houseweeds




	Write 2 The Heart April 7, 2005 Welcome to your latest issue of Write 2 the Heart. Take a moment to browse our new bookstore at: http://www.write2theheart.com/html/book_store.html You will find wonderful books written, or 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,” and “2005 Writer’s Market.” Both are must haves for all serious writers. They are great tools to find that perfect market for your writing. First time submitter, Sherri says this poem, "The House Behind The Weeds" is possibly for anyone or any family who might be facing a dark time. Please know that God's hand is not too short that it cannot reach down to meet your need in your particular situation. I dedicate this poem to the former alcoholic who has made his way out of that pit of despair. But to the one who is still bound, my prayer for you is that you may gain enough strength to reach up to the hand that is reaching down for you. The House Behind The Weeds By: Sherri Puckett Just two little boys.... walking down a dusty lane..... They came upon this old white house... with broken window panes. The paint was faded, the shine was gone.... the grass had grown so high..... still they made their little feet... go see what was inside. They opened up the squeaky door... and then it came to light.... This must have been an old church house... once upon a time. Dirty, dusty wooden pews.... a pulpit that still stood... A bible lay upon it.... though the pages weren't too good. An offering plate and song books too... were lying on the floor.... They must have left this old church fast... the day they closed these doors. And over in the corner... a piano was still there... it must have played a pretty tune... but I guess nobody cared. So little Bill looked up at Tommy... and Tommy looked at Bill.... "Why don't we clean this old church up, and get these old pews filled?" They took a rag and wiped the dust... to try and make things shine.... And then they took the offering plate... and put in it their last dime. They took a broom and swept the floor... and picked up broken glass.... They got it all so nice and neat... and then they mowed the grass. They lifted up the old church sign... and stood it by a tree... right down by that old dirt road.... where everyone could see. They ran back home, to find Daddy gone... but their Momma was inside.... Just to find her hurt again.... where Daddy had made her cry. "Don't cry Momma, wipe those tears," Little Bill and Tommy smiled.... "Cause we have a big surprise for you.... just down the road a mile." Hand in hand they tugged at her... until they made her run.... "What is it Bill, Oh Tommy, just what have you two kids done?" And then they came upon the house... once hidden by the weeds... and there it stood a country church... just like it used to be. "But what is it, Mother? What's with your tears? We thought this would bring you joy." "Yes, but hush kids now and listen close... my two sweet precious boys." They both got quiet and stood real still.... for the words they heard so true.... was Daddy praying in the church... with his head bowed on the pew. "Forgive me Lord! Forgive me Lord! Though I'm not worthy of Your love... but shine down on this sinner man... sweet Salvation from above." "For I've been out in the world, You know.... living my life all wrong.... until I came upon this church; the place where I belong." "I never noticed it before... all those times I passed it up.... I guess I wasn't looking, Lord.... or maybe I was drunk." "Bless oh Lord, yes, bless oh Lord... the one who made me see.... this little church that used to hide... behind all those tall weeds." And then he raised his head and stood.... with his hands high in the air.... to find two, dirty, tear-faced boys... with Momma standing there. They ran up to him, hugged him tight... as their tears fell on the floor.... "Don't worry kids, I'm not the Dad, the one you've known before." Things are different for us now... so keep on those pretty smiles... and let's go gather people in... to walk down these church aisles." Then Bill looked up at Tommy... and Tommy looked at Bill... "Come on brother, let's get to work.... to get these old pews filled." "For we need no special blessing... for cleaning up this church.... cause, God gave us back our Daddy... and that's more than gold is worth." Sunday morning, pews all filled.... and smiles on every face... Especially two little country boys... the ones who found this place. Though it was hid back in the weeds.... and so far out of sight... Nothing's ever hard to find... if you're walking toward God's light. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 Sherri Puckett sherri @ bellsouth.net My name is Sherri Puckett. I was born and raised in Mayfield, Ky. I have always loved to write poetry & songs. I have found that many times when I've been inspired to write, it has been during a low point in my life or in the life of someone I know. I suppose many people have heard the old saying "If it wasn't for the valley, we'd not appreciate the mountain top." And how true it seems to me that one must experience time in the "dark pit of life" before he can fully appreciate the light. Oh, how much better one feels, after having traveled down into the depths of darkness, to come out into God's light where he can see things more clearly. I welcome any comments & desire your prayers. 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. Military Prayer Reminder As you read over this list of names, please take a moment to pray for these young people and their families: 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 Hadassah Chanz Wackerly Robert Henderson David Habighurst Tonia Melissa Bair Matthew Nutter Nick Nation Seth Jarrell Matt Hall Donald Wayne West Frank Schambach, Jr. 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. Cheryl’s Corner A car pulled up behind me, as I was getting ready to pull out of my driveway. Then the animal control truck pulled up beside him blocking my vehicle in. An off duty police officer got out of the car and walked up to me. He had been passing by when he saw a possum cross the road to my house. I helped them poke and peek in the shrubs and walk around the house. Then I overheard the officer telling the animal control officer, “It was huge! It was the biggest possum I ever saw. I’m not even sure it was a possum, if it was it was a giant one!” Then I realized he must have seen my fat cat who had scooted out the door when someone opened it this morning and came running when he heard me at the door calling him back. I didn’t say anything; I know fat cat should be in the back yard. But I did promise to call if I saw a large possum hanging around. God bless, Cheryl Copyright © 2005, 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.