Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

April 22, 2006

Today’s Queue Stories

~**~**~

ValueSpeak
A Weekly Column
By Joseph Walker

Valuespeak@msn.com

 THE MIRACLE OF CHANGE

It was a miracle, really, that she was there.

At age 27, she had seen more than her share of the dark side of life.  She hadn’t done it all, exactly, but she had done an awful lot of it in her quest for a life in the fast lane.  At one point along the way she had even turned her back on God, confident that He couldn’t do anything for her that she couldn’t do for herself.

But now she wasn’t so sure.  Her family disowned her.  The men in her life abandoned her.  She lost two children, one to emotional trauma and one to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.  She had been unable to find suitable employment to support the two children still living with her, and so she resorted to . . . well, let’s just say her job choice would be considered controversial.

For a while she enjoyed the tax-free dollars and the flexible working hours her “work” afforded.  But before long the horrifying reality of what she was doing to herself and her children dawned on her, and she decided to put her ill-gotten lifestyle behind her.  When her 8-year-old son expressed a desire to go to church, she decided that maybe it was time for her to return, too.

“That is, if you don’t think the walls will crumble the minute I step inside,” she said, only half-joking, during her first meeting with her minister.

The comeback wasn’t easy.  It was tough finding a legitimate job with her limited educational background and that big empty space on her resume under “Recent Employment.”  Former friends belittled her attempt and tried to entice her back into their world.  And her new support system at church and in the neighborhood was slow in responding to her needs.

And yet, there she was – in church.  She looked radiant, albeit a tad uncomfortable, in the modest pastel dress she wore.  She left quickly after the service was over, but not before glancing at her minister and giving the red brick wall next to her a sharp rap with her knuckles.

Yes, it was still standing.

Later, her 13-year-old neighbor approached the minister.  “What was SHE doing here?” the girl demanded, a surprisingly sharp judgmental tone creeping into her voice.

“Well,” the spiritual leader said, “she was . . . worshiping . . with us.  Why?”

The girl was skeptical.  “Do you know . . . you know . . . what she does?” she asked.

This was a delicate question.  He didn’t want to add credence to any rumors.  But he didn’t want to condone a dangerous lifestyle, either.  So he dodged the issue.
 “I’m just glad that she’s here.”  He paused, then added: “Aren’t you?”

“I guess,” the teenager said.  “But don’t you wonder . . I mean, this can’t be for real.”

Or can it?  One of the best things life offers is the chance to learn from our mistakes.  Although few of us take advantage of the opportunity as much as we should, the possibility of change is always out there with its hidden promise of satisfaction, fulfillment and a better life.

Why is it, then, that the single greatest obstacle to change is often the unwillingness of others to allow us to correct our course?  Could it be that acknowledging the ability of others to make successful changes in their lives eliminates a favorite cop-out (“That’s just the way I am”) when we make similar attempts – and fail?

The fact is, we can change.  We can kick that disgusting habit.  We can eliminate that destructive behavior.  We can stick to that diet, or exercise program, or home study course.  We can become less selfish and more responsive to the needs of others.

And if we can do it, so can anyone else.  All it takes is self-determination, a willingness to sacrifice, a lot of concentrated effort and the support of family and friends.  Mix all of that together and you’ve got the makings of a miracle: the miracle of change.

And perhaps that is the greatest miracle of all.

~**~**~

~ Battles of the Mind ~

Joyce C. Lock

Some thoughts on high blood pressure: cause and cure.

If God is truly God and in control of all things, then
the battles we face, whatever they be, are really only in the mind.

    Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  The only power Satan has is to roar, except we give him power over our minds.

    Whatever we hope to accomplish, by carrying weights and burdens, is futile.  These are yokes God never intended us to carry.  The battle belongs to the Lord. In some instances, we have to let go before He is free to take over.

    But whatever the case may or may not be, there are times our minds become so worn that Satan seems stronger than we are.  In times like these, our vision isn't clear.  Satan is never stronger than God and we are His heirs.

    Sometimes, remembering truths, we have already attained, is helpful in calling Satan a liar.  My favorite remedy, that works even when I have no strength of my own, is to block out Satan's lies and go to God in worship.

    Once, I was so far gone that I didn't know the problem and couldn't think of a Bible verse.  My brain was about fried.  I was so low, had no idea why, and couldn't seem to pull myself out of it.

    So, I made up this horrible song, with whatever words came next.  It started like this ... "Satan is a liar.  His pants are on fire.  The cow jumped over the moon." (Pretty lame, huh?)

    Not didn't feel like singing at all, there was no song in my heart.  I couldn't have worshiped if I’d tried.  Though, I kept singing, and singing, until the words gradually transferred to words like "Jesus is the Victory".

    Still not feeling the words, however repetitious it was, I kept singing until the words gradually began to take on power.  With each degree that I could better feel God's presence, the burden felt lighter and lighter until the evil presence was gone.

    There's a song about things fading in His presence and the things of this world growing strangely dim, in the light of His glorious face … absent in body, present in spirit.  Sometimes, God allows such circumstances to call us to take a vacation; to go away and just be with Him.

    Once, I think I spent a whole week at escaping with God.  It was so wonderful; I didn't want to come back. It is a guaranteed fix for stress related high blood pressure.

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

Poetry Section

~**~**~

A Moment’s Touch

Maria Doherty

 The touch of this moment is the gentle brush of a petal against my cheek.

Its softness is deceptive.

It is the bright red silken petalled poppy, symbol of life springing up from the bones of the dead on Flander's field.

Red is the colour of courage.

The poppy is the bloody bloom of my father's native land, my roots, my heart, my fire.

The touch is light like a breeze whispering in the corn field, but behind it there is a mighty force.

It propels me from the comfort of sleep into the wide awakened world.

The touch of this moment reminds me of my strength, my courage, my calling.

It reminds me who I am.

It tells me that I am now awake and what has once been called into life cannot return to slumber.

Maria Doherty

mariadoherty@blueyonder.co.uk

~**~**~

God created The Destiny that beckons me...

Paula Booher

For him, he knows who  ' he' is!

His mouth does not speak, yet words are

His voice does not utter, yet words are,

His silence is maddening in my head

His heart is full of the scar.

One day long ago his love was mine complete

Without question or utterance of speech,

Others took the magic and broke its' back

They were jealous of its mellifluous reach.

The torn rip of disastrous misery

Left us both shattered, shaken to the core,

Years of unanswered questions, longings

Only hoping, wanderings...grasping for more.

Holy angels cried for us and guided our steps

Each turning prayers to heaven hailing,

Wishing on pennies in wishing wells

Waiting upon mountains wailing.

Being pulled yet ever by the hearts call

By an invisible force no one can see,

A love that can not be killed or blotted out

God created The Destiny that beckons me...

Paula Deann Roe Honeycutt Booher

wrappednword@yahoo.com

bio:

A country girl born and raised in the state of Missouri. I am 48 now and I wouldn't trade a moment of any of those years.  I love quilting with material, yarn, a pencil, paper, and ink!  Even wood.  Whatever God puts in my hands seems to turn into a picture of some sort.  I have 6 children.  One is with Jesus, three are with me, and two were birthed by another mother, my stepsons.  My second husband, Roger is a gem, but he's not perfect, just the way I like him, cause I'm Not perfect either...If I were I'd be with Jesus too.  So Until the day I meet my Maker I'll be writing about Him in the best way I Know how...from my heart.  I am so blessed with so many talents and I am "Not a Hide my light Under the bushel gal".  I'm Very THANKFUL for Storytime Tapestry and the work that Carol Roach and her team is doing here.  Thanks for having me.

~**~**~

Readers Feedback

Comments from April 14^th

"HOME' - Gautami, a special piece.  I couldn't agree more with your sense of home.  Thanking you.   Gabrielle Morgan.

Senior Writers

Chief writer: Sharon Bryant

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; Westerfer, Clara; White Robert;

Storytime Tapestry Staff

Carol Roach - Founder/publisher

Thelma Hartselle - Co-Founder, Moderator

Clara Westerfer – moderator

Bob Johnston - moderator