__________________________________________
{Straight From the Heart} *Love Is Made Visible* 6/8/00
__________________________________________
Welcome to "Straight From the Heart!"
If you enjoy this free daily email service, I encourage you to
forward it on to family and friends. If this has been passed along
to you and you want to join the list, just send a blank email to: Thunder27@aol.com
I appreciate any feedback or constructive criticism, so feel free
to write me (Michael T. Powers) and let me know what you think!
___________________________________________________
Love is Made Visible
by Bob Perks
"Who is responsible for this?" the Pastor asked. "I can't believe that no
one has taken care of it. I have been getting phones calls for two days. I
didn't know what to tell them."
For longer than anyone can remember the old Gospel Church atop the hill in
Reddington Valley served as a beacon for those who were lost. Not just
spiritually but even as a land mark for giving directions.
"Turn down Main Street and head toward the brightest star in the sky. You
can't miss it," a traveler would hear.
You see, on top of the old church steeple was a big bright star. It was all
one piece and lighted by a huge light bulb. They actually had placed it up
there as part of a Christmas display and never took it down.
But two days ago the bulb burned out. The entire town was lost without it.
It seemed that the locals were all turned about at night. The confusion
started when someone passing through happened to stop the mayor to ask for
directions.
"I looked up and pointed to the star. It wasn't there. Thinking I was
facing the wrong way, I turned around looking for it but couldn't find it,"
he said. "I think that guy is still riding around town."
Soon the phone started ringing at the Old Gospel Church. People wanted to
know what happened. The problem was, even the Pastor didn't know. That
star was just always there. He had no idea who kept it lit or where the
light bulbs were. That is until the phone rang late that afternoon.
"Pastor. I'm hoping you can help us," the man said. "This is Chief
Robertson. We just got back from the Delaney house. We found old Jim
Delaney dead. It seems he's been dead about two days."
"I'm sorry. I must tell you that I'm not familiar with the man," the Pastor
said.
"No one seems to be," the Chief replied. "There are no known relatives or
friends available."
"Well, if it's a burial service you are looking for, I'd be pleased to do
it," said the Pastor.
"That would be great. But there is something else. I'd like for you to
come by in about an hour if you can. The house is up the dirt road on
Bishop's Hill across the valley from your church."
"I'll be there," he replied.
The Pastor arrived just as Chief Robertson pulled in. "What is it you
wanted me to see, Chief?"
"Come inside. I think you'll need this stuff."
As they entered the home you could see stacks of unopened mail along with
various books scattered about.
"Over here, Pastor. I believe this is for you."
There on the mantle of the fireplace was a box with a small white envelope
attached. It said "From the star keeper to The Gospel Church"
The note inside it read:
"To whom it may concern:
Back in 1950 my beautiful wife Mildred became ill. We could not afford to
place her in a home so for her remaining months on this earth, I took care
of her. Before her illness she attended your church every Sunday. It was
so very frustrating for her not to be able to attend, once she got sick.
But every Sunday I would position her on the front porch so that she could
see the church across the valley. It was that Christmas someone placed a
star on the steeple. Every night Mildred would say her prayers while gazing
out at that star. I had just pushed her chair over to the window that
night. She was barely able to breathe. As I pulled the shade up I heard
her quietly say, "The star. The star is gone." As I turned around she
slumped over with one last sigh. The star indeed was not lit that night.
After her burial I approached the Pastor and made a deal with him. I agreed
to keep the star lit for as long as I am alive as a memorial to my wife. So
many people had loved that image during the holidays that he agreed to it.
I am near my journey's end. The church can sell my property and all I own
in exchange for a favor. I have provided enough light bulbs in this box to
keep the star lit a few more years. The key to the church door is inside
this envelope. Please find someone who can take on the task of keeping the
star lit after my death.
I loved my wife so very much. I want that star to serve as an example of
what love can be.
You can say you love someone but it is not until you show it that love is
made visible."
Jim Delaney
"When did you say he died, Chief?"
"Two days ago according to the coroner."
"That's when the star burned out, Chief."
"Consider it done, Mr. Delaney. Consider it done," said the Pastor.
Bob Perks
Bob@bobperks.com
Send Bob an email and let him know what you thought of his story!
--------------------------------------------------------------
Bob is a Professional Speaker and Author, member National Speakers Assoc. and
National Writers Assoc.
Sign up for Bob's FREE weekly message, "I Believe in YOU!" visit
http://www.BobPerks.com
Make a wish on a star! http://www.bobperks.com/troubles.htm Pass it on to
friends, please!
______________________________________________
REQUEST:
rantru@hotmail.com (Trudy Adams)
Dear Michael:
I read your letters everyday and want to thank you for your Christian
e-mails.
What I need is this letter sent out to everyone for prayers for my brother.
He is a Christian, going thru the worst divorce I have ever seen. His wife
has been meeting the men she meets in the chat rooms. This has been going on
for two years, and she won't sign the divorce papers, his kids are a mess,
etc. He really needs all your prayers. If anyone needs more info. they can
e-mail me at rantru@hotmail.com. Please put this letter out so he can see
that sometimes the man in a divorce can prevail and try to bring his
children up right.
Thank you and God Bless you all!
Trudy
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Thought For The Day:
"If silence is golden, not many people can be arrested for hoarding."
(E. C. Mekenzie)
Verse for the Day:
"In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that
refraineth his lips is wise"
Proverbs 10:19
Kid's Thought For The day:
"Hang your best picture on the refrigerator."
Parent's Thought For The Day
"People who say they sleep like babies usually don't have them."
(Leo J. Burke)
Coach's Thought For The Day
"Be like a postage stamp. Stick to one thing and you'll get there."
(Josh Billings)
Deep Thought For The Day:
"Why is there so much month left at the end of the money?"
_
/_/\/\ MICHAEL T. POWERS
\_\ / THUNDER27@aol.com http://members.aol.com/Thunder27/index.html
/_/ \ "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
Video Imagery (Michael's Video Production Business)
"I thought of you first after my family sat down to watch the video
we gave them. They loved it, to say the least! Within thirty
seconds my mom was crying and my dad did too. They said it was
the best Christmas gift we could have given them!! You did such
a beautiful job! They were so suprised and so touched---they
really, really, really loved it. Thanks for helping to make it so
special to us all. My mom mentioned how the songs were perfect for
the video too! Thanks again!"
Kelli (RKaGe@aol.com) College Station, TX
Let me make you a video from your pictures or home movies!
Check out the web page for Michael's video production business!
Video Imagery
http://members.aol.com/Videoimg/index.html
