Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

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

May 13, 2006

Today’s Mother’s Day Stories

~**~**~

                                  A MOTHER’S QUEST

                             Matthew 19; Mark 10; Luke 18

She stood by a well in Judea, a pitcher on her head.

            A little girl clung tightly to her gown.

She saw a troop approaching.  It seemed that one Man lead.

            She watched, and then she set her pitcher down.

She picked up her small daughter, and to her child she said,

            “It’s Jesus, the Great Healer, come through town.”

The mother, so determined to meet Him, fell in behind the crowd,

            She knew that Christ could heal her little child.

She wormed her way closer to Jesus, “I must seem Him, “she then vowed.

            She didn’t care that those around seemed riled.

She marveled at those who followed: the humble, the rich, and the proud.

            Some praised Him, while others just reviled.

And now the Lord was sitting, His hands raised to the sky.

            The mother tried to bring her child to Him.

The disciples firmly forbad her; her plea they did deny.

            Her hope that Christ could heal her girl grew dim.

But Jesus heard the commotion.  He asked His helpers, “Why?”

            The little ones are My most precious gems.”

Christ picked up the child, and He blessed her.  He touched her blinded eyes.

            He said to all the children, “Come to Me.”

The mothers all rushed then to Jesus; “Bless our infants: was their cry.

            He placed the little ones upon His knee.

“You must all become as small children to enter my Kingdom on High.

            So humble yourselves, and I will set you free.”

The mother went back to her village.  She reported all she had seen.

            She showed her friends that her child now had her sight.

She told how the Lord healed her daughter, how He’d made some lepers clean.

            “He’s Messiah, and He’s come to set things right!

This Jesus is God’s Son, sent from heaven.  He’s come to intervene.”

            On the mother’s face there shone a glorious light.

©   Helen Dowd                                                                                                                                                                    

© Helen Dowd

www.occupytillicome.com

hmdowd@telus.net

~**~**~

Two Very Special Mothers

Helen Dowd

Taken from Luke 1:5-44

A long time ago, when Herod was ruler of the land of Judea, there was a good Jewish priest. His name was Zechariah and his wife's name was Elisabeth, of the family line of Aaron.  Zechariah had served in the Jewish Temple ever since he had become a grownup. 

Elisabeth and Zechariah had wanted children very badly, and had prayed many times that God would give them a child. Oh, how Elisabeth wanted to be a MOTHER! But God had not given her a child, and now she and Zechariah were too old.

It was a Jewish custom to pick a different priest each week to burn incense to the Lord, in the very most sacred place in the Temple, called the inner sanctuary.  This week it was Zechariah's turn. While he was burning the incense to the Lord, in the inner sanctuary, many people stood outside, praying.  Suddenly an angel appeared to the right of the altar.  Zechariah was frozen with fear.  But then the angel spoke. "Zechariah, don't be afraid. God has heard yours and Elisabeth’s prayer for a child. Elisabeth is going to have a son!  You must name him John.    God has a special job for him. He will be a great prophet. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before he is born.  He will have great power, like Elijah of old.  He will be the one who to tell people of the coming of the Messiah."

Zechariah was shocked.  He said to the angel, "How can this be?  I am an old man, and my wife is too old to become a mother.  How will I know this is going to happen?"

The Angel answered, "I am Gabriel, the angel. It was God who sent me to you.  Because you did not believe this good news, you will not be able to speak until the child is born."

The people who stood outside the sanctuary were wondering why it was taking Zechariah such a long time to come out.  When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak.  He had to use sign language. They thought he must have seen a vision! 

Soon Zechariah went home. Not long after, Elisabeth knew that she was going to have a baby. She was so happy, but kept it a secret from her neighbors--a secret between her and Zechariah. In those days it was a shame for a married woman not to have children.  So every day she praised the Lord because at last she was going to be a mother.  Her shame would be removed. But it was not time yet to tell her good news to everyone.  Oh, it would be so good if she had another woman to tell her secret to.

When Elisabeth was six months pregnant, a second wonderful thing happened.  In a nearby town, the town of Nazareth, lived a young woman by the name of Mary.  She was just a teenager and was not married. One day Mary was in her house, doing her work.  Possibly she was humming, thinking about Joseph and her upcoming wedding.  She was engaged to a good man, Joseph, a carpenter, from the family line of King David of old. 

When Mary turned her head, she saw Angel Gabriel standing beside her.  He said, "Greetings. You are greatly favored. The Lord God is with you!"

Many people in those days believed that if you saw an angel you would die. So when Mary saw the angel beside her, she was frightened and very confused.  What was the angel trying to say to her?  Why had he come to her?  She tried hard to think of anything really bad she had done, but she could think of nothing. 

The angel said, "Don't be afraid, Mary. God has chosen you to be the one who will bear the Son of the Most High. You are going to be the MOTHER of the Christ Child. You will name the baby, JESUS.  He is the promised Messiah, the One who will save people from their sin.”

"But how can this be?  How can I be a mother?" asked Mary, still a little frightened.  "Joseph and I are not yet married.  I am a virgin."

Then the angel said, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.  So the baby born to you will be holy, and He will be called the Son of God."

The angel Gabriel went on to say, “Your cousin, Elisabeth, is also going to have a child.”

This surprised Mary.  Elisabeth, she knew, was very old. Old people do not have children.  But then she heard the angel saying, "I know that everyone who knew Elisabeth thought she would never have a child, but she is already six months pregnant.  Nothing is impossible with the Lord."

Mary was no longer frightened.  She knew that she was honored. She bowed her head and said, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept anything God wants of me.  I am happy to be used of God."

Young women down through the ages dreamed of being the one chosen to bear the Son of God. The words of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14) “A virgin will conceive a child, whose name will be Immanuel” were well known to all the Jewish people.  But to have this wonderful thing happen to her, Mary!  It was amazing!

But who could she tell?  No one would believe her.  She couldn't even to tell Joseph yet. She thought again of what Gabriel had told her about her cousin Elisabeth. So she packed a bag and went to the nearby city of Judah, where Elisabeth and Zechariah lived. 

Zechariah and Elisabeth were happy to see their young cousin, and welcomed her. At last Elisabeth had another woman to talk to about her good news of bearing the "Forerunner of the Messiah."

When Mary and Elisabeth were alone in the room, Mary told Elisabeth HER good news, of being chosen to bear the Christ Child.  Immediately, as soon as Elisabeth heard the good news, she felt the child within her jump. God filled the baby with the Holy Spirit right then, while he was still in Elisabeth's womb. 

Both the women began to praise the Lord, for they were truly two very special women—soon to be mothers for the first time--chosen of God to bear two very special people: John the Baptist, who was later called, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness," and Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind.

 © Helen Dowd

www.occupytillicome.com

hmdowd@telus.net

~**~**~

A Tribute to a Remarkable Step-mom

Helen Dowd

You came to us at a time in our life
When we needed a guiding hand.
Although it wasn't easy,
You always seemed to understand.

"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21)

You were an inspiration to us, and we, your children and your step-children, thank God for you.

Helen-mom, as you got older, age 83, your body had worn down. It was difficult for those of us who loved you to see your vision fade, your hearing diminish, your bones become crippled. You could not function as you once did. And we all knew how much that bothered you. You had always been a servant, and now you had to let other people serve you. You never complained, but it was easy to see that your physical disabilities were disheartening to you. We knew you often breathed a silent prayer to God that He would take you home, home to your beloved first husband, Wilfred, who died serving his country in the second world war; home to your two baby daughters who never lived to know their wonderful mother; home to your oldest son, Wilfred, who drowned at the age of twenty; home to your second much-loved husband, Allyn, my dad, who died in 1989, at the age of 89.

Although your body had lost its USE, it had not, nor ever did, lose its VALUE. It was valuable, not because of its function, but because of its maker-- God Almighty. You were a child of God, and therefore, most precious. Your mind remained alert; your spirit, sound. Your prayer life was active, and you had the remarkable ability to "never give up." You endured countless hospitalizations, moving from home to home, from town to town, to an apartment, to living with relatives, and lastly to an extended-care hospital; but you didn’t complain. You didn't look back. You didn't predict the future. You took each day for what it was: an opportunity to serve the Lord by praying for others and doing what you were able to do for them. You gave generously from your meager means to missions

 and to those in need.

Helen-mom, as you got older,
And your body, wearing down,
you knew that soon, so very soon,
you'd surely wear a crown.

You will surely be missed by many: your siblings, your children, your step-children and their spouses, your grandchildren and your great grandchildren. But we would not want you to stay here on this earth, suffering. We know that a crown was reserved for you. We know that now you are free from pain. We are happy for you, Helen-mom, who went HOME on March 28, 2006. You will be missed!

Mother’s Day Poetry Section

~**~**~

A Remarkable Lady

Helen Dowd

Her name is Splane, Helen Margaret.
I hope that she had no regrets
…..That she married our dad—
…..No life of ease had she had.
Her sweet nature we shall never forget.

It was one day, late June fifty-two
That she started a life that was new
…..She entered our life
…..As our dad's second wife.
And that was a hard thing to do.

With great fear she walked in the door,
To a house where she'd not been before.
…..We were glad you had come—
…..Not to be our new mom,
But to be Dad's companion, and more.

Her assignment? 'Twas a difficult task.
For God's Grace, was all she did ask.
…..But He added joy.
…..He gave her a boy.
As a MOTHER her die was now cast.

Then to award her even yet more,
For performing her most difficult chore,
…..He gave her more joy—
…..She had three more boys.
And many more blessings in store.

I’ll not prolong this allegory.
For more details, we must wait until GLORY.
…..But we all want to say:
….."Blessed Heavenly Days!"
And that is a command MANDATORY

~**~**~

A Last Tribute to you, Helen-mom.
Helen Dowd

So much has been said about mothers,
and all that they mean in our life.
To children, they're there for protection,
to a husband, companion and wife.

But what's ever said about stepmothers?
Do they not deserve our praise, too?
They've come into our lives and our families,
to do what all mothers need do.

They wash dirty clothes, and they iron.
They cook; they bake, and they mend.
They're always there for our father,
and for us children too, in the end.

Our Stepmother, so longing to comfort,
was determined that she'd not interfere.
But she was always right there in the background,
waiting lovingly to wipe away tears.

****

Well, now you’re not here, our dear Stepmother,
but let me whisper just what's on my heart.
I am happy that you joined our family,
and of our life, I am gad you were a part.

I know we couldn't have managed
if you hadn't been there all those years,
silently loving us, praying,
and shedding an ocean of tears.

We’ll miss you, our dear, sweet Stepmother.
But you’ve waited for years, patiently
to join your loved ones in Glory,
who have welcomed you so happily.

So long, Mom! We’ll see you in heaven.
We pray for those yet not in the fold.
We know that your prayers will be answered,
And in Heaven, ALL your children you’ll hold.

November 12, 1922 – March 28, 2006

With love,
All your family.

© Helen Dowd

© Helen Dowd

www.occupytillicome.com

hmdowd@telus.net

Bio

Helen Dowd enjoys spending time at her computer, along side her husband of 48 years, writing poetry, story poems, stories about pets and life in general, as well as inspirational and Bible stories. Her writings can be found on her website: www.occupytillicome.com. She has   had a book published  – If You Only Knew!—a story of courage and faith, taking place during the Great Depression and beyond.  It can be viewed by pressing on the banner on the front page of her website.

~**~**~

Readers Feedback

Comments from May 8, 2006

Thanks, Carol, for publishing my announcement in your May 7th newsletter! It is definitely appreciated.

Rosanne 

great story chris

hugs aunti vona

Thank you for the beautiful birthday poem to my son.  Chris says "Thanks!"  as well.

Such a sweet tribute which I appreciate and will save for Chris!

Debra Shiveley

   Thanks so much for running my article on Forgiveness today.  I already
got a wonderful letter from someone who read it here and was moved to
forgive someone in her own life.  We must both be doing something right
then.  Wishing you every joy, Joe

Comments from May 7, 2006

Norma Liles - Your sentiments expresses in "Storytime Tapestry, My Sounding Board" are shared by me and I am sure all who receive Storytime.  We all owe Carol Roach a great deal and thank her for achieving such a following.  Well written!  Gabrielle Morgan.

Prayer Requests and Updates

Update on Nikki:

Well today is my last day on the first chemo, Busulfan.  Tomorrow they are starting me on the next one called Cytoxan.  I will have to take that one for three days, but it is by IV so I will just have to take the antibiotics, birth control pills, bactrium, the acid pill and nothing extra, unless I need a pain pill for which I am trying to stay away from because I think they're what got me started on the stay in bed kick I got on the last time.  Anyways I'm still feeling okay minus a little nausea here and there.  I got that email from Garland, the landlord and thought it was pretty cute.  Kiss Sierra for me tonight or tomorrow and I love you bunches.......NIKKI 

Prayer request:

It has been brought to my attention that my niece & family plus Anyone living in the Fla area where the brush fires are happening. That they are in desperate need of rain.  Please pray for this to Happen and naturally with it affecting my niece and family, it is

Close to my heart; Nora Phillips and family in Palm Bay, Fla.

Thanks a mil,  Love, Normie

A very good friend of mine........has a father who is gravely ill.  This is a good family.  One that I have been blessed to know.

Please put Dick Dillenbeck on your prayer list.  He's in a Georgia hospital in ICU as I speak.

It would mean the world to the family to have this wonderful man thought of in prayers.

This man is a veteran and gave his all.  Let's give him our all with a prayer.

Thank you and God Bless,
Sharon Bryant

www.angelsremembered.tk

Senior Writers

Chief writer: Sharon Bryant

                                     Chief researcher/historian: Hartson Dowd

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 Johnson - moderator