|
WRITE 2 THE HEART
Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart"
March 18, 2004
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.
Do you have a heart-touching or inspiring story to share? Send it
in the body of a plain email, no graphic or colorful backgrounds
please. Write 'submission' in the subject line. Don't forget to write a
brief bio to introduce yourself to our readers. You may include your
family friendly websites, information on your books, newsletters,
and upcoming projects. Email to: moderator@write2theheart.com.
We always love to hear from new, first time writers.
All new subscribers will receive a free downloadable copy of the
e-cookbook, "Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover." To
subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: subscribe@write2theheart.com.
It’s refreshing to see a man’s point of view on the issue of
husband/wife relationships. David gives us some of his tips for
creating a lasting, loving relationship.
Soul Mate?
By David L. Barber
Have you seen it? How could you not! It’s on every website,
radio program and TV Ad. Find your soul mate. Take a chance.
There are 105 web sites available on one search engine. They all
promise the relationship of a lifetime, displaying sexy pictures of
young females and males. I would like to suggest that the
relationship of a lifetime takes time to build. It’s not an over-night
process.
My wife and I have known each other for nearly 18 years. Yes,
you could say that we’re still getting to know each other, and you’d
be right. But, we are soul mates. We can tell without a word when
the other one needs a hug, kiss or just a cheering up. Why is that,
because we have worked at the relationship. We have gotten to
know each other’s needs. What I’m about to propose will seem
foreign to the men who read this, but I’m going to dive right in
anyway. You need to find out what your wife needs and there’s a
simple way to do that. Ask.
Adversity:
My wife and I started our relationship in adversity. She was
changing jobs because of a bad work situation with a co-worker. I
had a potential overseas tour that I hadn’t planned for. But, it made
us stronger. In New Mexico, the strongest trees are the ones that
have faced the stark, freezing winds that race over these desert lands
not the ones that were braced up. Our relationship faced those
difficult times head-on. It grew us into what we are today. We also
were forced to live apart for 10 months during a reassignment
overseas. In some relationships, it would have been a kiss of death.
For us, it made us closer.
Enjoying the Good Times:
As I look back over the years, Robin and I have grown more and
more comfortable with each other. We are able to look beyond the
tough moments and understand what the other one is feeling. Instead
of reacting to the words, we understand each other’s heart. My wife
is my best friend. We didn’t determine this by going through 3, 15,
or 30 different levels of compatibility tables. We determined by
living through the valleys and the mountains.
Service:
I will tell you that I love to surprise my wife – not just in the
usual times when a gift or thought is expected but when they aren’t.
It is wonderful to surprise her with breakfast in bed when she didn’t
know it was coming, or to have the house vacuumed and cleaned
while she’s away doing something. I get a kick out of seeing her
expression when she comes home. It is a joy to me. In the same
way, Robin likes to surprise me too with little things that I remember
for a life-time. Doing the unexpected keeps the fire burning hot. I
didn’t find this out with levels of compatibility tables.
Common Focus:
I have to add that our faith is a critical piece to our
relationship. Robin and I share that faith and it is the center part of
our lives. We are both growing upward towards God and at the
same time, toward each other. I shouldn’t have placed this last
because it’s first. Prayer in times of adversity is so important,
remembering to turn to Him instead of turning to warring with each.
We have learned to depend on God for even the little things and
we’re passed that on to our daughter.
All the compatibility charts in the world won’t get done what a
prayer will. Robin and I start the day in prayer and end it that way
too. We face hardships and problems in the same manner. And,
(lest we forget) we pray and thank God for the good times too.
Try to find this on a website.
DavidL. Barber
daveyb3@juno.com
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.
David has been writing poetry since 1979 and shares it with
friends and family. Only recently has he started becoming involved
with a number of writing groups. He has 3 poems published on
peopleofthebible.com: "Simple Gifts", "Paid" and "Who Me?"
His past stories in Write 2 the Heart include “Grandma’s Roses” and
“Lessons In A Garden.” He lives in the beautiful city of
Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Letters From Our Readers
Cheryl,
I loved your story. I thought I was still sooo....young at 50!
Before I knew what was happening I had turned sixty and couldn't
believe I was the same person that had turned 50 ten years ago.
My husband just turned 70 and he won't even talk about aging.
His mother is 90 and her cholesterol and blood pressure are both
better than mine!
Hang in there girl...glad you are having a wonderful time in your
'mid-life'.
Melva
www.melvacooper.com
Cheryl,
Your story tickled my aging funny bone! I too flirted with 50 all
last year, untilI finally tied the knot in February. Do ya think that is
where my pruning story initiatedfrom ... somehow my mind
visualizes another meaning of the word,"Prune!" Ah, yes,but it's all
good, isn't it? You really nailed it on the head, and I might add, very
gracefully, my dear! Thank you sharing your discerning and witty
thoughts with us. I enjoyed that!
Ginger Boda -
Rhymerbabe@aol.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
Thaddeaus
Howard
Todd Holland
Graham
William
Julie Sagel
Jessie
Marshal Thompson
Jason
Eric Hernandez
Kristin Danielson
Ken Prieur
Ryan
Jonathan P. Wells
Larry Miele
Daniel
Amy
John
Joanne
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 decided that the pup is old enough to start taking with
us on our evening walks. We put him on a leash and began the
training. Selah couldn’t leap from one side of the sidewalk to the
other fast enough to be able to see and smell everything. Several
times he wrapped his leash around our legs. When it was my turn to
hold the leash on this 12 pounds of energy, he wrapped me so well I
couldn’t move. David laughed at us. While I was trying to coax little
perpetual motion to retrace his steps to set me free, we must have
looked especially spiritual. A man came up to us and asked us to
pray for him. So, right there on the busy street with a prancing puppy
around our feet, David and I prayed for this mans special request. If
we had not taken the puppy, we would have not walked in that area
at that time and would have missed out on a blessing!
God Bless,
Cheryl
Nothing may be reproduced or published without
the written permission of the individual author or
copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.
Copyright © 2004, Write 2 the Heart
|
