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{SFTH} *Precious Gift* 5/2/01
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Today's story is one that is close to my heart. It deals with, among
other things, saving yourself sexually for marriage. Kristi and I were
both virgins when we got married -- I at the age of 19 and Kristi at the age
of 22. We have a lot of regrets in our lives, but looking into each other's
eyes on our honeymoon night and whispering, "I saved myself totally for
you," is not one of them.
If Sheryl's story touches your heart today, take some time to let her know by
sending her an e-mail....
Michael
P.S. A very happy birthday to Dale!
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A Precious Gift
By Sheryl Simons
It was so much easier when they were little. Cries in the night, or tears
after a tumble seem like such easy things to respond to -- now. I helped them
learn to ride a bike, now they are driving cars. I helped them learn to
read, now they are writing term papers. I took them to countless sports
events and practices, made hundreds of pizzas. I've kissed them good-bye as
they left for school hundreds of time. But now, my youngest is 16. My, how
times have changed.
For a while, it wasn't cool to take hugs from Mom. We've weathered that,
and now I occasionally feel their long, strong arms reach around me. I
treasure those moments. But now I have big worries. They aren't doing drugs
or smoking pot. They don't drink or smoke. My main concern is sex, at this
point.
Several weeks ago as I spoke with a young coworker and a college student, I
mentioned that my 21 year old daughter has taken a vow of chastity until she
marries. They laughed at first, thinking she had pulled the wool over my
eyes, until I continued. "She has a chance to have a honeymoon like not
many others. She will be, for the first time, with her husband-to-be, a
gift to him, and only him. She will not be hindered by thoughts of how it
was before, she will be fresh and pure, just for him, and hopefully him for
her." The younger girl responded with all honesty, "Wow, I wish I could be
a virgin again."
My son, now has a girlfriend for the first time. She has been "gone" on him
for a couple years, but he adamantly denied that he liked her. Now things
have changed. They think they are "in love". I know they don't have the
faintest idea what 'real love' even is.
Real love isn't just passionate lovemaking, that's only a small part. Real
love is my grandfather taking care of my grandmother at home until she had
to be placed in a nursing home. He cared for her when she didn't know him,
and until his own health was in question.
Real love is saying "I'll get up with the baby this time, honey, you get
some rest."
Real love is saving the last piece of cake for your lover.
Real love is working two jobs so your partner can finish college.
Real love is making the coffee in the morning.
Real love is changing the toilet paper roll when it runs out.
Real love is fixing the taillight on 'her' car.
Real love is cleaning up after someone has been sick.
Real love is cooking his favorite meal, or cooking dinner for her after a
long day.
Real love happens when you don't expect anything in return.
I care so much about these two young people, at the very beginning of the
rest of their lives. Both of their families have been divorced, but maybe
they can be different. And last night I told them. I told them both how
much I love them. I told them that on their honeymoon, no matter who their
partner is, that that night will be a gift to the person they love. The
most precious gift you can give someone, (especially in these days) their
purity. I told them that the more physically involved they become is like
seeing how close you can drive to the edge of a cliff.
Maybe they can focus on being friends. Getting to know themselves and
not just their feelings for each other. I probably did not tell them in the
most eloquent of words, but one thing they will never wonder about is if I
love them.
Maybe they will still be in love 75 years from now. Maybe I will dance at
their wedding. Maybe they won't have a child before a wedding. I will
be praying for them --'cuz I'm his mom!
Sheryl Simons
s_simons@hotmail.com
Send Sheryl an e-mail and let her know what you thought of her story!
________________________
Sheryl works part-time at a domestic violence shelter in Michigan and is a
weekly columnist of "The Simple Life" in several area newspapers. She loves
gardening, homemaking, and sunsets. Sheryl and her husband Richard attend
antique car shows together. Pizza night and putt-putt golf is a favorite
family activity when the kids are around. Her life's ministry is to heal
families before they break apart. She is recent chairman of the local
Christian Women's Club and loves speaking to women's groups and writing. She
is working on a book about domestic violence.
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From the E-mail Box!
Dear Michael,
Just want you to know how much your daily e-mail has impacted my life. I don't remember how long I've been getting it but it has meant more and more to me as time has gone by. I often write a quick blurb to the authors of stories who've particularly touched me and I've taken to emailing a quick prayer to most people who send in prayer requests.
I am the daughter of a Baptist minister and have always been very shy about praying out loud in front of people and this has made me ashamed at times because I am the daughter of someone who is so very good at that. Anyway people have prayed for me and it has been such a tremendous comfort to me and I am determined to be able to do it for others. This has been a very good way for me to do this and I feel incredibly good getting better at it as I go along.
I thank God often for you and your family. You are so precious.
Sincerely,
Linda Haskins
bhaskins@metrocast.net
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Thought For The Day:
"One falsehood spoils a thousand truths." --Ashanti Proverb
Verse for the Day:
"A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth
works ruin." --Proverbs 26:28
Kid's Thought For The Day:
"Never dare your little brother to paint the family car."
Parent's Thought For The Day:
"If you want your children to have places in their hearts that speak to
them, give them places worth going to." --Jan McKenzie
Coach's Thought For The Day:
"The game of football is played all over the world. In some countries, such
a game may be called a soccer match. In others, a revolution. However, there
are several differences between a football game and a revolution. For one
thing, a football game usually lasts longer and the participants wear
uniforms. Also, there are usually more casualties in a football game.
The object of the game is to move the ball past the other team's goal line.
This counts as six points. No points are given for lacerations, contusions,
or abrasions, but then no points are deducted, either. Kicking is very
important in football. In fact, some of the more enthusiastic players even
kick the football occasionally." --Alfred Hitchcock
Deep Thought For The Day:
"Looking for enlightenment is like looking for a flashlight, when all you need
the flashlight for is to find the flashlight."
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REQUESTS:
Michael,
Please put my good friend Doug Strother on your prayer list. He had
a trailer jack knife and overturn his truck. His 3 year old granddaughter
got out with only a tiny scratch. Doug was not so lucky. His initial
diagnosis was paralysis...They transferred to Houston, Texas a week ago. He
had surgery to repair broken vertebrae in his neck, but his lungs shut down
and they had to stop the surgery. He is in critical condition, and on total
life support...He has been revived 3 times! Doctors however, have told the
family that he is lucky man and his legs will support his body's weight so
that he may walk again some day. Doug is a coach, and high school teacher.
He is a strong Christian who accepted the call to teach over the ministry;
feeling this would give him a hands on contact with the youth he loves so
much. Please pray for his lungs to start functioning again so that he can
get out of ICU.
Love in Christ,
Cheryl Ray
cherylnr@email.com
********
My sister in law, Maggie, had surgery for ovarian cancer a couple of weeks
ago and is recovering well from the surgery. The surgeons found "spots" on
some of her other organs, including the liver. She starts an eight month
course of chemotherapy next week. I'm asking for prayers for her and my
mother-in-law, too.
The reason for the prayers for my mother-in-law is this. Two summers ago,
her brother had throat cancer and died from the effects of the chemo used to
treat it. The prospect of chemotherapy for her daughter has her scared out
of her wits. My SIL doesn't know--she thinks her uncle died of cancer.
If nothing else, prayers for wisdom and trust in God's everlasting mercy
will help!
Thanks for the prayers and encouragement of your e-list!
Mary
honasbdmj@prodigy.net
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_
/_/\/\ MICHAEL T. POWERS
\_\ / THUNDER27@aol.com
/_/ \ "For I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
\_\/\ \ Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live for the Son
\_\/ of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
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