[Blessed2bless-text-only] Blessed to Bless! (text-only)

[Steve at blessed2bless.us]

Blessed to Bless!  March 30, 2004
Published by Steve Klusmeyer - steve at blessed2bless.us
http://www.blessed2bless.us

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

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-Steve

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

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

><>(o:} By Steve: Going a Different Direction
><>(o:} Quotes to Remember: by Charles Dudley Warner,
               Henry Ward Beecher, and others
><>(o:} By Someone Else:
              ==> Grandpa's Day Out
              ==> The Empty Egg
              ==> High Gas Prices
              ==> Spring by Bob Smiley
><>(o:} From the Bible: Philippians 1:3-6
><>(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.

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

Going a Different Direction
-by Steve Klusmeyer - 3/30/2004

Teach Me to Play

Caleb had spent the night with Grandpa Bob and Grandma Doris.
They were planning a trip into town and we had arranged to
meet them at a store to pick up Caleb and his stuff, which as
usual included his guitar. As we transferred his stuff from one
vehicle to the other, I noticed an older man in a nearby car
watching and smiling. He motioned to me with his hand. At first,
I thought he was just being friendly. (That's not uncommon in
our part of the country. Strangers often speak to one another
and even carry on entire conversations.) As we finished loading
the car, I realized he wanted me to come over to his window.

The site of Caleb with his guitar had stirred up some old
memories. While serving in World War II, the man had bought
an old guitar from one of his buddies. He didn't know how to
play but planned to take lessons as soon as he returned home.
Another service man, Louis Jones, saw the guitar and asked the
man if he would like him to teach him to play. The man agreed
and Louis wrote some chords down on a piece of paper.

Over the next few weeks Louis was able to help the man begin
playing. Several months later, Louis was transferred. The two
men would never meet again. It wasn't until many years later,
after reading an obituary, that the old man realized who had
taught him to play his guitar. . . . Louis Jones had gone on to
become one of country music's most beloved figures . . .
Grandpa Jones.

Good News - Bad News

Now I'm not sure of the authenticity of the old man's tale, but
he did tell it as a thought-of-as-true story. And it provides a
perfect preface to the news I must share with you in this issue.

The good news is that I have accepted a position as
Administrative Assistant for Communications in my local church.
This position will allow me to use many of the skills and talents
that God has been developing in my life to really make an
impact for Him. . . . The bad news is that because of the extra
time that I will need to devote to this new position and other
responsibilities, I will not be able to continue with this weekly
newsletter . . . at least at this time.

So how is the story about the old man and his guitar relevant
to this change? . . . First of all, even though we are strangers
and I have never met most of you personally, I feel like we
have become friends. I have felt comfortable sharing my
thoughts with you each week. Secondly, I doubt that I will
become as well known as Grandpa Jones; but through my
articles I have been asking each of you if you would like me to
help you learn to "play life." Many of you have agreed and
have allowed me to share a few chords with you.

My Desire

I began "Blessed to Bless!" about four years ago using articles
by other authors. Articles written by me were added in October
of 2002. My desire has always been and continues to be that my
writing will cause you stop and think about some of life's tough
questions or, at the least, bring a smile to your face for a few
moments. I know that this has been accomplished because many
of you have written to share your experiences. It has been my
pleasure to be able to share my thoughts with each of you . . .
over 4300 subscribers.

I hope you will visit my web site regularly, as I will continue to
post articles by others and occasionally ones by myself. I would
invite you to leave your name on the subscription list in the
event that I am able to resume the newsletter sometime
down the road.

Thanks again for allowing me to come into your life for a few
minutes each week. May God continue to richly bless each of
your lives and may you allow Him to use those blessings to
bless those He places in your hands (Genesis 12:1-3). -Steve

Learn more about Grandpa Jones at
http://www.rissystreasures.com/grandpa.htm

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

Blessed to Bless! 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."

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

What small potatoes we all are, compared with what we might be!
-Charles Dudley Warner (1829-1900) USA Writer and Editor

A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without
springs . . . jolted by every pebble in the road.
-Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) USA Abolitionist and Clergyman

I have to exercise in the morning before
my brain figures out what I'm doing.
-Unknown

Sometimes the majority only means that all the fools
are on the same side.
-Unknown

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

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

Grandpa's Day Out

A police car pulls up in front of Grandma Bessie's house,
and Grandpa Morris gets out.

The polite policeman explained that this elderly gentleman
said that he was lost in the park and couldn't find his
way home.

"Oh Morris," said Grandma. "You've been going to that park
for over 30 years! So how could you get lost?"

Leaning close to Grandma so that the policeman couldn't
hear, Morris whispered, "I wasn't lost. I was just too
tired to walk home."

Received from PackyHumor.

-from "GCFL - 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 free ... AND NO ADS!

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http://www.blessed2bless.us/by-others.html

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

The Empty Egg

Jeremy was born with a twisted body and a slow mind.  At the
age of 12 he was still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn.
His teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him.
He would squirm in his seat, drool, and make grunting noises.
At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of
light had penetrated the darkness of his brain.  Most of the time,
however, Jeremy just irritated his teacher.

One day she called his parents and asked them to come in for
a consultation.  As the Forresters entered the empty classroom,
Doris said to them, "Jeremy really belongs in a special school.
It isn't fair to him to be with younger children who don't have
learning problems.  Why, there is a five year gap between his
age and that of the other students."

Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue, while her husband
spoke.  "Miss Miller," he said, "there is no school of that kind
nearby.  It would be a terrible shock for Jeremy if we had to
Take him out of this school.  We know he really likes it here."
Doris sat for a long time after they had left, staring at the snow
outside the window.  Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul.
She wanted to sympathize with the Forresters.  After all, their
only child had a terminal illness.  But it wasn't fair to keep him
in her class.  She had 18 other youngsters to teach, and Jeremy
was a distraction.  Furthermore, he would never learn to read
and write. Why waste any more time trying?

As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her.  'Here I
am complaining when my problems are nothing compared to
that poor family,' she thought.  'Lord, please help me to be more
patient with Jeremy.'  From that day on, she tried hard to ignore
Jeremy's noises and his blank stares.  Then one day, he limped
to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him.

"I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed, loud enough for the
whole class to hear.  The other students snickered, and Doris'
face turned red.  She stammered, "Wh-why that's very nice,
Jeremy.  N-now please take your seat."

Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming
Of Easter.  Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to
emphasize the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of
the children a large plastic egg.  "Now," she said to them, "I want
you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something
inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Miss Miller," the children responded enthusiastically -- all
except for Jeremy.  He listened intently; his eyes never left her
face.  He did not even make his usual noises.  Had he understood
what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection?  Did he
understand the assignment? Perhaps she should call his parents
and explain the project to them.

That evening, Doris' kitchen sink stopped up.  She called the
landlord and waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it.
After that, she still had to shop for groceries, iron a blouse, and
prepare a vocabulary test for the next day.  She completely
forgot about phoning Jeremy's parents.

The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and
talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on
Miss Miller's desk. After they completed their math lesson, it was
time to open the eggs.  In the first egg, Doris found a flower.
"Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life," she said.  "When
plants peek through the ground, we know that spring is here."  A
small girl in the first row waved her arm. "That's my egg, Miss
Miller," she called out.  The next egg contained a plastic butterfly,
which looked very real.  Doris held it up.  "We all know that a
caterpillar changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes, that's
new life, too."  Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller,
that one is mine."  Next, Doris found a rock with moss on it.  She
explained that moss, too, showed life.  Billy spoke up from the
back of the classroom.  "My daddy helped me," he beamed.

Then Doris opened the fourth egg.  She gasped.  The egg was
empty. Surely it must be Jeremy's she thought, and of course,
he did not understand her instructions.  If only she had not
forgotten to phone his parents.  Because she did not want to
embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for
another.  Suddenly, Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you
going to talk about my egg?"  Flustered, Doris replied, "But
Jeremy, your egg is empty."  He looked into her eyes and said
softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty, too."

Time stopped.  When she could speak again, Doris asked him,
"Do you know why the tomb was empty?"  "Oh, yes," Jeremy
said, "Jesus was killed and put in there.  Then His Father raised
Him up."

The recess bell rang.  While the children excitedly ran out to the
School yard, Doris cried.  The cold inside her melted completely
away.  Three months later, Jeremy died.  Those who paid their
respects at the mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top
of his casket, all of them empty.

-Unknown

-from "HeartWarming"
Subscribe at http://www.tcmr.com/heartwarming.html

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

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

High Gas Prices

Think a gallon of gas is expensive?
Compare the price per gallon for the following products:
(Prices may vary by location.)

     Diet Pepsi - 16oz at $1.29 = $10.32 per gallon

     Lipton Ice Tea - 16oz at $1.19 =.$9.52 per gallon

     Gatorade - 20oz at $1.59 = $10.17 per gallon

     Ocean Spray - 16oz at $1.25 = $10.00 per gallon

     Brake Fluid - 12oz at $3.15 = $33.60 per gallon

     Vick's Nyquil - 6oz at $8.35 = $178.13 per gallon

     Pepto Bismol - 4oz at $3.85 = $123.20 per gallon

     Whiteout - 7oz at $1.39 = $25.42 per gallon

     Scope - 1.5oz at $0.99 = $84.48 per gallon

     Evian water - 9oz at $1.49 = $21.19 per gallon

So, the next time you're filling up at the gas pump, be glad your
car doesn't run on bottled water, Scope, Whiteout, or especially
Pepto Bismal or Nyquil.

-Unknown

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

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

Spring
by Bob Smiley

Spring has finally hit here in South Texas! No more having to
put on a long sleeve T-shirt before braving the 60 degree
winter weather. No sir...or mam depending on who is reading
this. No more making Leafmen or laying down making dirt
angels. Spring has hit! A time when cactus bloom, birds chirp
until they pass out from the heat and a time where love is in
the air causing us to sneeze and reach for our asthma inhalers.

Spring is also when the new fashion styles are revealed for
women. "Basic Black" could suddenly be out of style and replaced
by a new radical hip color such as "Really Really Dark Gray". The
point is that Spring usually brings forth change!

Growing up, each Spring my family went to the beach in
Galveston, Texas. We'd swim in the crystal brown ocean water or
lie in the mud along the beach working on our tans. (see: This
all happened before scientists had actually proven that the "sun"
was the major cause of "Sunburns".) We'd lay out for 34 hours a
day until we could heat up a TV dinner just by placing it on our
stomachs. In fact, my dad could heat up a home just by hugging
it! I'd get so burned that a week later I could peel my entire body
like a snake or a lawyer, which I did just to gross out my dad. Of
course, he'd get me back by taking off his shirt while I was eating.

Anyway, my eight-grade year, I was out in the ocean with my
homemade floaties (see: two balloons duct-taped to my arms),
my water mask (see: old welding goggles that were duct- taped
to my face.) and my new swimming trucks (see: last years
blue-jeans) when I started to get that panicky shark feeling. I
don't know if it was the murky water or my dad standing on the
beach humming the JAWS theme music through his bullhorn, but
I had a very eerie feeling. Then, out of nowhere, a hand suddenly
shot up out of the water and grabbed my shoulder! I instantly did
what any calm swimmer would do when something unknown
grabs him; I screamed like a girl at a Plus One concert!

What emerged before me was a girl in goggles. She said, "Oh,
sorry! I didn't know you were a person; I thought you were a pink
buoy! You really should put on some sunscreen." Her name was
Donna and she lived right on the beach. We met every year after
that. She'd give me tips such as, "Your dad is wrong. Rubbing
meat on your body is not a good way to hide your human smell
from the sharks!" We'd make sand castles together. Well, actually
I made Sand Lumps while Donna made Sand Castles, Sand Malls,
Sand Cities. She was good.

When I'd forget sunscreen, she would throw water on me when
my skin would burst into flames. It was a blast but the coolest
thing we'd do happened right before I'd leave each year. We'd
write all the things that we might worry about for the rest of the
year on the beach in the sand and then watch as God's ocean
would come in and wash them away; you know- much like God
does when we hand our worries over to Him.

So, as Spring is starting and things are changing, I remind you
that one thing stays the same: God and His love for us. Yes
indeed, love is in the air. Will you please pass me my inhaler?

Scripture of the Month
Matt 6:26-27 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or
reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father
feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who
of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Don't Worry. Be Happy.
(hey...that's kind of catchy...bet it would make a good song)

-from "Free Comedy Newsletter by Bob Smiley!"
Subscribe at http://www.bobsmiley.com

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

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><>(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

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

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in
every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for
your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being
confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work
in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
-Philippians 1:3-6 (NKJV)

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><>(o:} What is Blessed to Bless? {:o)<><

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.

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.

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 Blessed to Bless! go to
http://www.blessed2bless.us/meaning.html

Please note that Blessed to Bless! is plain text e-mail with no
attachments. It is therefore totally safe from a virus point of view.

Also, note that 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 Blessed to Bless
are straight-forward web addresses. They do not return tracking
data to me or anyone else. My website does not track you either.

Finally, 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!

><>(o:} 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."

You can contact me at steve at blessed2bless.us

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

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.

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><>(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

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><>(o:} What is the Deal with those Ads? {:o)<><

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 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
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For a more in-depth explanation of the ads, go to
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><>(o:} Subscription Information {:o)<><

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

I respect your privacy and will not share your information with
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><>(o:} ********B2B******** {:o)<><

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

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Copyright Steve Klusmeyer 2002-2004. All rights reserved.