Write 2 the Heart

                             WRITE 2 THE HEART
             Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart"
                               November 23, 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."


     Take a moment to browse our new bookstore at:
http://www.write2theheart.com/html/book_store.html
You will find wonderful 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,” 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, or would make great gifts for the writer in
your life.

     As Thanksgiving approaches here in the States, Kathy counts
her blessings and reminds us of the things we can be thankful for.
 

                           In Thanksgiving
                           Kathy Whirity

     It's that time of year again Lord, when we fill our tables with a
bounty of food and surround ourselves with the love of family and
friends. As if on cue, all of us reserve this special day to take the
opportunity to reflect on all the reasons we have for being thankful.

     But, it seems that when times are tough and life isn't running as
smoothly as we're use to, we become much more aware of the little
things in life , and we treasure them with a renewed compassion
that only hard times allow.

     This year, in spite of the havoc threatening our world, there are
still so many things to be thankful for. Things that may not have
even drew a second glance from us in years past, but now give new
meaning to this fragile world we find ourselves living in today.
Through these eyes I see so very much to be thankful for. Help me
Lord to always seek out the joy in the little things.

     So much to be thankful for… The graciousness of all grocery
store cashiers and baggers who are always so friendly and
courteous despite the hardships they face under uncertain
employment conditions.

     Neighbors who are never too busy to lend a cup of sugar or a
smile when needed.

     A forwarded e-mail from a child away at college that brings
tears to your eyes because you realize they really have been
listening all along.

     The gentle reminder that, 'nobody's perfect' will help us all to
enjoy quality time with relatives gathered around the Thanksgiving
day table.

     The joy of welcoming my husband home, after a long day at
work, and through his tired eyes I still see the sparkle in his eyes
that says he's glad to see me too.

     As we continue to be bombarded with news updates of potential
terrorist threats we can take some comfort in knowing our nation's
leaders are doing their best to keep us safe.

     The gift of waking up each morning with the choice of how I
will greet the new day.

     The comfort in knowing that with my family and friends beside
me, there is nothing I cannot do.

     The incredible bravery of the men and women of our Armed
Forces, who are aware of the dangers this country faces, who
know the cost of freedom, and who are willing to pay the ultimate
price for what they believe in. To them we owe our deepest thanks.

     Most of all Lord, help us to remember that as long as the spirit
of humanity is alive and well, there will always be something for
us to be thankful for.

Kathy Whirity
kathywhirity @ yahoo.com

Kathy Whirity is a newspaper columnist who lives in Chicago with
her husband, Bill, their 2 daughters, Jaime and Katie, and 2
rambunctious retrievers, Holly and Hannah.
The love of writing is what motivates Kathy to share her joy with
others. You may visit Kathy at her new web page 'KATHY
WHIRITY'S MUSINGS FROM THE HEART':
 http://www.heartwarmers4u.com/members?kathyw 
    

     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.

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You can check out all of their telecommunication products and
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                     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.


                           Cheryl’s Corner

     David and I are going to celebrate Thanksgiving this Thursday
at a local restaurant that has been advertising a feast. This will be
the first time I have not cooked and I am looking forward to no
leftovers and no kitchen to clean! Of course my girls think they
need to invite us to their parents. I keep telling them to enjoy the
time with their families because I will need them heavily from
Christmas to New Years.

     We will be having a family Christmas celebration for son Tim
and nephew Todd before they leave to go to Iraq. I am looking
forward to seeing Todd and Jamie’s small son. It has been a long
time since there has been a baby in the house. David’s sisters
should be down and it will be a real family reunion.

     Immediately after Christmas begins the whirlwind preparations
for Jeremy and Heathers wedding on New Years Eve.  The bride
will be home just days before the wedding. She has had to plan
long distance from where she is stationed in Colorado. It has been
hard to match colors by a verbal description, “a pretty pink” can
mean anything to me. Bright blue, is that a shade or intensity?

     I’m so glad that God gives us times of refreshing or I would be
tired just thinking about all of this!

God bless,
Cheryl


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