Are You Ready




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" July 17, 2003 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com ----------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart" You are receiving this newsletter because you requested a subscription or a friend generously forwarded their copy to you. To subscribe send a blank e-mail to subscribe@write2theheart.com. ------------------------------------------------------------ Melva's sister had to go through the anxiety of waiting for the results of a biopsy. Using her sister's experience, Melva encourages us to examine our priorities before we have an urgent situation in our lives. ------------------------------------------------------------ Are You Ready? By Melva Cooper ------------------------------------------------------------ With a telephone call came the good news that the biopsy was negative and there would be no need for further treatment. A colonoscopy for most people is a standard test. Now performed about every ten years. But, when your mother died from the dreaded disease - colon cancer - the routine test comes around much more often. Usually there is that gnawing question in the back of your mind, "Will this be the day they find something negative much like they did in my beloved parent?" They were at the hospital early. Medicine was given intravenously and swift, sweet, sleep enveloped her. She woke up to the doctor's voice informing her that only one polyp was found and removed. And then he mentioned a fatty mass had been discovered at the top of the colon. It didn't appear to be anything serious but a biopsy was taken for further observation. Then came the waiting. The doctor had tried to assure her that it appeared OK. But memories surfaced of those last two years her mother lived. She vividly remembered there had been surgery and then more surgery. No chemo was recommended even though the pain was intense. The cancer was already too far advanced. Finally death came as her two daughters stood and held her hands. Very briefly she opened her eyes as if to say, "Thank you for being here with me as I leave this earthly body and go to live forever with my heavenly Father." With that same look she seemed to add, "I will be waiting for you at that glorious place with streets of gold and gates of pearl." It was not easy to let her go, but we knew she was already meeting face-to-face with our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. These thoughts were going through her mind as she waited for the results of the test that could place her down that same difficult road. But, alas, the news was good! There was no malignancy. Everything was benign. Suddenly, there was a new release on life. More time to finish the tasks that needed to be finished. More time to love and care for her family. More time to just be what God wanted her to be. More time to minister in His Name! If your test does not come back with those same positive results, are you prepared for the answer you will receive? Today, let's prioritize our lives before we are forced to hear such physically condemning words. Put your trust in Jesus, the Great Physician. My mother did. She is worshipping in heaven at the feet of Jesus today. My sister did. She continues to worship Him here with her family and friends knowing that someday she will join our mother in that paradise. Both were ready. One for heaven, and the other to complete her time here on earth. Can you say the same? Complete your readiness now to meet our Lord. Melva Cooper Jmelva @ cox-internet.com You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story, just remember to remove the space before and after the @ symbol. The space is placed in the address to protect our writers from viruses and email harvesting programs. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator@write2theheart.com ---------------------------------------------------------------- Melva Cooper is a wife, mother, and grandmother from Jonesboro, Arkansas. She is a contributing writer to Obadiah Magazine, Christian Motorsports Illustrated, and a Team Writer for Just-A- Minute Devotionals. Melva is a staff writer for www.catchfence.com and has numerous articles published on the web. She will have a story in Living By Faith published later this year by Obadiah Press -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- Letters From Our Readers -------------------------------------------------------------- I know it's going to be a winner when I see Bob Shaw's name on a story. He's has a way of touching the heart with his writing. Winnie and Poo was a great example of how to show compassion in a time of need. ~ Pamela Jenkins Losing a beloved pet is losing a family member. People tell you get over it, it was only a dog. But when you pour your love into something it hurts when you lose it. Amy --------------------------------------------------------------- Military Prayer Reminder --------------------------------------------------------------- As you read over this list of names, please take that moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Thaddeaus Howard Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ken Prieur Ryan Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- © 2003 Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.