Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

March 9, 2008

 Today’s Announcement

 Happy Birthday Constance Gilbert cgilbert61@peoplepc.com from all your friends at Storytime Tapestry

Don’t forget to order your copy of Angels Watching Over Me, the story of an ordinary woman facing less than ordinary challenges.  Angels Watching Over Me is a story of family love, sacrifices, poverty and an undying faith that makes heroes out of all of us. Here is the link in case you have forgotten it: http://www.lulu.com/content/964306

Important notice: Storytime Tapestry is a free e-zine, however donations are always needed to help with the operating expenses of running the newsletter and to keep Storytime Tapestry the quality newsletter you are so accustomed to.   You can make your donations to paypal at: winterose@videotron.ca, or if you would prefer to use the mail system contact the publisher at the same email address: winterose@videotron.ca

Today’s Stories

Take Your Cross and Follow Me.
Bill Walker
missourisage@yahoo.com

Words spoken by Jesus, tells us many things to think about.

In Mark, chapter 8, we read Verse 33. Jesus said, "get thee behind
me, Satan: for thou savoriest not the things that be of God, but the
things that be of man." Jesus was talking to Peter. Jesus had
been telling them facts. The road to Heaven is not an easy road.
Peter didn't like all he was told, couldn't quite believe it.

Jesus went on to say in verse 34. "Whosoever will come after me. let him
deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

The road is going to be rough, and tough. There are many on the road
to Heaven, but many will see the smooth road to hell, and take it.
This is what we are told. Many grow weak, and tried of the rough,
tough road to Heaven, dragging the cross along. Some will drop the
cross, and take the smooth well traveled road to hell.

Jesus tells us many places in the Bible, many if not all will be put
to the test, to see if we are fit for the Kingdom of Heaven. People,
the mass group, will line up against the believer, just like the mob
that day screamed to hang Jesus on a cross. Those that screamed to
let the murderer go free. Isn't that what happens every day when one
believes the lies of Satan? Satan is the murderer of your soul, with
his lies.

The road to Heaven is not always smooth. The road to hell has nice
things to offer. That is what looks nice. The rich, false feeling of
money, maybe. The good life, maybe. The people all lined up telling you
how great you are. You may gain the whole world, and live so great. You
may become ever so rich, money wise. Some day, and the day will come,
all the money in the whole world will not buy one minute in Heaven.
All the money in the world will not buy one drop of cool water for your
parched tongue in hell. Read Luke, chapter 16. verse 24. Now once
again please read the verses before and a little past this one.

I was reading about the ones who have more billions of dollars than he
knows  what to do with. I wonder how these people can live, and go to
bed at night, knowing full well  millions  are in need of a few crumbs
of food, and a cup of clean water. These people with millions, and
billions of dollars may have worked for it, that might be true. But
what have they gained if they have so much wealth on earth, and then
spend forever in the pits of hell?

I know of a few, that seem to have a lot of joy in helping others, in
time of need. I will not name them, the few I know, maybe you know of
them also, or others that do the same thing. I also know of some who
will battle for the last dollar some poor soul had, so that they them
selves might become richer. Those that will sell their very soul for
wealth on this earth, will soon find it will not travel to hell with
them, to buy a drop of water to cool their parched tongue.

Yes, take up your cross, and follow the man called Jesus to Heaven.
The cross of life is a test. Many will find a smoother road to
travel. But the smoother road may not lead to Heaven. The road of
fine living, or what looks like fine living, may be the road Satan has
made that looks so nice.
Tinker and Poo; The Boys Write
http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?&isbn=0-595-35741-5
Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try
it now.  

 ~**~**~

It's Time

Sharon Bryant

The little Yorkie was just a puppy when he came to live with him.   A few months later, fully grown, weighing in at five pounds, the frisky little dog and the man became inseparable.  We laughed when we saw the 'car seat' that was bought for the little dog.  We grinned when we saw him wear his little yellow rain coat on rainy days.  Or his sweaters and jackets on cool fall days.  Not to forget his overcoat he had on frigid winter days.

Through the years, the little dog and the man always brought smiles to faces who saw them.  The Yorkie never left his side.

The toy collection behind the big chair in the living room was something to see.  Enough toys for 15 dogs.

And yet when the Yorkie was told to go get a certain stuffed animal, he always knew which one the man was referring to.

They shared steaks for supper many nights.  They drove down old country roads together, both taking in the quiet scenery.  The love between man and animal was obvious to all who could see.

The years passed.  The Yorkie turned twelve years old.  That year, the little dog's life changed.

His master was called home.  The day they found the little dog alone in the house, he was sitting in the living room, facing the room his master had fallen in.  The howls could be heard outside the house.

Everyone wondered what was going to happen to the little dog.

The man's son took him home with him the day of the funeral.  He gathered all the little toys up.  He packed all the little clothing up.  He knew that he had to give the little dog the love and tenderness that his master had always given him.

Two more years passed.  The Yorkie has turned fourteen-years-old.  His teeth have had to be extracted.  His little body is showing signs of age.  His body functions are failing him.  And yet, the man's son, who has grown to love the little dog as much as his father did, is having a hard time accepting everything.

Yesterday the Yorkie's kidney's began to fail again.  The son rushed him to the veterinarian's.  IV's again, were given.

I called this morning to check on the little dog.  The son told me, "The vet said It's Time."

I could feel the heartache in his voice.  I knew his pain.  My own mind quickly went back to 2003 when my precious dog's life was taken by cancer.  I know the emptiness of coming home without that little fur ball waiting for you.  I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a best friend who stood beside you no matter what.  One who gave you unconditional love all their life.  One who trusted you and would have done anything for you.

He knows tomorrow is the day he will no longer have the little shadow that has followed him for two years now.  He knows the emptiness he will feel when he makes that drive home alone.  He knows the heartache.

My dad is waiting on the other side. 

I told my brother today, "You don't want him to suffer.  Dad would never want him to suffer." 

I reminded him that for the two years since our father died, he has given all his love to the little Yorkie.

I told him to think about dogs who never know what the inside of a house looks like.  Think about those who are tied up to a dog house, never bathed, food tossed at them, and never knowing the tenderness a human heart can give to a dog.

And think about the love between the Yorkie and himself and treasure those memories.

Tonight is the last night my brother will hold the little dog.  Tomorrow.....well tomorrow will bring a lot of tears to our family.

All because It's Time.

I know my father is waiting for Troy when he crosses that Rainbow Bridge.

And though we here on earth will hurt, we know our father will open his arms to once again hold the precious little Yorkie he loved for the 12 years they had together.

Sharon Bryant

Choklite@bellsouth.net

Poetry Corner

~**~**~

March, a Month of Surprises

Cynthia Groopman

March is indeed a month of surprises,

With warm temperatures, sudden snowfall, and beautiful sunsets and dazzling sunrises..

March may enter like a lion as fierce as a cruel beast,

Angry and howling, to say the least.

Then, the day after, the sunshine glow is so golden and bright,

Aromas of sweet spring time air is certainly a majestic delight.

March  plays tricks on all of us,

Full of confusion and pathos.

We must learn to discern and to understand,

That March is unstable, often playing havoc in this land.

  Cynthia Groopman

 cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net

~**~**~

Life's Feasts

Cynthia Groopman

At the table of life there many different feasts,

They are delicious, to say the least.

Served and made with love, and tender loving care,

Life's feasts are cherished memories for us to savor and to share.

When there are happy occasions to celebrate and to enjoy,

Feelings of anxiety and sadness vanish and will forever be destroyed..

When we are facing a trial or tribulation,

Life's feasts offer reassuring elation.Spiritual renewal and delicious food of all kinds at life's feasts are found,

As we all drink from the cup of friendship rejoicing to fellowship's loving sound.

Cynthia Groopman

 cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net

~**~**~

Good Morning, God

Cynthia Groopman

Oh, sweet Lord, good morning,
with a glorious sunrise, my heart was enchanted and dancing sprightly
early as the spectacular day was dawning.
With smiles on my face,
oh, dear God, I felt you enfold me into a loving paternal embrace.
My soul You did renew with peace and rest,
and I was full of energy and zest.
Ready, willing, and eager, I am now to face the new day,
and to touch another in a profound and positive way.
To be able to awake well and strong,
inspires me to praise you, oh, exalted God, in rejoicing song.
Throughout the entire night, You did watch over me,
as you bathed my soul with tranquility.
For a sound sleep, I did pray,
and to greet You in gratitude at the break of day.
Oh, precious Lord, my life for another day on earth, You did spare,
I am eternally grateful to You for your tender loving care.
So, this morning is so special to me,
and my heart is singing merrily.

Cynthia Groopman

 cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net

Readers Feedback

~**~**~

I love Bill Walkers Rainbow Bridge stories.
Mark Crider

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.