Times




	Write 2 The Heart January 11, 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. There are times when our lives seem full and productive. Then we have times when our lives seem barren and unfruitful. Each has its place and reason in the seasons of our lives. Times and Seasons By: Shirley Anne Cox On the first day of December, I joined the land of the living again after being almost completely housebound for the last few months due to a consolidated onslaught of several frightening illnesses all at the same time. I felt like a haircut would improve my looks at the very least and my total outlook at the most. You know, in a very unexpected way it worked, thanks be to God. After the hair appointment, I found myself eating in my car and thinking about my mother. She loved to sit quietly outside by herself with a cup of coffee and watch kittens or little birds playing. So instead of regretting being by myself, I looked out the window expecting only to see a few crows or pigeons, if anything. The landscaping outside my car window was beautiful, especially considering that it was Mickey Dee's. The fast food place had taken the time to provide a place of contemplation for all of God's creatures. Large beautiful holly bushes buffered the noise of the street. They were surrounded by bushes whose leaves had turned to a blazing red color. My eyes were then drawn to a bush close to my car door. It looked sad and dead at first, because only a very few leaves and a sparse amount of red berries remained. I noticed that the very small branches were skillfully pruned into a rounded shape. The bush was not dead at all. It had lost its foliage only for a short cold season. When spring comes, it will become as beautiful as the evergreens surrounding it. I was quick to realize that this was one of those insights that comes from God alone. It had His signature all over it. But I was slow to understand that the best was yet to come. The birds were flitting in and out of the other bushes so fast that I could only catch a slight glimpse of them. As the sun began to shine fully on the scene, one little sparrow lighted upon one of the topmost of the tiny branches. It shook itself and preened as it basked in the sun. I was thrilled. Surely this is what God had intended for my encouragement today. Again, I had shortchanged God. As I joyfully watched, God decorated that bush for my pleasure and exhortation. He carefully placed a second, and a third, and a fourth, and a fifth, on and on until He had arranged a dozen of these precious masterpieces on that beautiful living shrubbery that I had so mistakenly thought was dead only a few minutes ago. I could almost see His hand as He thoughtfully positioned each puff of gray feathers in its own appointed position. What amazed me most was that though they were moving, each one stayed where it had been placed. This bare bush decorated with these small plain birds became alive and beautiful when the sunlight from above was shed on them. What God told me was made manifest in this scene that He had arranged. Because that I had been so sick for so long with many serious problems, I had felt as dead and useless as that bush had first looked to me. Just like the bush I need a season of rest and restoration. The season of leafing and blooming will come soon, but, not quite yet. This is also a time for patience and regaining strength. Even in its bare state the bush was a useful refuge for the little birds. I had expected large ugly birds. They had not come because the tiny sharp branch ends of the pruned hedge would be like thorns to them. These branches proved a safe haven for these little birds. They could find rest in its branches, a place where they could come together in safety and unity. Even though I may not seem like much, God still has a purpose and a work for me where I am and how I am. I would have limited God to one little bird, but God made my heart abundantly glad with a dozen. I do not think the number was a coincidence. I counted and recounted them. God is definitely into details. It truly saddens me when I have to miss church because of sickness. I feel the weakness of being out of place when the door to God's house is open and I cannot be there. We need to be with other believers who are going through the same valleys. The Sonlight of God draws us together just like the sunlight drew these birds together. We need to derive strength and cleansing from God's word just as the sparrows preened themselves in the sunshine. The sunlight was reflected magnificently by their unity, just as God's light is magnified through our unity. I started the day thinking something like a haircut would help me feel better, but God provided a better way, as always. Even the hair cut part was there for a reason. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31 Shirley Anne Cox SCOX2 @ CHARTERTN.NET Shirley Anne Cox is a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, teacher, and now writer. God has planted her in the midst of these dear people for a reason. Please pray that anything attempted will end in glory for God and a testimony, which will lead others to Jesus Christ, our one and only Savior. 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. Letters From Our Readers That Pamela knows how to tell an animal story. I bet she could tell as many as Noah! Betty King Moments of Reflection www.BettyKing.net What a cute story! I was hooked from the very beginning and just had to hang in there to see what that darned rooster was going to do next. I wasn't expecting hubby to get into the act. Barbara Deming Author of "The Quilt Maker" 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 I recently decided to try a new sandwich spread that has come on the market. I happily made myself a sandwich and took a bite. After that first bite, I decided I wouldn’t buy this brand again. In fact I would be looking forward to finishing off the opened jar. David saw me with my sandwich and I could tell by the look on his face he wanted a bite of my sandwich. I held it out and he took a big bite. His expression quickly changed and I could tell he did not like what he just tasted. “There is something wrong with that sandwich,” he told me. “Is the meat ok?” I explained about the new sandwich spread. “I know, let’s go eat Chinese,” He suggested. “You would want to eat out after I made a sandwich,” I replied. “Think about it, a nasty sandwich or Chinese food. Give the dog the sandwich and let’s go.” I willingly gave him the sandwich to give the dog. I heard him outside telling the dog, “This a test, if you eat this sandwich in five minutes, you pass, if you don’t, you pass anyway.” All the while he was holding the sandwich over the dogs head. The dog was fairly dancing with excitement to get at the wad of bread and meat. While he was enticing the dog, I threw away the jar of spread. I then walked to the door to see how the dog was faring. After all of the exciting build up, even the dog wouldn’t eat it! 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.