Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

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March 14, 2006

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Today??™s Queue Stories

~**~**~

LOVE NEVER DIES? ? ? 

Sharon Bryant

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I saw the envelope on the table last week amid all the Christmas cards I had scattered all over.?  I noticed the handwriting on the envelope was not mine nor my husbands.?  Whose could it be??  I opened the envelope and looked at several photographs tucked inside.?  Hubby walked up and I said, "What are these photos doing in this envelope?"?  He said he didn't know, but I knew he wasn't telling me the truth.?  And yet, I couldn't figure out why they were taken out of old albums and placed in the envelope.

Then with the rush of baking, wrapping gifts, getting menu's planned, I more or less forgot it.

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Two nights before Christmas my husband got a phone call.?  I was doing dishes and I heard him whispering into the phone.?  "I wonder what he's up to?" I thought.?  He said he'd be back in a few minutes and out the door he went.?  When he returned a short time later, I was in the computer room so did not see him enter the house.? 

He knew eventually I'd enter our bedroom and see the large bag on the bed.?  There it was.?  I didn't touch it, nor try and untie the ribbon and peek inside.

A little while later he said, "You can open your gift early, if you'd like."?  "No, I'd rather wait until Christmas," I said.? 

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Have you ever gotten a gift that will bring tears to your eyes??  Or one that will choke you up and take your breath away??  He did it twice to me this year.?  Inside the big bag, which the next day he wrapped inside a big box, was a homemade quilt.?  I've never had one and have always wanted one.

Christmas morning he handed me the second gift.?  I slowly opened the box and my breath was taken away as I stared at a 8 x 10 photograph of myself and my son Andy when he was three-years-old on our birthday.?  My husband told me to flip the page.?  I did.?  There was a beautiful photo of my beloved Pokey who died two years ago.?  I flipped another page, there was my two remaining children when they were three and six.?  Each page held an enlarged photo of parts of my life.?  Then I remembered the envelope on the table.?  My husband had a calendar made and had chosen twelve photos to make the calendar.?  I've never had one before.

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My present husband knew Andy.?  He also knows how much I work with bereaved parents.?  He knows to have something in memory of my little boy is one of the greatest gifts I can have.? 

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My heart tugged as it always does, and I had to have my special time I call it when I had to walk off alone? for a few minutes.?  Though he's not here with me where I can see him, he resides inside my heart.?  For love never dies.

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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 26,
Amy, and a second son, Randy, age 24.

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 SQUARE CIRCLE

Roger Dean Kiser

As a kid I never was sure whether I was smart or just a ???dumb idiot.??? The latter I had been told many times during my years living in a Jacksonville, Florida orphanage. Never did try and find out the answer, neither ???cause it would have made no difference. I recall the first time I began to wonder about being smart and whether it was really that important.

I sat in mechanical drawing class and watched as the teacher kept rubbing on his chin, as though he were thinking. All at once he stood up and told the class to design anything we could think of, using our imagination.

???I am more interested in imagination than content,??? he told the class.

We were given thirty minutes to complete the assignment. Within one minute I had completed my work and I raised my hand. The teacher raised his eye-brows and walked over to my seat. He looked down at the large sheet of paper and then stared directly at me.

What is that???? He asked me.

I motioned for him to lean over and I whispered into his ear. He nodded his head, in an up and down motion, as though he approved. He took my paper, folded it in half and took it to his desk.

I sat watching as many of the kids designed large skyscrapers and the like. As the thirty minutes neared its end many of the kids began to show each other their papers. The room filled with excitement.

When the time limit ended the teacher had each student come to the front of the class, one at a time, and explain their work.

When the last paper was shown the teacher stood up and said ???There will only be one ???A??? given today and it will be given to Roger Kiser.

The teacher pointed at me and motioned for me to come to the front of the classroom. As I reached his desk he picked up my paper and held it out for the class to see. Every mouth dropped and the room became silent. Drawn on my paper was nothing but a large square.

Why does he get an ???A??? for drawing a square???? asked one of the students.

???Tell the class what this is Roger,??? instructed the teacher.

I took the paper from the teacher and held it forward for all to see.

???I was asked to design something using my imagination. I thought if someone were to come to me and asked me to design them a house, shaped like a circle, but unlike any other circle in the world. What would I design? I decided to design them the first round house shaped like a square circle.

The class sat there in total silence.

???That is exactly what I was looking for,??? said the teacher.

The students rose from their seats and began slapping me on the back and shaking my hand.

I knew right then and there that being smart was more than just knowing a lot of stuff. That it had something to do with understanding. That it had something to do with seeing things just a little bit differently than others would view it.

Even though I only had a sixth grade education; I suppose that is what led me to become a writer/author. I saw that I was able to show others that pain was more than just hurting and that crying was more than just tears.

Roger Dean Kiser

trampolineone @earthlink.net

Roger Dean Kiser is the author of the book "Orphan, A True Story of Abandonment, Abuse and Redemption."Roger also writes non-fiction short stories which he displays on his website "The Sad Orphan" located at: www.rogerdeankiser.com Roger's short stories have also been published in: Chicken Soup, Heartwarmers ? Heartwarmers of Love, A Cool Collection I and II (Israel),

"The Bully" was made into a short film by Nicholas Delfino and has been entered into several major film festivals in the United States.

~**~**~

~ God is Not Mocked ~

Joyce C. Lock
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? ? ?  Ga. 6:1, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the SPIRIT of MEEKNESS, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

? ? ?  How many times have we had the urge to Lord it over someone fallen; to look at them in disgust, to shun their very presence, to talk behind their back, to refuse their service, to forget all the good they've done, to spit in their face and kick them when their down?

? ? ?  Those who receive people in meekness have learned a very special lesson.?  In the right place, at the right time, under the right circumstance - there is no sin we couldn't be tempted with.?  Only by the grace of God that it isn't me.? 

Where did we get the idea it couldn't happen to us??  Don't we dare think ourselves any better (Ga. 6:3)!

? ? ?  If we weren't abandoned on a door step, raised in an orphanage or maybe even the ghettos; if we were raised with God fearing, loving, non-abusive parents who saw to it that we had the best education money could buy; if we've risen to places of prestige, prosperity, power, respect, and position ...?  how can we think we had something to do with it?

? ? ?  Sometimes, we forget where we came from and who brought us where we are (Ez. 16:21,22).?  If you ever find yourself in such a place - BEWARE, BEWARE, BEWARE!

? ? ?  "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall," (Pr. 16:18).

? ? ?  Once we realize the full impact of it happening to us, not forgetting our beginning, we're more than willing to put ourselves in another's shoes, we're happy not to find offense (Ps 119:165) in their weakness (like we don't have any), meekness is no longer a chore, and we welcome restoring than as Jesus would've done (Ga. 6:2), as we hope someone would do for us (Mt. 7:12).

? ? ?  Caring more for their works than the needs of their soul isn't what the Apostle Paul was about (2 Co. 12:14).?  Reverting to legalism makes us the transgressor and frustrates God (Ga. 2:18,21).

? ? ?  "Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man soweth that shall he also reap."?  So, choose to reap the best (Ga. 6:8, 16) ... or you might be next.

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God takes it very personal how we treat His children.

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?© by Joyce C. Lock
http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/

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Poetry Section

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Carol, your poem, "Ice Man "made me think of a young men tormented

by an apparent split personality. He can be so sweet yet sad, and also he can

be one man one day and even in the same day you can see a very tortured soul.

I wonder how many people are in the world like this.... Jene Lind

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Kith and Kin

Jene Lind
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I have a personality deep inside of me
But when I am with family I try to be just me
They would never understand who I really am
Just a lonely man at heart ...yes, I really am
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To you I seem a friendly guy
Like all your kith and kin
But you don't know the places
This tortured mind has been
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So keep on judging me the way you always do
I hope and pray split personality never follows you
For even if I appear happy on the outside for all to see
Deep inside this heart of mine, is a lonely man, that's me

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By:?  Jene' Lind

ImAuthor4U@aol.com

~**~**~

Everyday is SONday In My Soul

Norma Liles

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Everyday is SONday in my soul.

As He leads me to my final goal

When at last I rest at home with Him

On the other side of Jordan's fair land.

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May the days ahead be filled with joy

As we journey on the roads of life's toils

We will forge ahead while looking above

Where the river of life is filled with His love.

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Contemplate what a joyful day that will be

When there will be no pain sorrow set free

Happy we will be with the Lamb who died for me

When once again, we're in the presence of the King.

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We know the SON is also the light

There'll be no darkness where there is light

When you lay your burdens down

Lay down your cross, pickup your crown.

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Praise the SON of the One who is our God

Sing unto Him a new song for the life he trod

Rejoice with the saints beyond the stars.

Heavenly Father, Prince of Peace, the SON.

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NormaLee Liles ?©

hoopla214@yahoo.com

Norma Liles is a retired data entry

clerk/supv who is 76, a native of Ohio

and still resides there. She is very

outgoing and loves to make new friends!

Her hobbies are: writing poetry and

stories, living for Jesus, reading,
enjoying her family, and her use of

her computer.Her ambition is to add

pleasure to those who read her writings

as well as sharing her faith. She enjoys

Southern Gospel Music and loves to sing.

Her writings have been published on Starfish,
Driftwood, Sandollar, Morning Spirit Lift,
www.poetry.com, PrayerofGod, Jan Karon's
newsletter, American Poetry Writer's league,
Lucy's Inspiration, Faithful Hope reading room,
Poetry of Today publishing, Hope in Him,
Bonnie's Place, America will remember,
News Moose & Penworm prayer warriors as well as

a senior writer for Storytime Tapestry.

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~**~**~

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Readers Feedback

Feb 27 - Thank you Paul for taking the time to write to us all.?  We're all happy to have you on-board!?  Carol is a gem, isn't she! Blessings always, Barbara

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Dafna Yee's story 'Immigration for Love' was a delight.?  True love won out.?  The fact that her Grandfather was true to himself and saved his very life by avoiding the holocaust was an added force to the story.?  I loved reading this.? ? ?  Gabrielle Morgan.

Welcome Rashmi Kayala to our Storytime Tapestry Family... Glad to have you here and look forward to your submissions.?  Blessings Always, Barbara

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Darlene's Thief of The Heart hit home. What would we do
without the unconditional loyalty, protection and love our
pets afford us?

Some may think we pet lovers are nuts. They can think what they like. So can I,,,, about them. I can read so much into people as to how they treat animals, especially their pets.
Thanks
Mark Crider

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Louise's piece "A Small Matter of Numbers" is a most unique piece of
writing. I enjoy her poetic prose. ??“Kay

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Feb 22 - What an absolutely beautiful story that Sharon has allowed us to share in.?  A part of her life that was alive and vibrant and beautiful.?  How I wish that could have been possible for me.?  I always wanted to be really close to my father but that was not to be.?  Our relationship was far utilitarian and direct. He with his set of rules and me with nothing to do but follow till I was old enough to move away and begin to allow myself to grow and experience life that I could be proud of and a life that my dear dear mother was proud of.?  Still, I thank you Sharon for letting us into your life and get to know something about your father.?  The piece was so beautifully done I knew from the start that? finishing was an absolute must .?  God Bless you and yours Sharon.?  Looking forward to more from your pen.

Sincerely

Gorden? 

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Prayer Requests and Updates

Feb 26^th - Please everyone, pray for my daughter in law, she is at her mom's house for a few days!?  My son is so worried about her. He says she is so stressed, that it seems like she's having a nervous breakdown! He feels so guilty, because he lost his job, didn't work for almost ? two years, had back surgery, and their son was hurt on the job, and they?  tried to?  help him with bills, because of their little granddaughter, Payton, it just got too much for her!? Terry (my son)? brought her down to her mom's this evening, came here, and? stayed about one hour, then went back to Ohio. He was? so tired that I didn't want him to leave before he rested some, but he went!?  Cathy took a few days off work, she had some time accrued, but Terry didn't because he hasn't been on this job long enough! Please pray for her physical condition, also Spiritually! Pray for all the family.? So many? Prayers have been answered recently! Thank you? so much! Love to all, Marge? 

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Senior Writers

Chief writer: Sharon Bryant

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Agee, Vance; Apted, Violet; Baker, Kathy; Batt, Al; Berry, Nell; Blaine, Pamela; Boda, Ginger; Buhagiar, Victor; Cassady, B.J.; Cavalera, Robyn; Crider, Mark; Deming, Barb; Doherty, Maria; Gilbert, Robert, Jr.; Goodier, Steve; Braun-Haley, Ellie; Harris, Kathy Anne; 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; 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; White Robert;

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Storytime Tapestry Staff

Carol Roach - Founder/publisher

Thelma Hartselle - Co-Founder, Moderator

Clara Westerfer ??“ moderator

Bob Johnston - moderator

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