks, Carol                       Christmas Blessings                                         Dec 21

Meyers, Dan                         Noel - The Dyslexic Christmas Angel            Dec 21(see special treat)

Cavalera, Robyn                   Dear Santa                                                            Dec 21

Cavalera, Robyn                   Happy Birthday Jesus                                        Dec 21

Bryant, Sharon                    The Sweater                                                         Dec 21

Foster, Leeuna                     The Gifts of The Giver                                        Dec 22(see special treat)

Deming, Barbara A Special Christmas Ride                 Dec 22

Roney, Barbara                    Christmas Nostalgia                                          Dec 22

Roney, Barbara                    Baby Jesus                                                           Dec 22

Walker, Bill                         That Night                                                            Dec 22

Allin, Bill                              Christmas: Most of it Doesn’t Matter             Dec 22(see beyond the Mirror)

Meeks, Carol                       Year 1995 for me                                                Dec 23

Walker, Bill                         No Room                                                                Dec 23

Berry, Nell                           The Birth of A King                                            Dec 23

Berry, Nell                           Seasons Change                                                  Dec 23

Berry, Nell                           Did Mary Really Know                                       Dec 23

Westerfer, Clara O’ Christmas Tree                                             Dec 23

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Here is our Storytime Tapestry Angels: Also, I would like to thank those of you who chose to be a silent angel and gave an anonymous donation to keep Storytime Tapestry up and running.

Clara Westerfer, Mark Crider, Rosanne Catalano, Paula Booher, Kay Seefeldt

Mary Ellen Grisham, Louise Nomani, Sharon Bryant, Angela Walker

Hart and Helen Dowd, Keith Ready, Ginger Morgenstern, Ellie Braun-Haley

Surinder 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; Meeks, Carol; Mizrany, Mary Carter; Morris, Deepak; Ojeibge, Georgewaters; Petry, Dianna Doles; Pringle, Sandra Lewis; Roberts, Susan; Shiveley, Debra; Shaw, Bob; Sims, Richard; Smith; Michael; 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