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______________________________________ If you enjoy this email service, I encourage Be sure to check out our inspirational list just for teenagers!
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by Jaye Lewis
I had always wondered what a real man, who truly loves children, would be like. I found out that first night. I was cautious and distant, but I couldn't deny the charm of the man who willingly made a fool of himself for the sake of my children. My daughters were entranced, and they recited the most awful jokes, teaching him how to talk in belch, informing him proudly, about how they had learned these things from their mother. I explained, blushing, that "my children are always bragging about me." He was charming and outgoing with the little ones; yet with the adults, he was quiet and seemed quite shy. At one point, my twelve year old became frustrated, because no one was listening to her. Louie propelled himself from the floor, waving his powerful hands, and silencing everyone. "This young lady has something to say, and we should all listen." Everyone looked at my daughter, as she told her story. Louie laughed in all the right places, giving an encouraging look to anyone who wasn't paying attention. "Now isn't that a funny story?" he asked, and, of course, everyone agreed. I watched him that night, and I marveled at his tenderness with my little girls, who had never known a man's tenderness. I sent a silent communication toward heaven. So this is what love is. We started out as friends. He talked to me like a big brother, when he thought that I was not taking care of myself. I was picking at my food, and all the terrors of our flight from an abusive home had paralyzed my throat, so that I couldn't swallow much food. Louie gave me a searching look, yet his voice was softly reproving. "Those little girls need you." He said. "If you don't take care of yourself, who's going to take care of them?" I was mesmerized by the innate decency of this man, and his ability to state the simple truth. He was right. I was all that my children had. So, I began to eat, chewing slowly, and finally swallowing, as we talked. He was in the Navy. He had served on the same ship with the husband of the woman who had taken us in. I was beaten down by the time I met Louie, and I was very protective of my children. No man would ever hurt them again. But I reveled in this new friendship. I was assured that Louie could be trusted, and that was enough for me. I found myself so drawn to the respectful, shy man, who had already captured my children's hearts. I had the irresistible urge to make him laugh, and I seized every opportunity, as he heaved boxes and furniture, helping me move into my own place. It took us all day to move from one end of Jacksonville, Florida to the other, but finally I was set up, with my little girls, in my very first apartment. It was a lovely place. I had fought for a decent place to bring my daughters to, and the state of Florida had made certain of it, defending the rights of my children, and protecting their lives and mine. I will never forget how strangers befriended us, after relatives and friends turned their backs. To me, it is amazing the angels that God brought into my life, when I was most alone. When we were finally settled, and the girls were put to bed, Louie and I talked long into the night. He walked my dog, as I made sandwiches. I watched him. Every nuance. I noticed the strong lines of his face. I watched him through the front window, as he patiently waited for my dog, of discriminating taste, to find just the perfect spot. Louie's face, in repose, spoke of deep thoughts, and if God would grant me one wish about that night, it would be to know what was on his heart and mind, in those moments. Louie's ship was leaving the next day, for a six week deployment, and I gathered up the courage to ask for his mailing address, never expecting to see him again. I was alone, and I knew it. That first night alone in my first apartment was a night of reflection. I turned out all the lights, and my bedroom was softly illuminated by the street lamp outside my window. I thought about a gentle man and kind friends, who selflessly gave of themselves out of the goodness of their hearts. I recalled what I had said to Louie the very first night that we met, when he was encouraging me to take care of myself for the sake of my children. I could not resist the urge to speak, boldly, to my new friend. "Louie," I had said, watching his deep green eyes, shyly meet mine, "Someday, a woman will come into your life, who will love you, as no one has ever loved you before, and all the sorrows of your life will be left far behind." Perhaps my words were the simple reflection of my own heart's longings. But I never dreamed what God already knew...that woman would be me. Jaye Lewis Write Jaye and let her know your thoughts on her story! Jaye and Louie have now been married for over 24 years. They live in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia celebrating their love every day. This story will be included in Jaye's soon to be released book, entitled "Entertaining Angels." Visit Jaye's website at www.entertainingangels.org
"When I come to the end of my rope, God is there to take over."
"...for He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."
"Never tell your mom her diet's not working."
"Parents are not quite interested injustice, they are interested in quiet." --Bill Cosby
"I've heard the statement that 'players come and players go, so the program is what counts'. Somebody missed the point since the players ARE the program." --Bill Greer
"A book is a box brimming with incendiary material. The reader strikes the match." --Erica Jong
"Did you know that dolphins are so intelligent that within only a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand at the very edge of the pool and throw them fish."
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Inspired Audio is a brand new offshoot of HeartTouchers.com. Every week we will offer a different audio message that you can listen to right on your computer as you are surfing the net or just getting things done around the house. Be sure to come back and visit each week! This Week: Coming Clean by Jeff Williams
Over 86,000 people have listened to popular Chicken Soup Author Michael T. Powers' free inspirational message entitled: "Breathing Life into Others". If you aren't one of them just visit: http://www.HeartTouchers.com and click on the link to listen to the free streaming audio message! __________________________________________
Dear Michael, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for the beautiful video you made for me! It was so special to see both of my parents in tears as they watched their children grow up in pictures before their eyes! I loved the way you made Estania's part set aside from the rest--that was the part that really got them! The music was beautiful. My mom kept blubbering, "What song is that?" I don't know how you did such a beautiful job with the video in such a short time. I really appreciate your doing it so quickly. You have a wonderful gift, and I thank God that you are using it to create such sentimental memories. I hope that I can find my niche like that in an area that I love. Your video gave us one of our most lasting Christmas memories! I hope yours was filled with moments to be treasured forever! Let me make you a video from your photos! __________________________________________
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Touching Lives - One E-mail at a Time! Author Michael T. Powers - HeartTouchers @ aol.com
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