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{Straight From the Heart} *The Present List* 6/7/00
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Welcome to "Straight From the Heart!"
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to write me (Michael T. Powers) and let me know what you think!
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THE "PRESENT LIST"
By: Pamela Blaine
"Hold a true friend with both your hands."
-Nigerian Proverb
When I get on the Internet, there's a little
box on the right side of the page. It is sometimes referred to as a
"Buddy List." On this list there are names. Sometimes they are
actual names but many times they are made up names that reflect the
interests or occupation of the person. At any rate, I know who they
are and the name tells me that a real live person is sitting at
another computer somewhere, perhaps many miles away. That person
is someone special to me or I wouldn't have added their name to my
list.
I have renamed my "Buddy List". I like to call it my "Present List".
First of all, my list tells me that my friend is online or "present".
There's a double meaning for me because it also means they are a
special friend or a "present" to me. They are not only a special
friend but a "present" from God and that is why I refer to my list
as my "Present List".
When I get on the Internet, my eyes immediately go toward that little
box of "Presents". I love seeing my friend's name there. It says to
me that I have a friend and that I'm not alone. It says that there's
someone I care about and someone who cares about me. I know that I
can click on that little instant message box and reach them immediately
if I want to but if we choose not to talk at the moment, it is enough
just to know that they are "there".
There's a story told of a child who after being tucked into bed, keeps
asking for Mama to come back upstairs because the child is afraid.
The mother keeps reassuring the child and saying, "It's okay, honey,
God is there with you." The child is quiet a moment and then says,
"I know God is here but I need to have someone with skin on." Of
course, we all prefer having someone with "skin on" but when that
isn't possible, it is still wonderful to know that those names in
my "Present Box" are real people, just a click away, who care. As
I was thinking about this, I realized that these few special people
in my life are the same ones that I could call anytime of the day or
night and they would "be there" for me and I would do the same for them.
Friendship is a precious thing....on or off the internet.....It has
been said that...
Everyone hears what you say.
Friends listen to what you say.
Best friends listen to what you don't say.
For me, that little box is a reminder of the presence of my *Presents*.
This isn't a new concept. Our ultimate, perfect friend, is God.
He gives us many reminders of His Presence. "I set My rainbow in
the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant......"
This is just one very awesome reminder that He is *there*. I have
always loved the song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". I love it
because I *know*, deep in my heart, that there is a real place,
as the song says, "A land that I've heard of," where we will spend
eternity together with our Lord!
I guess I'm like Piglet who likes to be reminded that Pooh is there:
Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh!" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw; "I just wanted to be sure of you."
Now, when I get on the Internet, I have begun to say a prayer for the
names that I see there. I thank God for my "Presents" and ask Him to
bless them.
Thoughts For You:
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it
back to you when you have forgotten the words."
"If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one
day, so I never have to live without you."- Winnie the Pooh
Pamela Blaine
Pamyblaine@aol.com
Copyright © 2000 by Pamela Blaine
Email Pamela and let her know what you thought of this story!
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I've been married to Michael since I was 18 years old. He is a
special "present from God". We have 4 children and 3 grandchildren.
We live in West Virginia and part time in Missouri. I like to write
stories and poems but I especially like writing songs. I have loved
music and writing ever since I can remember. One of my goals is to be
able to write things for my children and grandchildren and also to be
able to encourage and help other people. You can see some things I
have written on my webpage:
PamyPlace
http://members.aol.com/mblaine/pamy/PamyPlace.htm
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REQUEST:
I am asking for continued prayers for little Zachary. For those of
you who just joined the list, he is an infant who has had nothing but
trouble, physically, in his young life. he has had countless problems,
surgeries, and battles so far. For every step forward, there seems to
be a set-back. Please continue to be in prayer for him...
For those of you who would like to get a weekly or bi-weekly update on
his progress, send his grandmother, Donna Beals, and email at:
Beals7ofus@aol.com
She will add you to her list and let you about specific things that
he needs prayer for.
Thanks a bunch!
Michael
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/_/\/\ 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