Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

June 19, 2007

Today’s Announcements

 Dear Prayer Warriors

I have a job interview scheduled for this afternoon (a very good job too) as many of you know I have been one year without employment. I have been on many, many interview that went very well, and I keep getting passed over time and time again!

I am asking for your prayers earnestly...  If I don't have work by the end of this month (1 year’s time) my doctor will put me on disability...  I want to work...!!  and I know I am able to work...!!  and I know I'm qualified and experienced!!  I know if I have to go on disability it will be the final breaking of my heart.  So I am asking for your prayers I really need them urgently.

Love to all,

Barbara

Today’s Stories

Choose to Dance

Marsha Jordan

One of my favorite Bible verses begins with three powerful words: "Choose for yourselves." (Joshua 24:15) You and I really have only one basic choice to make in life and that core choice determines all our actions. It’s the choice between right and wrong.

Choices have consequences and consequences affect not just us but others in this world.

When we choose between right and wrong, we're making a multitude of other choices at the same time. We’re choosing which results we want in our lives -- either happy blessings or not-so-happy consequences. A choice can result in a peaceful, contented life or a life of trouble and sorrow. Ultimately, the choice between right or wrong is a choice of either eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him.


At the ripe old age of 120, Moses realized he wouldn't be leading the people of Israel much longer, so he gathered them together and passed on some guidelines for living. Deuteronomy chapter 30 tell us that Moses reminded the people of how God had always provided for and guided them. He recalled many commands of God and urged the people to obey them.

Moses explained that choosing God brings fulfillment, blessings, and life; but choosing against God brings emptiness, pain, and death.

In verse 15, Moses concluded his instruction to the people with these words: "I set before you today life and good, death and evil. I command you to love the Lord and walk in His ways . . . and the Lord will bless you . . ." Then in verse 19, Moses summed it all up saying, "Love the Lord and obey His voice. Cling to Him. He is your life. I have set before you today life and death, CHOOSE LIFE!" Verse 19 describes how God rejoices when people turn to Him wholeheartedly, choosing to obey Him willingly.

Who, if they had the option, wouldn’t choose life over death? Yet, we unwittingly make choices every day that lead down the path to "deathly" consequences. How, then, does one "choose life?" I think it’s by learning to DANCE.

Let me explain. Since my brain has turned to lemon custard, I often use acronyms to help me remember things. The first letter of each word in a group is abbreviated into a more easily remembered word. So the word DANCE reminds me of five points to recall in order to choose life over death.

The first letter of the word dance is "D," which stands for determine. To choose life, I must determine to know God better by reading the Bible.

"A" stands for allow. Allow God to have control. I must give up my own ideas and desires.

"N" stands for never. Never stop learning what God desires. There’s always more to learn, so I keep seeking His will.

"C" stands for choose. Choose to follow His plan. I trust that He knows best and I let go of my own plans.

"E" stands for express. I express my love and gratitude for Him by doing what He asks of me.

To choose life, I need to "dance" according to God’s guidelines. Like the people Moses led through the desert, I need frequent reminders. That’s why it’s important for me to read the Bible often and memorize as much as possible. The more I fill my mind with God’s words, the more those words influence my thoughts, decisions, and actions.

We all have choices to make. I hope you’ll choose what’s right. Choose God over the world. Choose the Bible over Miss Cleo. Choose giving over hoarding. Choose forgiveness over bitterness. Choose truth, love, and light.

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." (John 14:6) Choose Jesus.

Choose LIFE!

Submitted by Marsha Jordan

Creator of the  Hugs and Hope Foundation for Sick Children

Author of "Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter"

Web Site: www.hugsandhope.org

Email: hugsandhope@gmail.com

~**~**~

Inspiration
Bill Walker
missourisage@yahoo.com

While back I was in with Mr.Tink and Mr. Poo talking to friend Keith at
his little hide out. All four of us was trying to out do one another
on old war stories I think. Now you know anyone who has spent a bit of
their life in service to this nation has war stories. Some are real
even, others you kind of wonder about.

The story Keith told, I have no problem knowing it was the truth, the
whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have seen men like the one
he told about. I think I know of one that is sometimes setting in the
White House right now.

Keith said there came the day for a long hike to some place. You know
a hup, two. three, fore. This was the whole unit was to take this
hike.  
There are always a few trucks, a few Jeeps that made this kind of
hike. But for the most part it is a hup, two, three, fore deal. Of
course soldiers are the best gripers in the world when it comes to a
hup, two, three, fore, deal.

Leading the unit was a old soldier, a Major no less, he was doing the
hup, two, three, fore, same as the troops in the ranks. This old
soldier, many years before, made a long march. It was called the Bataan
Death March.

This old soldier made the hike, while junior officers was looking for a
ride in a truck or Jeep. Who do you think the average GI would follow
into the jaws of hell? The Major has been to hell and back. He
would be an inspiration to any GI.

Oh, the one setting in the White House, well I was thinking he might
have been one looking for a ride in a truck, or a Jeep, sure not in the
Major's class.
Tinker and Poo; The Boys Write
http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?&isbn=0-595-35741-5

~**~**~

Poetry Corner

~**~**~

A Tribute To My Friend
Cynthia Groopman

Oh my dear sweet friend, you companionship is as dear as a jewel,
As valuable as a precious stone.
You verbally envelop me with smiling embraces,
When I am sad and alone.
Your glittering face is always smiling and never in a frown
Your voice is so melodic, cheering me up when I am sad and down.
Compassion and respect to me you always show,
As we bask in friendship's sunshine golden glow,
Advice and solace you offer me.
Calming my fears and bathing my soul in inner serenity.
Hand in hand we merrily stroll life's winding highway
With laughs and a sense of humor that brightens my day
You ease and burdens of my life,
Clearing my mind of unnecessary stress and strife.
You rejoice in my triumphs and in times of sadness you dry my tears
Being my tower of strength throughout all of these many years.
For your friendship is a gift and a hallowed treasure
And I praise you in every measure.

Cynthia L. Groopman
cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2004 Cynthia L. Groopman

~**~**~

A Tribute To The State Of Israel
Cynthia Groopman

A land so holy and strong,
with a rich spiritual history that is inspiring and long,
where the ancient joins hands with the new,
and where God watches over every Christian, Islamic and Jew.
Where the walls ring of deeds that were boldly done,
with tales of battles fought and victories triumphantly won.
Heroes dwell gallantly in this democratic Jewish nation,
and on this your anniversary day, we salute you in deep elation.
Oh, dear Israel, you are indeed a blessed and golden land,
eternally protected and guided by God's outstretched helping hand.
May you continue to flourish and thrive,
and for peace and joy, we must all continue to strive.


Cynthia Groopman
cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2004 Cynthia Groopman

 ~**~**~

 A Tribute To The Torah
Cynthia Groopman

Adorned with majestic splendor clothed in a glowing gold,
And on its scrolls of parchment are inscribed the truly remarkable story
that shall be everlastingly told.
For each Hebraic line Exudes the radiant
brightness of the Divine sunshine.
We back in deep spiritual elation,
In knowing that our Torah is our everlasting beacon
of light and our source of comfort and consolation.
Its velvety cover is of a marvel magnificent blue,
And through its teachings, we have become a nation so strong,
moral, and righteous too.
Its holy words are chanted in a lovely voice that echoes
sentiments that are so precious and dear,
And I hear God speaking lovingly and gently into my ear.
When we marvel at its open ark,
I become spiritually enriched and religiously fulfilled
by the Divine spark.
As the Torah regally rests on its special little chair,
I feel the Divine Presence everywhere.
For the Torah is indeed a truly magnificent blessed gift to me.

Cynthia Groopman
cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2004 Cynthia L. Groopman

~**~**~

A Tribute To New York City
Cynthia Groopman

Oh, dear NYC, I pay tribute to you with honor and pride,
For you are a precious haven, where equality and liberty abide.
You grant freedom and justice to all,
Compassionately nurturing everything great and small.
You are the home of the heroes who are strong and so very brave, too,
Gallant, loyal and kind in all they do,
In the raging face of terrorism's evil blight,
God guided you, NYC, so that we can savor freedom's precious light.
Eight million of us treasure peace and harmony,
As we are all accorded respect and human dignity.
Thus, my hope for you NYC, in all that I truly say,
Is that may God watch over and bless you each and every day.
For you are my home sweet home,
And with a heart full of love, I am honored to call you my own.

Cynthia L. Groopman
cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net
Copyright ©2004 Cynthia L. Groopman

Readers Feedback

What my father left behind by Janet Perez Eckles - was a very encouraging story. I could relate to her adjustment period on the USA because I lived it, too. However, because I am very stubborn and won't quit, God provided me with mentors who helped me with my English skills.  Where there is a will, there is a way. This story shows that.....  "Querer es poder"!  TANNIA

Carol,
    I live in the country, but still don't get bit often.  It must be all the tomato sauce in my blood. :-)  I am sure though that you
will get a lot of good tips from your readers on how to keep those pesky biters away.  Wishing you every joy, Joe

The critters, as well as chiggers and ticks, also like my blood.

Folk remedy: drink two tablespoons of vinegar, either slowly or diluted

My solution: Avon's Skin So Soft spray repellent

I hope this helps.

Concerning the Avon product for pesky six and eight legged critters, let's be more specific.  Any Avon representative will have them abailable.

There are three products available in aerosol or pump spray:
     Bug Guard Plus Picaridin
     Bug Guard Plus Expedition
     Bug Guard Plus

and two lotions with SPF 30:
     Bug Guard Plus
     Blug Guard Plus Cool and Fabulous

I have not tried the vinegar.
 

Lurene

Charlotte Hilliard

I know about Texas mosquitoes and they are bad enough,

but my husband spent two weeks in Canada while working

for The Visador Company, here in Jasper.  He stayed with

an employee who had been transferred to the North.

I remember his saying Ozzie's small field, strawberries

maybe, had more mosquitoes than produce.  They were

worse than any he had seen before, and larger.

Now, that is some admission from a country boy, born and

raised in Texas.

I do not know how big or bad Canada's mosquitoes are

having never been there, but I met a Texas one parked in

my bathtub drinking where water had dripped.  He was so

big I called him Mister and let him have his fill.  Then I

opened my door and escorted him outside.

Most of the time we have the smaller ones, the little nasty

buggers that zap arms, legs, feet, as Carol said, places you

can not reach, and are gone before you can swat them.

We also has little-bitty nats that, I think, are worse than the

mosquitoes.  When bitten, it is had to stop the itch.

Unfortunately, our winters do not get cold enough to wipe

them out..

I suppose God had his reasons for making mosquitoes,

worms, and even roaches.  Being a very nosey and

inquisitive person, I will be sure to ask him when I get to

Heaven.

Charlotte Hilliard

Storytime Tapestry Angels

Angels on earth, they exist they are out there.  Angels come in all ages, shapes and sizes, civil status, and religion.  Their nature is love and their purpose is giving to the less fortunate of this world.  Storytime Tapestry angels are no exception.  These angels are loyal members who have contributed to the upkeep of Storytime Tapestry newsletter so that Storytime Tapestry can continue come to your email box 350 days of the year.

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, Mariane Holbrook, Mary Ellen Grisham, Louise Nomani, Sharon Bryant, Angela Walker, Hart and Helen Dowd, Keith Ready, Ginger Morgenstern, Ellie Braun-Haley, Surinder Jandu, Bob Shaw, Carol Meeks