STORYTIME TAPESTRY

The Newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world

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Sept 14, 2005? 

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Today's Queue Stories
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THEIR EYES

Sharon Bryant

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Nation wide we are all watching clips on television of New Orleans.?  People who refused to leave their homes for whatever reasons.?  Some may have thought they could have "rode it out" like with many previous hurricanes that struck the area.? 

Yet one man I saw on television refused to leave because of his dog.?  He said his dog was 15 years old and there was no way he was leaving him behind.

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I looked at my two dogs after seeing that clip.?  I looked into their trusting eyes.?  And maybe some may think I'm right or some may think I'm wrong, but I couldn't leave them behind either.?  I could not look into their eyes and tell them I'm sorry but they couldn't go with me.?  I just couldn't do it.

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Every time a hurricane comes through my area, our two dogs have their leashes ready to grab and the four of us, hubby, myself and Bob and Ladybug, all go into the storm shelter.?  We have water bowls there for our little furry "kids."?  We have a toy for each one of them there, and we always take some treats and food in case we're stuck in the shelter for a few hours.

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Now some may think that's nuts, but you see, our dogs are part of our family.?  They protect us with barks when they hear something outside.?  They give unconditional love no matter what time of the day or night it is.?  And they are on their feet in a split second when you call their name.?  When we talk to them, they sit and turn their heads and keep those beautiful brown eyes on our faces, waiting, and most of the time, they DO know what we are saying.?  You can believe that or not, but it's true.

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I could never allow them to fend for themselves when they depend on us to feed and love them.?  We give so little for all they give us.?  So I understand the man who refused to leave because they wouldn't allow him to take his dog.?  That man has a heart, and I commend him for the love of his pet.?  For I love our two fur balls the same way.

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Sharon Bryant

1946 @bellsouth.net

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About Me:

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? I am Sharon Bryant,? 59 years old and reside in Alabama.

I lost my child in 1977 when he was five and I write
articles on bereavement often.

I am a chocolate/candy maker and also a wood crafter and knitter.

I am married to a wonderful man, and have two remaining children, a daughter 25,
Amy, and a second son, Randy, age 22.

My main goal in life is to help those who
have lost a child. My website is: www.angelsremembered.tk

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THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS

By: Joseph J. Mazzella

? ? ? ?  There once was a very wealthy and successful man. He had more money than he could ever spend and he was admired and looked up to by his community. Still, he knew that something was missing in his life. He wasn??™t happy. All his life he had pursued happiness and strived for happiness but had never been able to find it.

? ? ? ?  Then one day he heard about a hidden temple in Nepal that had a special room that contained the secret to happiness. He immediately sold all that he owned and set out to find this hidden temple. After many years of searching and countless hardships he arrived there. He was weary and pennyless, but he knew that none of that mattered now that he had found the temple. He asked a wise, smiling monk if he could enter the special room. The monk agreed and showed him the stairs leading to the room. He climbed them with legs shaking with anticipation and slowly opened the door. He stared into the room with sunlight streaming through the window and saw what he had come so far to find. There hanging on the wall was the secret of happiness. The man gazed at his reflection in the mirror and laughed.

? ? ? ?  It is time that we all realized that we are the secret to our own happiness. Happiness is a choice that we make within. God loves us and gives each one of us the ability to fill our lives with love, joy, peace, happiness, and oneness with Him. We need only choose to do so moment by moment and day by day. It doesn??™t matter what our outer circumstances are either, because the Kingdom of Heaven is within us. Don??™t spend the rest of your life searching the world for happiness then. Just look in the mirror and laugh. Just let the happiness flow from your heart, mind, and soul until it fills your life and the lives of all those around you.

Joseph J. Mazzella
joecool @ wirefire.com

Joe lives in West Virginia with his wife and three children. Various dogs and cats have adopted Joe and his family for their own. Joe enjoys his family, beauty, love and hearing from his email friends. Joe likes to take the time to smell the roses and enjoy the beauty around him as he goes about his daily life.
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Hi Carol,

I am happy to be placed on the roll as being one of your writers. My life has been for years committed to our Lord. Due to many false prophets and false teachings I do my best to clear up misunderstandings and mistakes regarding Salvation.

Salvation

By Bob Raines

The following article deals with salvation and show how the False Preachers slip in the back door and present their perverted versions. I began this article because of my own personal experience and how God gave me the Assurance of my Salvation. I was saved as a 7 yr old. About that same time or shortly thereafter I know that I was called to preach. I failed my Saviour as a teenager. I turned away and rarely looked back until I was 27. By that time I did not believe that I was saved. I became concerned and then began a serious search.

At age 27 I was in a position that I was taking home over $500.00 weekly. (A wage that I would feel rich if I had it today) In my search for a personal relationship with God. I quit my job, moved from California and became diligent. I took a job for $50.00 weekly operating a service station. In my idle time I took time to read everything that I could get my hands on that had the appearance of religion. One man quoted 1 John 5:13-15 to me and I spent a lot of time meditating on those Scripture Truths in an effort to see how they applied to me.

Over the course of time I began searching my memory and could remember my experience as a 7 year old.

1 Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

14 ?¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: {in: or, concerning}

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

As I examined, read, reread and reread those verses I began to realize that I was still saved. Because the gift eternal life is an Eternal Gift. My Lord promised me that I would live for Eternity with Him. As a result of those precious promises from His Eternal Word I had peace and assurance.

As time went on and I continued to grow I still studied every thing that I could relating to my relationship with my Saviour. I knew that there were many religious organizations and most of them were in conflict with each other. As a direct result of that conclusion I knew that not all of them could be right. John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. As I continued and prayed I compared Scripture with Scripture and visited many religious organizations. I did my best to examine each by both the Scriptures taught and preached. Next I considered the religious leaders and the lives of the followers. In due time I began to realize that there were many people from various organizations that had the same conviction about Salvation that I was convinced that came directly from the Authority of God and His Word. Some of these were then saved and on the road to Heaven but were not members of a fully Bible Based, Bible Believing Church. I discovered that Salvation was not a result of being a part of a religious organization, but instead it came from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above allthe Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

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I knew that I had repented and had received forgiveness. I knew that it was the Shed Blood of Jesus Christ that had cleansed and washed away the sin curse from my soul.

Now that I knew a little more about the Bible and religious organizations I wanted to know which one was I supposed to be a member of and to fellowship with. Based on the Authority of God's Word I know that I am not to be unequally yoked with non-believers. 2Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

I am a member of an old fashion Bible Believing Independent Baptist Church today due to Bible Based Convictions. That does not mean that I believe only Baptist are going to Heaven. It simply means that I am convinced that they are closer to teaching Bible Truths and living those truths more so that any other organization that I personally know of.

Having an arrogant and or an indifferent attitude, selfish attitude, loving a sin infested life, lack of love for others all indicates that an individual is extremely immature as a Christian or they are not saved. I am not to judge an individual but I am required to be selective in who I have a close relationship with. In a manner of speaking it is much like making a firm decision as to who I will or will not marry. Those type decisions are not to be considered as judgmental but instead making decisions according to Bible Standards and serious yet compassionate considerations.

Because of the fact that I had been married and divorced I did not believe I could ever be a preacher so I discarded that idea. As time went on and I heard many sides of the argument relating to marriage, divorce and remarriage I began to realize that God never changes His Mind about the ones that He Calls to Serve. I was astonished then and still am today. I am still called to preach. God still has work for me to do.

At this stage in my life I know that to greatest calling that mankind will ever receive is to live in the center of God's will for our lives individually.

Each Christian is called individually for specific duties and next we are to bear the burdens of each other. In addition I am called to bear my own burdens. I am never to assume that others have an obligation to help mein any other way that to pray for me and then to help me if God so directs. I must not ever think that I am obligated to help other by giving something physically to others unless God tells me personally. In the event that God burdens my heart I will have peace about it and then

God will enable me to do so. Many Christians provide help and completely disregard Bible Based Principles and in effect become more hindrance than help. Acceptance of personal responsibility in itself is far too often neglected. Christians are to love and respect each other. As a Christian I am to love everybody just as Christ Loves me. I am not called on to ever love the sin but I am called to love the sinner and to help that individualwhen and where possible. There are times that God has a desire to help an individual and He wants to use a Christian to do so but I am not the person that God wants to use. In that event the best help that I canprovide is to move completely out of the way. That is what took place with the Apostle Paul and Mark. They separated and went in different directions. Mark went with Barnabus and began to grow again spiritually.

At a much later time, Paul requested Mark to again help him. ? I will never be called on by my Lord to do any thing that is sinful. At times man will make laws that are in direct conflict with God and His Word. In those cases I must follow God and His Word first and foremost.

I have taken time to cover several areas of Christianity in an effort to help others have a closer walk with God. There are many lies being lived out that is called Christianity. Many questions are being ask that are not always answered truthfully. Many use those false answers and turn away from the only one that can in reality help them. Those lies and half truths come from Satan and his False Preachers and False Prophets.

Matthew 7:15 ?¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

2Peter 2:1 ?¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

1John 4:1 ?¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2Cointhians 11:13-15

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 2Cointhians 11:13-15

God is not confused. Much has been said by Satan and his host of followers that wear religious garments and speak eloquently with religious tones under the pretense of being God Sent. That is the reason that a personal and individual study must be made from God's Word.

God's Plan of Salvation in simple form.

Plan of Salvation

1. Problem of Sin

Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

2. Price of Sin

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and

death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. Price of Sin Paid

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

4. Pathway to Paradise

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

It is my desire to help when and where possible. Please write with your

questions and I will answer. drbobraines1@juno.com

Bob Raines

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Writers Feedback

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Johann Christoph Arnold - Beautiful write up.?  A lesson to learn, and some things to ponder on??¦?  The days are actually short.?  It made me remember the song ???Oh Sinner Man, Where??™re you Going to Run to on that Day?????  Safest places are becoming threatened on daily basis.?  It is really scary!?  The only backup is that we have faith in Christ Jesus and His promises shall not condemn us for as much as we hold on tight to the father??™s words, his son will always stand for us.

Georgewaters Ojeigbe ??“ Lagos, Nigeria gojiegbe@jhplc.com

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Announcements

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Prayer Requests and Updates

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? SENIOR WRITERS

Chief Writer: Sharon Bryant

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? Agee, Vance;? Apted, Violet;? Baker, Kathy; Batt, Al;?  Berry, Nell;

Boda, Ginger;? ? Buhagiar, Victor; Cassady, B.J.;?  Cavalera, Robyn; Crider, Mark;? 

Deming, Barb; Doherty, Maria; Goodier, Steve; Halley, Ellie Braun;

Harris, Kathy Anne;? Hunt, Sharlette;? 

Jacobson, Gary;? Kiser, Roger Dean; Kerens, Claudia; Jenkins, Pamela;

Liles, Norma; Lock, Joyce; Mazzella, Joe;? Ojeigbe, Georgewaters;

?  Petry, Dianna Doles; Roberts, Susan;?  Shiveley, Debra; Shaw, Bob; Sims, Richard; Swarner, Ken; Vaknin, Sam; Verhoeff, Jan

Walker, Bill; Walker, Joe;? Warner, Gorden K;

Whirity, Kathy;? White, Robert;

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STORYTIME TAPESTRY STAFF

Publisher: Carol Roach-founder

Moderator: Thelma Hartselle-co founder

Moderator: Clara Westerfer

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