WRITE 2 THE HEART
             Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart"
                           August 7, 2003
         Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com
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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
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subscribe@write2theheart.com.
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What can a dove teach us about not taking relationships for
granted? Bob can tell you in his special way.
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The Missing Dove
By Bob Shaw
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Sleeping late on the first Monday of our vacation was something
I'd been looking forward to for some time. We hadn't planned on
going anyplace, just a long restful visit to LA (Local Area). My
wife Ronni, had been telling me about a couple of Doves that met
every morning on a piece of landscaping timber in the back yard.
Sure enough, one appeared, then several minutes later, its mate
came in for a landing.


For the next couple of days, I made sure I was where I could
witness their meeting. On the third day, I was shocked to see a
Hawk swoop down and take the first one. Only a few feathers
remained, and the gentle breeze would soon take them away. I
understand the ways of Nature, and know that animals have to eat
to survive. I'm just not that happy about having to watch it.

I was about ready to leave, when the other Dove came in looking
for its mate. As I watched, she called for her mate and waited. This
went on for two more days, then, she gave up and left. I felt so
sorry for the little bird.

I'm told that they mate for life. Whether it's a natural instinct, or
maybe some other explanation, scientific or otherwise, I'd prefer to
think of it as a pure and innocent love. God's love can come in any
shape or size. It's up to us to find it, and recognize it for what it is,
the miracle of love.

Coming back in to the house, I found Ronni standing at the sink
looking out the window. I gave her a big hug.Turning around, she
smiled and asked, "What was that for?"

I just smiled, and said, "Oh, just in case.."

Bob Shaw
Caperabbit @ semo.Net

You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them
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Bob and wife Ronni live in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
You can find other stories written by Bob Shaw in "Write 2 the
Heart's" archives.

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                     Letters From Our Readers
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That had probably been a hurt in her husband's life for so many
years. One he could not talk about because there was no way he
could relate the horror and shock he went through because of what
he had witnessed. Then God was gracious to let him find and marry
Ginger who was able to tell of the scene and talk about the
compassion she felt for this "unknown" young man. He probably
felt for the first time that he was not alone, that truly there was
someone else that understood.
Janice Teak
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                     Military Prayer Reminder
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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.
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                           Cheryl's Corner

I wish you could see what Nicole did to my hair. I love it! She cut
and straightened it, then put in gold highlights. Every time I go
near a mirror, I have to stand there and turn my head from side to
side to watch the light dance on it. I know, I'm easily amused.

God Bless,
Cheryl
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