Return to Newsletter Archives
      image of Blessed to Bless! banner

      Newsletter
      January 13, 2004
      Published by Steve Klusmeyer
      Distributed by hundred-acre-woods.com
      Subscribe or Unsubscribe



      Where Did This Come From?

      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, I would love for you to subscribe. If you are already on the list, you can unsubscribe if you just have to - but I would really hate to see you leave.

      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.

      Please Do NOT subscribe someone to Blessed to Bless! 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.

      Please note that there are no attachments to this HTML version of Blessed to Bless!. It is therefore totally safe from a virus point of view.


        A Word From Our Sponsors - Why?

        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
        image of LifeAnswered.org Banner LifeAnswered.org


        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. -Steve
        image of Firetrust MailWasher Pro Banner

        Consider other products that I recommend.

        End of A Word From Our Sponsors



      In This Issue

      • By Steve: Unsolved Problems and Unanswered Questions
      • Quotes to Remember: by Henry Ward Beecher, Oscar Wilde, and Paul Fix
      • By Someone Else:
        • Typewriter Art (Suggested Link)
        • Racism by Mike Collins
        • Too Many Rocks by Alan Smith
        • Things You'll Never Hear A Southern Man Say Top 36
      • From the Bible: Ephesians 5:2
      • 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 Blessed to Bless, you might also like another newsletter that I publish. Subscribe to Ponder This.


      By Steve

      Unsolved Problems and Unanswered Questions
      -by Steve Klusmeyer - 1/13/2004

      animated image of Jumping Question Mark - Graphic provided by Animation Factory Problem Solving

      While visiting Annapolis, a group of tourists noticed several students on their hands and knees in a campus courtyard. Each one was hurriedly making calculations and recording them with pencils and notepads. "What are they doing?" one visitor asked the tour guide. He replied with a grin, "Each year, the upperclassmen ask the freshmen how many bricks it took to finish paving this courtyard." "So what's the answer?" another tourist asked after they were out of earshot of the freshmen. The guide replied, "One."

      I was once a naive freshman, too. I couldn't see the obvious answers and made everything more difficult than it was. Of course now that I am older and wiser, solutions just seem to pop into my mind whenever I'm faced with a tough situation. Yeah, right!

      Unanswered Questions

      The truth is, there are many problems whose solutions have eluded me. And there are many questions whose answers remain just beyond my reach. For example:

      • What is an occasional table and what is it the rest of the time?
      • Why is it ok to be a wise man, but not a wise guy?
      • Is a centipede an inchworm that's gone metric?
      • If space is a vacuum, who changes the bags?
      • You know that little indestructible black box that they search for after a plane crashes? Why don't they make the airplane out of the same material?
      • If you dig a tunnel to the other side of the earth, will you come out feet first?
      • Why are there 10 hotdogs in a package, but only 8 buns in a package?
      • How do "Do Not Walk on the Grass" signs get there?
      • Why do banks charge you a "non-sufficient funds" fee on money they already know you don't have?
      • If a man is talking in the forest and there is no woman there to listen, is he still wrong?
      • When someone asks you, "A penny for your thoughts," and you put your two cents in, what happens to the other penny?
      • Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?
      • If the pen is mightier than the sword, and a picture is worth a thousand words, how dangerous is a fax?
      • Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of the song?
      • If a cow laughed really hard, would milk come out her nose?
      • What did cured ham actually have?

      And the most important unanswered question that I have . . .

      • What if the Hokey-Pokey really is what it's all about?

      It's a wonder I can sleep at all with such pressing issues going thru my mind. You probably have questions that keep you awake at night, too. But maybe they are a little more intense than mine. Find the answers to some of Life's Greatest Challenges.

      Read more writings by Steve.

      Go to the link above to read 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.


        A Word From Our Sponsors - Why?

        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.

        AOL users click here

        Thanks Mike Hodapp

        End of A Word From Our Sponsors



      Quotes to Remember:

      What the mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin.
      -Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) USA Abolitionist & Clergyman

      I am not young enough to know everything.
      -Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) Irish Dramatist, Novelist, & Poet

      The only reason some people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory.
      -Paul Fix (1901-1983) USA TV & Movie Character Actor

      Read more Quotes to Remember.


      By Someone Else:

      Typewriter Art

      This is amazing! I would've never thought you could make pictures like this with a typewriter.

      The artist is disabled, making it even more incredible. Check out the Paul Smith Foundation. (Be sure and read the information under the heading of About the Artist to see why this man's talent is definitely inspiring - Ed)

      From Ed Peacher
      Laughter for A Saturday
      Subscribe

      Read more writings by Others.


        A Word From Our Sponsors - Why?

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

        Free Tax Software from TaxACT

        Plan ahead. Prepare and print your tax return free! Start your free tax return online at TaxACTOnline.com! That’s the TaxACT Advantage.
        http://mocda4.com/1/c/32976/152918/329149/329149

        End of A Word From Our Sponsors



      By Someone Else:

      Racism

      by Mike Collins

      As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, I wanted to re-use this column from last year:

      Jim Christian was a great athlete. I believe he could have run a marathon for two weeks straight without ever stopping to rest. I was not as fortunate as Jim; I had a lot of strength, but when it came to running, my endurance was never impressive. I never quit a run, but my body sure begged me to even before I had laced up my running shoes.

      I met Jim while at Marine Corps boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina. We were assigned to the same unit and instantly became very close friends. Although we were very different in many respects, we stuck together very close and looked out for one another. He was from a big city in California; I was from a small town in West Virginia. His favorite music was hip-hop; mine was rock. He spoke with an inner-city urban accent, while I spoke with the accent of a redneck from rural Appalachia. We came from very different religious backgrounds. His favorite teams were rivals of mine. And if that were not enough, he was black and I was white.

      I liked Jim's outlook on things. He hated to be referred to as an African-American. He always stated that he was an American, and I have to agree with him. After all, I'm not an Italian-American or an Irish-American; I am simply an American. I don't think we should forget our heritage, but I think we should place more emphasis on the here and now.

      One day while running in the high temperatures of the South Carolina sun, I was struck with heat exhaustion and dropped to the rear of the formation. I thought I was going to pass out when I felt the strong hands of someone placing my arm around his neck and practically carrying me to a water area. As I looked up I saw Drill Instructors screaming at Jim Christian for having broken rank in order to assist his friend. At that moment, Jim Christian was not a black man, he was not an African-American, nor was he any of the racist-inspired names I had heard through my years growing up--at that moment Jim Christian was my brother.

      Two weeks later we were training in the swimming area when Jim told me he could not swim. He had a fear of water, and dreaded making the plunge with full backpack, gear and clothing into the water. Standing at the end of the tallest diving platform, he jumped feet-first into the water and instantly began to struggle. After he went under three or four times without moving an inch toward safety, I could stand by and watch no longer. As I jumped in and swam toward him, Drill Instructors were screaming from all edges of the pool, but I would not stop until Jim's feet were on solid ground.

      Because of our friendship his strength became my strength, and my strength became his. Many white guys continued to run when I had dropped back in formation, and many black guys stood by and watched as Jim went under for the fourth time--but we could always count on each other.

      Racism is a pathetic loss of brotherhood--a brotherhood that could make our nation so much stronger. Each of us possesses qualities that others can benefit from, yet we refuse to share because of race, color or religion. How sad. As the old song goes: "Red and yellow, black and white we are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world."

      And if it's true that we are all precious in God's sight, then racism is nothing more than self-inflicted blindness.

      -from Words of Faith
      Subscribe

      Read more writings by Others.


      By Someone Else:

      Too Many Rocks

      This list is circulating among Forest Service employees. These are actual comments left last year on Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:

      • "A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call."
      • "Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness."
      • "Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands."
      • "Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse."
      • "Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill."
      • "Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests."
      • "Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them."
      • "Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights."
      • "Need more signs to keep area pristine."
      • "The places where trails do not exist are not well marked."
      • "Too many rocks in the mountains."

      Too many rocks in the mountains? I suppose the sky is too blue, there are too many leaves on the trees and too much water in the ocean as well!

      Living in the mountains as I have, it's hard to imagine anyone complaining about God's creation. I stand in awe every day of His handiwork.

      "Praise the LORD!....Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light! Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created....Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word; mountains and all hills; fruitful trees and all cedars; beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl....Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven." -Psalm 148:1a,3-5,7-10,13

      Next chance you get, walk outside, take a look around, and offer your praise to God who created it all.

      Have a great day!
      Alan Smith

      -from Thought for the Day
      Subscribe

      Read more writings by Others.


        A Word From Our Sponsors - Why?

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

        Refinancing? Get a FREE quote on any mortgage loan program

        Take advantage of low rates and get a FREE mortgage rate quote from up to 3 competing lenders. Save Money Now!
        http://mocda1.com/1/c/32976/87527/329149/329149

        End of A Word From Our Sponsors



      By Someone Else:

      Things You'll Never Hear a Southern Man Say

        36. I'll take Shakespeare for 1000, Alex.

        35. Honey, I think we should sell the pickup and buy a family sedan.

        34. Come to think of it, I'll have a Heineken.

        33. We don't keep firearms in this house.

        32. Has anybody seen the sideburns trimmer?

        31. You can't feed that to the dog.

        30. I thought Graceland was tacky.

        29. No kids in the back of the pickup, it's just not safe.

        28. Wrestling's fake.

        27. Honey, did you mail that donation to Greenpeace?

        26. We're vegetarians.

        25. Do you think my gut is too big?

        24. I'll have grapefruit and grapes instead of biscuits and gravy.

        23. Honey, we don't need another dog.

        22. Who gives a hoot who won the Civil War?

        21. Give me the small bag of pork rinds.

        20. Too many deer heads detract from the decor.

        19. Spitting is such a nasty habit.

        18. I just couldn't find a thing at Wal-Mart today.

        17. Trim the fat off that steak.

        16. Cappuccino tastes better than espresso.

        15. The tires on that truck are too big.

        14. I'll have the arugula and riadicchio salad.

        13. I've got it all on the C: drive.

        12. Unsweetened tea tastes better.

        11. Would you like your fish poached or broiled?

        10. My fiance, Bobbie Jo, is registered at Tiffany's.

        9. I've got two cases of Zima for the Super Bowl.

        8. Little Debbie snack cakes have too many fat grams.

        7. Checkmate.

        6. Does the salad bar have bean sprouts?

        5. Hey, here's an episode of "Hee Haw" that we haven't seen.

        4. I don't have a favorite college team.

        3. Be sure to bring my salad dressing on the side.

        2. You all.

      And, Number ONE is:

        1. Duct tape won't fix that.

      Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones? They still are!

      A cheerful heart is good medicine... (Prov 17:22a)

      -from The Good, Clean Funnies List
      Good, clean funnies five times a week, FOR F R E E! ... AND NO ADS!
      Subscribe

      Read more writings by Others.


      Life's F.A.Qs.

      Many are asking tough questions in today's world. Maybe you have been asking a few of the same ones. Learn more about answers to some of life's tough questions.


      From the Bible:

      Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins.
      Ephesians 5:2 (NLT)


      What is Blessed to Bless?

      Blessed to Bless! 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.

      Blessed to Bless! 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.

      Learn more about the meaning of Blessed to Bless!

      Check out past issues of Blessed to Bless! in the archives.

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

      Does this newsletter have a light gray background with a red border on the left edge? Some mail programs may not display all of the colors and/or graphics correctly. However, all of the text should show up even if the colors and graphics don't. A copy of this issue and previous issues may be viewed in the archive section of my web site.

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

      Also note that there are no attachments to this HTML version of Blessed to Bless! 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!

      -Steve Klusmeyer {:o)<><

      Blessed to Bless! -Genesis 12:1-3
      " . . . I will bless you; . . . and you will be a blessing. . . . and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

      animated image of Contact Steve being painted by a Paint Brush from a Paint Can - Grapic provided by Animation Factory (edited by Steve)


      Credit Where Credit is Due

      If known, the original source of material used in Blessed to Bless! 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.


      FYI

      Please visit my web site. Take a moment to check it out and visit often to see what's new.


      Blessed to Bless! by Steve Klusmeyer

      Web Home Page
      Site       		Writings Writings by Steve
      by Steve       		Quotes Quotes to Remember
      to Remember      		 Pictures Pictures with a Story
      with a Story
      Life's Life's Frequently Asked Questions
      FAQs      		 Writings Writings by Other Authors
      by Others      		 Newsletter Subscribe to Blessed to Bless!
      Subscription      		 Contact Contact Steve
      Steve


      Check out Caleb's creations.

      Do you need a web site? I can design it and get it on line. Learn more.


      What is the Deal with those Ads?

      You will see ads in Blessed to Bless! These advertisers keep the newsletter FREE by paying for ad space. My host, Mike Hodapp (Tigger at 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.

      Read a more in-depth explanation of the ads.


      Subscription Information

      Subscribe to Blessed to Bless! You can unsubscribe using the same link, if you really have to leave.

      Blessed to Bless! and several other newsletters are distributed by hundred-acre-woods.com lists. 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.

      Attention AOL users: Occasionally we see an uncommonly high number of bounces from AOL subscribers. Should you notice our newsletter(s) not getting through to you via AOL, we recommend you subscribe under a non-AOL email address. There are many free email providers available. Sorry, but this is an AOL issue that we have no control over.


      Confidentiality Statement

      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.


      The End! Thanks for Reading.

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




      Copyright © 2002-2009, Steve Klusmeyer. All rights reserved.


      If this E-mail was forwarded to you and you would like to join our list, Please subscribe.

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

      This issue of Blessed to Bless is distributed by hundred-acre-woods.com. You can contact listmaster (Steve Klusmeyer) by email.

      If you MUST leave, you can unsubscribe.

      AOL: Unsubscribe



      Back to the Beginning of this Issue

      Return to Newsletter Archives