Return to Newsletter Archives
      image of Blessed2Bless banner

      Newsletter
      February 10, 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 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.

      Please note that there are no attachments to this HTML version of Blessed2Bless. It is therefore totally safe from a virus point of view.

      Don't like the HTML version?
      A Text-Only version is also available.
      Subscribe here.


        A Word From Our Sponsors - Why?

        Get paid for your two cents!

        I have added a new link on my affiliate's page. This is a program that I have participated in for several years, and it is FREE! Check it out. -Steve image of American Consumer Opinions Banner

        American Consumer OpinionŽ is owned and operated by Decision Analyst, Inc., a major international marketing research firm headquartered in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the United States. American Consumer OpinionŽ is made up of consumers worldwide who have agreed to participate in their paid opinion survey panel.

        Membership is FREE. You will never pay any money to be a member. Your participation in the surveys is the only cost of membership. I have been a member for several years and receive checks regularly. Learn more

        Consider other products that I recommend.

        End of A Word From Our Sponsors



      In This Issue

      • By Steve: True Love
      • Quotes to Remember: by Sean Connery, Judith Viorst, and others
      • By Someone Else:
        • A Mother's Version of Valentine's Day by Debbie Farmer
        • A Special Valentine's Love Story by David Langerfield
        • A Special Valentine Especially for You!
        • Random Thoughts
      • From the Bible: Psalm 33:22 & 1 John 4:7
      • 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.


      animated image of Dog holding a Valentine Balloon - Graphic provided by Animation Factory

      By Steve

      True Love
      -by Steve Klusmeyer - February 10, 2004

      Set it Free

      With Valentine's Day near, love is in the air. But how do you know if you have found true love? Try this simple test:

      If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it was, and always will be yours. If it never returns, it was never yours to begin with. If it just sits in your living room, messes up your stuff, eats your food, uses your telephone, takes your money, and never behaves as if you actually set it free in the first place, you either married it or it's a teenager!

      Looking for Love

      It seems that everyone is looking for love today . . . often in all the wrong places. And more often, the love that is found is not the true love that really matters. Sir James M. Barrie (1860-1937) said of love, "If you have it, you don't need to have anything else, and if you don't have it, it doesn't matter much what else you have.

      Of course, Lucy Van Pelt (from Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz) clarifies this need for true love, "All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!"

      Margery Williams (1881-1944) described true love in a discourse between two of the characters in The Velveteen Rabbit.

        "Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

        "Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit. "Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."

        "Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?" "It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

      Find True Love

      Long after the valentines have been forgotten, after the flowers have faded away, and after the chocolate has been eaten . . . true love, the love that really matters, will remain.

      The Bible book of First Corinthians describes true love as, "patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

      Are you looking for this kind of love? It's not a fairy tale or something that can only be obtained by someone else. You too, can find this unconditional love. Learn more

      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



      animated image of Dog holding a Valentine Balloon - Graphic provided by Animation Factory

      Quotes to Remember:

      Love may not make the world go round, but I must admit that it makes the ride worthwhile.
      -Sean Connery (1930-Present) Scottish-Born Actor

      Love is much nicer to be in than an automobile accident, a tight girdle, a higher tax bracket, or a holding pattern over Philadelphia.
      -Judith Viorst (1931-Present) USA Novelist & Poet

      One advantage of marriage, it seems to me, is that when you fall out of love with him, or he falls out of love with you, it keeps you together until maybe you fall in again.
      -Judith Viorst (1931-Present) USA Novelist & Poet

      Falling in love . . . I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful.
      -Manuel (age 8)

      Falling in love is like an avalanche where you have to run for your life.
      -John (age 9)

      If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long.
      -Glenn (age 7)

      Love is foolish . . . but I still might try it sometime.
      -Floyd (age 9)

      Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me.
      -Dave (age 8)

      We're having creative differences. I'm creative, you're different!
      -Unknown

      Read more Quotes to Remember.


      animated image of Dog holding a Valentine Balloon - Graphic provided by Animation Factory

      By Someone Else:

      A Mother's Version of Valentine's Day

      This week's column is another excerpt from Debbie Farmer's new book, Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat! (Hardback, 227 pgs, Windriver Publishing) More info about our special February book offer at the end.

      Happy Valentines Day to you and yours,
      Debbie
      ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

      A Mother's Version of Valentine's Day
      By: Debbie Farmer

      Now this may come as a big surprise to you, but it seems the concept of Valentine's Day just isn't quite the same once you have children. Oh, at first it's hard to notice since it doesn't happen all at once. It degrades each year until, before you know it, Valentine's Day evolves from love notes, flowers, and a possible romantic tryst into the tedious task of cohercing your child into writing a name legibly on over two dozen tiny cards for his classmates.

      Now before you start yelling I'll have you know that, my life being what it is, I still look forward to Valentines Day despite having to threaten my children. But, I can't help noticing that it's lost a certain amount of pizzazz over the years.

        Before children: Going out to dinner meant a romantic candle-lit dinner for two, at an upscale restaurant with a view of the ocean.
        After children: Going out to dinner means a fast meal for four served on a tray under a heat lamp with a view of the drive through.

        Before children: Dressing up meant wearing a brand new evening gown with sequences and a low cut back.
        After children: Dressing up means wearing my only pre-maternity dress that zips all the way up without the use of body lotion and power tools.

        Before Children: The aroma of expensive perfume wafted seductively through the air.
        After Children: The aroma of talcum powder and anti-bacterial soap permeates the air.

        Before Children: I'd give my true love a sentimental Valentine's Day card with a personalized message inside.
        After Children: I go to the grocery store and buy four boxes of identical cards with Disney characters on the front.

        Before Children: My husband and I would spend the evening holding hands, gazing into each others eyes, or dancing until dawn.
        After Children: My husband and I spend the evening scanning the home shopping channel for good late night sales while eating a bag of microwave popcorn then dozing off on the sofa.

        Before Children: A thong was something I wore to bed on romantic evenings.
        After Children: A thong is something I wear on my feet when I go to the beach.

        Before Children: In the evening we'd lay on the rug and hold hands in front of a roaring fire.
        After Children: In the evening I collapse on the floor somewhere between the chair and the ottoman because I'm too exhausted from chasing after children and picking up toys to hoist my body into an upright position.

        Before Children: "Sweet nothings" were whispered gently in my ear.
        After children: Requests for cups of water are screamed down the stairs.

        Before Children: I'd wear fancy negligees made out of silk.
        After children: I wear pink flannel pajamas decorated with little penguins wearing jaunty scarves and matching sweater sets, accented with a pair of matted cat slippers.

        Before Children: We were as romantic as Romeo and Juliet.
        After children: We are as romantic as a pair of hibernating stump slugs.

        Before Children: I'd worship my husband.
        After Children: I worship a reliable baby sitter.

        Before children: I'd receive a dozen roses or expensive jewelry.
        After children: I receive stale candy hearts and homemade macaroni necklaces.

        Before Children: I spent Valentine's Day with the person I loved the most.
        After Children: I spend Valentine's Day with the people I love the most.

      +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
      Want to know more about our special February book offer?

      If you are one of the first 50 subscribers to order Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat! (a collection of over 100 of Debbie's funniest parenting humor columns) in February through Barnes and Noble.com you will also receive a free, plush, bendable smiley-faced flower! The kind you usually have to spend bazillions of dollars to win at carnivals by tossing a basketball through an opening the size of a pinhole! Plus the book is 20% off of the retail cover price!

      If you'd like to purchase Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat! please click here for more details and to see your special gift (we have a few left, but are running out fast):

      Okay, if you don't want to click, here's how it works anyways: Go here any time until midnight FEBRUARY 29th (your time) and order Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat! by Debbie Farmer. PLEASE NOTE: THIS OFFER IS GOOD ONLY IN FEBRUARY and ONLY for books purchased through www.BN.com. You may send the receipt later, but it must show that you ordered the book in that month.

      Then email your e-receipt (along with your snail addy) and you'll immediately be sent your (very cute) smiley flower! (You can request a color and we'll do our best to send it, but we have to adhere to a first come first serve system).

      You can learn all about the book and read reviews and an excerpt:
        FIRST REVIEW
        SECOND REVIEW
        AUTHOR INTERVIEW

      Thanks for supporting Family Daze!

      Questions? Contact Debbie

      -from Family Daze
      Subscribe

      Contact listmaster, Debbie Farmer by email

      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.

        Learn a New Career at Home

        Train for a new career, earn your associatešs degree, or finish high school
        at home! Nationally accredited distance learning from PCDI. Free literature!
        http://mocda1.com/1/c/32976/83842/333571/333571

        End of A Word From Our Sponsors



      animated image of Dog holding a Valentine Balloon - Graphic provided by Animation Factory

      By Someone Else:

      A Special Valentine's Love Story

      Her family had come to America from Sweden. She had a typical Scandinavian look . . . Long blond hair; blue eyes; long slender legs; soft, blemish-free skin; high cheek bones.

      She was gorgeous - she was beautiful. In fact, a professional International photographer in her hometown thought she was so pretty that he used a photograph of her to advertise his business.

      But that was not her real beauty.

      She was raised by some wonderful Christian parents and had become a Christian at an early age. Integrity, honesty and sweetness were just a few of her characteristics. In fact, at her engagement party, her sister, who knew her better than anyone, said that she had never heard her tell a lie. All of her friends said the same thing about her: She was the sweetest girl they knew. She would never speak a harsh word about anyone. Everyone loved to be around her.

      A young man she met in her freshman year started dating her and fell in love with her - both her exterior photographic beauty and the wonderful godly character of her inward beauty. She fell in love with him and they spent every free moment they could with each other over the next four years. They were committed to each other and they believed in waiting long before the "True Love Waits" Campaign ever existed.

      One week after they graduated from college, they were married. They loved each other's company. They would walk together, exercise together, go on bike rides together, chaperone youth trips together - go to movies, watch TV, eat pizza, travel - all the things any normal couple would love to do together. They were so much in love.

      She taught school for a year and then became a bookkeeper for a Surgical supply company. One day while she was working, for no apparent reason she lost her balance and fell on the floor. She was later able to get up and went to see a doctor that night. He set her up to see a Neurologist.

      The following day, it happened again. For no apparent reason, she lost her balance and fell. This time, though, she couldn't get up. She had lost all feeling in her legs. They wouldn't move.

      Her husband had to come to the office and pick her up in his arms and carry her to the hospital. After six days in the hospital, the doctor gave this beautiful, active young lady the dreadful news. She had Multiple Sclerosis and she would continue to deteriorate.

      This young couple, who had now been married only 18 months - who loved to go everywhere together and do everything together - would now face some new challenges. All their future plans would change, everyday life would change. They would change.

      For the next 25 years, this young lady did deteriorate. She had to take steroids (not the kind athletes use, but anti-inflammatory steroids). Her bones became brittle, breaking easily. Her face became puffy and bloated and she could not even put on make-up. Her body was a mess. She went from a walker, to an electric scooter, to a wheelchair. She could no longer feed herself, write her name, or control her own bodily functions. She now had to have someone stay with her 24 hours a day.

      If that couple had not had the kind of committed love that's based first on a personal relationship and a commitment to Jesus Christ and second, on a love that's based on a commitment to each other, the marriage never would have lasted. In fact, a large percentage of the marriages where a spouse has MS, the other spouse leaves them. The other spouse won't stay committed to the constant care and the continual physical, psychological and mental changes that continue to occur.

      Please hear me carefully - those two people are not heroes. They are not super-saints or super-Christians. They will be the first to tell you that they are not super Christians. Those two people are normal, ordinary people, empowered by the Love of God and a love for each other, to do what the world considers beyond normal and extraordinary.

      I know this for a fact - because that woman, that beautiful young lady who will never walk again, who can't even feed herself, is Lynda Langerfeld - my wife. She's not a hero. I'm not a hero. We're children of God, doing what the children of God are supposed to do. Doing what His children are called to do. Doing what God expects of every man and every woman who make a vow before God on their wedding day.

      Often, Hollywood will portray a hero sacrificing his life for his heroine in a film. In the world's eyes, he's a hero. In God's eyes, he's an ordinary man making an extraordinary sacrifice that every Christian who's committed to his spouse ought to make. Sacrificial, Committed Love is the rule, not the exception. We're not super-saints, we're not heroes when we're being faithful and committed to our mates. We're doing what God has called every husband and wife to do since the beginning of time.

      (c) 2002 by David Langerfeld

      -from A Joke A Day Ministries
      Subscribe by e-mail
      Looking for past jokes and thoughts? Thanks to Lisa at Esosoft, you can go to our A Joke A Day Ministries Archive Website

      Read more writings by Others.


      animated image of Dog holding a Valentine Balloon - Graphic provided by Animation Factory

      By Someone Else:

      A Special Valentine


      I love you.
      You are mine.
      Your name is written upon My heart.
      Your prayers are precious to Me.
      Your life is in My hands.
      I am always with you.
      I am nearer to you than your own heart.
      I gave my life so that you might live forever with Me.
      All I ask in return is your love.
      Be My Valentine.
      -Jesus


      P.S. You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.

      For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
      -John 3:16 (NIV)

      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.

        NUMBER PORTABILITY is Here! New Phone, SAME NUMBER

        Number Portability is Here! Get a Free* Phone and Keep Your Current Phone Number!
        http://mocda3.com/1/c/32976/156245/333571/333571

        End of A Word From Our Sponsors



      animated image of Dog holding a Valentine Balloon - Graphic provided by Animation Factory

      By Someone Else:

      Random Thoughts

      It is hard to understand how a cemetery raised its burial cost and blamed it on the cost of living.

      It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try and pass them.

      Laughing stock - cattle with a sense of humor.

      You can't have everything, where would you put it?

      Latest survey shows that 3 out of 4 people make up 75% of the world's population.

      If the shoe fits, get another one just like it.

      Eat right. Stay fit. Die anyway.

      The things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those who got there first.

      Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat drinking beer all day.

      Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries.

      Shin: A device for finding furniture in the dark.

      As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in public schools.

      A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.

      It was recently discovered that research causes cancer in rats.

      The only cure for insomnia is to get more sleep.

      Everybody lies, but it doesn't matter since nobody listens.

      I wished the buck stopped here, as I could use a few.

      I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.

      When you go into court you are putting yourself in the hands of 12 people that weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.

      Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

      Received from Linda A Russell.


      ---
      Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones? They still are!
      A cheerful heart is good medicine... (Prov 17:22a)

      -from "GCFL.net: The Good, Clean Funnies List"
      Good, clean funnies five times a week,
      FOR F R E E! ... AND NO ADS!
      Subscribe
      Email this funny to a friend
      The latest GCFL funny can always be found on the web

      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:

      Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.
      -Psalm 33:22 (NLT)

      Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
      -1 John 4:7 ( NLT)


      What is Blessed2Bless?

      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.

      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.

      Learn more about the meaning of Blessed2Bless.

      Check out past issues of Blessed2Bless 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.
      • Blessed2Bless is plain text e-mail with no attachments. It is therefore totally safe from a virus point of view.
      • Some links in Junk Mail reveal your email address to the Junk sender. Through sophisticated tracking codes, they can tell that it was you who visited their link. This means that they will probably send you even more junk mail. Links in Blessed2Bless are straight-forward web addresses. They do not return tracking data to me or anyone else. My website does NOT track you either.
      • Be aware that the latest absurd viruses send out email from unsuspecting 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)<><

      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."

      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 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.


      FYI

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


      Blessed2Bless 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 Blessed2Bless
      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 Blessed2Bless 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 Blessed2Bless You can unsubscribe using the same link, if you really have to leave.

      Blessed2Bless 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.

      Don't like the HTML version?
      A Text-Only version is also available.
      Subscribe here.

      Editor Note: There have been a few cases of subscribers having difficulty receiving Blessed2Bless in the new HTML format. The new format is actually similar to transmitting a web page. That's how the color graphics are displayed. Older computers, and perhaps a few various makes of computers, may not be able to receive such format. In such case, it is suggested that you unsubscribe from the HTML format, and subscribe to the Text-Only version (the format used previously). If you would like me to help you with that, please let me know! I want receiving Blessed2Bless to be as easy as possible for you.


      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 Š 2002 ... to infinity, and beyond — 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 Blessed2Bless 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