Return to Newsletter Archives
      image of Blessed2Bless banner

      Newsletter
      December 9, 2003

      Note: Links in this text-only format will not work by clicking on them. You will need to cut and paste the links into your browser address window to visit the suggested link. Some links to other web sites may have become inactive since this newsletter was published and therefore, may not work at this time. Sorry for any inconvenience.

      ><>(o:} ********B2B******** {:o)<><

      Blessed2Bless: December 9, 2003
      Published by Steve Klusmeyer - steve@blessed2bless.us
      http://www.blessed2bless.us

      You are receiving this newsletter because you either subscribed yourself or someone you know added your name to the list. If this was forwarded to you, you may subscribe by going to http://www.blessed2bless.us/subscribe.html If you really have to leave, you can unsubscribe using the same link.

      Sorry, but I have no control over those who may have added your name or forwarded a copy of this newsletter to your address. I do want to thank you for taking a moment to check out this issue.

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} ********B2B******** {:o)<><

      What's Happening to Marriages?

      Perhaps you are like some couples who say their marriage is feeling tired. Or worse, in trouble. You may be unsure where to turn for help. I can count the places I would recommend on one hand. Here's a great one I recently discovered. -Steve
      http://www.lifeanswered.org/cgi-bin/cmd.cgi?af=93904

      ><>(o:} ********B2B******** {:o)<><

      Are you tired of junk mail and spam?

      Maybe MailWasher Pro will help you like it has helped me.

      As well as letting you preview and delete your e-mail before it gets to your computer, MailWasher Pro also lets you bounce e-mail back to the spammers so it looks as though your address is not valid.

      Check out a FREE version of MailWasher Pro today at
      http://entier.ecosm.com/link/?iqbeeuo

      -Steve

      Consider other products that I recommend at
      http://www.blessed2bless.us/ads.html

      ><>(o:} ********B2B******** {:o)<><

      *
      *
      *

      ><>(o:} ***In This Issue*** {:o)<><

        ><>(o:} By Steve: Christmas Windows
        ><>(o:} Quote to Remember: by Evelyn Waugh
        ><>(o:} By Someone Else:
          ==> Health Questions Answered to Enjoy Christmas
          ==> Childlike Christmas Enthusiasm by Kenneth Pierpont
          ==> Preparing for Christmas
          ==> A Trip to the Dentist
        ><>(o:} From the Bible: Psalm 119:1
        ><>(o:} Useful Information: Credits, Subscribe/Unsubscribe, etc

      If you haven't read the "Useful Information" at the end of this newsletter or if it's been a while, please take a few minutes to check it out.

      If you enjoy "Blessed2Bless," you might also like another newsletter that I publish. Subscribe to "Ponder This" at
      http://hundred-acre-woods.com/magic-list/PonderThis/

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} ********B2B******** {:o)<><

      Did this newsletter show up in your mailbox and you don't know why? Someone you know may have forwarded it to you or added your name to our mailing list. Subscribe/unsubscribe information is included at the end along with other useful information.

      Please Do NOT subscribe someone to Blessed2Bless without their prior permission! Instead, forward a copy and allow them to make the choice. That way I won't get yelled at when they think they are being spammed! Thanks for your help.

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} By Steve: {:o)<><

      I'm having computer software problems this week, so this is a re-run of a story that I wrote during last Christmas season. To see the pictures that go with the story, go to
      http://www.blessed2bless.us/photos/christmas-windows.html

      Christmas Windows
      -by Steve Klusmeyer

      Four Million Lights

      We experienced an Old Time Christmas as we walked along the streets of Silver Dollar City. Our path glowed with the colors of over four million Christmas lights. Framed images, the windows of various shops along the path, caught my attention. Each shop echoed the spirit of a time past, 1880's America. Each window, illuminated by the unending lights, stirred the imagination. Thoughts of past Christmas memories and hopes for those to come seemed to come alive with each look into the next window.

      More To Be Seen

      As I gazed into each window, I began to realize that I was not seeing the whole picture. There was more to be seen than met the eye. Only a small sample of what was inside could be seen through the panes of glass. As beautiful as each window was, I was merely catching a glimpse of the wonders that could only be seen by venturing beyond the limits of wood and glass.

      What Lies Beyond This Life?

      Many ask, "Is this all there is? What happens when I die?" We can only imagine what wonders lie beyond this life. But answers can be found. Read 10 reasons to believe in Life After Death at
      http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/10rsn.home/7rsn/

      Learn more about Silver Dollar City at
      http://www.silverdollarcity.com/portal/portal.html

      Read more writings by Steve at
      http://www.blessed2bless.us/by-steve.html

      Blessed2Bless is sent in text-only format. Go to the link above to read this and previous Writings by Steve. Photos are included with many of the writings. Follow other links in this newsletter to read additional "Writings by Others," "Quotes to Remember," and "Pictures with a Story."

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} ***A Word From Our Sponsors*** {:o)<><

      These ads pay for the cost of this service and a percentage is given to feed starving orphans in third world countries.

      Please stop by our affiliates and malls. Most are Christian, and they are all good products and companies

      http://www.fishermansnet.com/Malls/

      Thanks Mike Hodapp

      ><>(o:} ***End of A Word From Our Sponsors*** {:o)<><
      *
      ><>(o:} ********B2B******** {:o)<><

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} Quotes to Remember: {:o)<><

      Punctuality is the virtue of the bored.
      -Evelyn Waugh (1903-1966) English Novelist & Satirist

      Read more Quotes to Remember at
      http://www.blessed2bless.us/quotes.html

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} By Someone Else: {:o)<><

      Health Questions Answered to Enjoy Christmas

      Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
      A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it . . . Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

      Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
      A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay And corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable slop.

      Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
      A: Well, if you have a body, and you have body fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

      Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
      A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain . . . Good.

      Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
      A: You're not listening. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

      Q: What's the secret to healthy eating?
      A: Thicker gravy.

      Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
      A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

      Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
      A: Are you crazy? HELLO ... Cocoa beans - another vegetable!!! "It's the best feel good food around!"

      Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. Have a cookie...flour is a veggie!

      -Unknown

      Sent by Carol Richardson
      -from "Monday Fodder"
      subscribe at
      http://hundred-acre-woods.com/magic-list-v6/MondayFodder/
      "Monday Fodder" is distributed by hundred-acre-woods.com You can contact listmaster (Dave Aufrance) at dgaufaaa@iohk.com

      Read more writings by Others at
      http://www.blessed2bless.us/by-others.html

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} ***A Word From Our Sponsors*** {:o)<><

      These ads pay for the cost of this service and a percentage is given to feed starving orphans in third world countries.

      FREE* GE Home Security System

      FREE* GE Home Security System to Qualified Homeowners http://mocda3.com/1/c/32976/143023/322192/322192

      ><>(o:} ***End of A Word From Our Sponsors*** {:o)<><
      *
      ><>(o:} ********B2B******** {:o)<><

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} By Someone Else: {:o)<><

      Childlike Christmas Enthusiasm
      By Kenneth L. Pierpont

      About fifteen years ago when the Christmas season was approaching weather reports predicted a heavy snow on Thanksgiving eve. At the time I was the pastor of a village church in Ohio. On thanksgiving eve we joined with the other village church for a Thanksgiving service. Lois was in Newark shopping for the day. I was concerned that she would not arrive in time for the service. As night fell snow began to fall, too. Thick, wet snow. Festive as it was dangerous.

      This was before cell phones. I had trouble concentrating on my preparations for the service wondering about her, but finally I heard her sound the horn in the drive and I knew that she had arrived home safe. I went down to greet her.

      "Ken," she said, "Look what I found."

      She was wearing a long winter coat, a hat and scarf, but what you could see of her face was glowing with excitement. Her cheeks were red in the cold wind. There was a child-like light in her eyes.

      "Come and look, come and look," she said, on her tip toes.

      We went around behind the van and opened the doors. The entire backend of the van was filled with an enormous wreath. It was huge and fragrant.

      "It was half-price."

      I imagined it was still plenty and I didn't want to mess with it until after the service. I am ashamed to admit that I squandered an opportunity to enter enthusiastically into my wife's plans. She was undaunted, insisting that I get it in the house for her so she could wrap it in lights.

      "Oh, hurry," she bubbled. "You have to get this inside before the service. The family is coming tomorrow for Thanksgiving and I want have that wreath on the house when they arrive."

      "Where are you going to hang it, it's half the size of the garage doors?"

      "I can't hang it. You have to help me. It has to go between the windows over the garage doors."

      I refused to help until after the service and then it was too wet and to windy and too cold. It would never have been used if the next morning Lois had not insisted that I do nothing else until I hung that wreath. I told her it was impossible. I told her that if I extended the ladder to it's full height and stood on the very top rung I would only then just be able to reach the gable of the house over the driveway. She said she knew I could do it. She offered to hold the ladder. I found that only mildly comforting.

      With trembling hands I stood on the top rung of the ladder and screwed an eye-hook into the soffit high over the drive. I strung some wire thought the eye. I descended the ladder and with the children watching and cheering ascended with the huge wreath. Finally success. The wreath was in place. I put the ladder away and calmed my wildly beating heart. It was a sight! I got it in place just minutes before the family started arriving for Thanksgiving. I enjoyed hero status for a moment that day.

      I have in my memory a photo of that wreath twinkling with lights, high on the house. At night you could see it across the countryside for miles. If you offered me a hundred dollars to take that memory from my mind I would turn you down without hesitation. The older children still remember that wreath on the house almost as big as a car.

      One way to stay young at heart is to act like a child at Christmas, to enter wholeheartedly into the preparations for the season. Think of it. Just for a moment our busy, burdened, self-absorbed culture pauses at the cradle in wonder. I don't want to miss the opportunity to celebrate in a big way. I would hate to think when I came to the end of my life that I allowed my heart to get so cold that I lost my childish Christmas joy and used maturity for an excuse.

      Peter Marshall once preached, "Let's not succumb to the sophistication that complains; 'Christmas belongs only to the children.' That shows that you have never understood Christmas at all, for the older you get, the more it means, if you know what it means. Christmas, though forever young, grows old along with us. Have you been saying, "I just can't seem to feel the Christmas spirit this year? That's too bad. As a confession of lack of faith, it is rather significant. You are really saying that you feel no joy that Jesus came into the world. you are confessing that His presence in the world is not a reality to you. Maybe you need all the more to read the Christmas story over again, need to sit down with the Gospel of Luke and think about it."

      This afternoon I am going to light a candle and brew some tea and scoop little Hope America into my lap and see if I can get her to sit still there for a few minutes while I read her the story of Jesus birth from Luke chapter two. Maybe she will ask me some questions or maybe she will just fall asleep in my lap. It doesn't matter.

      Kenneth L. Pierpont
      Riverfront Character Inn
      Flint, Michigan
      December 8, 2003

      -from "The Stonebridge Newsletter"
      Sent by e-mail free every Monday morning, it includes a new, original, true story by Ken Pierpont and a paragraph or two about what Ken has been up to lately. You can read past stories or subscribe to the Stonebridge Newsletter at
      http://www.KenPierpont.com
      Contact Ken at mailto:Ken@KenPierpont.com

      Read more writings by Others at
      http://www.blessed2bless.us/by-others.html

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} By Someone Else: {:o)<><

      Preparing for Christmas

      Planning a Christmas weekend of entertaining guests, I made a list of things I needed to do, including taking food out of the freezer and grocery shopping.

      As it happened, a friend whom I had been promising to take to lunch asked if we could make it that Friday.

      So, hopping into the car, I taped my "to do" list to the dashboard and went and picked her up.

      As she settled into the car, her face dropped.

      "Thanks a lot!" she sulked.

      Then I glanced at my list and saw the first item: "Take out the Turkey."

      Received from Pastor Tim's CleanLaugh List.

      -from "The Good, Clean Funnies List"
      Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones? They still are! A cheerful heart is good medicine... (Prov 17:22a) GCFL.net: The Good, Clean Funnies List: Good, clean funnies five times a week, FOR F R E E! ... AND NO ADS!
      Subscribe at http://gcfl.net/mailman/listinfo/gcfl

      Read more writings by Others at
      http://www.blessed2bless.us/by-others.html

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} ***A Word From Our Sponsors*** {:o)<><

      These ads pay for the cost of this service and a percentage is given to feed starving orphans in third world countries.

      Part/Full Time Managers Wanted

      In just 10 hrs a week...

      You can make an additional $6,000 a month - without quitting your job!

      This is an easy way to pick up some extra cash!

      To learn more - click here!
      http://mocda4.com/1/c/32976/145679/322192/322192

      ><>(o:} ***End of A Word From Our Sponsors*** {:o)<><
      *
      ><>(o:} ********B2B******** {:o)<><

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} By Someone Else: {:o)<><

      A Trip to the Dentist

      This guy goes into his dentist's office, because something is wrong with his mouth. After a brief examination, the dentist exclaims, "Holy Smoke! That plate I installed in your mouth about six months ago has nearly completely corroded! What on earth have you been eating?"

      "Well... the only thing I can think of is this... my wife made me some asparagus about four months ago with this stuff on it . . . Hollandaise sauce she called it . . . and doctor, I'm talkin' DELICIOUS! I've never tasted anything like it, and ever since then I've been putting it on everything... meat, fish, toast, vegetables... you name it!"

      "That's probably it," replied the dentist "Hollandaise sauce is made with lemon juice, which is acidic and highly corrosive. It seems as thought I'll have to install a new plate, but made out of chrome this time."

      "Why chrome?" the man asked.

      "Well, everyone knows that there's no plate like chrome for the Hollandaise!"

      -Unknown

      -from "Doc's Daily Chuckle"
      Please leave this information intact if you are forwarding to a friend. Better yet, tell your friend to subscribe! Use the subscription E-mail address below! We would really appreciate it! Subscribe at
      http://hundred-acre-woods.com/magic-list/DocsDailyChuckle/
      "Doc's Daily Chuckle" is distributed by hundred-acre-woods.com
      Contact listmaster (Patricia A. Kaine) by email: pakmd@cros.net

      Read more writings by Others at
      http://www.blessed2bless.us/by-others.html

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} Life's F.A.Qs. {:o)<><

      Many are asking tough questions in today's world. Maybe you have been asking a few of the same ones. For answers to some of life's tough questions, go to
      http://www.blessed2bless.us/f-a-q.html

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} From the Bible: {:o)<><

      Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the LORD.
      -Psalm 119:1 (NLT)

      *
      *
      *
      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} What is Blessed2Bless? {:o)<><

      Blessed2Bless: is published on a "round-2-it" basis. Most weeks, you will receive at least one issue. Some weeks, you may receive two or three. Once in a while, you may not receive an issue for a week or two. So, whenever I get a "round-to-it," you can expect to hear, "You've got mail," Yahoo," or whatever happens on your PC.

      Blessed2Bless contains an article that I have written using simple everyday events to illustrate qualities and ideals sought after by many in the world today. Also included are writings from other sources that I have come across (usually by e-mail or a book I am reading). I try not to send everything that comes along; but I do send those that I think would be a blessing to you - - - or at least make you think for a moment and/or bring a smile to your face for just a little while.

      CAUTION: Please do not drink while reading the humorous stories. Doing so has caused many to snort Diet Pepsi out their noses.

      NOTE: Corrections to spelling and grammar are NOT made to the articles in the "Writings by Others" sections.

      To learn more about the meaning of Blessed2Bless go to
      http://www.blessed2bless.us/meaning.html

      Please note that Blessed2Bless is plain text e-mail with no attachments. It is therefore totally safe from a virus point of view. Be aware that the latest ludicrous viruses send out email from people's email programs, pretending to be from someone else within their address book. As my address becomes better known, it is just possible that you could receive such bogus e-mails - they are not from me!

      ><>(o:} Steve Klusmeyer {:o)<><
      Blessed2Bless -Genesis 12:1-3
      " - - - I will bless you; - - - and you will be a blessing.
      - - - and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

      You can contact me at steve@blessed2bless.us

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} Credit Where Credit is Due {:o)<><

      If known, the original source of material used in Blessed2Bless will be cited, or at least the source where I obtained the material will be cited with a credit at the end of each item. If the material was obtained from an e-mail newsletter, subscription information to that newsletter will also be included. This will be done as a matter of Christian integrity to give credit where credit is due.

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} FYI {:o)<><

      Please visit my web site at http://www.blessed2bless.us Take a moment to check it out and come back often to see what's new.

      Do you need a web site? I can design it and get it on line.
      Learn more at http://www.blessed2bless.us/web-design.html

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} What is the Deal with those Ads? {:o)<><
      You will see ads in Blessed2Bless. These advertisers keep the newsletter FREE by paying for ad space. My host, Mike Hodapp (Tigger at http://www.hundred-acre-woods.com), uses the proceeds to pay the basic expenses of his Internet service as a web site host server as well as sending a portion each month to feed starving orphans in third world countries. The advertisers pay by the number of clicks on the ads, NOT by the number of sales.

      For a more in-depth explanation of the ads, go to
      http://www.blessed2bless.us/subscribe.html#in-depth

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} Subscription Information {:o)<><

      To subscribe to Blessed2Bless, go to
      http://www.blessed2bless.us/subscribe.html
      If you really have to leave, you can unsubscribe using the same link.

      Blessed2Bless and several other newsletters are distributed by hundred-acre-woods.com. Names are not purchased or added to our lists without permission. If you did not subscribe yourself, then someone you know probably added your name to our list(s). Or someone else may have forwarded it to you.

      If you are changing your e-mail address, please advise me of both your old and new address. I will happily change my records to ensure ongoing delivery. You may do this yourself by unsubscribing your old address and subscribing your new address using the subscription link above.

      Once in a while, addresses may be deleted by mistake. This usually happens if e-mail is sent to an address several times and it is returned as undeliverable. This can be caused because an address has been discontinued or even because the mail quota has been exceeded. If you feel that your address has been deleted, go to the subscription link above and subscribe again. A message will let you know if you are still on the list. If not, you will be added.

      * *
      *
      ><>(o:} Confidentiality Statement {:o)<><

      I respect your privacy and will not share your information with other parties. Your name and email address are NOT sold or shared with any other list, web site, advertiser, partner, or service for any reason.

      *
      *
      *
      ><>(o:} ********B2B******** {:o)<><

      Give a nice day! -Acts 20:35
      -Mike Purcell, Cartoonist and active duty Navy Man

      *
      *
      * Copyright Steve Klusmeyer 2002-2003. All rights reserved.

      ================================================================================

      If this E-mail was forwarded to you and you would like to join our list, Please do so at
      http://hundred-acre-woods.com/magic-list/Blessed2Bless/

      We have many other GREAT christian mailing lists at:
      http://hundred-acre-woods.com/lists/

      This issue of the "Blessed2Bless" is distributed by hundred-acre-woods.com You can contact listmaster ( Steve Klusmeyer ) by email: steve@blessed2bless.us

      Back to the Beginning of this Issue

      Return to Newsletter Archives