FathersBible




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" November 4 , 2004 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator @ write2theheart.com Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart." All new subscribers will receive a free downloadable copy of the e- cookbook, "Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover." To join, send an e-mail with subscribe written in the subject line to: subscribe-me @ write2theheart.com. Take a moment to browse our new bookstore at: http://www.write2theheart.com/html/book_store.html You will find books written by, or that include stories by many of our talented writers. You will also find books that aide the budding writer. I highly recommend “Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Guide,” It is a must have for all serious Christian writers. It’s a great tool to find that perfect market for your writing. It would make a great gift for the writer in your life. The Bible that had once belonged to Betty’s father stirred many questions within her.Fortunately, the answers contained in the battered book never change. My Father’s Bible By Betty King “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew: 24 – 35; NIV Its black leather covering was tattered and torn, though the gold lettering was still readable. The reddish-gold edges of its pages glittered in the sunlight that spilled across it from a nearby window. As I picked it up and fingered its pages; it cautiously clung to its binding by one mere corner. Pieces of the covers edging were missing. Where had it been; what roads had it traveled? As I carefully turned its pages I contemplated more than its history. I wondered about the stories and secrets it was capable of revealing. More than its printed pages, it held stories of the past I was sure. Though, love was its theme, I knew it held and had seen other emotions. Presented To, By and the Date, showed faint handwritten lettering. She had given it to him on June 18, 1944. I was three years old. There were a few pages with markings. Chapters and verses had been noted for future references. It had been my Father's Bible; now it was mine. The inscription bore the fact that mother had given it to him. The date bore no recognizable meaning to me. I wondered what had been the occasion. When had I come to posses it? I tried to remember. It had been mine for so long; I couldn't recall when mom had given it to me. Had it been after he had left? Dad has been gone now several years. He left though, long before his passing. He and mother were divorced. Mother's memory is not as good as it once was. Some things are locked away in the heart or the portals of the mind. There must have been happier times. There must have been a time when love, other than God's love, filled our household. A book, not even the Bible, in and of it's self, can bridge the gape between two lovers. Two children, born to a husband and wife, can not be the lone means by which love survives. The cover was much more worn than its pages. Had that been the problem? I never remember a fight or an argument before they separated. Outward appearances don't always tell the whole story. Inside is where the truth lies. Not all books are known by their covers. I will cherish the old Bible that had been my Fathers. The frayed cover does not deter from the truth of its words. A divorce did not change my genes, my feelings, or my DNA. I still loved my father even after he left. I missed him terribly. My heavenly Father's love is everlasting to everlasting. He knows my very heart and soul and He doesn't look at the cover; he is concerned with the inside where my heart and soul abide. His words guide, comfort and teach me. He never leaves me. He holds me in the palm of His hand. Someday I shall live with Him forever when God calls me home. Someday I will meet both of my fathers in Heaven; in the meantime, I have my father's Bible with my Heavenly Fathers words. There are a few things in life, like the word of God, that never change, and of that I am grateful. My prayer: Heavenly Father, as I read your word, give me the insight, knowledge and understanding, I need to comprehend your words. Give me wisdom that can only come from you. I thank you, Father that I can always count on you and your word being the same, never changing. I am thankful, too, for the assurance in your word that you have me in the palm of your hand where I can safely abide. Amen. Betty King baking2 @ charter.net This story will appear in Betty's third book, "In The Palm of His Hand" which is not yet out. She is working on her fourth book, "The Fragrance of Life," which will be a collection of her news- paper columns. Her first two books are "It Takes Two Mountains to Make a Valley," and "But - It Was in the Valleys I Grew." She is the owner of "Moments of Reflection" email list. Visit her website at www.BettyKing.net You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator @ write2theheart.com Write 2 the Heart now has an affiliate program with Cognigen. They have several long distance plans to chose from. I personally use the PowerNet Global 4.5¢ Per Minute Plan. I love having my own toll free number without the monthly fee; I only pay for actual calls. My family can call home whenever they are out of town. I have used it more times than I care to remember over the last three years in emergency situations. Cognigen has more than just great long distance rates; they have calling cards, internet access, web hosting services and much more. You can check out all of their telecommunication products and services at http://ld.net/?cbspeir. Looking for an affiliate program? You will be surprised at all the products and services you will have access to. Letters From Our Readers Hi Cheryl, I just love the stories on your site. So far away here in Australia but the stories bring me closer to my long distance friends in the States! Pam, as usual, has the gift of transporting the reader to that place she is describing in the story. I could almost smell the dust in the old room and the chicken frying! It also gave me insight into some of the American country culture of yesteryear. Thanks, Pam, crikey, what a beauty! Deb Davidson Brisbane, Australia I love the story by Pamela Jenkins, "The Secret Room," and the memories it brought to my mind. Thanks for a lovely read! Donna J. Shepherd Devotionals by Donna http://donnashepherd.com/ Military Prayer Reminder As you read over this list of names, please take a moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ryan Larry Miele Daniel Amy John Joanne Gary Boardwine Josh Hadassah Chanz Wackerly Robert Henderson David Habighurst Tonia Melissa Bair Matthew Nutter 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. Copyright © 2004, 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.