Outstretched Arms




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" June 24, 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. ------------------------------------------------------------ Proverbs 13:22 tells us a good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children. Betty Jo is laying the foundation of a Godly inheritance that will touch generations to come. ------------------------------------------------------------ Outstretched Arms By Betty Jo Mings ------------------------------------------------------------ >From the time I was just a little child, I wanted to be a mother, and have a baby of my own. My dolls were my children, but I dreamed of holding a real live baby in my arms. No mother was ever happier than I when I finally held my beautiful little baby girl in my arms. I thought no mother could ever love a child as much as I loved mine. And when I later had two adorable little boys, I felt my joy was complete! But how could I have anticipated the rapturous enchantment my first granddaughter would bring me? Only a grandparent could understand the thrill of cuddling a darling little grandchild! I absolutely adored her! Her name was Heather, but I always referred to her as "my baby." I showered her with frilly dresses and toys and surprises. I was her complete slave, and she seemed to love me as much as I loved her. I lived for the times her mother would bring her to see me, and I used any excuse I could find to be with her. I was sure I could never love another grandchild as much as I loved her. When Heather was almost three years old her mother had another little baby girl named Bethany. I was so worried that I would never be able to love her as much as I loved Heather, and even though I tried, she was still just not like my first grandchild. But one day when Bethany was five months old, her mother brought both little girls to see me. I remember walking out to the car to greet them, delighted to see them. First Heather got out and I hugged her, and then Bethany was taken out of her car seat. When Bethany saw me she started laughing and kicking her little feet and reaching out her arms for me to take her. My heart completely melted as I held that precious little baby in my arms, and I felt an indescribable bond of love and adoration for her! How could I have ever felt I could not love another grandchild as much as I loved my first one? They both became my special joys for which I thanked the Lord. Then I thought about my wonderful Jesus, and how He reached out His arms of love to me. He loves each and every one of us - no favorites - and I am included! I saw how His love created in me a tremendous response of love for Him. He showed how much He loved me by His open arms on the cruel cross. His daily care in answered prayer, and His guiding steps - a daily fact - helped me covet His love more and more and made me realize that this love brings me not only comfort in daily living but the promise of my eternal salvation. There could be no greater joy! Betty Jo Mings bmings @ netzero.net 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Betty Jo lives in Garden Grove, California, with Rowland, her husband of over 50 years. She has three children and six grandchildren who all love the Lord. She started writing poems as a child, about the same time she received God's gift of eternal life. She has had countless poems and articles published in books, newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and anthologies. Her writings are also available on her personal Website at http://members.truepath.com/BettyJoMings/ A book of her poems titled "Poems For The Common Man" has just been released. You can see the sweet cover of the book and read more about it at www.1stbooks.com, www.amazon.com, or www.barnesandnoble.com. If you would like an autographed copy Betty Jo would be happy to arrange it, just email her at bmings @ netzero.net -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- Letters From Our Readers -------------------------------------------------------------- Cheryl, I loved the tale on your cat! My dog Missy brought me in a dead baby rabbit (her teeth came down a bit hard on the poor little fellow)a few years ago and laid it right down on my family room carpet! she knew she was in big trouble, she ran and hid under the dinning room table. I notice she is looking long and hard these days before she chases after another rabbit! Betty King www.betty.newsmoose.com Such a sweet story from Melva. I can picture the exhausted grandchild and her little legs having run so fast. Isn't it wonderful we can hold them when they are tired? I'm equally grateful to our precious Lord who does the very same with his children. I enjoy Melva's writing so much! Diane Dean White SEEDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT http://www.heartwarmers4u.com/members/?thelamb212 --------------------------------------------------------------- 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 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 I went to a garage sale last weekend with my grandsons. I bought a huge box of vinyl albums, remember those? Nine-year-old Logan wanted to know what they were. While trying to explain, I kept getting a blank stare. Records and record player mean nothing to him. I tried to explain that they have music on them like CD's do. He listened respectfully, and then explained to me that they were much too big to fit into a CD player and he doubted that they would play even if they could. Goodness, I'm beginning to feel like an antique! God Bless, Cheryl ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- © 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.